395

The town of Bridgeport off Highway 395 is known mostly for its historic courthouse, stunning mountain views and as a gateway to the outdoors. But down the road is a little-known landmark that plays a key role in testing Marines before they deploy to America's longest war. This week Steve Milne spoke to musician Mark Edward Duvall about his song "395."

In the first episode of 395, we take a trip through the history of Highway 395, ask travelers what draws them to it, and check in with the one person who may love it more than anyone else. And Steve Milne speaks with musician Phil Booth about his song "395", Booth's connection to the road and his family history with long haul truck driving. "Highway 395" by Phil Booth. Additional music in this episode was Molerat by Blue Dot Sessions.

Highway 395 passes some uniquely California sites as it runs along the Eastern Sierra. There are dusty gold rush ghost towns and the moonscape of the Mono Lake tufa. The highest spot in the lower 48 states — Mt. Whitney — and the lowest — Death Valley. This summer take a road trip with CapRadio, but away from the coasts and the big cities, and along a stretch of road that reveals a different kind of California.  It may not always be the postcard version of California. The stops along the road may surprise you. We'll introduce you to a mountain that tests the mettle of Marines, explore the state's fights over water, examine the bitter history of a Japanese internment camp and more.