We traveled a few hours south, passing almond and pistachio farms, Pyramid Lake, and what looks to be oil fields.  My Uncle Vin said they are called grasshoppers.

We stayed just for the night, we’re close to Long Beach which is on the other side (essentially) from Los Angeles, about an hour from here in normal traffic.  There is never normal traffic here it seems.  So we decided to stop and face the worst part fresh in the morning.

This campground was tight but had a lot of amenities. Joe cooked some gourmet burgers and then we took a dip in their whirlpool.   As we ate, several fire squads headed out, no doubt to fight the blaze so nearby.  Sobering.