The Trona Pinnacles

 The Trona Pinnacles: 

As we go further west on Trona road we are in the area of some remarkable natural rock formations. A few weeks back we had done a quick trip to this area but because of sunset and darkness setting in we didn’t quite get too close to the pinnacles. This time it was much earlier in the day. We decided to turn into the road to the Pinnacles. Of course the road is quite a nightmare. Gravel and ditches make it quite a bumpy ride. The road crosses the private railroad owned by the Searles Valley Minerals. In fact if you stand on the tracks and look to the north you can see the factory in the distance. Even hear the hissing sounds from its operations. Because of the all pervading silence in the area there is a sense of tranquility at the place. Past the railroad the rough road is flanked by the borate salt covered grounds on either side for some distance before you enter the grounds of the pinnacles. 

Suddenly you are at a location that seems out of this world. As if in some movie !! Yes, you’ve likely seen it in some movie ! A whole lot of films and music videos are shot at this location. The cluster of the pinnacles and surrounding open grounds make it a favorite spot for camping and picnics. Just like Death Valley star gazing is another great activity here. 

We strolled around , drove on the tracks , took some pictures.  A visitor from New York was so fascinated by my saree that while driving past us he stopped to compliment and offered to take a picture of Abhay and me together against the backdrop of the pinnacles. We hung out some more before returning back to the main road.

The Spangler Hills looked inviting as before and this time too there were ATV and bike enthusiasts enjoying their day on the rugged tracks on the hills . Once we were on highway 14 we decided to stop in Mojave for lunch. Found a really nice Thai restaurant right off the freeway. Rest of the drive back home was content and relaxed. By 4 pm we were home , just in time for tea.

Looking back I am amazed at how many treasures California holds and of those so many in Kern County itself !! Just have to get into the car each weekend and set out to unravel these lesser known beautiful places.