Amboy, CA: Classic Route 66 Motel and Abandoned Town

[@sneville44]

I stayed the night at Roy’s back in 1983 along with my UC Riverside geology professors and fellow grad students. It was a field trip to defend our thesis field work. We visited my field area in Lucerne Valley, along with the Marble Mountains and the Castle Mountains. Professors Lewis Cohen, Peter Sadler and Peter Schiffman. Grad students Mike Miller, Mike Lukk, and Dave Smith. Back then there were a lot of grad students doing field work in the Mojave. The night we stayed there we were all drinking Mickey Big Mouth malt liquors…got pretty buzzed. Dr. Cohen broke open a Mickey’s Saturday morning before we ate breakfast at Roy’s. We had dinner at the Baghdad Cafe on the way back to Riverside. Good times and memories! BTW…sometime in the 70’s some folks hauled a bunch of old tires to Amboy Crater and set them on fire simulating a volcanic eruption. Geologists from all over So. Cal rushed out to Amboy to witness the “eruption”. Imagine their disappointment!

[@maryjomagar7154]

Thank you for telling this personal story. I can imagine, sounds to have been interesting and fun. Thank you again!

[@janblake9468]

My geological thesis site was in the the northern end of Soda Mtns. My "home" while in Baker was the Royal Hawaiian Motel and Pikes restaurant across the highway. Both are now gone. I attended UCR in 1963-65.

[@sneville44]

⁠@@janblake9468Small world! How cool is that! Who were your professors back then? UCR was a great place to earn a geology degree with all the amazing California geology at our fingertips. You were also at UCR at a time when Plate Tectonic theory was coming on strong. What an exciting time it must have been to be a geology student then.

[@janblake9468]

The only professors name I remember is Schlanger (sp?). I'd have to research to find more. I remember the plate tectonics theories. @@sneville44

[@ssQ2U]

Ha! great memories 👍

[@cargotrailerkenny]

It's not so much the places Wonderhussy goes it's the Hussy herself that keeps me coming back for more of her videos. She has a great imagination, a great sense of humor and she's cute on top of all that. She's much better than anything you can find on TV these days. Thanks for the laughs Wonderhussy!

[@charliewiegle8138]

Wow Sarah! A brush with greatness, I'm honored. My wife and I are the motorcycle riders in the background at 24:35. We are from Maine and were dayriding out of Twentynine Palms for the month of February, 2024.

[@Coldwarrior7781]

Far out. Id like to take that roll on my Wing.

[@wmanad8479]

Hah! Us Mainers sure do get around.

[@underthetornado]

I remember taking Greyhound to visit my sisters in Nevada. They always stopped in Amboy. I remember when the town was a town! Dagget too. Wow I'm old now😢 As a child I remember my parents always got rooms in some of thoses old Route 66 motels when we took our vacations across the US. My dad was big on camping trips to famous historical places but mom insisted on motel rooms to shower and stuff. She tolerated camping but had to have her showers!😂❤ that little sports car was a Karmmen Ghia I think? Built by Volkswagon.

[@kenkrausse3624]

Good for mom

[@Elhastezy888]

So glad you shared. "Getting old" is challenging + heavenly, we need "old" people 🤍 Wishing you many blessings

[@kimballamram552]

It is a Karman Ghia most likely 70s vintage

[@MrJest2]

I've always been amused by the name "Dagget". It was the stupid name of the robotic dog in the original '70s _Battlestar Galactica_ TV show. So it just tickles my "likewise old" self. 😋

[@virgilklein7553]

It's late August in 1967 and I am headed for college in Nebraska from Southern California in the family's '53 Mercury. Decide it might be a good idea to drive across the desert at night because '53 Mercs "ain't got no air conditioning". The old Merc was running just a little on the hot side (and so was I) when I rolled into Amboy at midnight for a little gas. The place was pretty busy even at that hour. The temperature was 102 degrees. No fooling the desert and no wonder the old girl was a little warm. It was always a great trip across this stretch of US 66 at night. You could see headlights for miles coming at you. Typically you would wind up in a long line of cars behind a slow moving truck because you just couldn't pass anyone. Days long gone.

[@robbrown4621]

Wow. You wrote a very interesting memory... :)

[@gregorykemp2864]

You are the best story teller of the desert west. I always enjoy your active imagination. Thanks.

[@malcolmgettmann3002]

I have stopped there for over 40 years . They just had new gas lines installed and have new septic system that may be constructed shortly. The Son is now the owner and will carry on the dream. BTW there is a very large aquifer in the area and was subject of great controversy

[@tomfrye9037]

At about 14:12 or so...the little white car is a Karman Ghia made by Volkswagen. It's just a different body on a Bug chassis. Back in the 80s, my girlfriend and I bought one. She got a kick out of driving that thing. When I met her, she was driving a Ford Maverick with a manual 3 speed transmission (Three on the tree). It took her about 3 minute to fall in love with four on the floor.😄 Thanks a heap for the tour of the "town", Love. You are loved and appreciated.

[@bendermi]

Actually it was made by Karmann in Osnabrück.

