This is the relocated Kernville, with the original submerged under Lake Isabella.  The relocation was caused by the construction of a dam and the resulting lake.

This is a story of a Great Mudhole gone bad.  We had stayed for years at what  we first knew as Lazy River Lodge, which then became Chuck Richard's Falling Waters River Resort.  This beautiful spot is on twelve acres alongside the Kern River.  The complex consists of a pool and several long strings of units which appear to be motel-like from the outside.

Inside, however, these spaces were a marvel of design with partial-height wood dividers between the sleeping area and the living room.  The arrangement of furniture, the 50's era wood, odd little portable electric ovens, etc. all worked really well together.

But new owners could not leave well enough alone.  They tore out the furnishings, tiled the floors, and added ruffles and doilies.  Your author said things in response to this change which has now made the Robinson's forever banned from the property.  Which is just as well.

Reconnaissance in late 2005 suggests that John McNally's Fairview Lodge Motel & Restaurant may be worthy of Mudhole status -- but it's closed in the winter, re-opening week-ends only, beginning at Whiskey Flats Days (President's Day weekend).  Open daily from April through October.  This place is located up Mt. 99 highway, fifteen miles north of Kernville.  There is also a small grocery store.  376-2430.  In summer, there is direct access to the north to Giant Sequoia National Monument (Trail of 100 Giants).  This is about an hour's drive.

There is also a Forest Ranger Tower (Oak Flat Lookout) now available for rental as accommodations -- off Rancheria Road in the Greenhorn Mountains.  This one was built in 1934.  Call 760.379.5646 for reservations.

WHEN TO GO AND HOW TO GET THERE:

• Take Highway 178 to Lake Isabella, then go north through Wofford Heights and on to Kernville.  Watch out for the locals -- they drive very aggressively on the narrow, winding, and guardrail-less roads.
• Kernville is a simply wonderful place in the winter -- before Whiskey Flats Days in February.
• There is a fishing derby in early April and a car show in late April -- both which reduce the isolation quotient.

MAPQUEST: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=kernville&state=CA&country=us&level=2

MUDHOLE-RATING
	QUIRKINESS
	ACCOMMODATIONS
	GOOD AREA FOOD
	DIVERSIONS
	COST

The Sportsman's Inn (a bar) is worth noting.  Eight years after California banned smoking in bars and restaurants, there is a red ashtray at every table and at every seat at the bar.....

A Few miles distant is the Miracle Hot Springs Preserve, on highway 178.  Clothing is optional.  Four miles south of Lake Isabella (south of Bodfish), take Borel Road to Old Canyon Road (the predecessor to highway 178).  Proceed two miles down river.  John Nicholson is the director (caretaker?) and can be reached at 760.379.4407.  P.O. Box 782, Lake Isabella, CA  93240.

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

EWING'S 619.376.2411 www.ewingsonthekern.com CHERYL'S DINER PINE CONE INN for prime rib, if open

RESOURCES

www.kernvillechamber.org/calvalley.htm U.S. FOREST SERVICE, KERNVILLE OFFICE  760.376.3781

This location was visited several times, with documentation verifying 1993, 1994, 1997 -- all to Lazy River Lodge.