Sacramento Trip Recap Part III: Homeward Bound

So after the successful Pibb acquisition, we headed for home. Our departure time was about 6 PM, and based on how long it took us to get to SAC, and factoring in a now fully loaded trailer, I was not looking forward to the drive.

The drive home was even more uneventful than the drive up, with the exception that from about Valencia south, it was a battle to stay awake. This is because I had been awake since 3:45 AM and it was now after midnight. However, there was one aspect of the drive home that merits mentioning.

I have made the SAC to SAN (and vise versa) drive at least 6 times now, and each time I am extremely curious about a particular facility located off the 5 freeway on the Crows Landing exit. The exit is in the middle of nowhere, and can be placed in context by looking at this map.

Guarded by 40 foot fencing tipped with barbed wire, the multi-story facility is set a few miles off the freeway and is clearly visible in the distance. It is large, and has smoke stacks on top with white smoke coming out at times. I tried to take a picture, but the camera phone did not do it justice. I may post it anyway at a later date.

I need to know what this facility is. It looks like it could be a prison, but conspicuously absent are the hilarious "XXX Prison 2 Miles, Do Not Pick Up hitchhikers" signs. But what other kind of facility needs 40 foot razor wire fencing to protect it?

I am hereby offering a bounty for anyone who can provide me with evidence of what this facility is. Your prizes are: one can of Pibb, or $5. Your choice. I have tried google, I have searched high and low, and no leads. I need answers people.

Anyway, we got home around 2:30 AM, with a final tally of more than 1100 miles traveled in one 22 hour period. This surpasses my previous one-day driving distance record, set in 1997 when Jason and I drove from San Diego to El Paso TX in one shot, which was a mere 700+ miles.

I'm sure more stories and memories from the trip will emerge after I have more time to think about it, and I'll post addendums here when I remember. All in all, it was a fun time and I am greatly appreciative to Adam for his help, I could not have done it without him.

Now I just need to find someone to buy this spa...