April 2016 – The Desert Way with Jaylyn and John

Chasing Big Boy No. 4014 Through the Mojave

Jaylyn and John8 years ago1 year ago614 mins

We were lucky enough to follow along some of Union Pacific steam locomotive Big Boy 4014’s historic journey as it passed through the Mojave Desert from Colton, California to Cheyenne, Wyoming for restoration. Much to the delight of railfans like us, Big Boy’s first scheduled stop was at scenic Mormon Rocks in the Cajon Pass.

Big Boy’s next stop was The Harvey House Railroad Depot in Barstow, originally known as the Casa del Desierto. It was Big Boy’s first visit in 50 years. Would the bittersweet reunion be its last?

Oro Grande Days 2016: A Ghost Town Comes Alive

Jaylyn and John9 years ago1 year ago222 mins

Oro Grande Days was designed to celebrate this little village, once known as Halleck, in the Silver Mining District, and its rich history and heritage that spans more than a century and a half, from wild west boom town, to today’s sleepy hamlet in the shadow of a giant cement plant along Route 66. While there are many old towns that call themselves the Wild West, Oro Grande deserves the title more than most…