This review is LONG overdue. Back on May 31st, I experienced one of the most genuine and affecting acts of kindness in my lifetime, thanks to the team at the Ludlow Cafe.
I had gone camping alone in the Mojave so I could catch a meteor shower, when my car got thoroughly stuck in what I now know is referred to as "sugar sand" aka extremely soft sand. As a disclaimer, I highly recommend NOT camping alone in the Mojave unless you are experienced with the area, and/or own an AWD vehicle with rope and/or recovery traction boards.
I spent over an hour (at 3am) trying to dig the sand away from the tires around my car following a four-hour drive. I decided to end my struggle and wait until morning. When I woke up, I managed to flag down an incredibly helpful couple who, using their off-road vehicle, attempted to push my car out of the ditch to no avail. Rather than leave me, they extended a generous offer to drive me to the nearest gas station on their way to Temecula. That gas station was a Chevron nearly fifty miles away, in the same plaza as the Ludlow Cafe.
When I arrived at this cozy diner, teeming with positive energy, I sat at the bar with the day bag I packed, and rotated my stool back and forth looking up possible solutions for my predicament. Service was prompt and friendly, as I was offered iced tea and an ear for me to explain my circumstance.
As I called AAA and a few local tow companies, it became clear how expensive this ordeal was going to be. AAA does not service situations like this, and most tow companies wouldn't touch the situation. I did find one company who was willing to pick me up and service the vehicle, but this would have set me back at least $600.
As my options grew more and more limited, the waitress began to make a few calls to a group of locals who (now unsurprisingly) deal with these situations quite often and have created a task force for emergencies. She felt pretty confident that she could rustle up a helping hand. As things started to look up, I graciously ordered breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast, which was absolutely delicious and well-priced. Exactly the kind of reprieve I needed.
Before long, the owner of the shop stops in, walks right up next to me, and she says warmly, "Hi Eric, so I hear you're having car problems." Still in disbelief that the owner of the shop and her co-worker have agreed to take me to my car and pull it out of the sand, I find myself stepping into the front seat of her Ram 3500 and we set off toward the Kelso Dunes. We talk about the area's history, different types of rattlesnakes, and how to survive out in the desert if you find yourself stranded. Time flies and we reach my car. Within minutes, my Toyota is secured with ratchet straps and the Ram plucks it out like a loose tooth! I'm both shocked and in a near euphoric state of gratitude.
I profusely thank the pair and offer to pay them for their help (gas money, or anything!), to which they politely decline, and just ask that I let people know about their friendly little diner on Route 66. We took a picture to commemorate the moment, and then they set off for another fifty miles back.
At this point I am beside myself. My whole day, week, and possibly even my health was saved because of the team at the Ludlow Cafe. Not to mention, the money saved which could have been $600+, not including any damage to the vehicle.
I immediately scaled the 800 ft dunes fueled by pure excitement and what felt like a new lease on life! This will forever remain as some of the most sincere help I've ever received, and aside from the obvious lessons I learned from camping in the desert, I also learned that you should never underestimate the kindness of strangers and to pay it forward, because you never know how life-saving your act can be.
If I could give this place one hundred stars I would. I look forward to the next time I can visit!!!
Much Love,
Eric read more