Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Bakersfield, California (January 19 - 24)


Just returned from my recent trip and have a little time to report about the final segment of my combined business & personal trip to Central California. After a fantastic four days in San Luis Obispo (see my last post), I ventured south to Santa Maria (only for a few hours) and then to Bakersfield for the work-related assignment. I passed through a very little town along the way - Pumpkin Center!. I couldn't resist the urge to photograph the city sign (above).

Bakersfield is quite different from Northern California. Folks are more conservative here (unlike in Marin County!!) and farming is a very vital part of the local economy. The entire city sits within the San Joaquin valley - home to many companies who grow much of the vegetables and fruit sold throughout the USA.

The famous sign near Buck Owens Street.


The most recent population sign ....


Taft, California - about an hour's drive southwest of Bakersfield.


The West Kern County Oil Museum located in Taft, California. Sadly, it was closed the day I passed by (it's open on weekends only).

7 comments:

Portlandier said...

I lived in the central valley for many years- it is amazing to me how every region in California is so different from the next.

Emily Main said...

my husband was raised in Bakersfield, but I must admit, that place scares me ;) you got away with out contracting valley fever I presume? Is your vehicle still at factory height? Kidding. I hope you were able to enjoy the greasy fried goodness that is available at john's burgers. Mmmm

John said...

Ah... Bakersfield. Dr Hans Einstein, grand nephew of Albert Einstein lives there.

I noticed that you changed your profile picture. Looks cute, a bit like a young Albert Einstein :)

chemist said...

Emily:

Indeed on one visit to Bakersfield (I think it was in 1994) I came down with "Valley Fever" - a potentially severe bacterial infection of the lungs caused by a spore present in the dirt. Antibiotics cured it within 24 hours ... after I had suffered for four days! (Moral of the story: sometimes travel is a royal pain!)

Traveling Chemist

Anonymous said...

HAHA love the sign

SuperHeroJohnny said...

I Live in Pumpkin Center California .... Let me tell you .... It sucks .... The end ....

Mel Dawn said...

I'd like to get to the big pumpkin fest one fall. Bakersfield has some cool events and tourist attractions each summer. We like to show guests around.~Airport transportation Bakersfield ca