I really enjoy the Facebook “US 395/ Owens Valley” and “I Love the Sierra” groups. Folks are friendly and the photos are awesome. The cool thing is just when you think you have explored every nook and cavity of Hwy 395 someone mentions another unknown gem and the adventure starts a new.

This one started last year with the wild burros in Aberdeen. After hearing about the wild burros, the next adventure up 395 we are turning left at Aberdeen to find them. Sure enough they are there, friendly as can be. We had brought them carrots and while we were a bit nervous they were as gentle as a lamb. We have since learned too many folks bring them carrots and that many carrots is not good for them. But we still like to visit when we have time and show the burros to new folks.

Then someone posted they were heading up 395 and asked what the best place to eat was? The tidal waves of responses started. The usual mentions come up - Ranch House Cafe, Copper Top, The Frosty Chalet, and many others. Then someone mentions the Aberdeen Resort. People start responding like “Oh yea that place is great.” OK now we have a new adventure. Try to visit a few times and it is not open.

Well on a Thursday we are on our way to Bluesaplaooza and we have some time to explore. So we blow by the Jakes, Chalet, and Copper Top. It is always nice to see Hank have a long line. Just wish it's not when we are going by, because we love their BBQ chicken. My wife is asking what if Aberdeen isn't open? As she is already getting hungry. Well did not have to find something other than the Resort, we scored. It was open. We walk in and the place is empty. Margie the waitress says we are lucky in that we just missed the rush. At first, we thought she was kidding but then find out a large group from the county office and DWP had swamped the place and had just left before we got there.

Well the place is homey and quiant. There is a paper calendar and a worknig rotatory phone behind the counter. The menu is awesome with a lot of different entrees all reasonably priced. We swing for the fence. I order the steak sandwich and my wife orders the steak salad. While our meals our cooking we have a great conversation with Margie and the owners Diane and Marty. The food is awesome. Portions large enough we had to take to-go boxes

So we had missed the burros on our way in. On our way out the burros are lounging in the middle of the road to 395. I come up to them slowly in our Tahoe so I can take some pictures. While they know we are there they really don't care. They ain't movin' for us no-how, no-way.

We see a UPS truck turn off of 395 and start heading towards us. We say to each other “awesome he will get them to move.” He gets closer to the herd and they are not moving. Then without missing a beat or slowing down he swings onto the dirt shoulder and drives by them and us and keeps going. He didn't look sideways and the burrows did not bat an eye.

Without missing a beat the UPs driver goes around them.  I am guessing he has been here before! — Without missing a beat the UPs driver goes around them. I am guessing he has been here before!

We are quick learners so off onto the shoulder we went. Great time, great food, new friends. What a way to travel. Now to find the next gem, come on Facebook friends post something new I haven't been to yet!

Bob Kent Photography

Sierra Sublime Blog

Another Hidden Gem Along Highway 395