I am an explorer by nature, I'm curious about nearly everything, and I'm thankful to have a boyfriend who is my equal. We both strongly disagree with the notion that Bakersfield (and Kern County) is boring, there's nothing to do here. We are constantly finding new places to go, roads to take, trails to hike, things to show our children.  You name it, we're pretty much up for it.

We have been to Johnsondale bridge to hike and swim, and though technically it's in Tulare County, it was well worth it. We went July 5, and passed tons of campers on the way up, but the actual stop on the bridge wasn't packed, very clean, the water was clear and freezing. Good times.

We've taken the back road to Lake isabella, went through Havilah, saw deer right on the side of the road.

We've gone up the 65 to Ducor, east through Mineral Hot Springs, up to the trail of 100 Giants and down the back roads into Kernville and Wofford Heights, then back again with the sounds of a 1940s radio station keeping us company on the way home.

We've been out to Ant Hill to look for sharks teeth, and have a pretty good collection going. It's fun to take the kids and just get out.

We've been up Rancheria road in our Jeep, and gone almost all the way to Greenhorn, though we were blocked by snow that was still packed high as the gate!! In April! Amazing.

We've gone out to see the Carrizo Plain monument, were awestruck at Painted Rock...I feel blessed to have been able to see something like that.

We stopped just outside McKittrick on the 58 and saw a tar seep coming right out of the road..I never imagined it.

We've been up to Mt. Pinos in July to see the stars, which were breathtaking, though I didn't believe anyone who said I would need a jacket. Boy, was I wrong.

We've been out to the  Windwolves Preserve, got up close and personal with a doe or two, and seen some beautiful scenery.

We've taken the old Grapevine road as far as my little Mitsubishi would go (pre-Jeep) and saw remnants of an old hotel from the 20s.

We've gone all over, but I know Kern county has more that we haven't seen yet.

Where have you all gone? What have you seen? I love dirt roads, off the beaten path areas that don't get explored much. Does anyone have any suggestions?

And If you want to know more about any of the places i mentioned, I'd be happy to share. :)