Windmills and Dinosaurs

San Gorgonio Pass and Cabazon, California

On the road to Palm Springs, California, a few distinct landmarks often raise a few questions and turn a few heads. Passing through nearby San Gorgonio Pass on Interstate 10, you'll see two interesting sights: wind turbines and dinosaurs.

San Gorgonio Pass is one of the windiest areas in the world and is home to 3,500 electricity-producing wind turbines. The electricity generated by the wind turbines is used by the customers of the Southern California Edison Company. The San Gorgonio wind turbines produce approximately 600 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) every year. This amount of electricity is enough to meet the needs of 100,000 typical homes or about 250,000 people.

The wind turbines also provide environmental benefits. By producing electricity cleanly, the state's wind power plants reduce pollutant gases that contribute to smog, acid rain and global warming. Each year San Gorgonio's wind power plants prevent the emission of 3 million pounds of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulates, and 600 million pounds of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be produced.

Video

You're probably wondering how the dinosaurs fit in with this wind turbines tale. Well they don't, precisely. While your attention is diverted by the windmills however, you'll be surprised to have your view interrupted by the sight of two huge dinosaur models. The dinosaurs are part of a rest area near a gas station in Cabazon, California.

The dinosaurs provide a great backdrop for photographs, and kids love them. Don't drive by without stopping to take a closer look at these magnificent dinosaurs. Here are a few pictures of these prehistoric figures.

 

 

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