Back in the 60's when I was stationed at nearby Edwards AFB, I'd frequently spend Saturday afternoons and evenings in Mojave. I met this SP hogger from Bakersfield named R.R. Maren who was working the Turn out of Mojave for a couple of weeks while a friend was on vacation...he termed it an "old man turn".
He invited me to ride out to Searles and back a couple of times and would let me run with the loads on the way back. The first time was a really uncomfortable trip, even with him standing at my shoulder. We got a big run in due to my inexperience, but he wouldn't let me leave the seat. Next weekend, it went a little better. Nice out there, especially at nite with coyotes, fox and skunk crossing in front of us.
I ran into Maren again @ Rosamond one afternoon in late '68. He was on a set of new U-30C's and waiting for a helper call that never came. He let me run light engine all the way back to just a couple miles out of BK and stopped so I could walk across Hwy. 58 and thumb back to Rosamond. I remember the engine numbers, 7917/7913.
Those were the days. We kept in touch for a few years, but he passed away a few years after retiring. Nice gent.