I’m not sure when Juli and I decided this as the unofficial name of Route 66 west of Victorville. One thing is certain, we’ve driven it more times than either of us ever wanted to. Together. Alone. With others. Directions? Take 15 North, exit D (look for the sign for the prison), turn left and go past the ampm (if you need to pee or get a drink STOP HERE), drive until you get really sad or see the sign.
Thankful for xm radio. Music blasting. Often trying to tune out the 14 miles of desolate landscape, deserted and rundown buildings, grafitti covered trains, tumbleweed, odd businesses in the middle of nowhere, a federal prison, and the occasional non-vehicular traveler.
Yes, people walking, pushing strollers and grocery carts, golf carts, and my personal favorite, motorized scooter chairs. Where did they come from? And where the heck are they going? You’re on the road from nowhere to, NOWHERE! You probably should have brought a CAR, you’re in the DESERT, people!!!
Seriously, 14 miles of THIS! This is in danger of trespassing? REALLY? There’s NO DOOR!
So much sadness with a few interesting moments in between.
Like the Cross Eyed Cow pizza parlor. Never stopped for the pizza but the colorful roof cow and VW bus advertisement…
This “city” is the only sign of civilization. If you can call it that. The OFFICIAL roadsign for the post office reads “Oro Grande Post Office”. Why the quotation marks? Is it a ploy to capture wayward travelers? I wouldn’t be shocked.
The abandoned Mohawk gas station. When was the last time gas was $1.99/gallon? Especially on a deserted stretch of highway?
The station graphics are still pretty much intact despite being boarded up. The pumps, not so much.
And Bottle Tree Ranch. We’ve driven by SOOOO many times and never stopped at this roadside attraction. This time, thinking this was my last trip, I took a few minutes to walk through.
So how far do we travel The Road? Fourteen. Miles. Turn at “The Sign”.
Yes, the saddest sign on the saddest road is where we know to turn. We’ve never stayed at “The Inn”. I’m fairly certain horror movies were based on this.
Haven’t stayed here either. Obvious reasons.
After years of traveling 66 to Helendale, our trips are finally coming to an end. The house will be sold soon. Our link to the area officially broken. Goodbye Helendale. Not exactly sad to say farewell.
Sparkling Llama 