Pitstop at the Chiriaco Summit Coffee Shop

Sometimes in life you find yourself in a place where you don’t have enough in the tank to move forward so your only chance of making it is turning back. This is true both metaphorically and in motorcycling.

Standing at the abandoned gas stations at Desert Center my options were limited. As I considered the time of day, the remaining range on my tank, and the apparent fuel availability, I opted to go for what I knew with certainty. There was definitely gas 20 miles back. That’s how I found myself dining alone at the counter of the Chiriaco Summit restaurant and coffee shop.

Over the years I’ve read many references to how empowering it is to be able to comfortably go to a restaurant and just eat alone. I’ve heard this particularly in reference to women. Apparently we’re less inclined to dine solo? I don’t know if this is just some corny antiquated trope or what. What I do know is that it isn’t my experience at all.

Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time dining on my own. It doesn’t make me feel strong or powerful. Sometimes it really makes me feel like a loser.

Interesting choice of counter reading material:

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. When I’m traveling, I have a go-to meal that has a magnetic pull on me ~ chicken fried steak. Why? Couldn’t tell ya. My first recollection of eating it was at a Denny’s where my best friend worked when I was a teenager. So, it wasn’t some magical experience.

Here on Long Island it isn’t something commonly spotted on the menu at local restaurants. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say I must equate it with road food I can only get while I’m “away.” So, when I saw it on the menu at the Summit, ding-ding-ding it was a no brainer!

Except, this is what came out ~ my first experience with (excessive) brown gravy on chicken fried steak. Absolutely wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever eaten however I would not recommend this configuration over the standard. Also,… not clear on the use of saltines.

The entry hall to the bathrooms featured these lovely artistic renderings of the magnificent Cabazon Dinosaurs.

Also unexpectedly on the grounds? The General Patton Memorial Museum.

This place was really a full service operation. Eat here, get gas, look at tanks. Recommend!

Another day of hoboing done. Lessons learned, beauty seen, feelings felt.