California Route 66 - The 100 Year Anniversary Trip Begins

0:03 A great journey has begun. A journey

0:03 A great journey has begun. A journey about America, about the open road,

0:05 about America, about the open road,

0:05 about America, about the open road, about freedom, about history, about

0:08 about freedom, about history, about

0:08 about freedom, about history, about adventure. My friends, we're back on old

0:12 adventure. My friends, we're back on old

0:12 adventure. My friends, we're back on old Route 66, which is now properly old, 100

0:15 Route 66, which is now properly old, 100

0:15 Route 66, which is now properly old, 100 years old as of this year, the year of

0:17 years old as of this year, the year of

0:17 years old as of this year, the year of our Lord 2026. And today, our adventure

0:21 our Lord 2026. And today, our adventure

0:21 our Lord 2026. And today, our adventure begins here at one of the most legendary

0:25 begins here at one of the most legendary

0:25 begins here at one of the most legendary roadside attractions existing in the

0:28 roadside attractions existing in the

0:28 roadside attractions existing in the modern day along the old Mother Road,

0:31 modern day along the old Mother Road,

0:31 modern day along the old Mother Road, the Main Street of America, Route 66,

0:33 the Main Street of America, Route 66,

0:33 the Main Street of America, Route 66, just here along the old road on the

0:35 just here along the old road on the

0:35 just here along the old road on the outskirts of Barstow, California, Elmer

0:38 outskirts of Barstow, California, Elmer

0:38 outskirts of Barstow, California, Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch. Route 66

0:42 Long's Bottle Tree Ranch. Route 66

0:42 Long's Bottle Tree Ranch. Route 66 stretches for nearly 2,500 mi from

0:44 stretches for nearly 2,500 mi from

0:44 stretches for nearly 2,500 mi from Chicago to LA, or in my case, coming

0:47 Chicago to LA, or in my case, coming

0:47 Chicago to LA, or in my case, coming from Southern California, LA to Chicago.

0:49 from Southern California, LA to Chicago.

0:50 from Southern California, LA to Chicago. But rather than starting from the Santa

0:51 But rather than starting from the Santa

0:51 But rather than starting from the Santa Monica Pier or from Los Angeles or a

0:54 Monica Pier or from Los Angeles or a

0:54 Monica Pier or from Los Angeles or a whole bunch of urban sprawl near to

0:56 whole bunch of urban sprawl near to

0:57 whole bunch of urban sprawl near to where I live and exist every day, we've

0:58 where I live and exist every day, we've

0:58 where I live and exist every day, we've come out here to the Bottle Tree Ranch

1:00 come out here to the Bottle Tree Ranch

1:00 come out here to the Bottle Tree Ranch to begin our journey. Not only because

1:02 to begin our journey. Not only because

1:02 to begin our journey. Not only because it's sitting here right outside of

1:03 it's sitting here right outside of

1:03 it's sitting here right outside of Barstow, the sort of last bastion of

1:05 Barstow, the sort of last bastion of

1:05 Barstow, the sort of last bastion of civilization before you get to those

1:08 civilization before you get to those

1:08 civilization before you get to those wide-open desert drives on your way to

1:10 wide-open desert drives on your way to

1:10 wide-open desert drives on your way to Arizona, but also because it's the first

1:12 Arizona, but also because it's the first

1:12 Arizona, but also because it's the first truly otherworldly

1:15 truly otherworldly

1:15 truly otherworldly stop. It lets you know this isn't just

1:16 stop. It lets you know this isn't just

1:16 stop. It lets you know this isn't just any other ordinary road trip. The Mother

1:20 any other ordinary road trip. The Mother

1:20 any other ordinary road trip. The Mother Road, Route 66, is something special. I

1:22 Road, Route 66, is something special. I

1:23 Road, Route 66, is something special. I mean, just look at this place. It is

1:25 mean, just look at this place. It is

1:25 mean, just look at this place. It is freaking epic, and there's nothing else

1:26 freaking epic, and there's nothing else

1:26 freaking epic, and there's nothing else quite like it anywhere in America or

1:30 quite like it anywhere in America or

1:30 quite like it anywhere in America or anywhere else on Earth. And everything

1:32 anywhere else on Earth. And everything

1:32 anywhere else on Earth. And everything you see here

1:34 you see here

1:34 you see here was created by one guy, a little old man

1:37 was created by one guy, a little old man

1:37 was created by one guy, a little old man who was living out here for many years.

1:39 who was living out here for many years.

1:39 who was living out here for many years. Someone I got quite friendly with before

1:40 Someone I got quite friendly with before

1:40 Someone I got quite friendly with before he sadly passed away, Elmer Long Jr. who

1:43 he sadly passed away, Elmer Long Jr. who

1:43 he sadly passed away, Elmer Long Jr. who grew up in Southern California. I

1:45 grew up in Southern California. I

1:45 grew up in Southern California. I believe his dad was a

1:47 believe his dad was a

1:47 believe his dad was a in the aviation business, and they used

1:49 in the aviation business, and they used

1:49 in the aviation business, and they used to go out and collect old bottles and

1:51 to go out and collect old bottles and

1:51 to go out and collect old bottles and old junk. When Elmer got out here to the

1:54 old junk. When Elmer got out here to the

1:54 old junk. When Elmer got out here to the desert, was able to purchase this home.

1:56 desert, was able to purchase this home.

1:56 desert, was able to purchase this home. Yes, there is a home here behind all

1:57 Yes, there is a home here behind all

1:57 Yes, there is a home here behind all these bottles right along old Route 66

2:00 these bottles right along old Route 66

2:00 these bottles right along old Route 66 in between working at the nearby

2:02 in between working at the nearby

2:02 in between working at the nearby concrete mine and concrete plant. He

2:04 concrete mine and concrete plant. He

2:04 concrete mine and concrete plant. He took his love of junk and created one of

2:07 took his love of junk and created one of

2:07 took his love of junk and created one of the coolest roadside attractions in

2:10 the coolest roadside attractions in

2:10 the coolest roadside attractions in America, which thankfully is still

2:12 America, which thankfully is still

2:12 America, which thankfully is still standing out here. All of this began

2:14 standing out here. All of this began

2:14 standing out here. All of this began roughly around the year 2000. And so

2:16 roughly around the year 2000. And so

2:16 roughly around the year 2000. And so really this was all created in the 21st

2:18 really this was all created in the 21st

2:19 really this was all created in the 21st century, believe it or not. It looks

2:20 century, believe it or not. It looks

2:20 century, believe it or not. It looks like your classic old roadside

2:22 like your classic old roadside

2:22 like your classic old roadside attraction or some wacky piece of art

2:25 attraction or some wacky piece of art

2:25 attraction or some wacky piece of art you would see from the 20th century.

2:26 you would see from the 20th century.

2:27 you would see from the 20th century. Route 66 is only 100 years old this

2:29 Route 66 is only 100 years old this

2:29 Route 66 is only 100 years old this year, which means the Bottle Tree Ranch

2:30 year, which means the Bottle Tree Ranch

2:30 year, which means the Bottle Tree Ranch has really only existed for a quarter of

2:32 has really only existed for a quarter of

2:32 has really only existed for a quarter of that time. And yet for my money, it is

2:34 that time. And yet for my money, it is

2:34 that time. And yet for my money, it is one of the most classic, most iconic

2:37 one of the most classic, most iconic

2:37 one of the most classic, most iconic attractions along the entire Mother

2:40 attractions along the entire Mother

2:41 attractions along the entire Mother Road. It's right down here in the

2:42 Road. It's right down here in the

2:42 Road. It's right down here in the Southern California desert. And

2:44 Southern California desert. And

2:44 Southern California desert. And thankfully, still available for

2:45 thankfully, still available for

2:45 thankfully, still available for travelers like me and you and my son

2:48 travelers like me and you and my son

2:48 travelers like me and you and my son London who's out here with me to enjoy.

2:51 London who's out here with me to enjoy.

2:51 London who's out here with me to enjoy. Now, hopefully that remains the case for

2:54 Now, hopefully that remains the case for

2:54 Now, hopefully that remains the case for a very long time. But as I kind of

2:56 a very long time. But as I kind of

2:56 a very long time. But as I kind of alluded to, Elmer Long himself passed

2:59 alluded to, Elmer Long himself passed

2:59 alluded to, Elmer Long himself passed away in 2019 of lung cancer, which of

3:01 away in 2019 of lung cancer, which of

3:02 away in 2019 of lung cancer, which of course made everybody worry about the

3:03 course made everybody worry about the

3:03 course made everybody worry about the fate of the Bottle Tree Ranch. All we

3:06 fate of the Bottle Tree Ranch. All we

3:06 fate of the Bottle Tree Ranch. All we heard was that his son had taken over

3:09 heard was that his son had taken over

3:09 heard was that his son had taken over the Bottle Tree Ranch, his son Elliott.

3:11 the Bottle Tree Ranch, his son Elliott.

3:11 the Bottle Tree Ranch, his son Elliott. Then we didn't hear anything for a long

3:12 Then we didn't hear anything for a long

3:12 Then we didn't hear anything for a long time. The gates have remained open. It

3:15 time. The gates have remained open. It

3:15 time. The gates have remained open. It was pretty clear that somebody was

3:16 was pretty clear that somebody was

3:16 was pretty clear that somebody was living in Elmer's old house at the very

3:19 living in Elmer's old house at the very

3:19 living in Elmer's old house at the very back of the property. Only recently have

3:21 back of the property. Only recently have

3:21 back of the property. Only recently have we gleaned any new information because

3:23 we gleaned any new information because

3:23 we gleaned any new information because Elliott Long, Elmer Jr.'s son, has done

3:26 Elliott Long, Elmer Jr.'s son, has done

3:26 Elliott Long, Elmer Jr.'s son, has done an interview with a newspaper called the

3:28 an interview with a newspaper called the

3:28 an interview with a newspaper called the SF Gate about inheriting this roadside

3:31 SF Gate about inheriting this roadside

3:31 SF Gate about inheriting this roadside attraction here and unfortunately how

3:34 attraction here and unfortunately how

3:34 attraction here and unfortunately how kind of miserable it is. On the one

3:36 kind of miserable it is. On the one

3:36 kind of miserable it is. On the one hand, he's kept it open. He wants to

3:37 hand, he's kept it open. He wants to

3:37 hand, he's kept it open. He wants to honor his father's legacy. But on the

3:40 honor his father's legacy. But on the

3:40 honor his father's legacy. But on the other hand, you can imagine growing up

3:42 other hand, you can imagine growing up

3:42 other hand, you can imagine growing up and going out to domes and finding old

3:44 and going out to domes and finding old

3:44 and going out to domes and finding old artifacts and stuff like this and then

3:46 artifacts and stuff like this and then

3:46 artifacts and stuff like this and then watching his father create all of it and

3:48 watching his father create all of it and

3:48 watching his father create all of it and then having to maintain all of this,

3:50 then having to maintain all of this,

3:50 then having to maintain all of this, having to come out here and to see it.

3:52 having to come out here and to see it.

3:52 having to come out here and to see it. You can imagine, you know, that would

3:53 You can imagine, you know, that would

3:53 You can imagine, you know, that would almost prolong your grief

3:56 almost prolong your grief

3:56 almost prolong your grief forever in a way. So, he's recently

3:57 forever in a way. So, he's recently

3:57 forever in a way. So, he's recently broken his silence about that and also

3:59 broken his silence about that and also

3:59 broken his silence about that and also given us a a little more insight into

4:01 given us a a little more insight into

4:01 given us a a little more insight into just how difficult it is to keep this

4:03 just how difficult it is to keep this

4:03 just how difficult it is to keep this place open. The Bottle Tree Ranch has

4:05 place open. The Bottle Tree Ranch has

4:05 place open. The Bottle Tree Ranch has not now and has never really charged

4:07 not now and has never really charged

4:07 not now and has never really charged admission, right? This was all the

4:09 admission, right? This was all the

4:09 admission, right? This was all the crazy, wacky vision of one guy, of Elmer

4:12 crazy, wacky vision of one guy, of Elmer

4:12 crazy, wacky vision of one guy, of Elmer Long himself, sitting out here in the

4:14 Long himself, sitting out here in the

4:14 Long himself, sitting out here in the desert and putting together chains of

4:16 desert and putting together chains of

4:16 desert and putting together chains of old bones and combining all of these

4:20 old bones and combining all of these

4:20 old bones and combining all of these crazy pieces of junk and artifacts into

4:23 crazy pieces of junk and artifacts into

4:23 crazy pieces of junk and artifacts into his bottle trees and into the bottle

4:25 his bottle trees and into the bottle

4:25 his bottle trees and into the bottle tree forest. But, if you look around,

4:27 tree forest. But, if you look around,

4:27 tree forest. But, if you look around, it's it's pretty difficult to maintain

4:29 it's it's pretty difficult to maintain

4:29 it's it's pretty difficult to maintain this, right? First of all, you get

4:31 this, right? First of all, you get

4:31 this, right? First of all, you get 100-mph winds out here. Eventually, the

4:33 100-mph winds out here. Eventually, the

4:33 100-mph winds out here. Eventually, the bottles will wear out and break, so

4:35 bottles will wear out and break, so

4:35 bottles will wear out and break, so they've got to be replaced over time and

4:37 they've got to be replaced over time and

4:37 they've got to be replaced over time and maintained. You've got to keep the weeds

4:39 maintained. You've got to keep the weeds

4:39 maintained. You've got to keep the weeds cut down and the grass low and as much

4:43 cut down and the grass low and as much

4:43 cut down and the grass low and as much of the glass off the ground as you can.

4:45 of the glass off the ground as you can.

4:45 of the glass off the ground as you can. And as we learned in the article, he

4:45 And as we learned in the article, he

4:46 And as we learned in the article, he does have a caretaker, somebody on the

4:47 does have a caretaker, somebody on the

4:48 does have a caretaker, somebody on the property living in the house who's able

4:50 property living in the house who's able

4:50 property living in the house who's able to kind of do those things and take care

4:51 to kind of do those things and take care

4:51 to kind of do those things and take care of them. He's Elliot, and I don't really

4:52 of them. He's Elliot, and I don't really

4:53 of them. He's Elliot, and I don't really blame him for this. Didn't want to move

4:55 blame him for this. Didn't want to move

4:55 blame him for this. Didn't want to move into his dad's old house and make this

4:57 into his dad's old house and make this

4:57 into his dad's old house and make this his full-time life, right? He had a life

4:59 his full-time life, right? He had a life

4:59 his full-time life, right? He had a life of his own. And yet, other than the

5:01 of his own. And yet, other than the

5:01 of his own. And yet, other than the occasional donation left out here,

5:03 occasional donation left out here,

5:03 occasional donation left out here, there's really no source of income to

5:06 there's really no source of income to

5:06 there's really no source of income to keep the Bottle Tree Ranch going. In

5:08 keep the Bottle Tree Ranch going. In

5:08 keep the Bottle Tree Ranch going. In fact, as I stand out here today,

5:11 fact, as I stand out here today,

5:11 fact, as I stand out here today, I do remember there being some kind of

5:12 I do remember there being some kind of

5:12 I do remember there being some kind of box to leave donations in, but I don't

5:14 box to leave donations in, but I don't

5:14 box to leave donations in, but I don't see anything like that at the moment.

5:15 see anything like that at the moment.

5:15 see anything like that at the moment. So, it's like a fascinating insight

5:16 So, it's like a fascinating insight

5:16 So, it's like a fascinating insight right into the blessing of like all this

5:19 right into the blessing of like all this

5:19 right into the blessing of like all this still existing his father's legacy going

5:21 still existing his father's legacy going

5:21 still existing his father's legacy going on, and also the curse of being saddled

5:22 on, and also the curse of being saddled

5:22 on, and also the curse of being saddled with it and wanting to keep it going,

5:24 with it and wanting to keep it going,

5:24 with it and wanting to keep it going, and then the practical realities of it.

5:26 and then the practical realities of it.

5:26 and then the practical realities of it. out here for 26 years now, which means

5:28 out here for 26 years now, which means

5:28 out here for 26 years now, which means it's been visited by countless travelers

5:30 it's been visited by countless travelers

5:30 it's been visited by countless travelers along Route 66, immortalized in

5:32 along Route 66, immortalized in

5:32 along Route 66, immortalized in documentaries and videos and articles

5:35 documentaries and videos and articles

5:35 documentaries and videos and articles and even, you know, several books. And

5:37 and even, you know, several books. And

5:37 and even, you know, several books. And yet, it underlines just how special it

5:40 yet, it underlines just how special it

5:40 yet, it underlines just how special it is to realize just how easily

5:43 is to realize just how easily

5:43 is to realize just how easily a place like this could disappear,

5:45 a place like this could disappear,

5:45 a place like this could disappear, right? The visionary, the artistic

5:47 right? The visionary, the artistic

5:47 right? The visionary, the artistic genius behind it could pass away, and

5:49 genius behind it could pass away, and

5:50 genius behind it could pass away, and then how do you pay the property taxes?

5:51 then how do you pay the property taxes?

5:51 then how do you pay the property taxes? How do you pay to keep it cleaned up,

5:53 How do you pay to keep it cleaned up,

5:53 How do you pay to keep it cleaned up, keep it open to the public? What if

5:55 keep it open to the public? What if

5:55 keep it open to the public? What if there's an accident? You could sell

5:56 there's an accident? You could sell

5:56 there's an accident? You could sell merchandise, you could ask for

5:57 merchandise, you could ask for

5:57 merchandise, you could ask for donations, but if the traffic isn't

5:59 donations, but if the traffic isn't

5:59 donations, but if the traffic isn't heavy enough and people aren't generous

6:01 heavy enough and people aren't generous

6:01 heavy enough and people aren't generous enough, it just might not survive. So,

6:03 enough, it just might not survive. So,

6:03 enough, it just might not survive. So, the point of saying all that is we

6:06 the point of saying all that is we

6:06 the point of saying all that is we really can't take places like this for

6:08 really can't take places like this for

6:08 really can't take places like this for granted. The time to see something is

6:09 granted. The time to see something is

6:09 granted. The time to see something is when it's there, and in that spirit,

6:11 when it's there, and in that spirit,

6:11 when it's there, and in that spirit, even though London and I just did a

6:13 even though London and I just did a

6:13 even though London and I just did a father-son trip down Route 66 two years

6:17 father-son trip down Route 66 two years

6:17 father-son trip down Route 66 two years ago, we're back to do it again, this

6:19 ago, we're back to do it again, this

6:19 ago, we're back to do it again, this time for the centennial year, the 100th

6:22 time for the centennial year, the 100th

6:22 time for the centennial year, the 100th anniversary celebration of Route 66 and

6:25 anniversary celebration of Route 66 and

6:25 anniversary celebration of Route 66 and the entire numbered US Highway System,

6:28 the entire numbered US Highway System,

6:28 the entire numbered US Highway System, which we'll get into at a later point in

6:29 which we'll get into at a later point in

6:29 which we'll get into at a later point in this series. And we're going to see just

6:31 this series. And we're going to see just

6:31 this series. And we're going to see just what there is to see on Route 66 at its

6:34 what there is to see on Route 66 at its

6:34 what there is to see on Route 66 at its 100th anniversary year. See the new

6:36 100th anniversary year. See the new

6:36 100th anniversary year. See the new attractions, dive into some of the old

6:38 attractions, dive into some of the old

6:38 attractions, dive into some of the old history, explore some of the small towns

6:41 history, explore some of the small towns

6:41 history, explore some of the small towns on America's Main Street, hopefully see

6:43 on America's Main Street, hopefully see

6:43 on America's Main Street, hopefully see some familiar faces, and make some new

6:46 some familiar faces, and make some new

6:46 some familiar faces, and make some new friends in the process. Dude, I've

6:48 friends in the process. Dude, I've

6:48 friends in the process. Dude, I've always loved Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch.

