It's a high school tradition called house rolling. A football player probably lives there and during the high school's Homecoming week, it's cool to have your yard rolled by your friends. Parents are never happy, although they probably did the same when they were in school.

Looks like a Graham's crayfish snake.

http://www.herpsoftexas.org/content/grahams-crayfish-snake

These guys are generally very gentle.

Probably growing in a roadway is not its proper place!

According to my Botany teacher in college (1964-1965 school year) "A weed is any plant growing where it is not wanted."

Following that logic, there are some plants that are always weeds! But most have their proper place.

Thank you very much for the link ! So insightful!

Those weeds are common sunflowers

https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/nature/asteraceae_helianthus_annuus.htm

If you're gonna stay put, there's no better place in my opinion!

You covered a lot of the country....amazing adventure! You deserve a rest day.

You were luck to see the “elephant seals” not many this time of year usually.

There are fixed points marked on the roadway and the crew in the plane time how long it takes to get between the two points and the motorist's speed can be calculated.

Mike

Rather than Walmart, Craigslist would be better for finding a bike. It would take more time and effort.

I grew up in Mojave, '56-'66. One sister lives in Tehachapi. Went to jr. college in Lancaster. Been following with interest as you passed through familiar territory.

Yup

It's a "Blue Lives Matter" flag to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

"And it reinforces my perception of the US: Highly sophisticated in some ways and completely unsophisticated in others."

This is one of the most concise, accurate descriptions of my country that I have ever read. I hope you have a wonderful time on your ride and meet many wonderful people along the way. I look forward to following along!