California 2025, Day 10, On the Road Again (Fremont - Bakersfield)

Bakersfield? What is there in Bakersfield, really? To be honest, I have no idea, and I don't really care. However, Bakersfield is located almost exactly between Fremont and our actual destination (Las Vegas) and is therefore perfect as a stopover. The 4-hour drive was pleasantly relaxed (by now, I have completely fallen in love with American highways), and the thermometer quickly rose from a breezy 21°C to a scorching 43°C during the trip. After I had initially said 'No' to it on the way to Fremont, I just couldn't resist on the return trip and treated myself to a handmade garlic ice cream (the fertile belt along Interstate 5 is known not only for fruits but also for garlic). The garlic flavor was pretty good, but it could have been even more intense for my taste.

As drastic as the temperature difference was, so was the scenic contrast between the steep streets of San Francisco and the endless expanses of the Californian plains.

To be continued...

Here are a few unfiltered thoughts that have accumulated:

• The best music channels for long drives? Country and Rock
• My personal breakfast highlight: Hot cereals with brown sugar and granola or almond flakes (it may look like typical prison food, but it's absolutely delicious)
• The only decent fast-food chain for vegetarians? Subway
• Fueling up in the future without a gas pump and with more than one fuel nozzle? Unimaginable