6:51 always loved Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch.

6:51 always loved Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch. And like I said, when Elmer was out here

6:53 And like I said, when Elmer was out here

6:53 And like I said, when Elmer was out here back in the day, I had many long

6:55 back in the day, I had many long

6:55 back in the day, I had many long conversations with him, no pun intended,

6:57 conversations with him, no pun intended,

6:57 conversations with him, no pun intended, about the years that he worked out here

6:58 about the years that he worked out here

6:58 about the years that he worked out here in the concrete plant or the concrete

7:00 in the concrete plant or the concrete

7:00 in the concrete plant or the concrete mine. Sometimes he used to sit out here

7:01 mine. Sometimes he used to sit out here

7:01 mine. Sometimes he used to sit out here and actually work on some of the pieces

7:04 and actually work on some of the pieces

7:04 and actually work on some of the pieces of art that we're seeing all around us.

7:05 of art that we're seeing all around us.

7:05 of art that we're seeing all around us. His little sort of outdoor workshop is

7:07 His little sort of outdoor workshop is

7:07 His little sort of outdoor workshop is now kind of chained off and preserved,

7:11 now kind of chained off and preserved,

7:11 now kind of chained off and preserved, and you can now walk around it and kind

7:12 and you can now walk around it and kind

7:12 and you can now walk around it and kind of see where he would sit and look at

7:15 of see where he would sit and look at

7:15 of see where he would sit and look at his forest of bottle trees and get

7:17 his forest of bottle trees and get

7:17 his forest of bottle trees and get inspiration. But look at this, he would

7:18 inspiration. But look at this, he would

7:18 inspiration. But look at this, he would collect all kinds of different junk,

7:21 collect all kinds of different junk,

7:21 collect all kinds of different junk, right? Like you mostly think of the

7:22 right? Like you mostly think of the

7:23 right? Like you mostly think of the bottle trees themselves, and also some

7:25 bottle trees themselves, and also some

7:25 bottle trees themselves, and also some of the some of those telegraph trees.

7:26 of the some of those telegraph trees.

7:27 of the some of those telegraph trees. Look at that thing. But it was the

7:28 Look at that thing. But it was the

7:28 Look at that thing. But it was the junking, the scrapping, the collecting

7:29 junking, the scrapping, the collecting

7:29 junking, the scrapping, the collecting of each little nut and bolt and strange

7:32 of each little nut and bolt and strange

7:32 of each little nut and bolt and strange piece of metal. He would tell me about

7:33 piece of metal. He would tell me about

7:33 piece of metal. He would tell me about how he would go to like dumps and scrap

7:35 how he would go to like dumps and scrap

7:35 how he would go to like dumps and scrap yards and garage sales and roadside, you

7:38 yards and garage sales and roadside, you

7:38 yards and garage sales and roadside, you know, piles of refuse. And like many of

7:40 know, piles of refuse. And like many of

7:40 know, piles of refuse. And like many of the other legendary creators of sort of

7:43 the other legendary creators of sort of

7:43 the other legendary creators of sort of roadside art like this, where any normal

7:45 roadside art like this, where any normal

7:45 roadside art like this, where any normal person would just see maybe a wagon full

7:47 person would just see maybe a wagon full

7:47 person would just see maybe a wagon full of scrap to be recycled, Elmer could see

7:49 of scrap to be recycled, Elmer could see

7:49 of scrap to be recycled, Elmer could see how that metal junk could become pieces

7:52 how that metal junk could become pieces

7:52 how that metal junk could become pieces of artwork. Oh, by the way, while I'm

7:53 of artwork. Oh, by the way, while I'm

7:53 of artwork. Oh, by the way, while I'm back here, for the record, look at this.

7:55 back here, for the record, look at this.

7:55 back here, for the record, look at this. Here's where the donation well moved to.

7:56 Here's where the donation well moved to.

7:56 Here's where the donation well moved to. It's all the way in the very back of the

7:59 It's all the way in the very back of the

7:59 It's all the way in the very back of the property. So, if you come out here, and

8:00 property. So, if you come out here, and

8:00 property. So, if you come out here, and you're only about uh I don't know, 2

8:01 you're only about uh I don't know, 2

8:01 you're only about uh I don't know, 2 hours away from Disneyland, make a

8:03 hours away from Disneyland, make a

8:03 hours away from Disneyland, make a little donation into the well. Look at

8:04 little donation into the well. Look at

8:04 little donation into the well. Look at this high voltage tree here. You got the

8:06 this high voltage tree here. You got the

8:06 this high voltage tree here. You got the glass insulators, you have ceramic

8:08 glass insulators, you have ceramic

8:08 glass insulators, you have ceramic insulators hanging from wire, an old

8:10 insulators hanging from wire, an old

8:10 insulators hanging from wire, an old gear up there, all kinds of wire bits

8:14 gear up there, all kinds of wire bits

8:14 gear up there, all kinds of wire bits and metal bits. Each individual piece is

8:16 and metal bits. Each individual piece is

8:16 and metal bits. Each individual piece is just a piece of trash, but when you

8:17 just a piece of trash, but when you

8:17 just a piece of trash, but when you string it all together, it becomes

8:20 string it all together, it becomes

8:20 string it all together, it becomes something else. It becomes art. And look

8:21 something else. It becomes art. And look

8:21 something else. It becomes art. And look at this. This is Elmer's, literally his

8:23 at this. This is Elmer's, literally his

8:23 at this. This is Elmer's, literally his front yard. He's got pieces of scrap

8:24 front yard. He's got pieces of scrap

8:24 front yard. He's got pieces of scrap metal forming bugs out here. There's

8:26 metal forming bugs out here. There's

8:27 metal forming bugs out here. There's Tonka trucks, there's bottle fountains

8:29 Tonka trucks, there's bottle fountains

8:29 Tonka trucks, there's bottle fountains and sculptures and old stoves and pedal

8:32 and sculptures and old stoves and pedal

8:32 and sculptures and old stoves and pedal cars and ride-along things. You can see

8:33 cars and ride-along things. You can see

8:33 cars and ride-along things. You can see over there on top of the old chicken

8:35 over there on top of the old chicken

8:35 over there on top of the old chicken coops, there's like a a train made out

8:38 coops, there's like a a train made out

8:38 coops, there's like a a train made out of weird old pieces of wood. Some of

8:39 of weird old pieces of wood. Some of

8:39 of weird old pieces of wood. Some of this stuff he welded together himself,

8:42 this stuff he welded together himself,

8:42 this stuff he welded together himself, other stuff he just sort of collected

8:43 other stuff he just sort of collected

8:43 other stuff he just sort of collected and assembled together. And it's hard to

8:45 and assembled together. And it's hard to

8:45 and assembled together. And it's hard to know without him here anymore what

8:48 know without him here anymore what

8:48 know without him here anymore what exactly is what, but I love it. I love

8:50 exactly is what, but I love it. I love

8:50 exactly is what, but I love it. I love that uh it all kind of feels like one

8:53 that uh it all kind of feels like one

8:53 that uh it all kind of feels like one whole, right? When you sweep your eyes

8:55 whole, right? When you sweep your eyes

8:55 whole, right? When you sweep your eyes over the whole panorama, it all seems to

8:57 over the whole panorama, it all seems to

8:57 over the whole panorama, it all seems to make sense somehow with itself, and yet

9:00 make sense somehow with itself, and yet

9:00 make sense somehow with itself, and yet there is no strict rule. Like, look at

9:02 there is no strict rule. Like, look at

9:02 there is no strict rule. Like, look at this. You can have a metal teapot on

9:03 this. You can have a metal teapot on

9:04 this. You can have a metal teapot on top, an old bottle, a hubcap with glass

9:06 top, an old bottle, a hubcap with glass

9:06 top, an old bottle, a hubcap with glass insulators, a windmill or two, an old

9:09 insulators, a windmill or two, an old

9:09 insulators, a windmill or two, an old rusty satellite dish with a bottle, of

9:11 rusty satellite dish with a bottle, of

9:11 rusty satellite dish with a bottle, of course, uh right there on the

9:13 course, uh right there on the

9:13 course, uh right there on the transmitter or the receiver. You got an

9:15 transmitter or the receiver. You got an

9:15 transmitter or the receiver. You got an old rusty locker, a bunch of old rusty

9:19 old rusty locker, a bunch of old rusty

9:19 old rusty locker, a bunch of old rusty jars. Just in this shot right here, I

9:21 jars. Just in this shot right here, I

9:21 jars. Just in this shot right here, I can see an old sewing machine, an old

9:22 can see an old sewing machine, an old

9:22 can see an old sewing machine, an old wagon, an old animal horn, an old toy

9:25 wagon, an old animal horn, an old toy

9:25 wagon, an old animal horn, an old toy rifle, bedsteads, clamps, whatever the

9:27 rifle, bedsteads, clamps, whatever the

9:27 rifle, bedsteads, clamps, whatever the heck this thing is. There is literally

9:30 heck this thing is. There is literally

9:30 heck this thing is. There is literally everything you can imagine out here, and

9:34 everything you can imagine out here, and

9:34 everything you can imagine out here, and the kitchen sink. Just look at that.

9:37 the kitchen sink. Just look at that.

9:37 the kitchen sink. Just look at that. It's the old engines with bottles on

9:39 It's the old engines with bottles on

9:39 It's the old engines with bottles on them. The old typewriters with bottles

9:40 them. The old typewriters with bottles

9:41 them. The old typewriters with bottles on them. I love how they the base for

9:42 on them. I love how they the base for

9:42 on them. I love how they the base for this he welded a chain around the

9:44 this he welded a chain around the

9:44 this he welded a chain around the bottom. And look at that. It's even a

9:46 bottom. And look at that. It's even a

9:46 bottom. And look at that. It's even a little bottle tree action on the stem

9:48 little bottle tree action on the stem

9:48 little bottle tree action on the stem itself. There's the weirdest stick your

9:50 itself. There's the weirdest stick your

9:50 itself. There's the weirdest stick your face through it and make a fun pic

9:51 face through it and make a fun pic

9:51 face through it and make a fun pic opportunity objects in the world.

9:54 opportunity objects in the world.

9:54 opportunity objects in the world. Speaking of this, I'm fairly confident

9:55 Speaking of this, I'm fairly confident

9:55 Speaking of this, I'm fairly confident that this isn't just a cutout for taking

9:57 that this isn't just a cutout for taking

9:57 that this isn't just a cutout for taking pictures in. This is probably an

9:59 pictures in. This is probably an

9:59 pictures in. This is probably an outhouse seat knowing Elmer. Got old

10:00 outhouse seat knowing Elmer. Got old

10:00 outhouse seat knowing Elmer. Got old lanterns, the backs of old stoves. Elmer

10:03 lanterns, the backs of old stoves. Elmer

10:03 lanterns, the backs of old stoves. Elmer along with sincerely one of a kind. And

10:07 along with sincerely one of a kind. And

10:07 along with sincerely one of a kind. And yet he was working in sort of an old

10:09 yet he was working in sort of an old

10:09 yet he was working in sort of an old folk art tradition and one that actually

10:11 folk art tradition and one that actually

10:11 folk art tradition and one that actually had some local roots as well. Cuz back

10:14 had some local roots as well. Cuz back

10:14 had some local roots as well. Cuz back in the 1950s, not far away back towards

10:17 in the 1950s, not far away back towards

10:17 in the 1950s, not far away back towards Hesperia, California, towards Los

10:18 Hesperia, California, towards Los

10:18 Hesperia, California, towards Los Angeles a little ways, a man named Miles

10:21 Angeles a little ways, a man named Miles

10:21 Angeles a little ways, a man named Miles Mahan bought a couple of acres along old

10:23 Mahan bought a couple of acres along old

10:23 Mahan bought a couple of acres along old Route 66 and started to build his own

10:25 Route 66 and started to build his own

10:25 Route 66 and started to build his own cactus garden which included some bottle

10:28 cactus garden which included some bottle

10:28 cactus garden which included some bottle trees just like these. In fact, I asked

10:31 trees just like these. In fact, I asked

10:31 trees just like these. In fact, I asked Elmer about it one time and he said

10:33 Elmer about it one time and he said

10:33 Elmer about it one time and he said those definitely inspired the creation

10:36 those definitely inspired the creation

10:36 those definitely inspired the creation of or partially inspired the creation of

10:38 of or partially inspired the creation of

10:38 of or partially inspired the creation of his bottle trees out here. And back in

10:40 his bottle trees out here. And back in

10:40 his bottle trees out here. And back in Victorville at the Victorville Route 66

10:42 Victorville at the Victorville Route 66

10:42 Victorville at the Victorville Route 66 Museum, they actually have a lot of the

10:44 Museum, they actually have a lot of the

10:44 Museum, they actually have a lot of the artifacts from Mahan's half-acre or Hula

10:47 artifacts from Mahan's half-acre or Hula

10:47 artifacts from Mahan's half-acre or Hula Ville as it was later called because of

10:49 Ville as it was later called because of

10:49 Ville as it was later called because of a giant sign of a hula girl. And yet, of

10:51 a giant sign of a hula girl. And yet, of

10:51 a giant sign of a hula girl. And yet, of course, after his passing in 1995, it

10:53 course, after his passing in 1995, it

10:53 course, after his passing in 1995, it didn't take long for that place to

10:55 didn't take long for that place to

10:55 didn't take long for that place to deteriorate and for the property to be

10:57 deteriorate and for the property to be

10:57 deteriorate and for the property to be sold and for artifacts and just bits and

10:59 sold and for artifacts and just bits and

10:59 sold and for artifacts and just bits and pieces of it to survive in museums. And

11:02 pieces of it to survive in museums. And

11:02 pieces of it to survive in museums. And sadly, that is the normal sort of life

11:04 sadly, that is the normal sort of life

11:04 sadly, that is the normal sort of life cycle for visionary projects like this.

11:07 cycle for visionary projects like this.

11:07 cycle for visionary projects like this. They don't often outlive the actual

11:10 They don't often outlive the actual

11:10 They don't often outlive the actual visionary behind them. Because, I mean,

11:12 visionary behind them. Because, I mean,

11:12 visionary behind them. Because, I mean, come on. Elmer was a one-of-a-kind guy.

11:14 come on. Elmer was a one-of-a-kind guy.

11:14 come on. Elmer was a one-of-a-kind guy. And who are you going to get to come out

11:15 And who are you going to get to come out

11:15 And who are you going to get to come out here and live alongside the railroad

11:17 here and live alongside the railroad

11:17 here and live alongside the railroad tracks watching the trains go by and

11:19 tracks watching the trains go by and

11:19 tracks watching the trains go by and devote and dedicate their life to

11:21 devote and dedicate their life to

11:22 devote and dedicate their life to maintaining and growing a bottle tree

11:25 maintaining and growing a bottle tree

11:25 maintaining and growing a bottle tree ranch. Luckily, this bottle tree ranch

11:26 ranch. Luckily, this bottle tree ranch

11:26 ranch. Luckily, this bottle tree ranch is close enough to civilization that one

11:28 is close enough to civilization that one

11:29 is close enough to civilization that one could hope, right, that it still

11:30 could hope, right, that it still

11:30 could hope, right, that it still continues on far into the 21st century,

11:33 continues on far into the 21st century,

11:33 continues on far into the 21st century, maybe the 22nd century. But it's

11:35 maybe the 22nd century. But it's

11:35 maybe the 22nd century. But it's definitely important not only to support

11:37 definitely important not only to support

11:37 definitely important not only to support the arts you love and the artists behind

11:39 the arts you love and the artists behind

11:39 the arts you love and the artists behind them. But when it comes to any physical

11:41 them. But when it comes to any physical

11:41 them. But when it comes to any physical attraction like this, to go out as much

11:43 attraction like this, to go out as much

11:43 attraction like this, to go out as much as you can and appreciate it as much as

11:45 as you can and appreciate it as much as

11:45 as you can and appreciate it as much as you can while you've got it. I love how

11:47 you can while you've got it. I love how

11:47 you can while you've got it. I love how you have everything from miniature

11:49 you have everything from miniature

11:49 you have everything from miniature gardens to these weird hubcap or wheel

11:52 gardens to these weird hubcap or wheel

11:52 gardens to these weird hubcap or wheel made sundials. They preserve pieces of

11:54 made sundials. They preserve pieces of

11:54 made sundials. They preserve pieces of history really in the junk topping each

11:57 history really in the junk topping each

11:57 history really in the junk topping each of the bottle trees, old cars, old

11:59 of the bottle trees, old cars, old

11:59 of the bottle trees, old cars, old signs, old wagon wheels even that would

12:01 signs, old wagon wheels even that would

12:01 signs, old wagon wheels even that would have been destined for the dump a long

12:04 have been destined for the dump a long

12:04 have been destined for the dump a long time ago if one creative genius

12:06 time ago if one creative genius

12:06 time ago if one creative genius didn't snatch them up and put them to

12:09 didn't snatch them up and put them to

12:09 didn't snatch them up and put them to epic good use. Anyway, thanks to Elia

12:11 epic good use. Anyway, thanks to Elia

12:11 epic good use. Anyway, thanks to Elia and the caretaker living on the property

12:13 and the caretaker living on the property

12:13 and the caretaker living on the property who we chatted with for a little bit

12:14 who we chatted with for a little bit

12:14 who we chatted with for a little bit earlier. Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is

12:17 earlier. Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is

12:17 earlier. Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch is still open to the public every day right

12:19 still open to the public every day right

12:19 still open to the public every day right along old Route 66 in Helendale,

12:22 along old Route 66 in Helendale,

12:22 along old Route 66 in Helendale, California just south of Barstow. If you

12:24 California just south of Barstow. If you

12:24 California just south of Barstow. If you are in and around Southern California

12:26 are in and around Southern California

12:26 are in and around Southern California this year 2026, make sure to stop by,

12:28 this year 2026, make sure to stop by,

12:28 this year 2026, make sure to stop by, say hello for us. It is epic that this

12:30 say hello for us. It is epic that this

12:30 say hello for us. It is epic that this place is still here for the time being

12:32 place is still here for the time being

12:32 place is still here for the time being and long may it rain. I didn't mean to

12:34 and long may it rain. I didn't mean to

12:34 and long may it rain. I didn't mean to start the video off with a a sermon or

12:37 start the video off with a a sermon or

12:37 start the video off with a a sermon or such sort of deep reflections as we

12:39 such sort of deep reflections as we

12:39 such sort of deep reflections as we begin our journey. But we got up rather

12:42 begin our journey. But we got up rather

12:42 begin our journey. But we got up rather late today. We had one of those grumpy

12:43 late today. We had one of those grumpy

12:43 late today. We had one of those grumpy scrambles where I go, "No, grab that.

12:44 scrambles where I go, "No, grab that.

12:44 scrambles where I go, "No, grab that. DID YOU REMEMBER THIS? OH, THIS, THAT,

12:46 DID YOU REMEMBER THIS? OH, THIS, THAT,

12:46 DID YOU REMEMBER THIS? OH, THIS, THAT, the other. Oh, I got to go to the

12:47 the other. Oh, I got to go to the

12:47 the other. Oh, I got to go to the bathroom. Grab this." And so we made

12:48 bathroom. Grab this." And so we made

12:48 bathroom. Grab this." And so we made this our first stop precisely because I

12:51 this our first stop precisely because I

12:51 this our first stop precisely because I wanted to remember and keep it in mind

12:53 wanted to remember and keep it in mind

12:53 wanted to remember and keep it in mind to appreciate what we come across when

12:56 to appreciate what we come across when

12:56 to appreciate what we come across when we come across it. Take nothing for

12:57 we come across it. Take nothing for

12:57 we come across it. Take nothing for granted and enjoy the open road. And

13:00 granted and enjoy the open road. And

13:01 granted and enjoy the open road. And there's certainly going to be a lot of

13:02 there's certainly going to be a lot of

13:02 there's certainly going to be a lot of open road ahead for us today cuz after

13:05 open road ahead for us today cuz after

13:05 open road ahead for us today cuz after we get through Barstow, which is

13:07 we get through Barstow, which is

13:07 we get through Barstow, which is basically just around the corner just up

13:09 basically just around the corner just up

13:09 basically just around the corner just up ahead, we're going to have many, many

13:11 ahead, we're going to have many, many

13:11 ahead, we're going to have many, many miles of desert to cross tonight. Now,

13:13 miles of desert to cross tonight. Now,

13:13 miles of desert to cross tonight. Now, just look at this. Once you're out of LA

13:15 just look at this. Once you're out of LA

13:15 just look at this. Once you're out of LA and San Bernardino, things really begin

13:17 and San Bernardino, things really begin

13:17 and San Bernardino, things really begin to open up even between Elmer's Bottle

13:20 to open up even between Elmer's Bottle

13:20 to open up even between Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch and Barstow, California, the

13:22 Tree Ranch and Barstow, California, the

13:22 Tree Ranch and Barstow, California, the next town over, which looks so close

13:24 next town over, which looks so close

13:24 next town over, which looks so close together on a map, just got so much open

13:27 together on a map, just got so much open

13:27 together on a map, just got so much open desert. It is littered with history

13:29 desert. It is littered with history

13:29 desert. It is littered with history along the side of the road, but I mainly

13:31 along the side of the road, but I mainly

13:31 along the side of the road, but I mainly just think about how dry and desolate it

13:33 just think about how dry and desolate it

13:33 just think about how dry and desolate it is and how driving through this in a

13:34 is and how driving through this in a

13:34 is and how driving through this in a Model T or an open-top old car like that

13:37 Model T or an open-top old car like that

13:37 Model T or an open-top old car like that with no air conditioning, it must have

13:39 with no air conditioning, it must have

13:39 with no air conditioning, it must have been a heck of a journey. And keep in

13:41 been a heck of a journey. And keep in

13:41 been a heck of a journey. And keep in mind that for most people going Chicago

13:42 mind that for most people going Chicago

13:42 mind that for most people going Chicago to LA, California was at the end of your

13:45 to LA, California was at the end of your

13:45 to LA, California was at the end of your journey, right? The golden paradise at

13:47 journey, right? The golden paradise at

13:47 journey, right? The golden paradise at the end of the rainbow, and people would

13:49 the end of the rainbow, and people would

13:49 the end of the rainbow, and people would travel all 2,400 something miles of

13:52 travel all 2,400 something miles of

13:52 travel all 2,400 something miles of Route 66, get to the California border

13:55 Route 66, get to the California border

13:55 Route 66, get to the California border like, "Yay, green luscious paradise."

13:57 like, "Yay, green luscious paradise."

13:57 like, "Yay, green luscious paradise." And then encounter what?

13:59 And then encounter what?

13:59 And then encounter what? More and more and more endless miles of

14:02 More and more and more endless miles of

14:02 More and more and more endless miles of desert. Coming from back east, you can

14:04 desert. Coming from back east, you can

14:04 desert. Coming from back east, you can only imagine how wearying this would be.

14:06 only imagine how wearying this would be.

14:06 only imagine how wearying this would be. Just more desert, more desert. And even

14:08 Just more desert, more desert. And even

14:08 Just more desert, more desert. And even when the map is showing you you're

14:09 when the map is showing you you're

14:09 when the map is showing you you're getting closer to LA, you're getting

14:11 getting closer to LA, you're getting

14:11 getting closer to LA, you're getting closer to the ocean, closer to

14:12 closer to the ocean, closer to

14:12 closer to the ocean, closer to Disneyland, this is all you're seeing

14:14 Disneyland, this is all you're seeing

14:14 Disneyland, this is all you're seeing for mile after mile. The same holds true

14:17 for mile after mile. The same holds true

14:17 for mile after mile. The same holds true in reverse when you're leaving from

14:18 in reverse when you're leaving from

14:18 in reverse when you're leaving from Southern California, from the paradise

14:20 Southern California, from the paradise

14:20 Southern California, from the paradise of the beach and Disneyland and

14:21 of the beach and Disneyland and

14:21 of the beach and Disneyland and everything. You got a lot of desert to

14:23 everything. You got a lot of desert to

14:23 everything. You got a lot of desert to cross, a lot of familiar home turf

14:25 cross, a lot of familiar home turf

14:25 cross, a lot of familiar home turf desert if you live down here, before you

14:27 desert if you live down here, before you

14:27 desert if you live down here, before you get out to that kind of romantic open

14:29 get out to that kind of romantic open

14:29 get out to that kind of romantic open road, right? Anyway, as you can now see,

14:31 road, right? Anyway, as you can now see,

14:31 road, right? Anyway, as you can now see, we are approaching the outskirts of

14:34 we are approaching the outskirts of

14:34 we are approaching the outskirts of Barstow, California, one of the towns

14:37 Barstow, California, one of the towns

14:37 Barstow, California, one of the towns from the song Get Your Kicks on Route

14:39 from the song Get Your Kicks on Route

14:39 from the song Get Your Kicks on Route 66, and sort of our California version

14:41 66, and sort of our California version

14:41 66, and sort of our California version of Mos Eisley, right? You will never

14:44 of Mos Eisley, right? You will never

14:44 of Mos Eisley, right? You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and

14:47 find a more wretched hive of scum and

14:47 find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. At least that's the way many

14:48 villainy. At least that's the way many

14:48 villainy. At least that's the way many people feel about this town. I've always

14:50 people feel about this town. I've always

14:50 people feel about this town. I've always liked driving through Barstow, mostly

14:52 liked driving through Barstow, mostly

14:52 liked driving through Barstow, mostly because Route 66 does go right through

14:55 because Route 66 does go right through

14:55 because Route 66 does go right through the middle of town. There's so many

14:56 the middle of town. There's so many

14:56 the middle of town. There's so many layers of history going all the way back

14:58 layers of history going all the way back

14:58 layers of history going all the way back to the old mining and prospecting days,

15:00 to the old mining and prospecting days,

15:00 to the old mining and prospecting days, the railroad days, the Route 66 highway

15:02 the railroad days, the Route 66 highway

15:02 the railroad days, the Route 66 highway era. It is true that the town overall

15:05 era. It is true that the town overall

15:05 era. It is true that the town overall has seen better days. But you know what?

15:07 has seen better days. But you know what?

15:07 has seen better days. But you know what? Nothing certain but death and taxes.

15:09 Nothing certain but death and taxes.

15:09 Nothing certain but death and taxes. Barstow could always spring back. And it

15:11 Barstow could always spring back. And it

15:11 Barstow could always spring back. And it is still a classic Route 66 stop, which

15:13 is still a classic Route 66 stop, which

15:13 is still a classic Route 66 stop, which is why they've got things like this, the

15:15 is why they've got things like this, the

15:15 is why they've got things like this, the Route 66 Motel. Now, I've never stayed

15:19 Route 66 Motel. Now, I've never stayed

15:19 Route 66 Motel. Now, I've never stayed out here at the Route 66 Motel, mostly

15:22 out here at the Route 66 Motel, mostly

15:22 out here at the Route 66 Motel, mostly because I only live like 2 hours from

15:24 because I only live like 2 hours from

15:24 because I only live like 2 hours from here, right? So, why would I bed down in

15:26 here, right? So, why would I bed down in

15:26 here, right? So, why would I bed down in Barstow? Whenever I drive by, I always

15:28 Barstow? Whenever I drive by, I always

15:28 Barstow? Whenever I drive by, I always love that they've got all these old

15:30 love that they've got all these old

15:30 love that they've got all these old classic cars out here. Lots to look at

15:32 classic cars out here. Lots to look at

15:32 classic cars out here. Lots to look at and take fun pics with. Now, this is

15:34 and take fun pics with. Now, this is

15:34 and take fun pics with. Now, this is sort of the

15:35 sort of the

15:35 sort of the local old west history out here. Look at

15:38 local old west history out here. Look at

15:38 local old west history out here. Look at them logs. Hey, somebody had to drag

15:39 them logs. Hey, somebody had to drag

15:39 them logs. Hey, somebody had to drag those telegraph poles and telephone

15:41 those telegraph poles and telephone

15:41 those telegraph poles and telephone poles out through the desert. All up and

15:42 poles out through the desert. All up and

15:42 poles out through the desert. All up and down Route 66, you had hundreds,

15:45 down Route 66, you had hundreds,

15:45 down Route 66, you had hundreds, thousands of motels built along the

15:48 thousands of motels built along the

15:48 thousands of motels built along the corridor between Los Angeles and

15:50 corridor between Los Angeles and

15:50 corridor between Los Angeles and Chicago. Because especially in 1926,

15:54 Chicago. Because especially in 1926,

15:54 Chicago. Because especially in 1926, when the route started, a motel wasn't

15:56 when the route started, a motel wasn't

15:56 when the route started, a motel wasn't even something people had thought of,

15:58 even something people had thought of,

15:58 even something people had thought of, right? A lot of people just camped next

15:59 right? A lot of people just camped next

15:59 right? A lot of people just camped next to their Model T if they couldn't get

16:00 to their Model T if they couldn't get

16:00 to their Model T if they couldn't get into a town that had an established

16:02 into a town that had an established

16:02 into a town that had an established old-school hotel. auto campground, the

16:05 old-school hotel. auto campground, the

16:05 old-school hotel. auto campground, the little auto cottages, the auto courts,

16:09 little auto cottages, the auto courts,

16:09 little auto cottages, the auto courts, which are sort of like little cottages

16:11 which are sort of like little cottages

16:11 which are sort of like little cottages with maybe garages attached, and then

16:12 with maybe garages attached, and then

16:12 with maybe garages attached, and then eventually the classic roadside motel.

16:15 eventually the classic roadside motel.

16:15 eventually the classic roadside motel. Those things were all invented to cater

16:17 Those things were all invented to cater

16:17 Those things were all invented to cater to travelers on that original US highway

16:20 to travelers on that original US highway

16:20 to travelers on that original US highway system. From that time, the 1920s

16:22 system. From that time, the 1920s

16:22 system. From that time, the 1920s through basically the 1950s, maybe into

16:24 through basically the 1950s, maybe into

16:24 through basically the 1950s, maybe into the 1970s, that was sort of the heyday

16:27 the 1970s, that was sort of the heyday

16:27 the 1970s, that was sort of the heyday of the American road trip. They were

16:28 of the American road trip. They were

16:28 of the American road trip. They were very popular. That's what families did

16:30 very popular. That's what families did

16:30 very popular. That's what families did until airfare got cheaper, gas got more

16:32 until airfare got cheaper, gas got more

16:32 until airfare got cheaper, gas got more expensive, and then the kind of family

16:34 expensive, and then the kind of family

16:34 expensive, and then the kind of family road trip sort of died off as a cultural

16:37 road trip sort of died off as a cultural

16:37 road trip sort of died off as a cultural institution. Meaning over time, you

16:38 institution. Meaning over time, you

16:38 institution. Meaning over time, you needed less and less motels along the

16:41 needed less and less motels along the

16:41 needed less and less motels along the highways. Cars could go a lot further on

16:43 highways. Cars could go a lot further on

16:43 highways. Cars could go a lot further on a tank of gas, all that kind of stuff.

16:45 a tank of gas, all that kind of stuff.

16:45 a tank of gas, all that kind of stuff. So, nowadays, you have hundreds, even

16:46 So, nowadays, you have hundreds, even

16:46 So, nowadays, you have hundreds, even thousands of old motels just abandoned

16:48 thousands of old motels just abandoned

16:48 thousands of old motels just abandoned across America, turned into old

16:50 across America, turned into old

16:50 across America, turned into old apartments, or just kind of rotting out

16:51 apartments, or just kind of rotting out

16:51 apartments, or just kind of rotting out there, or turned into crappy discount

16:53 there, or turned into crappy discount

16:53 there, or turned into crappy discount motels. But then you have these all up

16:56 motels. But then you have these all up

16:56 motels. But then you have these all up and down the Mother Road, old converted

16:59 and down the Mother Road, old converted

16:59 and down the Mother Road, old converted auto courts, much like this one. You can

17:01 auto courts, much like this one. You can

17:01 auto courts, much like this one. You can see there's a couple of the original

17:03 see there's a couple of the original

17:03 see there's a couple of the original garages preserved. Each level would have

17:05 garages preserved. Each level would have

17:05 garages preserved. Each level would have had its garage and its hotel room.

17:07 had its garage and its hotel room.

17:07 had its garage and its hotel room. Later, most of the garages were walled

17:08 Later, most of the garages were walled

17:09 Later, most of the garages were walled in and turned into second rooms, right?

17:11 in and turned into second rooms, right?

17:11 in and turned into second rooms, right? So, they could double the occupancy, and

17:13 So, they could double the occupancy, and

17:13 So, they could double the occupancy, and you just park your car outside in the

17:14 you just park your car outside in the

17:14 you just park your car outside in the parking lot. So, I love whenever some of

17:16 parking lot. So, I love whenever some of

17:17 parking lot. So, I love whenever some of these original auto court garages

17:19 these original auto court garages

17:19 these original auto court garages survive and they put old cars into them

17:21 survive and they put old cars into them

17:21 survive and they put old cars into them or like this, old photos on the wall,

17:24 or like this, old photos on the wall,

17:24 or like this, old photos on the wall, old displays for people to check out.

17:26 old displays for people to check out.

17:26 old displays for people to check out. Yeah, as I was saying, all up and down

17:28 Yeah, as I was saying, all up and down

17:28 Yeah, as I was saying, all up and down the mother road today, you have all

17:29 the mother road today, you have all

17:29 the mother road today, you have all kinds of preserved old auto courts and

17:31 kinds of preserved old auto courts and

17:31 kinds of preserved old auto courts and motels, some that never went out of

17:33 motels, some that never went out of

17:33 motels, some that never went out of business, right? They were lovingly

17:34 business, right? They were lovingly

17:34 business, right? They were lovingly preserved by staying in operation and

17:36 preserved by staying in operation and

17:36 preserved by staying in operation and others that were revived over the years

17:39 others that were revived over the years

17:39 others that were revived over the years to cater to the Route 66 traveler. And

17:41 to cater to the Route 66 traveler. And

17:41 to cater to the Route 66 traveler. And this one right here, the Route 66 Motel

17:43 this one right here, the Route 66 Motel

17:43 this one right here, the Route 66 Motel in Barstow, is usually a classic right

17:46 in Barstow, is usually a classic right

17:46 in Barstow, is usually a classic right before you make your way down into LA

17:48 before you make your way down into LA

17:48 before you make your way down into LA stop for a lot of travelers coming from

17:51 stop for a lot of travelers coming from

17:51 stop for a lot of travelers coming from Chicago. Like I said, I've never

17:52 Chicago. Like I said, I've never

17:52 Chicago. Like I said, I've never personally stayed out here at this one.

17:54 personally stayed out here at this one.

17:54 personally stayed out here at this one. I'd like to you sometime. I've never

17:55 I'd like to you sometime. I've never

17:55 I'd like to you sometime. I've never seen the insides of the rooms, which by

17:57 seen the insides of the rooms, which by

17:57 seen the insides of the rooms, which by the way, all have little Route 66

17:59 the way, all have little Route 66

17:59 the way, all have little Route 66 plaques

18:01 plaques

18:01 plaques as kind of the door numbers right there.

18:02 as kind of the door numbers right there.

18:02 as kind of the door numbers right there. Look at that. I have heard good things

18:03 Look at that. I have heard good things

18:03 Look at that. I have heard good things and I love any old roadside motel like

18:06 and I love any old roadside motel like

18:07 and I love any old roadside motel like this that puts out old cars, old signs,

18:09 this that puts out old cars, old signs,

18:09 this that puts out old cars, old signs, old gas pumps, and gives you a little

18:11 old gas pumps, and gives you a little

18:11 old gas pumps, and gives you a little flavor of the old heyday of the American

18:16 flavor of the old heyday of the American

18:16 flavor of the old heyday of the American road trip. Look at that car right there.

18:18 road trip. Look at that car right there.

18:18 road trip. Look at that car right there. That is gorgeous.

18:19 That is gorgeous.

18:19 That is gorgeous. Look at the tail on her. Look at those

18:21 Look at the tail on her. Look at those

18:21 Look at the tail on her. Look at those beautiful

18:22 beautiful

18:23 beautiful fins. Look at the tail lights.

18:25 fins. Look at the tail lights.

18:25 fins. Look at the tail lights. How sick is that?

18:27 How sick is that?

18:27 How sick is that? Very Jetsons, very atomic age. Anyway,

18:30 Very Jetsons, very atomic age. Anyway,

18:30 Very Jetsons, very atomic age. Anyway, I'm getting distracted by the old cars

18:32 I'm getting distracted by the old cars

18:32 I'm getting distracted by the old cars and the hand-painted murals outside

18:35 and the hand-painted murals outside

18:35 and the hand-painted murals outside along old Route 66 out here on the

18:37 along old Route 66 out here on the

18:37 along old Route 66 out here on the street. Route 66 is mural crazy, right?

18:40 street. Route 66 is mural crazy, right?

18:40 street. Route 66 is mural crazy, right? You always have the eight states of

18:42 You always have the eight states of

18:42 You always have the eight states of Route 66 in mural form. Illinois,

18:44 Route 66 in mural form. Illinois,

18:44 Route 66 in mural form. Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and

18:46 Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and

18:47 Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, Arizona,

18:50 New Mexico, Arizona,

18:50 New Mexico, Arizona, and California. You always see those

18:52 and California. You always see those

18:52 and California. You always see those states represented. You always see the

18:54 states represented. You always see the

18:54 states represented. You always see the highway, lots of recurring themes in

18:55 highway, lots of recurring themes in

18:56 highway, lots of recurring themes in Route 66 murals. Route 66 is mural crazy

18:58 Route 66 murals. Route 66 is mural crazy

18:58 Route 66 murals. Route 66 is mural crazy and I don't hate it. And the Route 66

19:00 and I don't hate it. And the Route 66

19:00 and I don't hate it. And the Route 66 Motel isn't the only game in Barstow.

19:02 Motel isn't the only game in Barstow.

19:02 Motel isn't the only game in Barstow. Look at this, you got the Torches next

19:04 Look at this, you got the Torches next

19:04 Look at this, you got the Torches next door over here. A little less

19:05 door over here. A little less

19:05 door over here. A little less interesting in terms of old cars parked

19:07 interesting in terms of old cars parked

19:07 interesting in terms of old cars parked inside, but the mural action out on the

19:09 inside, but the mural action out on the

19:09 inside, but the mural action out on the street is very good. Look at this guy on

19:12 street is very good. Look at this guy on

19:12 street is very good. Look at this guy on the bucking bronco right there. Then

19:14 the bucking bronco right there. Then

19:14 the bucking bronco right there. Then look at the mural on the side under the

19:16 look at the mural on the side under the

19:16 look at the mural on the side under the old water wagon Main Street USA from

19:20 old water wagon Main Street USA from

19:20 old water wagon Main Street USA from Chicago to LA. Anyway, as I said, I'm

19:24 Chicago to LA. Anyway, as I said, I'm

19:24 Chicago to LA. Anyway, as I said, I'm getting distracted by the old neon signs

19:26 getting distracted by the old neon signs

19:26 getting distracted by the old neon signs of the old roadside motels. We still got

19:28 of the old roadside motels. We still got

19:28 of the old roadside motels. We still got a lot of ground to cover and this isn't

19:29 a lot of ground to cover and this isn't

19:29 a lot of ground to cover and this isn't even what I stopped in Barstow for. So I

19:31 even what I stopped in Barstow for. So I

19:31 even what I stopped in Barstow for. So I guess we better skurry on to our next

19:33 guess we better skurry on to our next

19:33 guess we better skurry on to our next destination. It's just outside of the

19:35 destination. It's just outside of the

19:35 destination. It's just outside of the old downtown Barstow proper just across

19:37 old downtown Barstow proper just across

19:38 old downtown Barstow proper just across the tracks as a matter of fact. It's not

19:39 the tracks as a matter of fact. It's not

19:39 the tracks as a matter of fact. It's not only the one of the wonders of the

19:41 only the one of the wonders of the

19:41 only the one of the wonders of the mother road, but a place I always stop

19:44 mother road, but a place I always stop

19:44 mother road, but a place I always stop at before I begin my big Route 66

19:46 at before I begin my big Route 66

19:46 at before I begin my big Route 66 journeys. Casa del Desierto. This is an

19:50 journeys. Casa del Desierto. This is an

19:50 journeys. Casa del Desierto. This is an old historic Harvey House. Harvey Houses

19:52 old historic Harvey House. Harvey Houses

19:52 old historic Harvey House. Harvey Houses were sort of the big fancy railroad

19:54 were sort of the big fancy railroad

19:54 were sort of the big fancy railroad hotels and stations scattered along the

19:57 hotels and stations scattered along the

19:57 hotels and stations scattered along the route by a guy named Fred Harvey in

19:59 route by a guy named Fred Harvey in

19:59 route by a guy named Fred Harvey in partnership with the Atchison, Topeka

20:01 partnership with the Atchison, Topeka

20:01 partnership with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. He's sort of the

20:03 and Santa Fe Railroad. He's sort of the

20:03 and Santa Fe Railroad. He's sort of the man responsible from turning rail travel

20:05 man responsible from turning rail travel

20:05 man responsible from turning rail travel into this haphazard kind of dirty thing

20:08 into this haphazard kind of dirty thing

20:08 into this haphazard kind of dirty thing into a very fine luxury style of travel

20:12 into a very fine luxury style of travel

20:12 into a very fine luxury style of travel that would serve only the finest foods

20:13 that would serve only the finest foods

20:13 that would serve only the finest foods in the Harvey House restaurants. They

20:15 in the Harvey House restaurants. They

20:15 in the Harvey House restaurants. They promoted a lot of the early Southwestern

20:17 promoted a lot of the early Southwestern

20:17 promoted a lot of the early Southwestern tourism to places like the Grand Canyon

20:20 tourism to places like the Grand Canyon

20:20 tourism to places like the Grand Canyon or a lot of the stops that would

20:21 or a lot of the stops that would

20:21 or a lot of the stops that would eventually become part of Route 66,

20:23 eventually become part of Route 66,

20:23 eventually become part of Route 66, right? Santa Fe, New Mexico for example.

20:25 right? Santa Fe, New Mexico for example.

20:25 right? Santa Fe, New Mexico for example. And most importantly, instead of showing

20:26 And most importantly, instead of showing

20:26 And most importantly, instead of showing up at some old dilapidated Old West

20:29 up at some old dilapidated Old West

20:29 up at some old dilapidated Old West Hotel full of dudes spitting in

20:30 Hotel full of dudes spitting in

20:30 Hotel full of dudes spitting in spittoons, the Harvey Houses were

20:32 spittoons, the Harvey Houses were

20:32 spittoons, the Harvey Houses were famously staffed by young women in

20:35 famously staffed by young women in

20:35 famously staffed by young women in particular, beautiful young women known

20:37 particular, beautiful young women known

20:37 particular, beautiful young women known as the Harvey Girls in spotless black

20:40 as the Harvey Girls in spotless black

20:40 as the Harvey Girls in spotless black and white uniforms. London just went

20:42 and white uniforms. London just went

20:42 and white uniforms. London just went inside to uh look for a a Harvey Girl.

20:44 inside to uh look for a a Harvey Girl.

20:44 inside to uh look for a a Harvey Girl. He is in fact single ladies. Alas

20:46 He is in fact single ladies. Alas

20:46 He is in fact single ladies. Alas though, the Harvey Girls are a thing of

20:48 though, the Harvey Girls are a thing of

20:48 though, the Harvey Girls are a thing of the past. There's some kind of event

20:49 the past. There's some kind of event

20:49 the past. There's some kind of event going on inside this some kind of

20:50 going on inside this some kind of

20:50 going on inside this some kind of birthday party or something for other

20:52 birthday party or something for other

20:52 birthday party or something for other girls. So we're not going to poke our

20:54 girls. So we're not going to poke our

20:54 girls. So we're not going to poke our nose into that. But look at this on the

20:55 nose into that. But look at this on the

20:55 nose into that. But look at this on the outside, they got some pictures some of

20:57 outside, they got some pictures some of

20:57 outside, they got some pictures some of the Harvey Girls in their beautiful

20:59 the Harvey Girls in their beautiful

20:59 the Harvey Girls in their beautiful uniforms. And there's Fred Harvey in all

21:02 uniforms. And there's Fred Harvey in all

21:02 uniforms. And there's Fred Harvey in all his pixelated glory right there in the

21:05 his pixelated glory right there in the

21:05 his pixelated glory right there in the window. Obviously passenger train travel

21:07 window. Obviously passenger train travel

21:07 window. Obviously passenger train travel was a big deal all the way up through

21:08 was a big deal all the way up through

21:08 was a big deal all the way up through both World Wars and then even into the

21:11 both World Wars and then even into the

21:11 both World Wars and then even into the 1950s and 60s. A lot of people who did

21:13 1950s and 60s. A lot of people who did

21:13 1950s and 60s. A lot of people who did their cross-country traveling by train.

21:16 their cross-country traveling by train.

21:16 their cross-country traveling by train. But really, things like Route 66 and the

21:17 But really, things like Route 66 and the

21:17 But really, things like Route 66 and the Great American Road Trip did slowly

21:20 Great American Road Trip did slowly

21:20 Great American Road Trip did slowly start to kill off railroad travel and

21:22 start to kill off railroad travel and

21:22 start to kill off railroad travel and things like the Harvey Houses. You

21:24 things like the Harvey Houses. You

21:24 things like the Harvey Houses. You didn't even know this is used as sort of

21:25 didn't even know this is used as sort of

21:25 didn't even know this is used as sort of an event center and also has an Amtrak

21:27 an event center and also has an Amtrak

21:27 an event center and also has an Amtrak station today in 2026. Ironically, it

21:29 station today in 2026. Ironically, it

21:29 station today in 2026. Ironically, it gets a

21:31 gets a

21:31 gets a a massive bulk of its visitors from

21:33 a massive bulk of its visitors from

21:33 a massive bulk of its visitors from Route 66 travelers. Anyway, normally

21:36 Route 66 travelers. Anyway, normally

21:36 Route 66 travelers. Anyway, normally when there's not some kind of private

21:37 when there's not some kind of private

21:37 when there's not some kind of private event kind of private party going on

21:39 event kind of private party going on

21:39 event kind of private party going on here, you can kind of wander around

21:41 here, you can kind of wander around

21:41 here, you can kind of wander around inside the station. They got a lot of

21:42 inside the station. They got a lot of

21:42 inside the station. They got a lot of information about Harvey Houses and the

21:44 information about Harvey Houses and the

21:44 information about Harvey Houses and the Harvey Girls. As you can see, there's a

21:45 Harvey Girls. As you can see, there's a

21:45 Harvey Girls. As you can see, there's a whole bunch of ancillary buildings here,

21:47 whole bunch of ancillary buildings here,

21:47 whole bunch of ancillary buildings here, right? Like there's a whole bunch of

21:48 right? Like there's a whole bunch of

21:48 right? Like there's a whole bunch of extra space that they are not using

21:51 extra space that they are not using

21:51 extra space that they are not using today for a train station. And the other

21:53 today for a train station. And the other

21:53 today for a train station. And the other reason that this location became famous

21:56 reason that this location became famous

21:56 reason that this location became famous for Route 66 travelers that for many

21:58 for Route 66 travelers that for many

21:58 for Route 66 travelers that for many years the old railroad station held

22:01 years the old railroad station held

22:01 years the old railroad station held inside of it the Barstow Route 66

22:03 inside of it the Barstow Route 66

22:03 inside of it the Barstow Route 66 Museum. But when London and I came here

22:05 Museum. But when London and I came here

22:05 Museum. But when London and I came here in 2024, the Route 66 Mother Road

22:09 in 2024, the Route 66 Mother Road

22:09 in 2024, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, as it was called, was all closed

22:12 Museum, as it was called, was all closed

22:12 Museum, as it was called, was all closed down and abandoned. So, of course, on

22:14 down and abandoned. So, of course, on

22:14 down and abandoned. So, of course, on our first adventure in 2024 when we did

22:17 our first adventure in 2024 when we did

22:17 our first adventure in 2024 when we did the whole of Route 66 back and forth

22:20 the whole of Route 66 back and forth

22:20 the whole of Route 66 back and forth before he graduated high school, one of

22:22 before he graduated high school, one of

22:22 before he graduated high school, one of our first episodes had to start with uh

22:24 our first episodes had to start with uh

22:24 our first episodes had to start with uh what a bummer, Barstow has closed their

22:26 what a bummer, Barstow has closed their

22:26 what a bummer, Barstow has closed their Route 66 Museum. But now, look at this.

22:29 Route 66 Museum. But now, look at this.

22:29 Route 66 Museum. But now, look at this. In the very same space where 2 years ago

22:32 In the very same space where 2 years ago

22:32 In the very same space where 2 years ago it permanently closed, the Mother Road

22:34 it permanently closed, the Mother Road

22:34 it permanently closed, the Mother Road Museum has reopened in time for the

22:37 Museum has reopened in time for the

22:37 Museum has reopened in time for the centennial year, the 100th anniversary

22:39 centennial year, the 100th anniversary

22:39 centennial year, the 100th anniversary of Route 66. And peeking through the

22:41 of Route 66. And peeking through the

22:41 of Route 66. And peeking through the window here, you can see once again that

22:43 window here, you can see once again that

22:43 window here, you can see once again that it is full of old historic cars and

22:45 it is full of old historic cars and

22:45 it is full of old historic cars and wagons and all kinds of historical

22:47 wagons and all kinds of historical

22:47 wagons and all kinds of historical information about the Mother Road.

22:49 information about the Mother Road.

22:49 information about the Mother Road. Unfortunately, although there's an open

22:51 Unfortunately, although there's an open

22:51 Unfortunately, although there's an open flag in the window over there, we did

22:54 flag in the window over there, we did

22:54 flag in the window over there, we did reach this museum far too late to go

22:56 reach this museum far too late to go

22:57 reach this museum far too late to go inside today. But here's the good thing,

22:59 inside today. But here's the good thing,

22:59 inside today. But here's the good thing, right? We live in Southern California.

23:00 right? We live in Southern California.

23:00 right? We live in Southern California. We're leaving to head to Chicago. And of

23:02 We're leaving to head to Chicago. And of

23:02 We're leaving to head to Chicago. And of course we're going to have to travel

23:04 course we're going to have to travel

23:04 course we're going to have to travel back to Southern California cuz that is

23:05 back to Southern California cuz that is

23:05 back to Southern California cuz that is our home. So we've got more chances. I

23:07 our home. So we've got more chances. I

23:07 our home. So we've got more chances. I just think it's ironic that even when

23:09 just think it's ironic that even when

23:09 just think it's ironic that even when it's reopened, the museum is closed when

23:11 it's reopened, the museum is closed when

23:11 it's reopened, the museum is closed when London and I come through town once

23:13 London and I come through town once

23:13 London and I come through town once again. Oh well, that's our own fault.

23:14 again. Oh well, that's our own fault.

23:14 again. Oh well, that's our own fault. And by the way, getting over here from

23:15 And by the way, getting over here from

23:15 And by the way, getting over here from modern downtown Barstow and from the uh

23:18 modern downtown Barstow and from the uh

23:19 modern downtown Barstow and from the uh popular Route 66 portion of Barstow, you

23:21 popular Route 66 portion of Barstow, you

23:21 popular Route 66 portion of Barstow, you have to cross over this bridge. If you

23:23 have to cross over this bridge. If you

23:23 have to cross over this bridge. If you saw my previous end-to-end Route 66

23:25 saw my previous end-to-end Route 66

23:25 saw my previous end-to-end Route 66 series going all the way back to 2017,

23:27 series going all the way back to 2017,

23:27 series going all the way back to 2017, '18, '19, whenever I filmed the other

23:29 '18, '19, whenever I filmed the other

23:29 '18, '19, whenever I filmed the other Route 66 adventures out this way and

23:31 Route 66 adventures out this way and

23:31 Route 66 adventures out this way and came out to the Casa del Desierto, we

23:33 came out to the Casa del Desierto, we

23:33 came out to the Casa del Desierto, we had to cross the rickety-est, scariest

23:36 had to cross the rickety-est, scariest

23:36 had to cross the rickety-est, scariest old metal bridge ever in the history of

23:39 old metal bridge ever in the history of

23:39 old metal bridge ever in the history of the universe. The First Avenue Bridge

23:42 the universe. The First Avenue Bridge

23:42 the universe. The First Avenue Bridge built sometime in the early 1930s.

23:45 built sometime in the early 1930s.

23:45 built sometime in the early 1930s. One of the original Route 66 bridges

23:47 One of the original Route 66 bridges

23:47 One of the original Route 66 bridges that crossed, specifically, the tracks

23:49 that crossed, specifically, the tracks

23:49 that crossed, specifically, the tracks here. It was sort of one of the key

23:51 here. It was sort of one of the key

23:51 here. It was sort of one of the key features of the area. But now look at

23:53 features of the area. But now look at

23:53 features of the area. But now look at this, they've replaced it with this new,

23:55 this, they've replaced it with this new,

23:55 this, they've replaced it with this new, impressive, modern, open-topped concrete

23:59 impressive, modern, open-topped concrete

23:59 impressive, modern, open-topped concrete bridge. Apparently, the old metal bridge

24:01 bridge. Apparently, the old metal bridge

24:01 bridge. Apparently, the old metal bridge could not be preserved except for a big

24:04 could not be preserved except for a big

24:04 could not be preserved except for a big old chunk of it which now sits alongside

24:08 old chunk of it which now sits alongside

24:08 old chunk of it which now sits alongside the Casa del Desierto

24:10 the Casa del Desierto

24:10 the Casa del Desierto right here along the tracks in Barstow.

24:13 right here along the tracks in Barstow.

24:13 right here along the tracks in Barstow. Just a couple of feet from the old Route

24:15 Just a couple of feet from the old Route

24:15 Just a couple of feet from the old Route 66 Museum. Dude, and that was a busy

24:17 66 Museum. Dude, and that was a busy

24:17 66 Museum. Dude, and that was a busy bridge and very narrow. It also felt

24:20 bridge and very narrow. It also felt

24:20 bridge and very narrow. It also felt very short when you were driving across

24:21 very short when you were driving across

24:21 very short when you were driving across it. That uh that top metal bar felt

24:23 it. That uh that top metal bar felt

24:23 it. That uh that top metal bar felt closer to your head than it looks like

24:25 closer to your head than it looks like

24:25 closer to your head than it looks like as I'm standing out here. Anyway, it was

24:26 as I'm standing out here. Anyway, it was

24:26 as I'm standing out here. Anyway, it was not the kind of bridge that you could

24:27 not the kind of bridge that you could

24:27 not the kind of bridge that you could get out and just walk on, right? Or stop

24:29 get out and just walk on, right? Or stop

24:29 get out and just walk on, right? Or stop and look at. It always felt so rickety

24:30 and look at. It always felt so rickety

24:30 and look at. It always felt so rickety and sketchy. And like I'll tell you, now

24:33 and sketchy. And like I'll tell you, now

24:33 and sketchy. And like I'll tell you, now getting uh getting up close and personal

24:34 getting uh getting up close and personal

24:34 getting uh getting up close and personal with it, it doesn't look any safer to me

24:37 with it, it doesn't look any safer to me

24:37 with it, it doesn't look any safer to me uh than it was then. I can see all kinds

24:38 uh than it was then. I can see all kinds

24:38 uh than it was then. I can see all kinds of stress cracks and and things in it. A

24:41 of stress cracks and and things in it. A

24:41 of stress cracks and and things in it. A lot of rust. I mean, I'm sure it was

24:42 lot of rust. I mean, I'm sure it was

24:42 lot of rust. I mean, I'm sure it was solid. There were still trucks driving

24:44 solid. There were still trucks driving

24:44 solid. There were still trucks driving over it and everything. But uh yeah, I'm

24:46 over it and everything. But uh yeah, I'm

24:46 over it and everything. But uh yeah, I'm not a big fan of bridges like that. You

24:47 not a big fan of bridges like that. You

24:47 not a big fan of bridges like that. You know, hanging out in the Bay Area or

24:48 know, hanging out in the Bay Area or

24:48 know, hanging out in the Bay Area or driving over the Chesapeake Bay or any

24:50 driving over the Chesapeake Bay or any

24:50 driving over the Chesapeake Bay or any of those going to New York, any of those

24:52 of those going to New York, any of those

24:52 of those going to New York, any of those big bridges uh

24:53 big bridges uh

24:53 big bridges uh still to this day, they freak me right

24:55 still to this day, they freak me right

24:55 still to this day, they freak me right the heck out. I don't know what it is.

24:56 the heck out. I don't know what it is.

24:56 the heck out. I don't know what it is. Some kind of weird bridge vertigo.

24:58 Some kind of weird bridge vertigo.

24:58 Some kind of weird bridge vertigo. Anyway, just wanted to make sure I

24:59 Anyway, just wanted to make sure I

24:59 Anyway, just wanted to make sure I stopped here. One, to point out

25:01 stopped here. One, to point out

25:01 stopped here. One, to point out this cool piece of bridge that's left

25:03 this cool piece of bridge that's left

25:03 this cool piece of bridge that's left over, a little piece of Route 66 history

25:05 over, a little piece of Route 66 history

25:05 over, a little piece of Route 66 history over there. Two, to let you know that

25:07 over there. Two, to let you know that

25:07 over there. Two, to let you know that the Mother Road Museum did in fact

25:09 the Mother Road Museum did in fact

25:09 the Mother Road Museum did in fact reopen here at Casa del Desierto. And

25:11 reopen here at Casa del Desierto. And

25:11 reopen here at Casa del Desierto. And three, just kind of lay out the

25:12 three, just kind of lay out the

25:13 three, just kind of lay out the introduction here of this particular

25:15 introduction here of this particular

25:15 introduction here of this particular Route 66 trip. As I just mentioned,

25:17 Route 66 trip. As I just mentioned,

25:17 Route 66 trip. As I just mentioned, we've done many other end-to-end Route

25:18 we've done many other end-to-end Route

25:18 we've done many other end-to-end Route 66 trips in the past, got into all kinds

25:21 66 trips in the past, got into all kinds

25:21 66 trips in the past, got into all kinds of histories and mysteries of the Mother

25:22 of histories and mysteries of the Mother

25:23 of histories and mysteries of the Mother Road, which we're going to continue to

25:24 Road, which we're going to continue to

25:24 Road, which we're going to continue to do until I am no longer physically

25:26 do until I am no longer physically

25:26 do until I am no longer physically capable. This particular trip, we're

25:27 capable. This particular trip, we're

25:27 capable. This particular trip, we're winging it just a little bit. We want to

25:28 winging it just a little bit. We want to

25:28 winging it just a little bit. We want to see what it's like traveling down the

25:31 see what it's like traveling down the

25:31 see what it's like traveling down the Mother Road as a tourist in the year

25:33 Mother Road as a tourist in the year

25:33 Mother Road as a tourist in the year 2026 in the 100th anniversary. Document

25:35 2026 in the 100th anniversary. Document

25:35 2026 in the 100th anniversary. Document the experience, see what's changed,

25:36 the experience, see what's changed,

25:36 the experience, see what's changed, what's updated, what's new, what's old.

25:38 what's updated, what's new, what's old.

25:38 what's updated, what's new, what's old. I just wanted to stop here in Barstow to

25:40 I just wanted to stop here in Barstow to

25:40 I just wanted to stop here in Barstow to say that if it seems like we're skipping

25:42 say that if it seems like we're skipping

25:42 say that if it seems like we're skipping over a lot of the California portion,

25:43 over a lot of the California portion,

25:43 over a lot of the California portion, that's because we're going to come back

25:44 that's because we're going to come back

25:44 that's because we're going to come back this way and I live here. Sure it's the

25:46 this way and I live here. Sure it's the

25:46 this way and I live here. Sure it's the same way for Route 66 travelers who live

25:48 same way for Route 66 travelers who live

25:48 same way for Route 66 travelers who live in Chicago, right? They can't wait to

25:50 in Chicago, right? They can't wait to

25:50 in Chicago, right? They can't wait to get out of the Chicagoland area and get

25:52 get out of the Chicagoland area and get

25:52 get out of the Chicagoland area and get out on the open road. That's also what

25:53 out on the open road. That's also what

25:53 out on the open road. That's also what it's like for those of us who live in

25:54 it's like for those of us who live in

25:54 it's like for those of us who live in LA, right? We can't wait to get out of

25:55 LA, right? We can't wait to get out of

25:56 LA, right? We can't wait to get out of that LA traffic, put some desert miles

25:58 that LA traffic, put some desert miles

25:58 that LA traffic, put some desert miles under our tires. By the way, real

25:59 under our tires. By the way, real

25:59 under our tires. By the way, real quickly, I should mention that the Casa

26:01 quickly, I should mention that the Casa

26:01 quickly, I should mention that the Casa del Desierto, the old Barstow Harvey

26:03 del Desierto, the old Barstow Harvey

26:03 del Desierto, the old Barstow Harvey House, has also got a railroad museum

26:05 House, has also got a railroad museum

26:05 House, has also got a railroad museum inside of it, as well as a parking lot

26:07 inside of it, as well as a parking lot

26:07 inside of it, as well as a parking lot that is open basically 24 hours a day

26:09 that is open basically 24 hours a day

26:09 that is open basically 24 hours a day with tons and tons of rolling stock and

26:13 with tons and tons of rolling stock and

26:13 with tons and tons of rolling stock and old locomotives you can climb all over

26:15 old locomotives you can climb all over

26:15 old locomotives you can climb all over out here. Well, you used to be able to

26:17 out here. Well, you used to be able to

26:17 out here. Well, you used to be able to climb all over out here and at most

26:19 climb all over out here and at most

26:19 climb all over out here and at most reasonable times of the day, the station

26:21 reasonable times of the day, the station

26:21 reasonable times of the day, the station building itself is open for a clean

26:22 building itself is open for a clean

26:23 building itself is open for a clean restroom and it's a good stop. Any given

26:25 restroom and it's a good stop. Any given

26:25 restroom and it's a good stop. Any given point when you're traveling through

26:26 point when you're traveling through

26:26 point when you're traveling through either on your way back and forth to Las

26:28 either on your way back and forth to Las

26:28 either on your way back and forth to Las Vegas or coming out on a Route 66 trip,

26:30 Vegas or coming out on a Route 66 trip,

26:30 Vegas or coming out on a Route 66 trip, capture a little bit of the romance of

26:32 capture a little bit of the romance of

26:32 capture a little bit of the romance of the West, you know, cuz after all, it

26:35 the West, you know, cuz after all, it

26:35 the West, you know, cuz after all, it was the railroad that built the West in

26:36 was the railroad that built the West in

26:36 was the railroad that built the West in a sense. Although, you know, yeah, the

26:37 a sense. Although, you know, yeah, the

26:37 a sense. Although, you know, yeah, the covered wagon pioneers would have

26:39 covered wagon pioneers would have

26:39 covered wagon pioneers would have something to say about that. Most of

26:40 something to say about that. Most of

26:40 something to say about that. Most of Route 66 does indeed follow the old

26:43 Route 66 does indeed follow the old

26:43 Route 66 does indeed follow the old railroad tracks that paved the way for

26:45 railroad tracks that paved the way for

26:45 railroad tracks that paved the way for the automobile traffic of the future.

26:47 the automobile traffic of the future.

26:47 the automobile traffic of the future. Plus, who doesn't love checking out a

26:49 Plus, who doesn't love checking out a

26:49 Plus, who doesn't love checking out a good caboose. Anyway, full disclosure, I

26:51 good caboose. Anyway, full disclosure, I

26:51 good caboose. Anyway, full disclosure, I was actually tempted to just start the

26:53 was actually tempted to just start the

26:53 was actually tempted to just start the camera rolling once we got to Arizona

26:54 camera rolling once we got to Arizona

26:54 camera rolling once we got to Arizona and skip over California entirely on our

26:57 and skip over California entirely on our

26:57 and skip over California entirely on our way out and just save it all for the way

26:58 way out and just save it all for the way

26:58 way out and just save it all for the way back. But, I'm glad that we've stopped

27:00 back. But, I'm glad that we've stopped

27:00 back. But, I'm glad that we've stopped to spend some time together here on

27:02 to spend some time together here on

27:02 to spend some time together here on California's portion of Route 66. Even

27:04 California's portion of Route 66. Even

27:04 California's portion of Route 66. Even though we did get sort of started a

27:06 though we did get sort of started a

27:06 though we did get sort of started a little later than I usually like to head

27:08 little later than I usually like to head

27:08 little later than I usually like to head out in the morning. The only bummer is,

27:10 out in the morning. The only bummer is,

27:10 out in the morning. The only bummer is, London, I feel like you're faded to

27:11 London, I feel like you're faded to

27:11 London, I feel like you're faded to never see the inside of the Barstow

27:13 never see the inside of the Barstow

27:13 never see the inside of the Barstow Route 66 Museum.

27:15 Route 66 Museum.

27:15 Route 66 Museum. >> Why not?

27:15 >> Why not?

27:16 >> Why not? >> It's your destiny. It's always closed.

27:17 >> It's your destiny. It's always closed.

27:17 >> It's your destiny. It's always closed. Every time we come It's either closed

27:18 Every time we come It's either closed

27:18 Every time we come It's either closed permanently or reopened and then closed.

27:21 permanently or reopened and then closed.

27:21 permanently or reopened and then closed. Anyway, the sun is getting low in the

27:22 Anyway, the sun is getting low in the

27:22 Anyway, the sun is getting low in the sky, so speaking of getting some desert

27:24 sky, so speaking of getting some desert

27:24 sky, so speaking of getting some desert miles under our tires, we're going to

27:26 miles under our tires, we're going to

27:26 miles under our tires, we're going to leave beautiful downtown old town

27:28 leave beautiful downtown old town

27:28 leave beautiful downtown old town Barstow. And it does have its beautiful,

27:30 Barstow. And it does have its beautiful,

27:30 Barstow. And it does have its beautiful, charming, old portions. Get out in the

27:32 charming, old portions. Get out in the

27:32 charming, old portions. Get out in the desert, see what else we can see before

27:34 desert, see what else we can see before

27:34 desert, see what else we can see before the sun goes down entirely. Even though

27:36 the sun goes down entirely. Even though

27:36 the sun goes down entirely. Even though we are moving quickly through Southern

27:38 we are moving quickly through Southern

27:38 we are moving quickly through Southern California in this particular adventure,

27:40 California in this particular adventure,

27:40 California in this particular adventure, I was out here just about a month and a

27:41 I was out here just about a month and a

27:41 I was out here just about a month and a half ago or something like that doing a

27:43 half ago or something like that doing a

27:43 half ago or something like that doing a short Route 66 trip out to Arizona. got

27:46 short Route 66 trip out to Arizona. got

27:46 short Route 66 trip out to Arizona. got some recent episodes from this area,

27:47 some recent episodes from this area,

27:47 some recent episodes from this area, including about this the old Russian

27:49 including about this the old Russian

27:49 including about this the old Russian House California Welcome Center and

27:51 House California Welcome Center and

27:51 House California Welcome Center and Information Center located right across

27:54 Information Center located right across

27:54 Information Center located right across the street from one of the old original

27:56 the street from one of the old original

27:56 the street from one of the old original California Agricultural Inspection

27:59 California Agricultural Inspection

27:59 California Agricultural Inspection Stations along Route 66, right? So, they

28:00 Stations along Route 66, right? So, they

28:01 Stations along Route 66, right? So, they check you going out of California or

28:03 check you going out of California or

28:03 check you going out of California or into Southern California for, I don't

28:04 into Southern California for, I don't

28:04 into Southern California for, I don't know, invasive species, bugs, produce,

28:06 know, invasive species, bugs, produce,

28:06 know, invasive species, bugs, produce, whatever. Also famously at the

28:08 whatever. Also famously at the

28:08 whatever. Also famously at the agricultural stations is where they

28:10 agricultural stations is where they

28:10 agricultural stations is where they turned away a lot of the Okies fleeing

28:12 turned away a lot of the Okies fleeing

28:12 turned away a lot of the Okies fleeing the Dust Bowl. And we talked about these

28:14 the Dust Bowl. And we talked about these

28:14 the Dust Bowl. And we talked about these guys, the old prospector signs for

28:17 guys, the old prospector signs for

28:17 guys, the old prospector signs for Calico Ghost Town. They've been replaced

28:18 Calico Ghost Town. They've been replaced

28:18 Calico Ghost Town. They've been replaced by

28:19 by

28:19 by something very modern and some people

28:21 something very modern and some people

28:21 something very modern and some people say heinous and awful. I'm not saying

28:23 say heinous and awful. I'm not saying

28:23 say heinous and awful. I'm not saying that, but some people are definitely

28:24 that, but some people are definitely

28:24 that, but some people are definitely saying it, not me. We also showed a

28:25 saying it, not me. We also showed a

28:25 saying it, not me. We also showed a little bit of the old downtown mining

28:28 little bit of the old downtown mining

28:28 little bit of the old downtown mining town of Daggett. There are a lot of

28:29 town of Daggett. There are a lot of

28:29 town of Daggett. There are a lot of little one-off stops in the California

28:32 little one-off stops in the California

28:32 little one-off stops in the California desert along the old Mother Road, the

28:34 desert along the old Mother Road, the

28:34 desert along the old Mother Road, the old desert portions of Route 66.

28:36 old desert portions of Route 66.

28:36 old desert portions of Route 66. Unfortunately, a lot of the connecting

28:38 Unfortunately, a lot of the connecting

28:38 Unfortunately, a lot of the connecting segments of the old road are still

28:41 segments of the old road are still

28:41 segments of the old road are still closed to the public because of bridges

28:43 closed to the public because of bridges

28:43 closed to the public because of bridges that washed out during flooding several

28:45 that washed out during flooding several

28:45 that washed out during flooding several years ago. A lot of us thought they'd be

28:46 years ago. A lot of us thought they'd be

28:47 years ago. A lot of us thought they'd be back for the 100th anniversary, but and

28:48 back for the 100th anniversary, but and

28:48 back for the 100th anniversary, but and I say this with love for my home state

28:50 I say this with love for my home state

28:50 I say this with love for my home state as I am a Californian, California

28:53 as I am a Californian, California

28:53 as I am a Californian, California probably prioritizes Route 66 the least

28:57 probably prioritizes Route 66 the least

28:57 probably prioritizes Route 66 the least of any of the eight states that Route 66

28:59 of any of the eight states that Route 66

28:59 of any of the eight states that Route 66 goes across. It's not that there's no

29:01 goes across. It's not that there's no

29:01 goes across. It's not that there's no preservation or no fans of Route 66 and

29:04 preservation or no fans of Route 66 and

29:04 preservation or no fans of Route 66 and it's not that there aren't people

29:05 it's not that there aren't people

29:05 it's not that there aren't people working really hard to preserve it, but

29:06 working really hard to preserve it, but

29:06 working really hard to preserve it, but it probably has the least amount of

29:08 it probably has the least amount of

29:08 it probably has the least amount of preservation and it feels like the least

29:11 preservation and it feels like the least

29:11 preservation and it feels like the least amount of cooperation from the states

29:12 amount of cooperation from the states

29:12 amount of cooperation from the states and the counties and stuff like that.

29:14 and the counties and stuff like that.

29:14 and the counties and stuff like that. So, I don't know how long those portions

29:16 So, I don't know how long those portions

29:16 So, I don't know how long those portions of the road are going to be closed, but

29:17 of the road are going to be closed, but

29:17 of the road are going to be closed, but when they reopen, I would love to do an

29:19 when they reopen, I would love to do an

29:19 when they reopen, I would love to do an old road end to end in Southern

29:22 old road end to end in Southern

29:22 old road end to end in Southern California. So, much like this little

29:23 California. So, much like this little

29:23 California. So, much like this little romantic piece we're driving on now, it

29:25 romantic piece we're driving on now, it

29:25 romantic piece we're driving on now, it used to be full of little two-lane

29:26 used to be full of little two-lane

29:26 used to be full of little two-lane sections going a way out into the desert

29:29 sections going a way out into the desert

29:29 sections going a way out into the desert along the railroad tracks with a bunch

29:31 along the railroad tracks with a bunch

29:31 along the railroad tracks with a bunch of watering stops for the trains that

29:33 of watering stops for the trains that

29:33 of watering stops for the trains that started towns that then became kind of

29:36 started towns that then became kind of

29:36 started towns that then became kind of stops for the earliest Route 66

29:37 stops for the earliest Route 66

29:37 stops for the earliest Route 66 travelers that are now basically nothing

29:40 travelers that are now basically nothing

29:40 travelers that are now basically nothing out there. All right, well, we pushed

29:41 out there. All right, well, we pushed

29:41 out there. All right, well, we pushed the Route 66 fast forward button, which

29:43 the Route 66 fast forward button, which

29:43 the Route 66 fast forward button, which means we got on the Interstate for a

29:45 means we got on the Interstate for a

29:45 means we got on the Interstate for a while here, but that was not our fault

29:47 while here, but that was not our fault

29:47 while here, but that was not our fault cuz as I mentioned, so much of

29:48 cuz as I mentioned, so much of

29:48 cuz as I mentioned, so much of California's old sections of road are

29:51 California's old sections of road are

29:51 California's old sections of road are still closed. This is part of why as we

29:54 still closed. This is part of why as we

29:54 still closed. This is part of why as we stare off into this lovely sunset

29:56 stare off into this lovely sunset

29:56 stare off into this lovely sunset backwards towards Barstow where we just

29:58 backwards towards Barstow where we just

29:58 backwards towards Barstow where we just were. This is part of why I often skip

30:00 were. This is part of why I often skip

30:00 were. This is part of why I often skip over large parts of California's Route

30:02 over large parts of California's Route

30:02 over large parts of California's Route 66. One day when they restore some parts

30:05 66. One day when they restore some parts

30:05 66. One day when they restore some parts of this, we'll do a real crazy Route 66

30:08 of this, we'll do a real crazy Route 66

30:08 of this, we'll do a real crazy Route 66 series in California. You know what?

30:09 series in California. You know what?

30:09 series in California. You know what? Actually, maybe even later this year

30:11 Actually, maybe even later this year

30:11 Actually, maybe even later this year when we're home, we'll focus a little

30:12 when we're home, we'll focus a little

30:12 when we're home, we'll focus a little more intensely on some California Route

30:15 more intensely on some California Route

30:15 more intensely on some California Route 66 history. For now, I'm just stoked

30:17 66 history. For now, I'm just stoked

30:17 66 history. For now, I'm just stoked that we've broken away from the gravity

30:19 that we've broken away from the gravity

30:19 that we've broken away from the gravity of Southern California. We're out here

30:20 of Southern California. We're out here

30:20 of Southern California. We're out here watching the sunset just on the edge of

30:22 watching the sunset just on the edge of

30:22 watching the sunset just on the edge of Ludlow, California, home of the Ludlow

30:25 Ludlow, California, home of the Ludlow

30:25 Ludlow, California, home of the Ludlow Cafe. It's probably the prime Route 66

30:28 Cafe. It's probably the prime Route 66

30:28 Cafe. It's probably the prime Route 66 attraction here. But in addition to that

30:30 attraction here. But in addition to that

30:30 attraction here. But in addition to that and these lovely now abandoned sections

30:32 and these lovely now abandoned sections

30:32 and these lovely now abandoned sections of Route 66, this town is probably most

30:34 of Route 66, this town is probably most

30:34 of Route 66, this town is probably most famous to Route 66 travelers and other

30:36 famous to Route 66 travelers and other

30:36 famous to Route 66 travelers and other desert wanderers for its abandoned

30:39 desert wanderers for its abandoned

30:39 desert wanderers for its abandoned buildings like this one in the old

30:41 buildings like this one in the old

30:41 buildings like this one in the old former downtown of Ludlow, which as you

30:44 former downtown of Ludlow, which as you

30:44 former downtown of Ludlow, which as you can see in the 360° view,

30:47 can see in the 360° view,

30:47 can see in the 360° view, really doesn't exist anymore. I'm still

30:50 really doesn't exist anymore. I'm still

30:50 really doesn't exist anymore. I'm still here, though. I'm still in Ludlow. Oh,

30:53 here, though. I'm still in Ludlow. Oh,

30:53 here, though. I'm still in Ludlow. Oh, boy, he sure is. And look at this, some

30:55 boy, he sure is. And look at this, some

30:55 boy, he sure is. And look at this, some suspicious abandoned luggage on the

30:57 suspicious abandoned luggage on the

30:57 suspicious abandoned luggage on the ground. We got uh cans of food and even

31:00 ground. We got uh cans of food and even

31:00 ground. We got uh cans of food and even comfortable mattresses uh right outside

31:03 comfortable mattresses uh right outside

31:03 comfortable mattresses uh right outside the old Murphy Brothers store out here,

31:06 the old Murphy Brothers store out here,

31:06 the old Murphy Brothers store out here, right alongside the railroad tracks.

31:08 right alongside the railroad tracks.

31:08 right alongside the railroad tracks. Right where downtown Ludlow used to be

31:11 Right where downtown Ludlow used to be

31:11 Right where downtown Ludlow used to be located back when it was just a railroad

31:14 located back when it was just a railroad

31:14 located back when it was just a railroad stop. If you actually explore down here,

31:15 stop. If you actually explore down here,

31:16 stop. If you actually explore down here, you'll see little remnants of old

31:17 you'll see little remnants of old

31:18 you'll see little remnants of old sidewalks and little bits and pieces of

31:20 sidewalks and little bits and pieces of

31:20 sidewalks and little bits and pieces of foundations of old buildings. This is

31:22 foundations of old buildings. This is

31:22 foundations of old buildings. This is one of those places that uh has almost

31:25 one of those places that uh has almost

31:25 one of those places that uh has almost completely disappeared and the little

31:27 completely disappeared and the little

31:27 completely disappeared and the little bits and pieces that were left were

31:28 bits and pieces that were left were

31:28 bits and pieces that were left were removed for safety reasons or pulled

31:30 removed for safety reasons or pulled

31:30 removed for safety reasons or pulled away by scrappers over time. Pretty much

31:33 away by scrappers over time. Pretty much

31:33 away by scrappers over time. Pretty much all that's left downtown is uh just a

31:36 all that's left downtown is uh just a

31:36 all that's left downtown is uh just a few of the walls of the old Murphy

31:37 few of the walls of the old Murphy

31:37 few of the walls of the old Murphy Brothers store. I shouldn't just say

31:39 Brothers store. I shouldn't just say

31:39 Brothers store. I shouldn't just say store, it was a store, a campground, and

31:41 store, it was a store, a campground, and

31:41 store, it was a store, a campground, and a motel here along the original

31:43 a motel here along the original

31:43 a motel here along the original alignment of Route 66, if I'm

31:45 alignment of Route 66, if I'm

31:45 alignment of Route 66, if I'm remembering correctly. And it was later

31:47 remembering correctly. And it was later

31:47 remembering correctly. And it was later moved down to uh the northern edge of

31:50 moved down to uh the northern edge of

31:50 moved down to uh the northern edge of town where the modern Ludlow Cafe is,

31:53 town where the modern Ludlow Cafe is,

31:53 town where the modern Ludlow Cafe is, just a few blocks behind London sitting

31:55 just a few blocks behind London sitting

31:55 just a few blocks behind London sitting in the car there. It's amazing how

31:56 in the car there. It's amazing how

31:56 in the car there. It's amazing how absolutely different this view is in the

31:59 absolutely different this view is in the

31:59 absolutely different this view is in the old postcard view from back in the days.

32:02 old postcard view from back in the days.

32:02 old postcard view from back in the days. This was built in the early 1900s when

32:05 This was built in the early 1900s when

32:05 This was built in the early 1900s when Ludlow was popular, sort of a staging

32:07 Ludlow was popular, sort of a staging

32:07 Ludlow was popular, sort of a staging ground for mining operations in the

32:10 ground for mining operations in the

32:10 ground for mining operations in the area. They found gold and silver, but

32:11 area. They found gold and silver, but

32:11 area. They found gold and silver, but also copper and borax out in the

32:14 also copper and borax out in the

32:14 also copper and borax out in the surrounding hills and even eventually

32:16 surrounding hills and even eventually

32:16 surrounding hills and even eventually uranium as well. So, that's what

32:17 uranium as well. So, that's what

32:17 uranium as well. So, that's what popularized the first round of

32:19 popularized the first round of

32:19 popularized the first round of businesses out here in Ludlow and what

32:21 businesses out here in Ludlow and what

32:21 businesses out here in Ludlow and what would have been the downtown facing the

32:23 would have been the downtown facing the

32:23 would have been the downtown facing the railroad tracks, which would have been

32:24 railroad tracks, which would have been

32:24 railroad tracks, which would have been your main way in and out of town. Of

32:28 your main way in and out of town. Of

32:28 your main way in and out of town. Of course, the National Old Trails Highway

32:30 course, the National Old Trails Highway

32:30 course, the National Old Trails Highway came through, which later became Route

32:32 came through, which later became Route

32:32 came through, which later became Route 66. But, when Route 66 came through here

32:36 66. But, when Route 66 came through here

32:36 66. But, when Route 66 came through here in 1926, as more and more funding came

32:38 in 1926, as more and more funding came

32:38 in 1926, as more and more funding came along to pave it, to widen it, and to

32:40 along to pave it, to widen it, and to

32:41 along to pave it, to widen it, and to handle the increased traffic. As with

32:42 handle the increased traffic. As with

32:42 handle the increased traffic. As with most places, the main street of the town

32:45 most places, the main street of the town

32:45 most places, the main street of the town would go from the railroad tracks down

32:48 would go from the railroad tracks down

32:48 would go from the railroad tracks down to a wider section of highway. And even

32:50 to a wider section of highway. And even

32:50 to a wider section of highway. And even though Ludlow remained a mining support

32:52 though Ludlow remained a mining support

32:52 though Ludlow remained a mining support town for a long time, as you can see not

32:54 town for a long time, as you can see not

32:54 town for a long time, as you can see not only by the Ludlow Motel and the Ludlow

32:57 only by the Ludlow Motel and the Ludlow

32:57 only by the Ludlow Motel and the Ludlow Cafe and the modern Chevron station down

32:59 Cafe and the modern Chevron station down

32:59 Cafe and the modern Chevron station down here on old Route 66, but also the

33:01 here on old Route 66, but also the

33:01 here on old Route 66, but also the myriad abandoned old filling stations,

33:04 myriad abandoned old filling stations,

33:05 myriad abandoned old filling stations, gas stations, old post offices, and

33:06 gas stations, old post offices, and

33:06 gas stations, old post offices, and other buildings along the old road tell

33:09 other buildings along the old road tell

33:09 other buildings along the old road tell you that Ludlow quickly became a highway

33:11 you that Ludlow quickly became a highway

33:11 you that Ludlow quickly became a highway town. And of course,

33:13 town. And of course,

33:13 town. And of course, once cars could make it longer between

33:16 once cars could make it longer between

33:16 once cars could make it longer between tanks of gas and fill-ups of radiator

33:18 tanks of gas and fill-ups of radiator

33:18 tanks of gas and fill-ups of radiator water, and the classic American road

33:20 water, and the classic American road

33:20 water, and the classic American road trip faded from common practice, Ludlow

33:23 trip faded from common practice, Ludlow

33:23 trip faded from common practice, Ludlow went the way of many other sketchy,

33:26 went the way of many other sketchy,

33:26 went the way of many other sketchy, weird, old desert town in California.

33:30 weird, old desert town in California.

33:30 weird, old desert town in California. Abandoned, forlorn, forlorn, forlorn,

33:33 Abandoned, forlorn, forlorn, forlorn,

33:33 Abandoned, forlorn, forlorn, forlorn, and left to the ravages of time and the

33:37 and left to the ravages of time and the

33:37 and left to the ravages of time and the desert winds. I've never seen this fence

33:39 desert winds. I've never seen this fence

33:39 desert winds. I've never seen this fence open before. For a long time, I think

33:41 open before. For a long time, I think

33:41 open before. For a long time, I think somebody was trying to make fetch happen

33:43 somebody was trying to make fetch happen

33:43 somebody was trying to make fetch happen at this gullwing station and uh

33:46 at this gullwing station and uh

33:46 at this gullwing station and uh and restore it, but it looks like the

33:47 and restore it, but it looks like the

33:47 and restore it, but it looks like the fence is down and the ravages of time

33:50 fence is down and the ravages of time

33:50 fence is down and the ravages of time are after this place, too. I believe

33:52 are after this place, too. I believe

33:52 are after this place, too. I believe this pile of rubble next door to this

33:55 this pile of rubble next door to this

33:55 this pile of rubble next door to this gullwing old 76 station I'm standing, I

33:57 gullwing old 76 station I'm standing, I

33:57 gullwing old 76 station I'm standing, I believe this was the original Ludlow

33:59 believe this was the original Ludlow

33:59 believe this was the original Ludlow Cafe out there. I'll look at that in

34:01 Cafe out there. I'll look at that in

34:01 Cafe out there. I'll look at that in just a second. I believe that was the

34:03 just a second. I believe that was the

34:03 just a second. I believe that was the original Ludlow Cafe when Route 66 was a

34:06 original Ludlow Cafe when Route 66 was a

34:06 original Ludlow Cafe when Route 66 was a busy, busy road right here,

34:09 busy, busy road right here,

34:09 busy, busy road right here, just to the south of us. That building

34:10 just to the south of us. That building

34:10 just to the south of us. That building stood out here for years and years, and

34:12 stood out here for years and years, and

34:12 stood out here for years and years, and eventually was lost to

34:14 eventually was lost to

34:14 eventually was lost to fire and vandalism.

34:16 fire and vandalism.

34:17 fire and vandalism. Still a house down there off in the

34:18 Still a house down there off in the

34:18 Still a house down there off in the distance. We still have the old post

34:20 distance. We still have the old post

34:20 distance. We still have the old post office and motel across the street over

34:23 office and motel across the street over

34:23 office and motel across the street over the way. But even in my time doing Route

34:24 the way. But even in my time doing Route

34:24 the way. But even in my time doing Route 66 over the last 20 years, I've seen a

34:26 66 over the last 20 years, I've seen a

34:26 66 over the last 20 years, I've seen a lot of buildings that disappear. We're

34:28 lot of buildings that disappear. We're

34:28 lot of buildings that disappear. We're losing them in all eight of of Route 66

34:31 losing them in all eight of of Route 66

34:31 losing them in all eight of of Route 66 states. But like I say, many of the

34:32 states. But like I say, many of the

34:32 states. But like I say, many of the other states have put in a lot of effort

34:34 other states have put in a lot of effort

34:34 other states have put in a lot of effort into preserving stuff or building new

34:35 into preserving stuff or building new

34:35 into preserving stuff or building new stuff. I guess with the beaches and

34:37 stuff. I guess with the beaches and

34:37 stuff. I guess with the beaches and Universal Studios and Hollywood and

34:39 Universal Studios and Hollywood and

34:39 Universal Studios and Hollywood and Disneyland and Yosemite and all the

34:40 Disneyland and Yosemite and all the

34:40 Disneyland and Yosemite and all the things,

34:41 things,

34:41 things, Route 66 tourism to California is just a

34:43 Route 66 tourism to California is just a

34:43 Route 66 tourism to California is just a drop in the bucket. They really don't

34:45 drop in the bucket. They really don't

34:45 drop in the bucket. They really don't care. In terms of the powers that be, I

34:46 care. In terms of the powers that be, I

34:47 care. In terms of the powers that be, I mean. Especially about far-flung

34:48 mean. Especially about far-flung

34:48 mean. Especially about far-flung locations like this. I mean, why bother

34:50 locations like this. I mean, why bother

34:50 locations like this. I mean, why bother trying to save this when there's so many

34:52 trying to save this when there's so many

34:52 trying to save this when there's so many other things that the state of

34:53 other things that the state of

34:53 other things that the state of California can do that will draw in more

34:55 California can do that will draw in more

34:55 California can do that will draw in more money and draw more traffic than the

34:57 money and draw more traffic than the

34:57 money and draw more traffic than the handful of visitors who are going to

34:58 handful of visitors who are going to

34:58 handful of visitors who are going to come out past this. And so, the way I

34:59 come out past this. And so, the way I

34:59 come out past this. And so, the way I understand it, there's there's just a

35:00 understand it, there's there's just a

35:00 understand it, there's there's just a lot less state grants and stuff being

35:03 lot less state grants and stuff being

35:03 lot less state grants and stuff being distributed out here in California. So,

35:05 distributed out here in California. So,

35:05 distributed out here in California. So, anyway, my point is, come out here and

35:07 anyway, my point is, come out here and

35:07 anyway, my point is, come out here and see these old Ludlow Filling Stations.

35:09 see these old Ludlow Filling Stations.

35:09 see these old Ludlow Filling Stations. Look, you can still see the ghost

35:10 Look, you can still see the ghost

35:10 Look, you can still see the ghost writing there. Gas, generators,

35:12 writing there. Gas, generators,

35:12 writing there. Gas, generators, regulators, water pumps, fuel pumps.

35:14 regulators, water pumps, fuel pumps.

35:14 regulators, water pumps, fuel pumps. Come out here and see the old Gullwing

35:16 Come out here and see the old Gullwing

35:16 Come out here and see the old Gullwing 76 station from back in the day.

35:18 76 station from back in the day.

35:18 76 station from back in the day. Beautiful mid-century architecture. And

35:20 Beautiful mid-century architecture. And

35:20 Beautiful mid-century architecture. And come out and see this before it's too

35:22 come out and see this before it's too

35:22 come out and see this before it's too late as well, the old Ludlow

35:25 late as well, the old Ludlow

35:25 late as well, the old Ludlow Motel. One of the most commonly

35:27 Motel. One of the most commonly

35:27 Motel. One of the most commonly photographed abandoned buildings,

35:29 photographed abandoned buildings,

35:29 photographed abandoned buildings, especially on California's stretches of

35:32 especially on California's stretches of

35:32 especially on California's stretches of Route 66. This was indeed an old motel

35:35 Route 66. This was indeed an old motel

35:35 Route 66. This was indeed an old motel and post office. And this is one of

35:36 and post office. And this is one of

35:36 and post office. And this is one of those early motor motels. You know, it's

35:38 those early motor motels. You know, it's

35:38 those early motor motels. You know, it's sort of like that I Love Lucy episode

35:40 sort of like that I Love Lucy episode

35:40 sort of like that I Love Lucy episode where the guy's the constable and the

35:41 where the guy's the constable and the

35:41 where the guy's the constable and the mayor and the judge and everything else.

35:42 mayor and the judge and everything else.

35:42 mayor and the judge and everything else. They kind of did everything. Had a post

35:43 They kind of did everything. Had a post

35:43 They kind of did everything. Had a post office. And it had little cabins for

35:47 office. And it had little cabins for

35:47 office. And it had little cabins for people to park their cars next to and,

35:49 people to park their cars next to and,

35:49 people to park their cars next to and, you know, basically camp out in a little

35:51 you know, basically camp out in a little

35:51 you know, basically camp out in a little little private cozy cabin along the side

35:53 little private cozy cabin along the side

35:53 little private cozy cabin along the side of the road. So, this would have just

35:54 of the road. So, this would have just

35:54 of the road. So, this would have just been your main office. I believe there

35:55 been your main office. I believe there

35:55 been your main office. I believe there were some rooms for rent in there. It

35:57 were some rooms for rent in there. It

35:57 were some rooms for rent in there. It would have been the home of the

35:57 would have been the home of the

35:57 would have been the home of the proprietor, typically speaking. That's

35:59 proprietor, typically speaking. That's

35:59 proprietor, typically speaking. That's commonly the way it was done out in the

36:01 commonly the way it was done out in the

36:01 commonly the way it was done out in the west, especially along the early US

36:04 west, especially along the early US

36:04 west, especially along the early US highways, the early days of road travel.

36:06 highways, the early days of road travel.

36:06 highways, the early days of road travel. They would have had a filling station

36:07 They would have had a filling station

36:07 They would have had a filling station out here. So, you can see this old sign

36:09 out here. So, you can see this old sign

36:10 out here. So, you can see this old sign bracket, right, for a light up gas

36:12 bracket, right, for a light up gas

36:12 bracket, right, for a light up gas station sign.

36:13 station sign.

36:14 station sign. And then right over there, right across

36:15 And then right over there, right across

36:15 And then right over there, right across Elliott Street, which is a strip of dirt

36:17 Elliott Street, which is a strip of dirt

36:17 Elliott Street, which is a strip of dirt in front of us, also very often

36:19 in front of us, also very often

36:19 in front of us, also very often photographed is this little building

36:21 photographed is this little building

36:21 photographed is this little building right here, which I believe is the last

36:24 right here, which I believe is the last

36:24 right here, which I believe is the last surviving cabin

36:26 surviving cabin

36:26 surviving cabin of the old Ludlow

36:28 of the old Ludlow

36:28 of the old Ludlow Motel. So, there's an old postcard of

36:30 Motel. So, there's an old postcard of

36:30 Motel. So, there's an old postcard of the Ludlow Motel on the route-66.com,

36:34 the Ludlow Motel on the route-66.com,

36:34 the Ludlow Motel on the route-66.com, one of the best Route 66 websites,

36:36 one of the best Route 66 websites,

36:36 one of the best Route 66 websites, showing the Ludlow Motel and a line of

36:38 showing the Ludlow Motel and a line of

36:38 showing the Ludlow Motel and a line of cabins stretching from it towards this

36:42 cabins stretching from it towards this

36:42 cabins stretching from it towards this last little one over here. Now, as you

36:43 last little one over here. Now, as you

36:43 last little one over here. Now, as you can see, obviously that is no longer the

36:45 can see, obviously that is no longer the

36:45 can see, obviously that is no longer the case today. Absolutely nothing is

36:46 case today. Absolutely nothing is

36:46 case today. Absolutely nothing is between. In fact, somebody's plowed up a

36:48 between. In fact, somebody's plowed up a

36:48 between. In fact, somebody's plowed up a dirt road in between these two. But,

36:50 dirt road in between these two. But,

36:51 dirt road in between these two. But, yeah, that's what this building, I

36:52 yeah, that's what this building, I

36:52 yeah, that's what this building, I believe, is. It's one of the last

36:53 believe, is. It's one of the last

36:54 believe, is. It's one of the last remaining cabins in the Ludlow Motel.

36:56 remaining cabins in the Ludlow Motel.

36:56 remaining cabins in the Ludlow Motel. It's a building we've been inside of

36:58 It's a building we've been inside of

36:58 It's a building we've been inside of many times over the years. It is now

36:59 many times over the years. It is now

36:59 many times over the years. It is now getting so unsteady and unsafe. You can

37:02 getting so unsteady and unsafe. You can

37:02 getting so unsteady and unsafe. You can basically no longer stand in that thing.

37:04 basically no longer stand in that thing.

37:04 basically no longer stand in that thing. More and more of the roof seems to be

37:06 More and more of the roof seems to be

37:06 More and more of the roof seems to be disappearing. It doesn't look like it's

37:08 disappearing. It doesn't look like it's

37:08 disappearing. It doesn't look like it's long for this earth unless somebody

37:10 long for this earth unless somebody

37:10 long for this earth unless somebody steps in and at least, you know, braces

37:11 steps in and at least, you know, braces

37:11 steps in and at least, you know, braces it up with some wood beams or something.

37:13 it up with some wood beams or something.

37:13 it up with some wood beams or something. Cuz you can see the front of the

37:14 Cuz you can see the front of the

37:14 Cuz you can see the front of the building. Can you see that right there?

37:15 building. Can you see that right there?

37:15 building. Can you see that right there? The front of the building is

37:17 The front of the building is

37:17 The front of the building is kind of desperately leaning forward now.

37:19 kind of desperately leaning forward now.

37:19 kind of desperately leaning forward now. Not a good sign. Look at this. Look at

37:20 Not a good sign. Look at this. Look at

37:20 Not a good sign. Look at this. Look at this little cabin. Imagine when this was

37:22 this little cabin. Imagine when this was

37:22 this little cabin. Imagine when this was all clean and brand new with a sort of

37:24 all clean and brand new with a sort of

37:24 all clean and brand new with a sort of like tin siding. It's metal siding out

37:26 like tin siding. It's metal siding out

37:26 like tin siding. It's metal siding out here to protect you from the rays of the

37:28 here to protect you from the rays of the

37:28 here to protect you from the rays of the nuclear desert sun. Imagine pulling up

37:31 nuclear desert sun. Imagine pulling up

37:31 nuclear desert sun. Imagine pulling up to this and getting your own cozy little

37:33 to this and getting your own cozy little

37:33 to this and getting your own cozy little cabin here in Ludlow. You're crossing

37:35 cabin here in Ludlow. You're crossing

37:35 cabin here in Ludlow. You're crossing the desert. You're coming all the way

37:37 the desert. You're coming all the way

37:37 the desert. You're coming all the way from Chicago. You're all weary and

37:39 from Chicago. You're all weary and

37:39 from Chicago. You're all weary and tired. And even today, if you're headed

37:42 tired. And even today, if you're headed

37:42 tired. And even today, if you're headed westwards, you know, towards the Pacific

37:44 westwards, you know, towards the Pacific

37:44 westwards, you know, towards the Pacific Ocean on old Route 66 or even on the

37:46 Ocean on old Route 66 or even on the

37:46 Ocean on old Route 66 or even on the Interstate, there are no lights for

37:48 Interstate, there are no lights for

37:48 Interstate, there are no lights for forever. So, when you finally see the

37:51 forever. So, when you finally see the

37:51 forever. So, when you finally see the lights of Ludlow, you're like,

37:52 lights of Ludlow, you're like,

37:52 lights of Ludlow, you're like, "Oh, thank goodness, some kind of

37:53 "Oh, thank goodness, some kind of

37:53 "Oh, thank goodness, some kind of civilization." So, I can only imagine

37:55 civilization." So, I can only imagine

37:55 civilization." So, I can only imagine pulling your Model T or your old jalopy

37:57 pulling your Model T or your old jalopy

37:57 pulling your Model T or your old jalopy in here in the early days of highway

37:59 in here in the early days of highway

38:00 in here in the early days of highway travel. And you're like, "Oh, not only

38:01 travel. And you're like, "Oh, not only

38:01 travel. And you're like, "Oh, not only are we safe and secure. We don't have to

38:03 are we safe and secure. We don't have to

38:03 are we safe and secure. We don't have to camp outside. We got a little cozy cabin

38:04 camp outside. We got a little cozy cabin

38:05 camp outside. We got a little cozy cabin here." Anyway,

38:06 here." Anyway,

38:06 here." Anyway, the light is getting too low to really

38:08 the light is getting too low to really

38:08 the light is getting too low to really explore Ludlow more and in more depth.

38:10 explore Ludlow more and in more depth.

38:10 explore Ludlow more and in more depth. We will do it when we come back through

38:11 We will do it when we come back through

38:11 We will do it when we come back through California

38:12 California

38:12 California uh Route 66 on the back end of this trip

38:14 uh Route 66 on the back end of this trip

38:14 uh Route 66 on the back end of this trip when we're going Chicago to LA or in a

38:17 when we're going Chicago to LA or in a

38:17 when we're going Chicago to LA or in a separate series when we do focus a lot

38:19 separate series when we do focus a lot

38:19 separate series when we do focus a lot more on California your

38:20 more on California your

38:20 more on California your This is just a warm-up adventure today.

38:22 This is just a warm-up adventure today.

38:22 This is just a warm-up adventure today. We're just out here stretching our legs,

38:24 We're just out here stretching our legs,

38:24 We're just out here stretching our legs, kind of wrapping our brain We're packing

38:25 kind of wrapping our brain We're packing

38:25 kind of wrapping our brain We're packing up the car and wrapping our brains

38:27 up the car and wrapping our brains

38:27 up the car and wrapping our brains around like, "Oh, we're about to spend a

38:28 around like, "Oh, we're about to spend a

38:28 around like, "Oh, we're about to spend a couple of weeks out on the Mother Road."

38:30 couple of weeks out on the Mother Road."

38:30 couple of weeks out on the Mother Road." Maybe some side quests, some side

38:31 Maybe some side quests, some side

38:32 Maybe some side quests, some side adventures as well. It's hard to say

38:33 adventures as well. It's hard to say

38:33 adventures as well. It's hard to say because you never know what could happen

38:35 because you never know what could happen

38:35 because you never know what could happen in random land. All right, we're almost

38:37 in random land. All right, we're almost

38:37 in random land. All right, we're almost done for the day. We've got to drive to

38:39 done for the day. We've got to drive to

38:39 done for the day. We've got to drive to the Arizona border tonight, but we're

38:41 the Arizona border tonight, but we're

38:42 the Arizona border tonight, but we're going to take another portion of old

38:43 going to take another portion of old

38:43 going to take another portion of old Route 66 cuz there's something I want to

38:45 Route 66 cuz there's something I want to

38:45 Route 66 cuz there's something I want to see if we can see. By the way, I'm

38:48 see if we can see. By the way, I'm

38:48 see if we can see. By the way, I'm always in Ludlow in the dark. Leaving

38:50 always in Ludlow in the dark. Leaving

38:50 always in Ludlow in the dark. Leaving Southern California, getting through the

38:52 Southern California, getting through the

38:52 Southern California, getting through the Orange County and the Riverside County

38:54 Orange County and the Riverside County

38:54 Orange County and the Riverside County and the kind of eastern half of the Los

38:56 and the kind of eastern half of the Los

38:56 and the kind of eastern half of the Los Angeles metro area's traffic is such a

38:58 Angeles metro area's traffic is such a

38:58 Angeles metro area's traffic is such a pain. Takes so many hours to leave it

39:01 pain. Takes so many hours to leave it

39:01 pain. Takes so many hours to leave it and in fact, I'm always telling people,

39:03 and in fact, I'm always telling people,

39:03 and in fact, I'm always telling people, "You want to do a Route 66 trip, man,

39:06 "You want to do a Route 66 trip, man,

39:06 "You want to do a Route 66 trip, man, you're really going from Barstow to

39:08 you're really going from Barstow to

39:08 you're really going from Barstow to Joliet, right? It's really not about

39:10 Joliet, right? It's really not about

39:10 Joliet, right? It's really not about Chicago or LA or really St. Louis,

39:13 Chicago or LA or really St. Louis,

39:13 Chicago or LA or really St. Louis, although it's not as bad as the other

39:15 although it's not as bad as the other

39:15 although it's not as bad as the other two I just mentioned. It's those

39:16 two I just mentioned. It's those

39:16 two I just mentioned. It's those traffic-free sort of open road zones of

39:20 traffic-free sort of open road zones of

39:20 traffic-free sort of open road zones of Route 66, the smaller towns I'm really

39:22 Route 66, the smaller towns I'm really

39:22 Route 66, the smaller towns I'm really interested in. Although, don't get me

39:23 interested in. Although, don't get me

39:23 interested in. Although, don't get me wrong, I love Albuquerque and St. Louis

39:25 wrong, I love Albuquerque and St. Louis

39:25 wrong, I love Albuquerque and St. Louis and Chicago in its way and even LA. It's

39:27 and Chicago in its way and even LA. It's

39:27 and Chicago in its way and even LA. It's just such a contrast when you're in a

39:30 just such a contrast when you're in a

39:30 just such a contrast when you're in a major city like Los Angeles or Chicago

39:33 major city like Los Angeles or Chicago

39:33 major city like Los Angeles or Chicago versus standing out here

39:36 versus standing out here

39:36 versus standing out here someplace like this, right? It's just a

39:38 someplace like this, right? It's just a

39:38 someplace like this, right? It's just a totally different experience, isn't it?

39:40 totally different experience, isn't it?

39:40 totally different experience, isn't it? Man, see, I'm glad that we did a little

39:42 Man, see, I'm glad that we did a little

39:42 Man, see, I'm glad that we did a little bit of snooping around today instead of

39:43 bit of snooping around today instead of

39:43 bit of snooping around today instead of just blasting for the Arizona border

39:45 just blasting for the Arizona border

39:45 just blasting for the Arizona border because I'm getting pumped. This is

39:46 because I'm getting pumped. This is

39:46 because I'm getting pumped. This is pumping me up for the road ahead.

39:48 pumping me up for the road ahead.

39:48 pumping me up for the road ahead. Speaking of the road ahead, we got to

39:49 Speaking of the road ahead, we got to

39:49 Speaking of the road ahead, we got to get going on the road ahead if we're

39:51 get going on the road ahead if we're

39:51 get going on the road ahead if we're going to see what I hope we can see. One

39:53 going to see what I hope we can see. One

39:53 going to see what I hope we can see. One last desperate blast down the old Mother

39:56 last desperate blast down the old Mother

39:56 last desperate blast down the old Mother Road in quest of a sign. We need to see

40:01 Road in quest of a sign. We need to see

40:01 Road in quest of a sign. We need to see a sign.

40:13 Man, that's cool. Oh, man, darkness came

40:13 Man, that's cool. Oh, man, darkness came down on us like a steel trap out here.

40:15 down on us like a steel trap out here.

40:15 down on us like a steel trap out here. There is no light, but the trains going

40:18 There is no light, but the trains going

40:18 There is no light, but the trains going by on Route 66. Those lone, solitary,

40:21 by on Route 66. Those lone, solitary,

40:21 by on Route 66. Those lone, solitary, powerful, fast trains hauling it through

40:25 powerful, fast trains hauling it through

40:25 powerful, fast trains hauling it through the desert night until all of a sudden,

40:27 the desert night until all of a sudden,

40:27 the desert night until all of a sudden, behold,

40:28 behold,

40:28 behold, a sign. WE'RE BACK in Amboy, California,

40:33 a sign. WE'RE BACK in Amboy, California,

40:33 a sign. WE'RE BACK in Amboy, California, home of possibly the most iconic

40:36 home of possibly the most iconic

40:36 home of possibly the most iconic neon sign

40:38 neon sign

40:38 neon sign on Route 66. Welcome to Roy's Motel and

40:43 on Route 66. Welcome to Roy's Motel and

40:43 on Route 66. Welcome to Roy's Motel and Cafe. Just look at that, dude. Look at

40:46 Cafe. Just look at that, dude. Look at

40:46 Cafe. Just look at that, dude. Look at that huge, epic, mid-century modern

40:50 that huge, epic, mid-century modern

40:50 that huge, epic, mid-century modern sweep of the roof there on the old motel

40:53 sweep of the roof there on the old motel

40:53 sweep of the roof there on the old motel office, the old cabins beyond the neon

40:56 office, the old cabins beyond the neon

40:56 office, the old cabins beyond the neon sign, and what a neon sign. It literally

41:00 sign, and what a neon sign. It literally

41:00 sign, and what a neon sign. It literally does not get more iconic than that when

41:03 does not get more iconic than that when

41:03 does not get more iconic than that when you're talking Route 66. And although I

41:05 you're talking Route 66. And although I

41:05 you're talking Route 66. And although I have been out here many, many, many

41:07 have been out here many, many, many

41:07 have been out here many, many, many times, dozens of times, literally, over

41:09 times, dozens of times, literally, over

41:09 times, dozens of times, literally, over the years, believe it or not, this is

41:11 the years, believe it or not, this is

41:11 the years, believe it or not, this is the first time I have ever looked upon

41:14 the first time I have ever looked upon

41:14 the first time I have ever looked upon the lit Roy's Motel and Cafe sign with

41:18 the lit Roy's Motel and Cafe sign with

41:18 the lit Roy's Motel and Cafe sign with my own eyes. Amboy, like uh many other

41:22 my own eyes. Amboy, like uh many other

41:22 my own eyes. Amboy, like uh many other towns in this part of the desert, was

41:24 towns in this part of the desert, was

41:24 towns in this part of the desert, was started as just a watering stop for the

41:27 started as just a watering stop for the

41:27 started as just a watering stop for the railroad, and it never really grew to be

41:30 railroad, and it never really grew to be

41:30 railroad, and it never really grew to be that big, but it was when Route 66 came

41:33 that big, but it was when Route 66 came

41:33 that big, but it was when Route 66 came through here that it had the most life.

41:35 through here that it had the most life.

41:35 through here that it had the most life. A couple of cafes and motels and

41:37 A couple of cafes and motels and

41:37 A couple of cafes and motels and restaurants. They built a big high

41:38 restaurants. They built a big high

41:38 restaurants. They built a big high school out of here. Very busy during the

41:41 school out of here. Very busy during the

41:41 school out of here. Very busy during the war years with lots of trucks and

41:42 war years with lots of trucks and

41:42 war years with lots of trucks and traffic, a lot of soldiers training out

41:45 traffic, a lot of soldiers training out

41:45 traffic, a lot of soldiers training out here in the desert, of course.

41:47 here in the desert, of course.

41:47 here in the desert, of course. Obviously, the uranium mining and other

41:48 Obviously, the uranium mining and other

41:48 Obviously, the uranium mining and other stuff I was mentioning in Ludlow made

41:50 stuff I was mentioning in Ludlow made

41:50 stuff I was mentioning in Ludlow made this kind of a busier town than it ever

41:52 this kind of a busier town than it ever

41:52 this kind of a busier town than it ever has been since. But once this place was

41:55 has been since. But once this place was

41:55 has been since. But once this place was bypassed by the Interstate Highway being

41:57 bypassed by the Interstate Highway being

41:57 bypassed by the Interstate Highway being built in the 1970s, it never recovered.

42:00 built in the 1970s, it never recovered.

42:00 built in the 1970s, it never recovered. There's still a tiny little post office

42:02 There's still a tiny little post office

42:02 There's still a tiny little post office across the street, and thanks to the

42:04 across the street, and thanks to the

42:04 across the street, and thanks to the owner of Wham Pow Albert Okura of recent

42:07 owner of Wham Pow Albert Okura of recent

42:07 owner of Wham Pow Albert Okura of recent memory, who uh saved this place, Roy's

42:10 memory, who uh saved this place, Roy's

42:10 memory, who uh saved this place, Roy's Motel and Cafe is still open or at least

42:13 Motel and Cafe is still open or at least

42:13 Motel and Cafe is still open or at least the actual cafe building and the filling

42:16 the actual cafe building and the filling

42:16 the actual cafe building and the filling station, the gas station over here that

42:17 station, the gas station over here that

42:18 station, the gas station over here that London and I are going to go to in a

42:19 London and I are going to go to in a

42:19 London and I are going to go to in a second if they're still open. You know,

42:21 second if they're still open. You know,

42:21 second if they're still open. You know, Albert Okura had plans to eventually

42:24 Albert Okura had plans to eventually

42:24 Albert Okura had plans to eventually reopen this

42:26 reopen this

42:26 reopen this um as something. There's actually a more

42:27 um as something. There's actually a more

42:27 um as something. There's actually a more modern motel building behind the old

42:30 modern motel building behind the old

42:30 modern motel building behind the old roadside cabins. Once again, you see the

42:32 roadside cabins. Once again, you see the

42:32 roadside cabins. Once again, you see the early Route 66 history with the cabins

42:34 early Route 66 history with the cabins

42:34 early Route 66 history with the cabins there.

42:35 there.

42:35 there. Look at that. It's the neon sign.

42:37 Look at that. It's the neon sign.

42:37 Look at that. It's the neon sign. Imagine, like we were saying earlier,

42:39 Imagine, like we were saying earlier,

42:39 Imagine, like we were saying earlier, imagine coming from the east especially,

42:42 imagine coming from the east especially,

42:42 imagine coming from the east especially, all the nothing, all the darkness, all

42:44 all the nothing, all the darkness, all

42:44 all the nothing, all the darkness, all just like we were just driving through,

42:45 just like we were just driving through,

42:46 just like we were just driving through, just nothing, nothing, nothing, and all

42:48 just nothing, nothing, nothing, and all

42:48 just nothing, nothing, nothing, and all of a sudden you see the soft, beautiful

42:51 of a sudden you see the soft, beautiful

42:51 of a sudden you see the soft, beautiful glow of neon. You see that beautiful

42:54 glow of neon. You see that beautiful

42:54 glow of neon. You see that beautiful sign, cafe, there's food. You see gas

42:56 sign, cafe, there's food. You see gas

42:56 sign, cafe, there's food. You see gas station signs and that beautiful word

42:59 station signs and that beautiful word

42:59 station signs and that beautiful word right there, motel, somewhere clean to

43:02 right there, motel, somewhere clean to

43:02 right there, motel, somewhere clean to lay your head, get a little drink of

43:04 lay your head, get a little drink of

43:04 lay your head, get a little drink of water, maybe take a hot shower.

43:06 water, maybe take a hot shower.

43:06 water, maybe take a hot shower. Absolutely amazing. This whole place was

43:09 Absolutely amazing. This whole place was

43:09 Absolutely amazing. This whole place was pretty much a ghost town, pretty much

43:10 pretty much a ghost town, pretty much

43:10 pretty much a ghost town, pretty much completely abandoned until Mr. Okura

43:13 completely abandoned until Mr. Okura

43:13 completely abandoned until Mr. Okura kind of stepped in and kind of revived

43:15 kind of stepped in and kind of revived

43:15 kind of stepped in and kind of revived Roy's at least as a traveler's stop

43:18 Roy's at least as a traveler's stop

43:18 Roy's at least as a traveler's stop along Route 66. But for years, for

43:21 along Route 66. But for years, for

43:21 along Route 66. But for years, for decades and decades, this sign was

43:23 decades and decades, this sign was

43:23 decades and decades, this sign was unlit. Still beautiful, but people came

43:25 unlit. Still beautiful, but people came

43:25 unlit. Still beautiful, but people came out to photograph it mostly in the day.

43:27 out to photograph it mostly in the day.

43:27 out to photograph it mostly in the day. I mean, why bother coming out here at

43:28 I mean, why bother coming out here at

43:28 I mean, why bother coming out here at night if there was nothing to see,

43:30 night if there was nothing to see,

43:30 night if there was nothing to see, right? But in 2019, shortly after uh

43:33 right? But in 2019, shortly after uh

43:33 right? But in 2019, shortly after uh London's first visit to Amboy, right? We

43:36 London's first visit to Amboy, right? We

43:36 London's first visit to Amboy, right? We took you to Route 66 when you were just

43:38 took you to Route 66 when you were just

43:38 took you to Route 66 when you were just a little wee thing. We went down to the

43:40 a little wee thing. We went down to the

43:40 a little wee thing. We went down to the Grand Canyon and stuff and we stopped

43:41 Grand Canyon and stuff and we stopped

43:41 Grand Canyon and stuff and we stopped here in Amboy at night, right at sunset,

43:44 here in Amboy at night, right at sunset,

43:44 here in Amboy at night, right at sunset, and uh this thing hadn't been relit yet

43:46 and uh this thing hadn't been relit yet

43:46 and uh this thing hadn't been relit yet because it was in November of 2019

43:49 because it was in November of 2019

43:49 because it was in November of 2019 that they relit the Roy's sign. And I,

43:53 that they relit the Roy's sign. And I,

43:53 that they relit the Roy's sign. And I, unfortunately, was nowhere near being in

43:55 unfortunately, was nowhere near being in

43:55 unfortunately, was nowhere near being in town. I don't just mean in Amboy, I mean

43:57 town. I don't just mean in Amboy, I mean

43:57 town. I don't just mean in Amboy, I mean in LA. So, I missed the big relighting

44:00 in LA. So, I missed the big relighting

44:00 in LA. So, I missed the big relighting ceremony and I've never managed to come

44:02 ceremony and I've never managed to come

44:02 ceremony and I've never managed to come back through here at night and see see

44:05 back through here at night and see see

44:05 back through here at night and see see thing lit up in its full glory. And it

44:08 thing lit up in its full glory. And it

44:08 thing lit up in its full glory. And it is absolutely magnificent. Now, the

44:10 is absolutely magnificent. Now, the

44:10 is absolutely magnificent. Now, the camera that I'm using is not

44:11 camera that I'm using is not

44:11 camera that I'm using is not particularly night time friendly, right?

44:14 particularly night time friendly, right?

44:14 particularly night time friendly, right? But as I back up over here, I think even

44:17 But as I back up over here, I think even

44:17 But as I back up over here, I think even with this dorky camera, you can get a

44:19 with this dorky camera, you can get a

44:19 with this dorky camera, you can get a sense of just how freaking epic that

44:21 sense of just how freaking epic that

44:21 sense of just how freaking epic that looks. And here with the naked eye, let

44:23 looks. And here with the naked eye, let

44:23 looks. And here with the naked eye, let me tell you, I can see a whole bunch of

44:24 me tell you, I can see a whole bunch of

44:24 me tell you, I can see a whole bunch of stars behind this thing.

44:26 stars behind this thing.

44:26 stars behind this thing. It's almost like that scene in Toy

44:27 It's almost like that scene in Toy

44:27 It's almost like that scene in Toy Story. For some reason, this is popping

44:29 Story. For some reason, this is popping

44:29 Story. For some reason, this is popping in my head. That scene in Toy Story

44:30 in my head. That scene in Toy Story

44:30 in my head. That scene in Toy Story where they first get to Pizza Planet.

44:32 where they first get to Pizza Planet.

44:32 where they first get to Pizza Planet. And you see the whole sky lit up with

44:33 And you see the whole sky lit up with

44:33 And you see the whole sky lit up with stars and then that beautiful Pizza

44:35 stars and then that beautiful Pizza

44:35 stars and then that beautiful Pizza Planet neon. I love that. The

44:37 Planet neon. I love that. The

44:37 Planet neon. I love that. The mid-century modern motel office there,

44:40 mid-century modern motel office there,

44:40 mid-century modern motel office there, the old cafe in the background, the neon

44:44 the old cafe in the background, the neon

44:44 the old cafe in the background, the neon sign, and best of all, behind London

44:46 sign, and best of all, behind London

44:46 sign, and best of all, behind London over there against the cafe, a Ford

44:48 over there against the cafe, a Ford

44:48 over there against the cafe, a Ford Aerostar, my first car. Now, that is a

44:51 Aerostar, my first car. Now, that is a

44:51 Aerostar, my first car. Now, that is a classic. None of the cabins out here

44:54 classic. None of the cabins out here

44:54 classic. None of the cabins out here have been

44:56 have been

44:56 have been have been restored yet or any of the

44:57 have been restored yet or any of the

44:57 have been restored yet or any of the motel rooms behind the cabins for

44:59 motel rooms behind the cabins for

44:59 motel rooms behind the cabins for visitors to stay in. I don't know if

45:01 visitors to stay in. I don't know if

45:01 visitors to stay in. I don't know if they'll ever be restored to that point.

45:03 they'll ever be restored to that point.

45:03 they'll ever be restored to that point. I tried to get permission when Albert

45:06 I tried to get permission when Albert

45:06 I tried to get permission when Albert was still alive to come and stay inside

45:09 was still alive to come and stay inside

45:09 was still alive to come and stay inside of one of these cabins overnight. But

45:10 of one of these cabins overnight. But

45:10 of one of these cabins overnight. But they were very uncomfortable with that.

45:11 they were very uncomfortable with that.

45:11 they were very uncomfortable with that. They were telling me about scorpions and

45:13 They were telling me about scorpions and

45:13 They were telling me about scorpions and snakes and all kinds of stuff like,

45:14 snakes and all kinds of stuff like,

45:14 snakes and all kinds of stuff like, "We'd really you you we'd really rather

45:16 "We'd really you you we'd really rather

45:16 "We'd really you you we'd really rather you didn't." That's when like nobody was

45:18 you didn't." That's when like nobody was

45:18 you didn't." That's when like nobody was out here at night, right? So, I thought

45:19 out here at night, right? So, I thought

45:19 out here at night, right? So, I thought maybe I could just do it anyways, but

45:21 maybe I could just do it anyways, but

45:21 maybe I could just do it anyways, but they are really well preserved. Let me

45:23 they are really well preserved. Let me

45:23 they are really well preserved. Let me just pull out my phone flashlight there.

45:25 just pull out my phone flashlight there.

45:25 just pull out my phone flashlight there. And they have been cleaned up over the

45:27 And they have been cleaned up over the

45:27 And they have been cleaned up over the years in terms of they're standing quite

45:30 years in terms of they're standing quite

45:30 years in terms of they're standing quite firmly out here and looking like you

45:32 firmly out here and looking like you

45:32 firmly out here and looking like you could habitate them. I remember being

45:34 could habitate them. I remember being

45:34 could habitate them. I remember being out here one year when they were redoing

45:35 out here one year when they were redoing

45:35 out here one year when they were redoing the plumbing and there were big ditches

45:38 the plumbing and there were big ditches

45:38 the plumbing and there were big ditches across the parking lot. So, they've

45:39 across the parking lot. So, they've

45:39 across the parking lot. So, they've definitely worked on the power and the

45:41 definitely worked on the power and the

45:41 definitely worked on the power and the water out here. I still hope that one

45:43 water out here. I still hope that one

45:43 water out here. I still hope that one day some part of Roy's motel will open

45:47 day some part of Roy's motel will open

45:47 day some part of Roy's motel will open up for visitors to stay, whether in a

45:48 up for visitors to stay, whether in a

45:48 up for visitors to stay, whether in a camping capacity, whether in the

45:51 camping capacity, whether in the

45:51 camping capacity, whether in the more mid-century hotel, or even

45:53 more mid-century hotel, or even

45:53 more mid-century hotel, or even potentially these cabins. Even just as a

45:55 potentially these cabins. Even just as a

45:55 potentially these cabins. Even just as a fun just random overnight stay. I'll

45:58 fun just random overnight stay. I'll

45:58 fun just random overnight stay. I'll tell you something funny though. Um as

45:59 tell you something funny though. Um as

45:59 tell you something funny though. Um as we're standing out here and all I can

46:00 we're standing out here and all I can

46:01 we're standing out here and all I can think of is the movie Cars, right? Which

46:02 think of is the movie Cars, right? Which

46:02 think of is the movie Cars, right? Which was definitely inspired more by the town

46:04 was definitely inspired more by the town

46:04 was definitely inspired more by the town of Seligman, but I also think partially

46:06 of Seligman, but I also think partially

46:06 of Seligman, but I also think partially by the town of Amboy, the railroad

46:07 by the town of Amboy, the railroad

46:07 by the town of Amboy, the railroad crossing being so close, all this

46:08 crossing being so close, all this

46:08 crossing being so close, all this different stuff. Uh London and I were

46:10 different stuff. Uh London and I were

46:10 different stuff. Uh London and I were standing out here in front of the sign

46:11 standing out here in front of the sign

46:11 standing out here in front of the sign when we first pulled up, and a minivan

46:13 when we first pulled up, and a minivan

46:13 when we first pulled up, and a minivan with four Italian dudes came up, and

46:15 with four Italian dudes came up, and

46:15 with four Italian dudes came up, and they all rolled down the windows and

46:16 they all rolled down the windows and

46:16 they all rolled down the windows and leaned out of the car, and they're like,

46:17 leaned out of the car, and they're like,

46:17 leaned out of the car, and they're like, "Eh, where is Los Angeles?" And uh we're

46:19 "Eh, where is Los Angeles?" And uh we're

46:19 "Eh, where is Los Angeles?" And uh we're sitting there like, "Is this a scam? Are

46:20 sitting there like, "Is this a scam? Are

46:20 sitting there like, "Is this a scam? Are they about to pull us into the car or

46:22 they about to pull us into the car or

46:22 they about to pull us into the car or what?" Out in the middle of the desert,

46:23 what?" Out in the middle of the desert,

46:23 what?" Out in the middle of the desert, you know? No, they were genuinely lost,

46:25 you know? No, they were genuinely lost,

46:25 you know? No, they were genuinely lost, and they were like, "No internet." I

46:26 and they were like, "No internet." I

46:26 and they were like, "No internet." I don't know how in the They were not

46:28 don't know how in the They were not

46:28 don't know how in the They were not impressed by this sign. They were not

46:29 impressed by this sign. They were not

46:29 impressed by this sign. They were not trying to do Route 66, like most

46:31 trying to do Route 66, like most

46:31 trying to do Route 66, like most Italians in this part of the desert.

46:32 Italians in this part of the desert.

46:32 Italians in this part of the desert. They were genuinely, completely lost and

46:35 They were genuinely, completely lost and

46:35 They were genuinely, completely lost and confused. Amboy is a hard place to get

46:37 confused. Amboy is a hard place to get

46:37 confused. Amboy is a hard place to get to by accident.

46:39 to by accident.

46:39 to by accident. I don't know where they were going or

46:40 I don't know where they were going or

46:40 I don't know where they were going or where they were coming from, but imagine

46:42 where they were coming from, but imagine

46:42 where they were coming from, but imagine just seeing this like, "Yes!" They were

46:44 just seeing this like, "Yes!" They were

46:44 just seeing this like, "Yes!" They were doing exactly what I just said. It's the

46:46 doing exactly what I just said. It's the

46:46 doing exactly what I just said. It's the old story. They were like, "Yes,

46:47 old story. They were like, "Yes,

46:47 old story. They were like, "Yes, salvation! Look, there's some men. We

46:49 salvation! Look, there's some men. We

46:49 salvation! Look, there's some men. We can ask them for directions." It was

46:50 can ask them for directions." It was

46:50 can ask them for directions." It was creepy though, just cuz it was four of

46:51 creepy though, just cuz it was four of

46:51 creepy though, just cuz it was four of them, all the windows were down. I was

46:53 them, all the windows were down. I was

46:53 them, all the windows were down. I was like, "Oh, they're Italian. They're

46:54 like, "Oh, they're Italian. They're

46:54 like, "Oh, they're Italian. They're fine. They didn't they speak a much of

46:55 fine. They didn't they speak a much of

46:56 fine. They didn't they speak a much of English, but I talking to them like

46:57 English, but I talking to them like

46:57 English, but I talking to them like this, and we understand the universal

46:59 this, and we understand the universal

46:59 this, and we understand the universal sign language there of the of uh my

47:01 sign language there of the of uh my

47:01 sign language there of the of uh my people." Oh, look at that, dude. That is

47:03 people." Oh, look at that, dude. That is

47:03 people." Oh, look at that, dude. That is so rad. All these bats flying around

47:05 so rad. All these bats flying around

47:05 so rad. All these bats flying around eating all the mosquitoes around that

47:07 eating all the mosquitoes around that

47:07 eating all the mosquitoes around that thing.

47:09 thing.

47:09 thing. That is freaking

47:12 That is freaking

47:12 That is freaking awesome. Other than the two uh two

47:15 awesome. Other than the two uh two

47:15 awesome. Other than the two uh two employees of the cafe out there chatting

47:16 employees of the cafe out there chatting

47:16 employees of the cafe out there chatting on a smoke break,

47:18 on a smoke break,

47:18 on a smoke break, it is uh and the occasional train, it is

47:21 it is uh and the occasional train, it is

47:21 it is uh and the occasional train, it is absolutely

47:22 absolutely

47:22 absolutely dead silent out here. Nothing but the

47:25 dead silent out here. Nothing but the

47:25 dead silent out here. Nothing but the crunch of gravel underfoot,

47:27 crunch of gravel underfoot,

47:27 crunch of gravel underfoot, and the sound of a vast region

47:31 and the sound of a vast region

47:31 and the sound of a vast region of

47:32 of

47:32 of nothing.

47:33 nothing.

47:33 nothing. On the open road, my friends. Now I feel

47:36 On the open road, my friends. Now I feel

47:36 On the open road, my friends. Now I feel like we finally begin. We finally begin

47:38 like we finally begin. We finally begin

47:38 like we finally begin. We finally begin our trip down the old mother road,

47:40 our trip down the old mother road,

47:40 our trip down the old mother road, America's highway, America's main

47:42 America's highway, America's main

47:42 America's highway, America's main street. We're back on Route 66. Okay, I

47:45 street. We're back on Route 66. Okay, I

47:45 street. We're back on Route 66. Okay, I know this is a family show, and we keep

47:47 know this is a family show, and we keep

47:47 know this is a family show, and we keep it clean around here, and my mom watches

47:49 it clean around here, and my mom watches

47:49 it clean around here, and my mom watches this, so I don't want to get in trouble.

47:51 this, so I don't want to get in trouble.

47:51 this, so I don't want to get in trouble. But the only word I can think of to

47:53 But the only word I can think of to

47:53 But the only word I can think of to describe what I'm looking at is

47:55 describe what I'm looking at is

47:55 describe what I'm looking at is bitchin'. I love it, dude. All right,

47:57 bitchin'. I love it, dude. All right,

47:57 bitchin'. I love it, dude. All right, guys. We will be back for many, many

48:00 guys. We will be back for many, many

48:00 guys. We will be back for many, many more adventures along Route 66. Lord

48:03 more adventures along Route 66. Lord

48:03 more adventures along Route 66. Lord willing and the creek don't rise, and if

48:04 willing and the creek don't rise, and if

48:04 willing and the creek don't rise, and if we don't meet our demise, we'll have a

48:06 we don't meet our demise, we'll have a

48:06 we don't meet our demise, we'll have a plenty of mother road adventures coming

48:08 plenty of mother road adventures coming

48:08 plenty of mother road adventures coming up for the 100th anniversary of Route

48:10 up for the 100th anniversary of Route

48:10 up for the 100th anniversary of Route 66. But for now, I think we've done all

48:12 66. But for now, I think we've done all

48:12 66. But for now, I think we've done all that we can do, which means we've done

48:13 that we can do, which means we've done

48:13 that we can do, which means we've done our duty. We're going to drive a couple

48:16 our duty. We're going to drive a couple

48:16 our duty. We're going to drive a couple hundred more miles into the darkness

48:18 hundred more miles into the darkness

48:18 hundred more miles into the darkness over there, find a place to lay our

48:20 over there, find a place to lay our

48:20 over there, find a place to lay our heads down, and hotel and sleep well. If

48:23 heads down, and hotel and sleep well. If

48:23 heads down, and hotel and sleep well. If you want to help support the journey,

48:25 you want to help support the journey,

48:25 you want to help support the journey, we've got Patreon, we've got merch,

48:26 we've got Patreon, we've got merch,

48:26 we've got Patreon, we've got merch, we've got a ton of hot sauce that just

48:28 we've got a ton of hot sauce that just

48:28 we've got a ton of hot sauce that just showed up at my house right before we

48:30 showed up at my house right before we

48:30 showed up at my house right before we left. I signed a grip of books, and we

48:32 left. I signed a grip of books, and we

48:32 left. I signed a grip of books, and we have a brand new Random Land pin

48:35 have a brand new Random Land pin

48:35 have a brand new Random Land pin available for you at

48:36 available for you at

48:36 available for you at store.randomland.com. I don't even want

48:38 store.randomland.com. I don't even want

48:38 store.randomland.com. I don't even want to show you what it looks like yet. Let

48:39 to show you what it looks like yet. Let

48:39 to show you what it looks like yet. Let that be a surprise. We'll show that on

48:41 that be a surprise. We'll show that on

48:41 that be a surprise. We'll show that on the next one. Check it out, my friends.

48:42 the next one. Check it out, my friends.

48:42 the next one. Check it out, my friends. Until then,

48:44 Until then,

48:44 Until then, we'll see you in the next one.

49:24 Open, dang you.

49:24 Open, dang you. Yeah, freedom. Route 66 adventure. Here

49:27 Yeah, freedom. Route 66 adventure. Here

49:28 Yeah, freedom. Route 66 adventure. Here we come. We're going to go on Route 66.

49:30 we come. We're going to go on Route 66.

49:30 we come. We're going to go on Route 66. We are traveling. We are forward.

49:32 We are traveling. We are forward.

49:32 We are traveling. We are forward. We're going to do it. We're going to

49:33 We're going to do it. We're going to

49:33 We're going to do it. We're going to Route 66, London. Get your kicks on

49:35 Route 66, London. Get your kicks on

49:36 Route 66, London. Get your kicks on Route 66. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,

49:38 Route 66. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,

49:38 Route 66. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, stop

49:39 yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, stop

49:39 yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, stop singing. We got to stop. STOP THE

49:40 singing. We got to stop. STOP THE

49:41 singing. We got to stop. STOP THE ADVENTURE. STOP. ALL RIGHT.

49:44 ADVENTURE. STOP. ALL RIGHT.

49:44 ADVENTURE. STOP. ALL RIGHT. Look at this.

49:46 Look at this.

49:46 Look at this. Something's about to happen

49:49 Something's about to happen

49:49 Something's about to happen right now.

49:51 right now.

49:51 right now. Nope.

49:53 Nope.

49:53 Nope. Right

49:55 Right

49:55 Right now? No?

50:17 I thought it was going to happen.

50:17 I thought it was going to happen. It's not happening.

50:23 Why isn't it happening? What's going on?

50:23 Why isn't it happening? What's going on? Oh!

50:24 Oh!

50:24 Oh! Look at that. We got here right

50:27 Look at that. We got here right

50:27 Look at that. We got here right in time. So, apparently you got to be

50:29 in time. So, apparently you got to be

50:29 in time. So, apparently you got to be out here pretty much at sunset. They

50:30 out here pretty much at sunset. They

50:30 out here pretty much at sunset. They close this place up at 8:30, and if you

50:32 close this place up at 8:30, and if you

50:32 close this place up at 8:30, and if you ain't here,

50:34 ain't here,

50:34 ain't here, you ain't going to see that shine lit

50:36 you ain't going to see that shine lit

50:36 you ain't going to see that shine lit up. Look at that. That's how it looked

50:38 up. Look at that. That's how it looked

50:38 up. Look at that. That's how it looked for years and years and years when I'd

50:39 for years and years and years when I'd

50:39 for years and years and years when I'd come out here at night. That's how it

50:40 come out here at night. That's how it

50:41 come out here at night. That's how it looked. You can see

50:42 looked. You can see

50:42 looked. You can see why there was no point.

50:44 why there was no point.

50:45 why there was no point. Oh, that sign is so bitching. That is so

50:47 Oh, that sign is so bitching. That is so

50:47 Oh, that sign is so bitching. That is so cool. Okay, I shouldn't say that word.

50:48 cool. Okay, I shouldn't say that word.

50:48 cool. Okay, I shouldn't say that word. Kids, don't repeat that. All right, go

50:49 Kids, don't repeat that. All right, go

50:49 Kids, don't repeat that. All right, go home and sleep well.

California Route 66 - The 100 Year Anniversary Trip Begins

Transcript