Las Vegas to Barstow, CA: sorry my shock can't handle that


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Distance 362 kms 225 miles
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Distance 13,284 kms 8,254 miles
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Friday, September 29th, 2017

It's Friday, the BMW shop in Phoenix will be open on Tuesday, so I've got a few days to kill. Glancing at the map, the Mojave National Preserve to the south of Las Vegas looks interesting. I head out of town after a late breakfast. Hot and sunny, as I suspect it is just about every day here.

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Ivanpah Solar Power Facility.

I get far into the Mojave National Reserve, heading for one of the campgrounds, when suddenly the pavement ends. That's not happening with no rear shock. I turn around and head back for the highway. I guess it will just be another motel night...

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Yes, another late state welcome sign.
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Joshua Trees
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War memorial in the middle of the Mojave National Preserve.
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Enjoying the shade. It's priceless in these parts when you can find it.

Baker, then Barstow. I've been in Barstow a couple of times before. A city smack in the middle of the desert, full of Route 66 references. At a Circle K the young woman cashier says:

"Where have I seen you before? You look really familiar."

"Do you watch tennis?", I say.

"A little bit."

"I'm Andre Agassi."

Her face goes pale. She fumbles around the cash register for a pen. In a soft, nervous voice she asks: "Can I have your autograph?"

"I'm just kidding", I say, "I'm from Boston, it's unlikely we've ever met before."