Down the Road: The Center of California

Allensworth, CA

Col. Allensworth State Park

What's this weird looking tree? It's two trees actually marking the dividing point of Northern and Southern CA. It's called the Pine and the Palm and can be found in the center divider on Hwy 99 just south of Madera between Avenues 11 and 10 1/2. Sneeze and you'll miss it. The 29 years I lived in California I've never heard of it until last year. We made a point to get a picture of it when we passed by this time. The actual "center" of California is a bit east of here.

Oops, someone backed up a bit too far. Maybe it was the fog?

After our friends, Jim & Jenny, stopped by this park we decided to check it out too. It's one of California's lesser known State Parks.

The thick fog made for a cold and dreery stay but we enjoyed some quiet time on our own.

They have about 25 sites. $18, no hookups. There are scattered water spigots, bathrooms, showers and a dump station (which is $10 extra if you use it). They did just add electric to the first two sites which is extra. It's a nice little campground tucked behind the park but right next to the train tracks.

I knew nothing of this town before. The only other one I've heard of was Nicodemus in Kansas when Steve and I came upon it a few years ago. We found it well preserved and very interesting.

Steve checking out the Dickerson Library. Most of these buildings have been rebuilt over the years.

We walked around on another foggy morning reading all the plaques. While it was cold, it felt good tro be outside again getting some exercise after being sick.

The old Schoolhouse.

Col.Allensworth's home.

All of the buildings were closed but there were a couple very nice park rangers checking things out so they opened a few up for us to see and gave us a little tour. Very nice of them. They did have signs out front of each one explaining them with codes you could use your phone and get a driving tour.

Example of the signs.

See how close to the park entrance the train is? It's a commuter train which blows its horn every time time it goes by. Which is often! Thank goodness for earplugs.