Rocket launch over Amboy delayed

"Mad" Mike Hughes' scheduled launch today of his self-made rocket over the Route 66 town of Amboy, California, was delayed after the Bureau of Land Management nixed it, saying he didn't have permission. However, Hughes told the Washington Post he would launch the rocket -- with him inside -- sometime next week on private property … Continue reading Rocket launch over Amboy delayed

Man plans to launch himself in rocket over Amboy on Saturday

A self-taught rocket scientist plans to launch his steam-powered creation -- with him inside -- over the Route 66 hamlet of Amboy, California, between 2 and 3 p.m. Saturday. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, “Mad” Mike Hughes built his rocket in his garage from salvaged parts and about $20,000 of his own money. … Continue reading Man plans to launch himself in rocket over Amboy on Saturday

Restaurant inspired by Roy’s of Amboy opens in Barstow

Roy's Cafe, which features a neon sign inspired by another sign at the historic Roy's of Amboy, California, recently opened on Route 66 in Barstow, California. Here's the sign for the original Roy's, for comparison's sake: Carlos Aceves, Amboy town manager, wrote to the Route 66 yahoogroup Saturday: Roy's Cafe is now open in Barstow … Continue reading Restaurant inspired by Roy’s of Amboy opens in Barstow

Two hikers found dead near Amboy Crater

Two people hiking near Amboy Crater in Amboy, California, were found dead Saturday afternoon after apparently being overcome by the terrain's 113-degree temperatures. According to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, the people pronounced dead at the scene were Kathie Barber, 58, and Gen Miake, 60, a married couple from Yorba … Continue reading Two hikers found dead near Amboy Crater

More bridges washed out between Essex and Amboy

Those hoping old Route 66 between Essex and Amboy, California, would reopen to traffic by September after bridge repairs may have to wait longer -- storms damaged more than a dozen bridges in that stretch last week. Mazin Kasey of the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works said in an email Monday that 14 … Continue reading More bridges washed out between Essex and Amboy

DVD review: “The California Promise: Historic Route 66”

Route 66 in the Mojave Desert may look barren, but its past brims with history and stories. That's the takeaway from Unoccupied Route 66's latest film, "The California Promise: Historic Route 66." The 37-minute documentary, again directed by KC Keefer, explores a 100-mile stretch of ghost towns that dotted Route 66 in Southern California's harsh desert. … Continue reading DVD review: “The California Promise: Historic Route 66”

Some stunt drone-flying at Two Guns

A drone pilot with enviable skills takes his aircraft up, over and even through parts of the ruins of the Route 66 ghost town of Two Guns, Arizona. https://youtu.be/LKzLxNEX21A According to the YouTube account, called RoadTripFPV, he is an aerospace engineer. A little less than a year ago, he posted this drone video of Amboy … Continue reading Some stunt drone-flying at Two Guns

A high-speed trip on Route 66 through the Mojave Desert

A dedicated driver known only by the name of Forgotten Hwy recently uploaded footage of drives on Route 66 through California's Mojave Desert. These are quality, high-speed videos with annotations of towns, prominent crossroads and streets encountered on the Mother Road. This is a good way to travel vicariously in Route 66 in the Mojave … Continue reading A high-speed trip on Route 66 through the Mojave Desert

Part of Route 66 in Mojave Desert to be closed until mid-September

A portion of Route 66 that runs through the Mojave Desert just east of Amboy, California, will be closed through mid-September because of bridge construction. San Bernardino County published a news release Monday in the Desert Dispatch newspaper, based in Barstow, California: San Bernardino County Public Works will be constructing two new bridges and road … Continue reading Part of Route 66 in Mojave Desert to be closed until mid-September

“Small Frame” music video shot at Roy’s of Amboy

The Los Angeles-based folk-rock band, Highland Kites, shot a video for its song, "Small Frame," at the historic Roy's complex on Route 66 in Amboy, California. Small Frame - Highland Kites from Aaron Cota on Vimeo. The shoot was done in October, according to the band's blog. (Image capture from the "Small Frame" video)