Yep. I started my skydiving career in California City. We used to skydive into Central Park every 4th of July before the fireworks show. It was an amazing place

Yep. I started my skydiving career in California City. We used to skydive into Central Park every 4th of July before the fireworks show. It was an amazing place to learn to skydive, because if you happened to land out (happens a lot with newer jumpers), there were never obstacles - and there was always a road nearby where someone could come to pick you up. Heck, at one point a friend of mine landed so far off the dropzone that the pilot simply touched the plane down on the dirt road, picked him up, and flew him back to the airport. (We also could use the grid to visually eyeball distance from up top). The dropzone had been around since the 1960s, when there was a decent amount of activity at the airport (including airshows, balloon rides, pilot training, etc). Like most things in Cal City, it closed ~10 years ago, which did away with another item that lured outsiders into the area. Now, it's pretty much only the off-roading that brings people in. Definitely a surreal place (but one that is unique and quirky...& has some great memories).