After checking in at Baker's Royal Hawaiian Motel for Xmas Eve, I walk back up the road to get a meal at the Mad Greek

The Mad Greek restaurant at Baker's four-way stop sign is one of just a few non-chain restaurants and shops in town.

Mostly, Baker is just a huge freeway service stop for motorists en route between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, oblivious to the existence of Mojave National Preserve. With just one main street and a resident population of about 900, there are nonetheless numerous gas stations, adjoining well-lit convenience stores and uninteresting chain restaurants, as well as three motels.

Baker also hosts "the world's tallest thermometer," the tall structure in the photo. It's 50 degrees F tonight, which is much warmer than what was forecast. The unexpected balmy weather is being caused by very high winds blowing warm air in from the south. I hope these winds don't make bicycling difficult tomorrow...

The bright light in the sky is not a UFO taking off from Alien Fresh Jerky just up the road; it's the full moon rising.