Bakersfield – Blackwells Corner - 111km
Our route crossed California’s Central Valley on a beautiful, sunny
day. The area was very much the heart of the agricultural area,
evident in the vast fruit plantations, all in full bloom. Spring was in
the air, and it became a pleasant cycle along Route 58 and north via
Route 33. Once on Route 33, the fruit plantations disappeared
altogether, and we found ourselves amid an oil exploration area
where thousands of oil derricks pumped away silently.
It was dark upon arriving at Blackwells Corner, and we pitched our
tents at a gas station.
Blackwells Corner – Paso Robles - 95km
Our early start was due to not wanting the gas station owner to arrive
and find us still sleeping. The little shop provided coffee and a muffin,
and it turned into a beautiful day past more fruit plantations.
A surprising find was the junction where James Dean had his fatal car
accident at the tender age of 24. Nevertheless, we continued and
soon arrived at pretty Paso Robles. Its abundance of wineries, olive
oil, and almond orchards reminded me of my home country,
especially the Stellenbosch region.