#588

[@medionlvr]

so many stories from hitchhiking days in 1978. i worked at the gas station on the west end of town. at the time the owner also owned the bar/restaurant in the empty lot next door and he gave you a room across the road one meal a day plus minimum wage which, if i remember correctly, was $2.65/hr. we were the first gas station to go to $1.009/gal but our pumps only went up to 0.999. we had to explain to each customer that we had to calculate the extra penny. i also remember the bar was inlaid with all sorts very old American coins. thanx for the ride down memory lane.

[@ssjmakol]

What would you do on your free time and how did you end up there/ leaving?

[@medionlvr]

@@ssjmakol our free time was always partying out in the desert. one girl had a pickup. we would load it up with beer and firewood and have the time of our lives. the story: getting there. i thumbed my way there in 16 days from hartford Ct. i left with 75 cent, a pack of camel non filters, sleeping bag and cheap guitar. the last ride i had was a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel about 5 miles west of Baker. my return: i left after about 6 weeks. i thumbed east to battle creek mich then to st. albins wv and finally Youngstown ohio where i have been living ever since.

[@ssjmakol]

@@medionlvr Thanks for sharing. I just passed through and man anyone who lives out here I just want to know their stories. I’ve lived in the the bush of Sudan for some time so I get not having much but to choose to live in an area in the US that has 100 degree midnights is fascinating to me.

[@medionlvr]

@@ssjmakol i met so many strange and wonderful people. as for food. i would stop in mcdonalds and ask for free food. the manager would explain that they couldnt do that, that every two hours they had to throw it out (wink wink) i would hang out near the dumpsters. after a while here come an employee with the trash. he would set a big bag on the ground, look at me and point to the bag then go back inside. then there was the time in grand junction colo where a cop tried to bring me to a mission shelter but they were full. he took me to the station, 'arrested' me for vagrancy. the penalty was one night in jail along with supper, breakfast and a ride out to the highway onramp at the edge of town with the stern warning to not come back.

[@residentpotato6023]

Wonder Hussy got railed in pretty much every room of the Bun Boy Motel.

[@beedonn9260]

Thank you Sarah, I think you have one of the most playful channels on KZbin you're always a lot of fun. So thank you for that, we appreciate that

[@carolpoch9289]

What's the status on your sweet kitty?

[@HN-oq3gf]

i won't lie, i think this channel is BEST!

[@klouism1]

Who else but Wonderhussy can make such an interesting video? Stay well and happy 👽

[@alwatson4352]

You have so improved in the way you show your videos! The composition and presentation can't get much better!

[@nnhk0056]

And the animal abuse is top-notch!

[@residentpotato6023]

Spray your phone with penicillin before you watch her videos.

[@noxema2000]

Making these videos is like therapy for you , therapy for me is watching them . don't ever stop

[@ernestsauter8093]

One further thing to add to the mystique of Baker, a movie was filmed there. One of Jon Favreau's early pieces and titled The Big Empty, is an alien abduction movie that he filmed on weekends. It also Stars Daryl Hannah and Kelsey Grammer. For a B-movie, it's a lot of fun!

[@ramoncote1620]

I came across it one day and found the movie quite good!

[@residentpotato6023]

Amazingly WonderHussy fit 3/4s of that thermometer inside of her.

[@residentpotato6023]

The Big Empty is also a apt description of Wonder Hussy’s cockpit.

[@flurng]

@@residentpotato6023 Hey, now - don't go slandering our beloved WonderHussy, or she might decide to quit sharing her delightful adventures with us all!

[@harrybond1485]

​@@residentpotato6023why say that?

[@deansiracusa3966]

It’s been decades since I’ve been to Baker but I would ALWAYS stop at the Mad Greek for excellent lunch and strawberry pie! Thanks for taking me down memory lane!

[@marklavoie8383]

I can't count how many times I've been to Baker. It's always changing in one way or another.

[@Liferoad371]

Watched this only to get some info on the mad Greek, but you where soo entertaining that I watched the whole video, Gret Job!!

[@fitandwell333]

This episode was done so well, editing, story telling, and sound effects. I particularly loved music. WH made the town of Baker so interesting.

[@khryswash8915]

Rewatching all the wonderhussy videos from the beginning

[@hypknowthismofo4604]

Use to Love Bun Boy...it was always...our go to spot...on oue Viva Los Vegas Road trips!!! Memories!!!

[@LeftCoastCowgirl]

Wow! You've kicked your production values up to Eleven. Great video. I've breezed past Baker many times but never stopped. Now I will absolutely have to.

