I'm 3 hours from Bakersfield and 2 1/2 from LA. Even the freeway doesn't come past here.
LA scares me to death, so I won't go down there unless my husband drive.
Going to Bakersfield is on a winding two lane and not a fun way to travel. I'm between a rock and a hard place for sure.
If I do go to Bakersfield, I'd love it to be May 10th, since it does get blistering hot out in that desert by the end of May. A shady cool camp site would be really nice, but so would an AC motel. Do they have a Mariott Residence Inn there Lana? It's the best since they are kept spotless, up to date and allow dogs. The suites are great and they do a wonderful breakfast at not extra charge.