What does anyone know about NAVSTA China Lake, California?

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 23:08:43 -0400

Moving west to California soon. Has anyone been to China Lake or spent time in Ridgecrest? How is the neighborhood, May be there for a long time. Hubby is getting a civilian post.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 21 at 2016 11:33 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 23:33:32 -0400

Not a bloody clue other that it is way out in the Desert in California. You're probably going to have to enlighten the rest of us. Sounds kind of fun to me.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Apr 22 at 2016 8:15 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 08:15:32 -0400

Never been there but wishing you both the best fortune and luck.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Apr 22 at 2016 11:14 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:14:51 -0400

Get ready for desert living. I've only passed through going to/coming from Tahoe. Stayed overnight a couple times when getting a late start leaving Tahoe. It pretty much is in the middle of nowhere and basically exists due to China Lake. It has two major highways nearby, the 395 and 14. It has the requisite Walmart, Stater Bros grocery and a Home Depot, that i recall. There is a gate to the base in town, not sure if it's the Main gate or not, though.

Good luck with your move and husband's new job!

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Apr 23 at 2016 8:14 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 20:14:18 -0400

My life is ever an adventure. At first I thought, "Desert, No please!" Then I got out a map and said, short drive to ocean, short drive to forest and mountains. Its also part of the West Coastal flyway, which would open up new bird oportunities. We could hang with this. (Presently living in Houston, so a two hour drive is no biggy. Just the distance from North Houston to Galveston.)