Not only is someone looking after Elmer Long's Bottle Tree Ranch near Oro Grande, California, but he is adding to it three years after the creator's death. According to ABC10 in Los Angeles, Brian McKinsey now serves as caretaker of the Route 66 landmark. The story contains this encouraging excerpt: McKinsey says it’s not uncommon … Continue reading Caretaker creating new additions to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Tag: Oro Grande
Bottle Tree Ranch reopens full-time after the death of its creator
The landmark Bottle Tree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, California, reopened Saturday after being closed following the death of its creator, Elmer Long, in July. Delvin Harbour, a longtime Route 66 enthusiast in California, posted this on Facebook on Saturday: Long, 72, died June 22 after a bout with lung cancer. The Bottle … Continue reading Bottle Tree Ranch reopens full-time after the death of its creator
Elmer Long, creator of Bottle Tree Ranch, dies
Elmer Long, the eccentric creator of the beloved Bottle Tree Ranch on Route 66 near Oro Grande, California, died June 22 after a bout with lung cancer. He was 72. Kelly Donovan, an administrator of Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch page on Facebook, announced Long's death during a post on the page Friday afternoon. No obituary … Continue reading Elmer Long, creator of Bottle Tree Ranch, dies
Route 66-themed convenience store coming to Helendale
A Route 66-themed gas station and convenience store is expected to break ground in March along National Trails Highway (aka Route 66) in Helendale, California. The Desert Dispatch in nearby Victorville had the scoop: Thomas Steeno, owner of Steeno Design Studio Inc., told the Daily Press on Friday construction plans will be sent to San … Continue reading Route 66-themed convenience store coming to Helendale
Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande
An early morning fire Friday gutted the kitchen of the Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon, a favorite watering hole for motorcyclists and Route 66 travelers going through Oro Grande, California. According to the Victorville Daily Press: The blaze erupted at the shuttered saloon, located at 20848 National Trails Highway, at 5:39 a.m. Friday. It spread … Continue reading Fire damages Iron Hog Restaurant and Saloon in Oro Grande
Stolen Cross Eyed Cow minibus recovered
The customized Volkswagen minibus stolen two weeks ago from the Cross Eyed Cow restaurant in Oro Grande, California, was recovered Monday, but not without scary moments. The minivan now is in a tow yard in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The Cross Eyed Cow's owners hope they can pick it up this week, although police may want to hold it a … Continue reading Stolen Cross Eyed Cow minibus recovered
Cross Eyed Cow minibus stolen
A Volkswagen minibus perennially parked in front of the Cross Eyed Cow Pizza restaurant in Oro Grande, California, was stolen, and the owner has offered a reward for its return. According to the Victor Valley News: If you’ve ever traveled along Route 66 through the town of Oro Grande you’ve likely seen the infamous Cross Eyed Cow pizza … Continue reading Cross Eyed Cow minibus stolen
A view from above Route 66
Mike and Casey Lynch recently took a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone to shoot amazing aerial footage along Route 66 in California, Arizona and New Mexico. Some of the things you'll find on this 14-minute video: Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, California Anonymous Canyon in Newberry Springs, California Bagdad … Continue reading A view from above Route 66
More 1993 footage from a Route 66 trip
Anthony Reichardt has uploaded more videos from a Route 66 trip he took with a friend in August 1993 in a 1959 Cadillac. The first is a visit to Our Lady of the Highways Shrine near Raymond, Illinois. The shrine has changed little, but the footage contains a chat with longtime caretaker Francis Marten, who … Continue reading More 1993 footage from a Route 66 trip
A visit to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch
A lot of videos have made their way on the Internet about Elmer Long and his unique Bottle Tree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, Calif. But this one by KCET-TV, a community station in Los Angeles, is the best. The interview delves into Long's background. And, much to my relief, Long says his sons will continue … Continue reading A visit to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch