[pct-l] re/ Walker Pass Milkshakes

[greg mushial]

Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 01:29:01 -0400
From: hiker97 at aol.com
Subject: [pct-l] Walker Pass Milkshakes
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <8CCC52B528E73AE-26DC-662C at webmail-m102.sysops.aol.com>
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<snip>
Switchback -

Have to agree that a fine milkshake is a carefully controlled and crafted 
creation. There used to be in the '60s on the way to, or more importantly, 
on the way back from  Yosemite to the bay area, Bender's Bakery in Escalon. 
As a climber that spent long weekends (5 days -> 3 weeks) in "the valley" 
climbing, on the way back home (bay area) Bender's was a piece of heaven... 
after eating Camp 4 climber food for the duration, or especially after doing 
a "big wall". Bender's was, although an honest bakery, was also a 1930's 
style soda fountain (with that long counter lined with swiveling stools 
etc). They made their own ice cream (important for a superior shake). One 
could get shakes in a dozen or so flavors...  but their chocolate malt shake 
was the best. You talk about almost not being able to suck the shake up 
through the straw..  that was clearly the case. But in their case, they 
invented a new test for the thickness of the shake: could you float the 
straw in the shake, ie, stand the straw upright in the middle of the shake, 
lift it an inch or so off the bottom, and let go....  if several minutes 
later it was still standing there - that was an good shake. :-)  Bender's 
closed in the '90s [old man Bender died in the late 70's and the daughter 
ran it for a decade plus after that, but gave up and closed the place].... 
and I haven't had a shake even approaching one of their's since :-(

enjoy - greg  (TheDuck)