California's "Mother Road"

The LA Tribune had an article by Hugo Martin where he took a cruise along US-395 in California for several days. He said that if Route 66 had "Get Your Kicks" then the song for US-395 would have to be " A Mandolin Driven ode to the west that evokes images of cowboy boots and roadside diners." I like that analogy.

The road runs along the eastern Sierras and is known as the gateway to the state's prime fishing areas.

In his several days exploration he briefly noticed objects of interest along the way. Most were lakes and rivers, but I will briefly recount some things I found of interest.

Mount Whitney- at 14,465 feet, the highest mountain in the lower 48.

Alabama Hills- lots of strange rock formations. More than 400 movies and TV series have been filmed here.

Dow Hotel- in Lone Pine. The stars of those movies and series have to have a place to stay, and it is here. Such notables as John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Errol Flynn, and Robert Mitchum have put their names on the ledger in this 1920s hotel.

Manzamar National Historic Site- Not much remains where 10,000 Japanese and Japanese-Americans were held during WWII on this 814 acre memorial. A sad part of US history with these internment camps.

Jack's Restaurant- Bishop- a 60 year old fishing tradition with lots of record fish mounted on the walls. "If this place doesn't get you in the mood to fish, nothing will."

Tom's Place Resort- consistimg of a general store/restaurant, a small hotel, and adjacent bar.

Bodie Ghost Town- 170 buildings in "arrested decay."

Sounds like a great road to drive the next time I'm out in California, if I can afford the gas.

To read the whole article: "California's 'mother road': US 395 leads to treasures of Eastern Sierra" by Hugo Martin.

Keep on Down that US-395. --RoadDog