February 14th, 2021
Valentine's Day
Packed and ready.
I’m excited about taking Blue River for her first trial week on the open road. It happens to be Valentines weekend what a great way to start my self love doing what I love. I decide to head south instead of north because of a winter storm that is headed to Reno, Nevada. My destination to the south is Death Valley. I researched where to stop for my first night and made a decision to camp on BLM Land (Jawbone).
I pull in late jamming to Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield”. The song seems to fit the landscape at first glance. Once parked and settled I see why they call this place Jawbone. The lights from LA illuminate the mountain range and I can see the shape of a Jawbone.
At 3am I wake up to my van shaking and my windows rattling. I’m in a wind storm! I didn’t realize by missing the storms in the north I was putting myself in another weather alert area. I can’t believe I didn’t check the weather (note to self, always check the weather.) The mighty wind from the desert has me startled. I look outside my window and I see embers shooting by. I immediately head outside because I think there is a fire. A few yards away the neighbor’s camp fire is not completely burnt out. The embers have lit brush fires all around my van and the fire is spreading. I quickly grab my water jugs that I happen to have to douse the flames. Mission completed but I’m wide awake.
At 8am the wind is still howling but I must take my dog (Monroe) for a morning walk. The sun is shining even with the wind blowing so fast. I do enjoy how pretty the landscape is in the daylight. I tell the neighbors what happened last night and tell them to make sure to completely put out the campfire before they go to bed.
I need coffee ASAP.
(760) 373-2773
32629 Highway 14 Cantil, CA 93519
I could write a whole book about Jawbone canyon store. It is a must if you’re driving from Mojave to Death Valley on highway 14 not just a place to get gas. They have live bands playing in the back and you easily feel like you’re a character from a Mad Max movie. I suggest you stop and have your own experience with this random gas station in the middle of nowhere.
Next stop Red Canyon.
I loved reading this and looking at your amazing pics! I ❤