Route 66 - California
The South - California
For the GPS: 87520 National Trails Hwy, Amboy, CA 92304 (Amboy)
For the GPS: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368 (Elmer´s Bottle Tree Ranch)
Our visits: So far 2 visits in March 2016 and June 2023
Amboy
Description: Like many locations on old Route 66, the gas station and associated motel in Amboy had fallen into disrepair. Then, in 2005, the facility was purchased by Alber Okular. He wants to restore and preserve the place. Unfortunately, you don't see much of it. The gas station and the kiosk are in operation, but nothing can be seen of elaborate restorations.
Our rating: Somehow these half-abandoned places have their own charm and always attract us. The old neon signs and buildings often tell stories that are very interesting. Those who are interested in the old Route 66 will surely pass by here.
Elmer´s Bottle Tree Ranch
Description: Elmar Long built these sculptures on his private property and makes them available to the public. The bottle trees have been created since the year 2000, with Elmar using mostly civilization waste for construction. He finds the stuff in the ghost towns of the Mojave Desert. Today his collection consists of well over 200 objects. If Elmar is on site, he will be happy to chat with his guests. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. For this purpose, there is a mailbox at the entrance.
Current: Sadly, Elmer Long passed away on 6/22/2019 at the age of 72. Efforts are underway to keep Bottle Tree Ranch open. Still, you might want to keep an eye on current developments so you don't face a closed door.
Bottle Tree Ranch is still open (December 2020). Here you will find updates on how things are developing.
Our rating: A very quirky place that we enjoyed very much. It was fun to talk to Elmer and take a little tour of his workshop. A truly unusual fellow. We would drive by here again should we be in the area.
Oro Grande
Description: Coming from the east, the small town of Oro Grande is located just past Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch. Today, the remnants of the old Route 66 have almost disappeared and merged into a new town. But if you take a closer look, you will discover one or the other abandoned gas station or an old diner.
Our rating: It's not a must see, but it's definitely worth a little stop. Especially for those who are interested in the old Route 66 and its history.
NEW !!!
Santa Monica Pier
Description: 3940km nachdem die Route 66 in Chicago begonnen hat, endet sie hier am Pier in Santa Monika. Man kann sowohl das End of Trail-Schild als auch einen Schaukasten zu Ehren von Robert Waldmire besichtigen.
Our rating: Erst nach mehr als 20 USA Besuchen haben wir es im Juni 2023 endlich mal an den Pier in Santa Monica geschafft. Eigentlich sind so rummelige Orte nicht unser Ding, aber das End of Trail Schild wollten wir doch endlich mal selber sehen. Richtige Route 66 Fans lassen das natürlich nicht aus, aber wir können vermutlich die nächsten 20 USA Urlaube ohne Santa Monica auskommen.
