01/22/10
Where do you live now? Spring Valley, CA
How many years were you in the desert? 2 years
Are you willing to help with pictures? I have none that are worth showing
Are you willing to help with stories? All of my stories involve being a typical young buck.
Comments:
I joined the US Navy and my first duty station was China Lake with VX-31. Originally I was very excited at the prospect of moving to California, since I am originally from the midwest.
I showed up in Inyokern at 11pm and my military sponsor showed up to take me to base. He pulled out of the gate at the Inyokern airrport and said "here we are". I was filled with immense dread. Then he informed my that we were actually a few miles away, and he would show me Ridgecrest when we got there. I went to sleep, excited about exploring the town the next day.
I woke up to find out I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! I walked around the barracks wondering who I pissed off to get "stuck" in this hellhole.
Needless to say after awhile I found myself enjoying the small town life, and outdoor activities. I have so many memories, great experiences, and friends for life that I met while stationed there. Watching the beautiful sunrises/sunsets, and the winter storms sitting on top of the mountains just out of reach was breathtaking. Driving through the desert by myself on a whim was awesome, and something I can't do anymore living in the San Diego area. Well I guess I could, but it's a few hours away.
Although it was a very short period of my life that I spent in Ridgecrest, I will always fondly remember it as a great time in my life.
01/20/10
Where do you live now? oregon
How many years were you in the desert? to many
Are you willing to help with pictures? yes
Are you willing to help with stories? yes
Comments:
I moved to ridgecrest in 1961 from san diego..I dont need to tell you it was a real let down..Some people liked the desert..I couldnt wait to get out..Really not much going on..I had and have a few friends still there..They can come visit me ..
01/16/10
Where do you live now? Sarnia Ontario Canada
How many years were you in the desert? Never
Are you willing to help with pictures? Got one of the compton cuties(1950ish)
Are you willing to help with stories? If possible
Comments:
Hello: I found a picture of the "Compton Cuties" Baseball team of California.
They came to my city of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan Canada sometime in the late forties or early fifties.I think my parents went to the game.
They dressed as women and I am pretty sure they played against local teams. I don't want to destroy the picture and will send it to anyone who collects things like that.
Hope to hear from someone.
Marietta Parisien
Sarnia Ontario,Canada)
01/15/10
Where do you live now? Huntsville, AL
How many years were you in the desert? 1971-1973
Are you willing to help with pictures? -
Are you willing to help with stories? -
Comments:
What a privilege to spend part of my childhood in Ridgecrest! Lived on Randall St, and nothing was behind our house but desert and Mountains! What a view! Downs St. was the edge of town then. Where else in the world would all of the neighborhood kids have mini-bikes? Drove 'em all over the desert. And the folks letting a nine year old kid walk all over town! The Sun bleached my hair nearly white blond.
Dad worked at Searles Lake.
Disneyland in the summer.
Catching Iguanas, Scorpions, Rattlesnakes.
Las Flores - when I moved back east, I was the most advanced student in class.
I've wondered about many of my classmates through the years. Good and bad kids.
Thanks for understanding what I'm talking about - what memories!
| Michelle M. Averett | Email |
12/25/09
Where do you live now? Kalispell, Montana
How many years were you in the desert? 16
Are you willing to help with pictures? unsure at this point, but ya
Are you willing to help with stories? yes
Comments:
The desert has it's own beauty...and I really get to missing that sun. If you check out the right spots its a great place to hike and fishing is around you , you just have to know where to go...about an hour and a half away. Ya lots of good times growing up ...
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