[@karenroe6270]

Another adventure spent more time & history in Baker.....you have stopped there for a minute in another video. Have a blessed week. Love & Light from Washington state 💖 🌟

[@joewenzel5142]

The Mad Greek Cafe I still have a souvenir plastic mug from them that I got back in 1995. I was stationed at Ft Irwin as an Observer Controller and one time in our down time out in the field we secretly took our HMMWVs off post (we'd go off the Eastern edge of the Post through what back then was an active Gold Mine, then take a dirt road out to Highway 127 (where the abandoned town of Silver Lake used to be - a cemetery still stands there) and take the quick drive down to Baker to visit The Mad Greek Cafe. Your tax dollars at work. Glad it's still around.

[@mobiltec]

I stayed at The BUN BOY motel and ate at the BUN BOY cafe in 2007 after doing the Mojave Road. I have it in one of my videos of that trip.

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

I know that thermometer very well. It’s how I know I’m half way to Vegas. I’ve been stuck there a couple of time too when the freeway has been closed down because of snow.

[@Greg_Jones]

There was little "wing" off of the Big Boy restaurant that was a tiny bar. Three or four two person tables along the wall and about a six person bar. The bartender kept ash trays behind the bar after the smoking ban started.

[@bonnieharris8112]

I haven't been in Baker in at least 40 years. We were on our way to Death Valley at the time, good seeing you

[@expressarch]

How's the cat? (I'll bet she doesn't even read the comments)

[@edwardf6229]

I asked the same thing. Oh don't worry the cat loving sister is watching Nuni. 😡

[@kenbritton8227]

Especially the silly ones.

[@SpiritRaider]

Great job on the music and sound effects....We would park the trailer rig in the back parking lot of the Bun Boy restaurant and sleep from 11pm to 6am or so, then carry on to Furnace Creek Death Valley for 49er encampment or Thanksgiving.

[@viveviveka2651]

To those who sometimes hike in the heat: That family that died mysteriously on a trail last August...investigations finally revealed that the cause was hyperthermia or heat exposure. Dehydration may have contributed. It was a fit young couple, hikers, plus their young child, plus their dog. All died on the trail in the heat, in Mariposa County, in the Sierra Nevada foothills last summer. You can find reports online.

[@kennysherrill6542]

I have family there and everyone was spooked by the mystery of that poor family's death. Yes, you have to be careful at all times in that environment, we even lost Marines in the heat when they ran out of water when they got lost, not something to take lightly. 👍❤🇺🇸

[@kekmountain2882]

Exactly why I don't hike in weather above 75F

[@residentpotato6023]

After Wonder Crusty’s visit Baker changed its name to Canker.

[@edwardparkhurst9804]

Intro music was quite impressive. Your popularity and admiration for your fans inspire you to go on for us. Thanks for sharing your story with us that watch your channel. Outstanding job young lady.

[@jim7946]

Wow, your use of music and sounds just gets better and better, this was a masterpiece!

[@creativityindy9483]

In the mid 1970s I was in the US Air Force, temporarily worked at the AT&T antenna site on a tall mountain near the Interstate just east of Baker where an experimental E3-A AWACS tracking/video downlink system was deployed, lived a couple weeks in the now-closed Royal Hawaiian motel, ate at Bun Boy restaurant every day, kept a Bun Boy pancake recipe card which I still have and use today, fun memories!

[@jazzcatt]

Oh please share the Bun Boy pancake recipe!

[@kathypriest95]

What Cat said👍

[@creativityindy9483]

Copied from recipe card I have from Bun Boy - Barstow - Victorville - Baker, CA: Butter Thin Pancakes - Mix together and beat well the following ingredients: 4 eggs, 3 cups half and half, 2 and 1/2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt; then stir in 1/2 pound melted butter. Enjoy everyone!

[@joanfrazier2971]

Alien Jerky got me off the interstate and into Baker.

[@jamesreck8476]

Sarah you should sign up for a support team for the Baker to Vegas race and do videos of that next year.

[@thekingdaddymaster507]

I lived in baker for 2 years. I was in the trailer next to the prison. The prison was still in operation back then.

[@richwhitaker1506]

You gave a good look at Baker, Ca. Hope it can see a bit of economic recovery. Stay well.

[@problu9586]

Zipped through Baker every time going to or returning from Death Valley, but never stopped there. Will make a point to retrace WH's Baker wanderings, next time. Thanks, WH.

