Baker, California

Above, Alien Fresh Jerky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While heading for my first night's stop in Las Vegas during my Great American Eclipse trip of last month, I stopped in at Baker, California, which is midway between Barstow and Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert.

Baker is long known as the "Gateway To Death Valley" and it was a favorite stop for resting and food for travelers. The town was initially also known for the Bun Boy Restaurant and Motel. I hadn't been in Baker for many years, so I was surprised to see the Bun Boy business all closed up. I was told by a server at Del Taco that it had been closed for about six years.

Baker is also famous for its giant thermometer. I managed to get a photo of The Beast with the thermometer and the closed up Bun Boy in the background. It was reading one hundred degrees at the time. Well, it is in the desert in the middle of August.

Above, The Beast with the giant thermometer and the closed Bun Boy in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While I was in the Baker Del Taco, a Facebook friend asked me if the Alien Fresh Jerky store was still open. I had never heard of it before. As I was leaving Baker, I spotted it and took a photo of it. It appeared to be open for business, but I didn't stop in. I have since been told that they have good beef jerky. Note the alien decor, especially the lights in the parking lot.

Made It To Las Vegas

Above, The Beast at the Riviera RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first stop on my little trek to see the eclipse has been reached. I'm in Sin City itself, Las Vegas. This is the first time being here since New Year's 2016.

I got in to the Riviera RV Resort about an hour ago and it is about 101 degrees outside. This is a nice older RV park on the eastern side of Las Vegas. Right now I am basking in my motorhome with Sierra with the air conditioning on.

On the way, I made the first stop in ages in Baker, California. It's the place Glenn Thornhill and I could not remember about 20 years ago.

The Bun Boy Restaurant and motel is no longer in business. That place was like an institution there. The guy at the Del Taco counter said it had been closed down for about six years.

Here's The Beast with the giant thermometer and the closed up Bun Boy Restaurant and Motel in the background:

Above, The Beast in Baker. The giant thermometer reads 100 degrees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's an interesting place on Baker's main drag: Alien Fresh Jerky. I've never seen it before. A friend asked if it was still there, but at the time I hadn't seen it (or knew what he was talking about).

After leaving Del Taco, I saw it and got this quick photo of it:

One thing I had to do was to exchange a new harness that I bought last night at Petco in Tarzana for Sierra. The one she had got too small (or she got too big). The new one was still too small, so I swapped it at a Petco in Las Vegas.

That one fits:

Above, Sierra with her new harness. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I don't know what I'll be doing later.