Our journey south to warmer weather took us through the city of Bakersfield, and how can you go through Bakersfield without visiting Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace to listen to the Buck-A-Roos? We toured a cool museum of original farm houses and even saw Merle Haggard’s childhood home. Then it was off to Joshua Tree for some hiking and to visit my grandparents cabins, on both sides. We spent the holidays in Joshua Tree. Scouting out the cabins was a great memory. Plus, the families that now live there were very welcoming and eager to hear my stories.
The hiking we did was amazing. The desert can surprise you with its washes and vegetation. Plus, the science and stars at night are a bonus!
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.