Tales of Our Navion: Sunday, Feb. 15/15

We woke early, had breakfast and were on the road by about 8:30 AM. It was only about 15 miles to Baker. We got diesel and water there - we still had 1/2 a tank of both but we were heading into Death Valley and we didn’t want to take any chances. We set off north on I-127 toward Shoshone.

Bonus for a while - brand new road - WOW!

Our aim for the day was another Harvest Host - China Ranch Date Farm, just outside of Tecopa Hot Springs. We saw many an RV going the opposite way - mostly Toy Haulers. Soon we came to a big group in the middle of nowhere - running up and down the dunes in quads. Now we know what Californians do on the weekends.

Fun in the middle of no where!

By about 10:30 we pulled off the main road and onto a side road toward Tecopa. We passed through town and then about six miles out the pavement ended - right where we turned off at the sign to China Ranch.

We followed it down a narrow canyon with very steep walls until it became a single lane only, but we had only one truck come the opposite direction - luckily at a wider part! It became even steeper, rougher and switchbacked.

Down and down through narrow canyon walls we went.

We came out at the end into an unbelievable Oasis and the place was packed. There were cars and people everywhere and everyone was having date milkshakes. We went into the unbelievably, fantastic smelling Gift Shop and Bakery where we found the owner Terry. She came out and showed us where to park out back where it was a little less busy. We got set up and then went back inside to get a giant fresh date cookie and date shake each. Yummy!

We did!

We wandered around the shop which had everything - dates, baking, honey, jams, sauces and salad dressings all made right there. They had local nick-nacks, gifts, soap and jewelry as well as second hand and antique stuff.

Cactus Nursery

Even a cactus nursery selling plants! We couldn’t believe the amount of people in such a remote, off the beaten track, down a washboard road kind of place - AMAZING! The ranch is an actual working farm but is part of the Mojave Reserve so there are trails and self guided tours around the whole place and into the surrounding hills. They didn’t lie - it is an Oasis in the desert.

The Date Orchard

An Oasis in the middle of a beautiful canyon

We spent a hot afternoon hiking one of the trails and then came back to wander through the cool palm trees in the orchard and take photos. We made dinner of Teriyaki chicken, scalloped potatoes and salad. - with candlelight and wine out on “the patio”.

What we like to do best!

Darkness came quickly like it does in the desert and cooled off just as quick so inside we went to watch TV and early to bed. A fantastic experience once again because of Harvest Host.