Descanso, CA – A Place To Rest
A Spanish name, referring to “rest from labor.” Driving along one encounters some charming Descanso businesses – roadside stops on the roads leading to Cuyamaca State Park and Cleveland National Forrest.
Mount Rubidoux, Riverside CA – Past and Present
Beginnings of this landmark began in 1852 when Louis Rubidoux purchased the land and surrounding area.
Late December 1905/Early January 1906 The Huntington Park Association was founded, spear headed by Frank A. Miller – Developer and Owner of Riverside’s Mission Inn – and by railway magnate Henry E. Huntington.
Originally called Huntington Park, the name was changed to the Frank A. Miller Mount Rubidoux Memorial Park after the heirs of Frank Miller donated the property to the city in 1955.
On December 13, 1925, the Testimonial Peace Tower was dedicated to Miller.
The bridge is a replica of a noted bridge in Alcántara, Spain.
Initial improvements, including the road – Huntington Drive, were completed in February 1907
A set of black and white images to follow from the late 1940’s. A group of women stopped here on a road trip. Notice the automobile access on Huntington Drive. Strictly foot traffic nowadays.
The original wooden cross at the summit honors Father Junipero Serra, and was dedicated on April 26, 1907. Serra supposedly often travelled through the valley and rested at Rubidoux Rancho
The wooden cross and memorial plaque at the summit honoring Father Junipero Serra.
The annual non denominational Easter Service is internationally known, and draws a huge turn out every year. The city also launches its premier fireworks show from the top of the mountain every Fourth of July.
As seen at many landmarks that feature a giant cross, there was controversy in Riverside. In response peak was sold to a non profit, non governmental group, Totally Mt. Rubidoux. It operates as the Rivers & Lands Conservancy is the the sole owner and manager of Mt. Rubidoux Peak.
By appearances and all accounts the Rivers and Lands Conservancy does a good job preserving and maintaining the Mount Rubidoux roads and infrastructure. The park is very popular among residents and tourists alike
Route 66 West Of Grants, New Mexico – Remains…
The site today appears to be used for storage or perhaps migrant housing. There are numerous broken and some late model cars parked there.
Winslow, Arizona – Route 66
Tourists pose for a photo next a statue of Jackson Browne.
The Route 66 town of Winslow fully embraces the Rock lore and legend created by The Eagles in their song Take It Easy.
Well, I’m a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
And such a fine sight to see
It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford
Slowin’ down to take a look at me…
The 1914 Thomas Dye Building East with its Winslow House ghost sign. This building was originally a mercantile company. On May 26, 1939, this building became the first Spanish-speaking movie theater, the Chief Theater, in Northern Arizona. The projection room is still intact in the upper level.
The 1912 Elks Building. It stands across the street from the Standing On The Corner exhibit and park, and the statues of Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey. It’s on the National Register of Historic Sites.
66 Motor Palace – a former pool hall, motorcycle shop, and notorious “after hours club,” Today the Motor Palace is a personal residence and preservation project.
Park Place Art Gallery. The building could use some window restoration…
Heading out of town at dusk.
For next time. I missed it this time – once the sun went down I headed out of town. Definitely should have spent the night – at La Posada!
International Mid Century Modern Meets Ancient
The Road to Flagstaff and Route 66
From San Diego to El Centro to Gila Bend to I 17 up to Flagstaff
This Tudor Revival brick building with its cross-gabled roof was designed by one of the railroad’s engineering staff. It stands at what has historically been one of the busiest railroad corridors for both freight and passenger rail in the United States. The station also serves as the city’s Visitors Center – Great American Train Stations
Route 66 Road Trip…to be continued.
Neon Road Trip – Rialto, CA
Rialto, CA
Summit Inn
Only a puddle remains where the historic Summit Inn diner once stood. One of the most recognized roadside landmarks in all of Southern California, this beloved diner burnt to the ground during the Blue Cut Wildfires on August 16, 2016.
The history of Summit Inn dates back to 1928. It was replaced by the Summit Inn people remember today in 1952. A time when Route 66 flourished. Patron over the years include Elvis, Danny Thomas, Clint Eastwood, Pierce Brosmon, and Pearl Bailey, to mention a few.
Nearly four years after it was destroyed it appears hope has faded for rebuilding. Early-on the owners vowed to rebuild. But conceivably the cost of clearing the site and removing contaminated toxic ground soil became cost prohibitive for rebuilding the Summit Inn.
A Mojave Winter Wonderland
Waking up to a winter wonderland in the Mojave on November 30, 2019 as I was VW Kombi camping and road tripping.
Mojave Cross
One will encounter a number of sites and markers on the trek through the Mojave National Preserve.
One is the Mojave Cross. It is officially known as the White Cross World War I Memorial.
The cross stands on Sunrise Rock, a granite outcropping adjacent to Cima Road about 12 miles south of Interstate 15.
In a story that parallels the Mount Soledad Cross story in La Jolla, there was a decades long battle over the Mojave Cross.
In April 2012, a settlement was reached to allow the cross to remain at the Mojave Land Preserve via a land swap. Five acres of private land given to the federal government in exchange for the one acre of land surrounding Sunset Rock. Ownership of that site was transferred to the local Veterans of Foreign War post.
The site is fenced, with entrances for visitors. There are benches and picnic tables. And ample signage explaining that the cross is on private land and noting it is a memorial for war veterans