[@johneason6540]

Wonderhussey Wednesday, yay

[@quash8]

Stopped there for a 30 when I was driving for PAM four years ago . Always wanted to go back, even more now. Thanks.

[@davebruins8623]

love when you go through the back streets...more of this content please......

[@kennysherrill6542]

Very nice video Sarah, haven't been to Baker for awhile, these are the kind of videos that can be done and are very interesting at the same time. I hope you get to go on Survivor you would be great on that show. Too bad there are so many people who won't drop the Nunni thing, being a life long Cat owner their my favorite human to hang with, cats are cats and they will over come and adapt. She will be just fine. Got some shit to do today in an old cold case, not looking forward to it, bad memories. Take care and don't be square. Old Kenny 👍👍👍👍👍❤🇺🇸

[@stevemcphail4746]

Looks like a good place to start a grow operation!

[@jackiethomas5465]

Where I live in west Texas we have an abandoned Immigration Prison. It's a former Ramada Inn Hotel, it also has the chain link fencing with the razor wire still in place.

[@perrym6937]

love the mad greek strawberry shakes always looked foward to them between pharump and san diego. the story on the thermometer is interesting. the guy who built it really loved it

[@kylerdad123]

Thank you for the tour and narrative! It has been a long time since I stopped at Baker for a rest stop. I never know so much about the town until now. Enjoyed seeing you having a great meal at the Greek restaurant! Best wishes for a great life to you in the new home! Stay safe and smiling! 🧧😀🤙

[@viveviveka2651]

Thanks for the video. Enjoyed watching. 🌻

[@butziporsche8646]

Hey, have you thought about prospecting or metal detecting?

[@jessedm5073]

Nice video. Ahh, Baker CCF (private prison), I worked there as a CO. The houses to the left of prison were housing for the officers, the inmates lived in those small houses (dorms) they can walk around freely until 10pm. I worked graveyard, 110 degrees in summer and 30 +/- in the winter. My last day was Dec 24, 2009 one day before Xmas, that sucked.

[@donaldschweizer9405]

Thank You I never know that about Baker. I have driven pass many times.

[@bubblesezblonde]

Private prisons are well known for substandard hiring practices and wages. Their turnover rates are even higher than state or federal prisons. Not too surprised a bout the escapes and a riot. I'd wager the guards were like "Yeah I'm not getting into this ...." nice vtd

[@johnleinen9409]

What happened with kitty and her claws?

[@kimberly9129]

She refuses to answer or show her supposed video of how "happy" Nuni is now that shes forced him out into the killing fields.

[@bittercoldak]

Just on to the next vapid video. She’s shown her true colors. And all the Simps will keep adoring her and giving her money.

[@edwardf6229]

@@bittercoldak agreed, keep sending her those care packages and Mortgage money

[@bittercoldak]

And she is deleting comments. 👎🏼

[@pudster4115]

I appreciate the sun glasses dip throughout her tour so I knew when to pay close attention and to receive her emphasis

[@overtaxedinmn5913]

Whenever I’m trucking to southern Cali I always stop at The Mad Greek. Love that place and the Baker mystique

[@janblake9468]

In the old days (1950-1960's), I stayed at the Royal Hawaiian motel. Across the highway was Pike's restaurant, a mostly A-frame building that had a bar stuck on at the west end. It later became a Denny's but that didn't last long. This is all at the west end of Baker. After the RH closed, I stayed at the old Wills Fargo motel, but apparently that has closed too.

[@allone1111]

I worked with a few film crews shooting out in Death Valley in the late 80's and also stayed at the Royal Hawaiian and eating across the street at Pikes! Looks like the times a changing things in Baker.

[@OnTheRoadWithDan]

Interesting little town Baker is.

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

Glad you found your glasses.

[@wayneleonard6434]

When you stopped there during “Meeting My Sister Halfway between Vegas and LA” not only was the frying pan intact but it contained some phony fried eggs. The store was closed due to COVID.

[@anastaciolopez1434]

Finding new places to explore is great, but when they are with in you area even better. Awesome video. thank you.

[@lindabriggs5118]

When my family and I lived Utah, for two weeks we'd spend Christmas in SoCal visiting family for the holidays. My parents, his mom and sister, my sisters, etc. I-15 was a familiar highway. We'd laugh at all the people who would over heat (even in winter) driving up the Baker Grade. But going to Escondido, we always drove at night, so the kids would sleep and not say "Are we there yet?" or "I'm hungry Mom!" We also did not carry snack food so they would eat when we did stop. I remember that big old thermometer. Sorry, we never stopped in Baker, we'd usually stop in Barstow sometimes, after leaving my husband's family in Palmdale. But I still miss the Mojave areas. I love the Desert in California and Nevada. Thank you for the video. I one day plan to go back and go to Cerro Gordo for a bit and wander around. Miss my 🏜.

