The Bristol Mountains rise between Ludlow and Kelbaker Road like a long, sun‑scorched barricade, the kind of range that looks less formed than forged. On one side, Route 66 snakes past in its slow, nostalgic way, carrying the ghosts of road‑trippers and the last stubborn believers in Americana. On the other side of that big…
The Reel Cowboys honors those who resonate the qualities of the Silver Spur to deserving individuals and organizations. Reel Cowboys works to preserve Hollywood’s history by honoring Western film and television stars. The 21st Annual Silver Spurs Award Show took place recently at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California. Luminaries such as Patrick Wayne, Dawn Wells, Johnny Crawford, Billy Zane, R.L. Tolbert, Robert Carradine received awards.
One of our favorites being Johnny Crawford, of course. We even made a short YouTube video of Johnny accepting this prestigious award from Steve Connors, son of Chuck Connors…
Along a solitary dirt road, five miles north of Interstate 15 in Newberry Springs, if you know where to look, you can find Saint Antony’s Coptic Orthodox Monastery. You’ll know right away you’ve ventured into somewhere really amazing…
We’ve never camped in the heart of a major city before but we were pleasantly surprised the experience turned out to be such a positive one when we needed it the most. John was scheduled to be examined by a team of doctors at MD Andersen Cancer Hospital over the weekend after a prostate cancer…
Built in 1957 by oil baron and town founder Newton T. Bass and his business partner and brother-in-law Bud Westlund, the Hilltop House wasn’t just a home — it was a modern desert mansion perched on Miner’s Hill like Apple Valley’s crown jewel. From its spot 300 feet above the Apple Valley Inn, it commanded…
Within two months of Holcomb’s discovery of gold in 1859, a town called Belleville sprang into existence at the entrance into Holcomb Valley, near the upper part of Van Dusen Canyon. It had a collection of stores, saloons, dance halls, and blacksmith shops. In 1860, the Wild West town lost its bid for county seat by a mere two votes.
Charles Wilbur was the first tax assessor in San Bernardino County. He was also a gold placer miner who lived in the area around the mid to late 1800s. He was well liked among his fellow miners who lived in the area and they voted for him to organize the miners and the boundary stones. Before he died he asked to be buried by his favorite pond, Wilbur’s Pond, and they did as he asked…
The honor of receiving the very first star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 1992 didn’t go to a blockbuster entertainer like Bob Hope, Ginger Rogers or Frank Sinatra. The coveted star was instead bestowed upon a modest and well-liked man from Indiana, Earle Clifford Strebe, in front of the historic Plaza Theatre he…
It was hellishly hot, it was sweltering, it was blazing. Well, you get the idea. It was just summer in the Mojave Desert. The real heat in the real desert.
The sizzle flavored all the things a good western exemplifies. Man against nature. Man against man. Women against men. Horses against…
Wait, I think I spotted a running theme.
Intrigue, drama and laughter.
Yes, plenty of laughter…
The movie is currently in post-production. In the meantime, we’ll give Heat in the West more buzz than an angry tarantula hawk…
Learning about the desert is essential, not only for your enjoyment but your safety too. We offer advice about interesting places to explore, including history and tips to make your trip fun. Please remember the desert is not your friend. It could have deadly consequences. A little planning ahead goes a long way.
When we see an old building, we have to stop and explore. We were traveling through Niland on our way to Westmorland for date shakes when a diamond in the rough beguiled us on Main Street. We were instantly captivated by its charming architecture and decided to delve into why this painted lady was down…
