V5N3B

Welcome to Granola...The land of Fruits, Nuts and Flakes

We've noticed some unusual things about the California Highways and Department of Transportation in the several times that we've been here.

Let me start by telling you some of my observations over the last several years. Instead of painting yellow and white lines on the roads, they use a circular reflective disc glued randomly where the lines should be. I say randomly because 5 or 6 are glued in a line and then they skip for a few feet. They are very difficult to see in the daytime because they only reflect at night. Along with this confusion, the seams of the concrete do not follow the lanes. So if you're not watching constantly, all of a sudden the seam and the lanes move, and if you're not concentrating, you're in the other guys lane.

Next is an absence of numbers on the exits. So if you don't KNOW the distance of where you're going, the exits give no hint of the mileage. A good map with the mileage printed on it is your only salvation. So we stopped at a state WELCOME CENTER in California that was located in Oceania, to get a map. Oceania is roughly 300 miles from the border of any US State. So who are they welcoming, the Mexicans who are only 35 miles away? The map had the mileage printed on it but the "big red stars" which indicated all the Best Western Motels was an interesting addition. We still didn't know which exits were which, but we knew how far apart they were.

Lastly, there are no Service Info signs anywhere. You know the ones that tell you the restaurants, gas stations and motels that are at the next exit. I think someone may have thought they were a bad idea. From San Diego to Ventura we saw exactly one of those signs. So up until now we have concluded that, California should erect a large sign on their eastern border which reads:

Welcome To California

(If you're Mexican)

We hope you know where you're going cause we don't intend to help you out. If you need a map to find your way, just drive to a welcome center on the Pacific Coast anywhere. If you get hungry while you're here, good luck finding a restaurant. They're here, but we won't tell you where. We also have gas stations, and if you're lucky you'll find one. And don't forget to DRIVE CAREFULLY cause some of our roads are crappy.

The Victorville Museum............Giddyup

Victorville, California is located about 90 miles from our campground here at 29 Palms, CA. It is also the home of the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum. The ride to get there was magnificent as we skirted the Bullion Mountains and the accompanying valley. We were impressed with the view that extended dozens of miles into the valley, and also the snow which adorned the ground, in patches, when we arrived in Victorville.

Outside the museum, a statue of Trigger can be found rearing up on his hind legs. The building resembles a fort with its vertical logs serving as the exterior wall. Upon entering the building, you can hear Roy and Dale singing in the background. Roy is also an excellent yodeler as well as singer. An $8 admission fee allows you to enter the huge exhibit hall. There are dozens of glass cases which hold almost every kind of memorabilia you can imagine. Family pictures are the introduction to the many different collections. The whole family is presented here. Moving on, we entered the Saddle Shop, and displayed there were 3 magnificently appointed saddles of silver and leather. Obviously parade saddles and not intended for everyday use. Next were the guns, and all types of weapons were represented here. Rifles pistols and of course the 3 sets of Double Holsters and Colt 45's used throughout his career. The Animal Territory section included many animals which were taken on various hunts, and of course, Trigger, Bullet and Buttermilk stuffed and mounted, very tastefully, behind a large glass wall. Vehicles were also on display including a couple of cars, Nelliebelle the Jeep, and a Yellow Lincoln Convertible which he boasted about driving over 100,000 miles. The crowning glory, however, was a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville convertible decked out in pistol hood ornaments, and pistol shift lever, and horse and horseshoe ornaments placed everywhere. But the cap was the interior material of hand tooled saddle leather applied to the seats and interior walls. It may sound gaudy but it was really quite striking.

The building has an inside outdoor atrium which is designed like an old west town. The walls are mocked up to resemble old stores. The visit was indeed informative along with very enjoyable. Young and old alike would enjoy this museum.