I was on my way to camp at the Salton Sea Recreation Area in California. I know no cold drinks are available there. I looked at the Google map to see if a store was on my route so I could buy an Arizona green tea before arriving at the campground. What’s this also on the map … the tallest flagpole in the world?

An advantage of solo travel is I can check out whatever I want. I decided to drive by this site, then buy a cold drink. Yes, and interestingly the TOP of the flagpole is at sea level! So this town of Calipatria, California is 184 feet below sea level. Okay, while they claim to have the tallest flagpole in the western hemisphere … truth be told there are taller ones in the world and USA. 

I finally arrive at a store to buy my cold drink and before entering the place I am in a discussion with 2 bicyclists. A husband and wife team cycling from San Diego to Flagstaff, Arizona by way of the Grand Canyon … and this town of Calipatria. Jokingly I said, you too wanted to see the tallest flagpole in the world? Well they thought I was pulling their leg. I pointed it out to them. We laughed and talked plenty about cycling cross states and then each went our own way before the rain started to fall. All simply a fun day!

Here is the flagpole: