Mojave Desert

05/01/2025

Concrete Boat
https://digital-desert.com/places/cement-boat.html

There is a folk tale of a ship laden with gold in the desert--out there in the sand. This ship drifts in and out of sight as smoothly and quietly as the tide.

This is not that ship.

05/01/2025

Randsburg, again.
https://digital-desert.com/randsburg-ca/
March 17, 2007

04/01/2025

Miles Mahan's Hulaville (site)
https://digital-desert.com/blog/hula-ville/

Miles Mahan's Hulaville was a unique stop along Route 66 near Hesperia, California. It had trees with hula hoops and weird sculptures made from old junk. It was created in the 1950s by Miles Mahan, a retired truck driver, and became an instant hit among travelers and Route 66 fans. Hulaville is known for its playful charm and Mahan's gentle personality. It was declared a California Historical Landmark in 1998. After Mahan died in 1997, the place became run-down and was torn apart, but it remains a much-loved part of Route 66 history.

Hula Ville After retiring as a ‘carny,’ or carnival worker at the Venice Pier and Santa Monica Pier, Miles Mahan (1896-1997) began building Hula Ville in 1955. Wine- and beer-bottle tree sculptures adorned Joshua trees and wooden posts. Desert sandblasted wood signs held poetry and prose; dolls,...

04/01/2025

04/01/2025

The Automobile Blue Book was an essential guide for early motorists in the 1910s and 1920s. It provided detailed written directions based on landmarks like barns or trees, as road signs were scarce. The book covered the U.S. and southern Canada, including maps, motor laws, hotel listings, and ferry schedules. Acting as a motorist’s encyclopedia, it relied on passengers to read directions aloud, blending practicality with points of interest for adventurous road trips.

National Old Trails Road Automodile Blue Book Flagstaff, Az. to Los Angeles, Ca.

04/01/2025

National Old Trails Road

Interstate 40 roughly traces U.S. Highway 66, Steinbeck's "mother road." It began as a route for cross-desert drivers near the Santa Fe Railway to access supplies and aid, and thanks to grading and construction, it has grown into a more developed National Old Trails Road. In 1914, the Automobile Club of Southern California installed signs and issued maps to publicize the route from Los Angeles to Kansas City.

The National Old Trails Road (Route 66) I-40 Freeway - Historic highways, roads and trails in the Mojave Desert

04/01/2025

Route 66

St. Raymond Church in Amboy, California, was built in 1951 during the town's Route 66 boom, serving around 40 Catholic families tied to local railroads and salt mines. Donated land by Roy Crowl and funding from the Catholic Extension Society helped bring the church to life. It became a vital spiritual hub but closed in 1970 as Amboy's population declined after Interstate 40 bypassed the town. The church, once adorned with a mural of St. Raymond, symbolizes the resilience of this desert community and remains a part of Amboy's rich history.

Discover the history of St. Raymond Church in Amboy, California, a symbol of faith and community during the heyday of Route 66. Learn about its origins, significance, and legacy.

03/01/2025

There was more than one place in Amboy to get a bowl of chili.
Conn's Cafe

Discover the history of Conn's One Stop Service Station, Cabins, and Cafe in Amboy, California, a mid-century hub along Route 66 offering Chevron gas, lodging, and dining. Learn about its legacy and eventual demise.

02/01/2025

This feature is set amidst the rugged Mojave terrain and provides a unique spot for photography, hiking, and exploration. Visiting the Shaman's Eye offers adventurers a chance to connect with the desert's mystique and experience nature's awe-inspiring artistry.

Explore the Shaman's Eye, a stunning rock formation in the Mojave National Preserve, known for its unique appearance and connection to Native American heritage.

02/01/2025

Munz Ranch

The Munz Ranch in Antelope Valley, California, has historical significance tied to its early role in the area's agricultural and ranching development. It was named after the Munz family, among the region's pioneering settlers. The ranch became known for sheep herding and expanded to include cattle ranching. Located near Elizabeth Lake, the property provided an ideal setting for grazing livestock due to its water resources and open pastures.

02/01/2025

The First Mojave Gold Festival to be held Sunday, May 19th. Later it was renamed to "The Mojave Gold Rush Days"
Article Date May 3, 1935

02/01/2025

Antelope Valley Historical Setting
20th Century and Modern Era
Agricultural Development:

Early 20th-century settlers turned the valley into a significant agricultural hub, growing crops like alfalfa, apples, and pears. In the mid-20th century, water availability from the California Aqueduct transformed farming practices, allowing for more diverse and intensive agriculture.

Discover the rich history of Antelope Valley, from its indigenous roots and Spanish exploration to agricultural development, military significance, and modern growth. Learn about the diverse cultural and economic evolution of this unique region in Southern California.

02/01/2025

El Mirage Dry Lake is in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California. It is a prominent natural area with both recreational and ecological significance. The lakebed lies at 2,840 feet above sea level in the Antelope Valley. This old lake bed has been flattened over time into a hard-surfaced, flat area that can be used for many purposes; it is a lovely place for nature-based recreation.

El Mirage Dry Lake

02/01/2025

The Mojave National Preserve is a treasure trove of natural and historical wonders. Picture yourself climbing the massive Kelso Dunes, feeling the thrill of hiking to the top and hearing the "singing sands." At the historic Kelso Depot, you can step back in time and learn about the old railroad days. Explore the stunning formations of Mitchell Caverns or navigate the ancient Lava Tube with a flashlight. Enjoy a scenic off-road adventure on the Mojave Road or wander among the Joshua trees at Cima Dome. Whether hiking, camping, or simply soaking in the beauty, the preserve offers a captivating mix of activities for everyone.

Scenic photo tours of points of interest in the Mojave Preserve in the eastern Mojave Desert

02/01/2025

Day 4 and Happy New Year Death Valley National Park. If you want to get an early start to Telescope Peak this year, now is the time. Road is clear to the trailhead and in as good as condition as it gets.

This whole area will be closed off in as little as a week for months for road work.

This is the one mile mark heading up.

January 1, 2025