Day 1 of our trip to the national parks in southern Utah. We have usually gone as far as St. George the first day, but Barstow seemed about the max travel time for the grandkids (in another car). On the way, we stopped in Shafter and had lunch with my Mom at Brookstone Deli, in the old train depot. Two of my nieces work there, so it was at least nice to be able to say Hi.
Chase, who loves trains (choo-choos—isn’t it interesting that this word is still used even though steam engines are long gone) got an up close encounter with an Amtrak train rolling through right at a crossing. We were in the deli parking lot and perhaps 20 yards from the tracks. He didn’t like the noise.
We stopped in Tehachapi for a coffee pick-me-up, and discovered a german bakery. So now that location is filed in our must-stop-list.
We stayed at the Barstow Quality Inn. We had connecting rooms that worked out well. When the kids were put to bed, we adults could be in the other room. Generally, Mark, Annmarie, and I were using our iPhones or laptops. Only Karen actually read a book.
Dinner was at Dinapoli’s Firehouse, an italian pasta and pizza place that’s pretty good.
