An unexpected TURN of events . . .  

Yesterday we headed north and east to see how close we could get to Sequoia National Park and to just do some exploring. No particular destination in mind.  We kind of did a loop so we would not 
travel the same path twice.  It was very hazy when we started out and did clear up a little but for the most part the haze is always there as it has been since we got here.  We both feel we have noticed the negative effects of air pollution which we have been able to see since San Francisco.  Bakersfield and LA are among the US most polluted cities.  It feels like your glasses are always dirty and you cannot focus on the distance.

 For those who live in places like Bakersfield, Los Angeles and Fresno, the air pollution means high levels of emphysema, asthma and cancer.

 The ozone layer found high in the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere) shields us from much of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. However, ozone air pollution at ground level where we can breathe it (in the troposphere) is harmful. It causes serious health problems

Bakersfield sits in a bowl surrounded on three sides by the Sierras and the California coastal ranges. Air drifts down the valley from other cities and lingers, allowing pollutants to build up, according to Jaime Holt, chief communications officer for the San Joaquin Valley Air Quality District. Making matters worse, the sun bakes the air, causing photochemical smog. And the dry weather adds dust particles to the mix.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/27/local/la-me-california-air-20110427

It was still a fun drive and we saw some beautiful scenery.  There was the hugest herd of sheep we have ever seen.

 Look Kylie - aren't they cute?

It was a really hilly area and the rocks and trees are just so amazing.  I am sure Don was sick of me saying, look at that rock!  He doesn't share the same enthusiasm for these types of things that I do.  But seriously it is so hard to imagine that this is just the natural beauty of this area - a landscaper could not do a better job of scattering the rocks and trees so artistically.

 I just love how the trees are all lined up on the top of this hill in such a pretty little silhouette.

We even saw a lake that had water in it!  Most of the lakes and creeks and rivers are  bone dry.  It was very shallow water but there were some waterbirds.

           

              

Then we circled around on the other highway, we saw a flatter area with lots of crops, nuts, oranges and even grapefruits.  How do those trees support all the weight from those heavy, juicy grapefruits? Then we came across this . . .

                                                   

It was acres and acres of pump jacks, I have never seen anything like it!

Then there was today . . .

We actually had a plan to go to see the California Living Museum which focuses on the indigenous animals and plants.  It is east of Bakersfield, not very far, however, our google map was a huge FAIL.  We had written down directions instead of taking the map and GPS. We entered a beautiful valley full of fruit trees . . .

 and then all of a sudden we were in Sequoia National Forest.  The sign said some kind of canyon and curvy road next 14 miles.

 

It was a very narrow highway and was straight down on one side and huge rock on the other.  I could not believe my eyes!  The traffic was moving very fast for such a curvy highway.  One of us was saying "wow, OMG, holy cow - look at that!"  The other was saying, "I gotta get the hell outta here."  We did manage to turn around and decided to go back and go to a history museum in Bakersfield.  On the way we saw a mall with a Target  (we usually brake for Target - ha ha), and Don needed a break after that little diversion.  Then we headed out to find the museum, and again a FAIL on our directions.  By this time we were thinking  - hmmm maybe we should go back home and start over.  By the time we got back to our RV - we both decided we would try again tomorrow.  And we will bring the GPS and maps!