Kelso, California

Leaving Twenty Nine Palms, we headed for the China Date Farm. It was almost lunch time and we both needed to stretch our legs! As we rounded the bend, we saw a sign for Kelso and thought we would stop the RV and get out for a bit. 

It was a lovely spot that is now more or less a ghost town. However, the Park Service has financed a huge restoration project to maintain the old depot and its grounds that were once very popular during the depression. The railroad stored "helper engines" here to help push the trains up the steep grade of the mountains. The land was owned by the Union Pacific Railroad, and it was a major stop. Housing was put up quickly for the help. Living in the desert must have been a bit lonely, and apparently many chose to drink heavily. A double sided, steel jail was used often to house the drunks of the day!

After a turkey sandwich, we wandered throughout the depot rooms set up as a museum. The railroad history was explained, along with a library. I found the local cacti fund raiser interesting. Local children painted their cactus to be auctioned off in May. Rick would not let me bid on one! So, back to the coach we went, and headed for the China Date Farm.