[@crazy4dariver]

I've been to Vegas no less than 100 times. I have never seen the Mad Greek open. Lol. There was another one I have seen between me and Santa Barbara. The building is there and run down but again I never saw it open. I assure you THAT property is worth big bucks....Baker, doubtful. Because I travel on weekdays that may be the reason. I could see Baker pulling millions only being open Fri-Sun.

[@ralphpatrick3071]

Duplexes for guards and their families?

[@robertwood9628]

Thank you so much for all the research you do and the fun placed you explore. I love old ghost towns and abandoned mines etc that you find. My dream would be to travel and explore with you but my 74 year old body would never allow it, so thank you again for letting me live my dream vicariously through you and your travels. hugs from and old man. Be safe and be happy.

[@jackharrison1017]

Another awesome adventure with the wonder hussy The old retired guy thank you for another great video👍👨🏻‍🦳👍

[@rodneybleam3984]

I had worked for Pacific Telephone &Telegraph as a lineman & stayed there in 1969 for a work week. Gas $$'s were much better back then!!!

[@kingt.hawkings32]

This turned out to be one of your more interesting finds! Thanks !

[@paulmkrukovsky8562]

Nice to see the Mad Greek cafe is still there

[@ronalds2080]

Looking good Sarah, thanks for the tour. 😚😍

[@joycejames8461]

Glad to see you out and about again. I stopped off in Baker twenty years ago on the way to Death Valley, thanks for showing us what it's like now.

[@Robear-fm4vw]

Think the hotel is now open.... Maybe a time to revisit

[@micmac1121]

Shoshone rules! I’ve ridden across the desert on my motorcycle and it one of my fave spots I ever photographed! I was getting gas at a spot on a Sunday and a bunch of wonderful older ladies pulled in and hit on my buddy and gave him a sunflower from a bouquet she had. Legendary guy moment!

[@johneason6540]

Those were living quarters for the guards and families. Like at Folsom prison were I grew up, they called the living community Represa there. I went to high school with a bunch of guys that lived there with families

[@stevetaylor996]

Wow !! now you've got me curious, I think I will have to try the Mad Greek Cafe on my next trip into Pahrump from S California.

[@jamesconnor9142]

I think closed now

[@wmbomb1079]

Back in the day I drove my truck & wagon through Baker on my way to LA or there abouts or towards 'The Holy Land' to it's north & other exotic places beyond. Sarah I must say every time I see you tip your classic glasses down I'm always 'totally mesmerized' by the beauty of your eyes & of course your always happy smile, I always love watching your adventures everywhere, now I'm going to watch 589 to see of course you and the Oldest Cabin in the Mojave Desert, show me your beautiful eyes again, Be Safe & Be Well my friend.

[@timfreestone4145]

Just cant believe that you did not piss-off a buck or two in the alien fortune machines... Would have love to hear what they would have told you... But still love your video like all the other. I look forward to my Wednesday fix of Wonderhussy every week 🤠

[@jolenecreech7648]

Hey WH…we have a FAT GREEK restaurant here in Yucaipa. I have never eaten here, but I did check out the menu. Looks like it may be the same family/business that you like there in Baker. Now, I MUST try it out. If WH approves, what can I lose????? 😀👍😜💕

[@nelsonfreeman0136]

Hello Jolene 👋

[@alexshatzko1381]

never heard of Baker Calif. but was thru Bakersfield--- on a trip with sisters husband and his daughter, wile touring the wine places, not many gave samples---so we drank beer all the way home to Seattle --and were scolded for drinking so much beer........................5 yrs later......l comming back from Shopping spree in Vegas, I wanted to see death valley-- it was FEB. so not that hot---- went past the big airforce base, and headed north, staying at the cheap motels.....they sure make nice roads in Calif.

[@bradsmith4277]

Aloha great video Been through there hundreds of times Love the funky info Thanks for a wonderful video..

[@EdwardSchenet]

I drove south on Kelleybaker road fron Parump in the 80's and I arived in Baker at 10PM and that thermometer was showing 110 degrees.

[@sammycda]

I'm enjoying your travelogs/history lessons. I remember as a kid and then again with my kids, stopping for lunch at Bob's Big Boy resturaunt in Baker. Wondering if later it became Bun Boy?

[@stevenhudson7313]

How's your cat doing?

[@John-Nada]

That was stressful. Still haunted by the sounds of that cat.

[@kimberly9129]

@@John-Nada yes where's her so called video of how "happy" Nuni is now that shes forced him outside into the killing fields? Poor cat 😪🐱

[@edwardf6229]

@Aces Al As long as Utube keeps those checks coming and all the cyber sugar daddies keep sending her cash and gifts, there won't be any updates on her Animals again. Disgusting

[@mikielyke]

Thanks Sarah for another history lesson.

[@LuckyLarry]

Yes! I have spent the nite at the Bun Boy and had dinner at the Mad GreeK. We were on our way to DVNP over Christmas several years ago. There is so much stuff to do in that area. Beautiful desert scenery for wintertime fun!

[@darrellroninson3476]

Just love your stuff young lady I have driven by that place many times always wondered and now I know lol thanx!

[@RoadTripEddie]

That strawberry shake looked fantastical. Wowzers

[@deke441]

they use fresh berries, they are fantastic. Food is good also but shakes are worth the stop alone.

[@tommydyess3994]

The strawberry shake might have been the best part of the video. I could use one right now.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I’ve gone to Vegas a lot. Thanks for stopping at Baker. Now I dont have to. I’ve seen it not working many times.

[@ashevillegeorge3316]

What a wonderful history lesson!

[@hardtack8776]

Have to give you plenty of credit for being able to make Baker seem interesting!

[@harrybond1485]

You are right, that is a weird place Sara. Love you 😊

[@kathy_ee5671]

Great video I lived in Barstow in the 60s and baker was the stop to get dinner on the way to Vegas as a kid I do remember it is so windy there Kind of a strange Little town 👽👀

[@jonjones1872]

You're so right, it wasn't just me!!!! LOL.....

[@judizzstuff]

Gas is still cheaper there than alot of places near me . Baker is alot like Trona both are interesting little towns. I loved Shoshone went there alot when at Delights and would have breakfast at the crowbar in Shoshone. I saw both you and Larry once at the mad Greek but I didn't say anything just let you guys have your privacy. I used to work for the owners , Mike and Joanne at the one they had in San Bernardino years ago, fun times big colorful Greek family.

[@erinnkemp]

I know right!😂

[@jackiethomas5465]

2 Dollars higher than where I live in West Texas.

[@thebreezemattwrasmann7881]

$2 cheaper here in Florida for gas. 👍🏼

[@Katseye102]

Wow, there is a lot more to Baker than I thought!! Nice!

[@nelsonfreeman0136]

Hello Catherine 🙌

[@agoraphobicsquirrel8607]

Hows Nuni?

[@Lori_b36]

I've only through there once on a Greyhound bus going from Las Vegas to Los Angelas to get my connection to the Bay Area. Went through there at night so I don't remember much . I'd give it a visit if I'm in that area again

[@richardbrooks3569]

That's worth a laugh. There are lots of things that weren't there last time I was.

[@vernonmeyer5261]

I very much enjoy your videos as they are very interesting. As to bumping into that closed private prison, I sure hope that you go back to see if there are more buses ? But PLEASE TAKE A FRIEND

[@kg4tri]

I have been to Baker several time . The Alien place wasn't there when I was there last about 4 years ago. I have eaten at Bun Boy and the Mad Greek . I even stayed one night in that Royal Hawaiian motel. There is a Mad Greek in State Line NV but I have never been to that one.

[@ronniecardy]

Now that's a fun place to hang out and see what all is around Bakers California

[@carlewald46]

You are a talented Hussy! I don't think your college education was wasted! My daughter just retired from the police and is going to travel around the US! I will show her some of your videos! You are always entertaining!

[@stephenstephenson7454]

Being from the East Coast I really enjoy your videos thank you so much for sharing this maybe someday you'll come to Old Town Alexandria

[@stephaniemccord6100]

Old town Alexandra is too expensive. This is coming from a Virginian who relocated to Wyoming.

[@brianbradt3766]

We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert......

[@virtue_signal_]

Great job, one of the best made blogs on the KZbin... Great production values.

[@jenniferxia1]

You are a excellent storyteller ❤😊

[@Boddav]

Heading North out of Baker , have you ever seen the plaque commemorating the Harry Wade Escape Route

[@makot2378]

Interesting and informative background of Baker, SarahJane! 🙂😎👍☝️👌

[@joeyamada4976]

Thank you for taking me to places I'll never get to visit.. It's like being there..