Santa Rosa to Bakersfield

In the Walmart parking lot in Bakersfield, CA.

Sonoma Valley.

We got up early and were on the road by 8:30.

Highway 12 through the Sonoma Valley was open so we headed east out of town.

There is still smoke rising from the land in a few places where spot fires are still smoldering.

As behind this winery

and Vineyard.

Although the recent firestorm has done a lot of damage throughout the valley there is still beauty to be found.

Some places were blackened with burned buildings and only foundations left;

and other areas that were totally unharmed.

It was almost like some fire breathing dragon had flown over the valley and everytime it exhaled it sent a scorching flame to the ground, burning every thing in its path. The destruction was totally random.

Fog on the Napa River.

As we were approaching the bridge over the Napa River, we could see a tendril of fog coming up the river.

We were only in the fog for a few miles and once we turned east toward I-80 we left the fog behind.

I-80, Highway 12, I-5, Highway 58.

Once we got on I-80 we followed it for about 2 miles where we turned onto Highway 12. We followed 12 to Lodi where we got on I-5 going south. We continued south on I-5 until we got to Buttonwillow where we stopped for fuel and then headed east on Highway 58 to Bakersfield, CA.

We pulled into the parking lot of the Walmart on Highway 58 at 4:07. Pretty much our average time for the trip. With an hour for lunch and a nap.

Around 5:30 we walked to the Original Roadhouse and had a very good dinner. Patti had the Baby Back Ribs and I had Bison Ribs. Patti said that her ribs were excellent. Mine were also very good.

Tomorrow we will make for Bullhead City, AZ.