[@denniswright807]

My family of 6 stayed there on our way to Texas this was about 1957 it was hot and Dr pepper was so good

[@JTA1961]

What a thing to remember... thanks for sharing

[@garygrasselena]

Hi SJ, another eye-opener to make a person realize how quickly life changes and people disappear. Excellent, thank you,gg😊

[@DaleShirley-o1u]

Fine you have a great delivery and presence you happy!

[@juneyshu6197]

Old Clamper and Widder here, my husby helped put up the monument there!

[@robertf4540]

Great video Sarah! When I was a kid, back in the early 70's Our family used to go through Amboy all the time on our way to Kelso Dunes, in what is now the Mojave National Preserve. We used to go camping and 4 wheeling there. We would leave our home in the evening from L.A. after my Dad got off work. One time we came through Amboy in the dark right after a freight train had derailed. It was a mess! There were smoldering upside down cars and wheels all over the road. I remember my Dad weaving around them until we cleared the wreckage. It was crazy! There is a crater near by there that I climbed to the top of one time. It's a pretty interesting little place, for sure. Thanks for bringing us along. Safe travels!

[@Elhastezy888]

Awesome Post!! Thanks so much for sharing

[@JTA1961]

Definitely off of the..."beaten track"

[@janblake9468]

I never stayed at the Amboy motel, but I did eat at the cafe in the 1950's. Dinner cost under $2. Half of the town on the south side of 66 across from Roy's burned down about 1972. A Chevron gas station, food market, a motel, and homes were there.

[@JTA1961]

Definitely on the "wrong side of the tracks"

[@faceplant93]

So sorry to hear of Alberto's passing. His passions were Amboy, The Original McDonald's Museum in San Bernardino, and Rotisserie Chicken since he owned the Juan Pollo small chain of chicken restaurants in Orange County CA. He wrote a book about his life, which he gave me when I was visiting the McDonald's Museum. It was a very interesting book, and I will see if I can find it. So sad he is gone. And yes, he was a very interesting and great guy.

[@JTA1961]

Thanks for the insight on this guy

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Yup. @@JTA1961

[@patcaribou]

Roy's motel - "you can check in, but you can't never leave"

[@sabybaby]

That three-wheeled van is called Clubman.

[@kimballamram552]

Hotel California is about Route 66 as the road leads to Los Angeles

[@patcaribou]

@@kimballamram552 correction: "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave"....i really butchered those lyrics! :/

[@garymartin9728]

Pat atleast you tried lol

[@JTA1961]

Unless you're ROY al tea

[@localgirl33]

According to a poster on an Amboy page, "When the Santa Fe abolished water service to towns along the Needles Sub, the railroad offered to pay to have water wells drilled for those who wanted them. Most everyone took them up on their offer. The water quality varied. At Amboy the water isn't potable. Amboy uses the water for public toilets, but not for drinking water. This is the reason the hotel and restaurant were never reopened. The water would have to be treated, or trucked in- both too expensive"

[@glennthomas7435]

My family drove by that place going to and coming back from Hawaii in 57 and 59. NAS Barbers Point, Oahu, Learned to hang ten at the Officers beach on ten and 12 foot boards( you could have a dance class on those things)!

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

Happy to see your channel is blossoming! And, yes, all of the aging boomers were so proud to recognize and name the Karmann Ghia. Thank you as always for your fun and interesting videos.

[@wmanad8479]

Deadly but fun cars, a neighbor had one, it now sits in a local scrap yard.

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

@@wmanad8479 I had a Datsun Fairlady, the last convertible before the 240z was introduced. Damn, that car would be worth 40K now, however had a stupid boyfriend that didn't get old sports car value.

[@wmanad8479]

@@thebeautifulhobo1 Got a niece who held on to her 240z, smart lady

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

@@wmanad8479 Awesome! Thank you for your response!

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

@@wmanad8479 Yes! Have a great day!

[@ctruthtoday]

That Lincoln is worth rescuing also.

[@JTA1961]

Those sideways "eyes" were halfway between the (:) ones & then everyone went to the ••■••

[@bendermi]

I'm not good at recognising American cars, so I have to look in the comments because I just have to know. Thanks for the information, its appreciated. 👍👍

[@Primomrlasvegas]

One of my favorite places to drive through from Palm Springs to Las Vegas. I have pictures from 1985 my first time seeing the place. My Mom wanted to re-open the Road Runner Diner nearby.

[@lolalydon]

I love this drive too! It never disappoints!

[@criticalcrab1125]

I love Wonderhussy!

[@Elhastezy888]

Meeee Toooo!! 🤩 💃🏻

[@Lois-o1f]

Me three 🎉

[@SCole-gt7qq]

Me Four!

[@jeromedodson5178]

Me Five !

[@JTSunriseMusic]

❤

[@gregkunkel708]

The white car with the handprints is a VW Karmann Ghia. Keep up the awesome work. Love your channel!!

[@martharetallick204]

My mother dreamed of owning one.

[@maggiesfarm7970]

I wouldn't have wanted one! You'd have to be a mechanic to keep it running.

[@SingleTrackMined]

@@maggiesfarm7970There's never been anything much more reliable than an air cooled VW. Those Karmann Ghias were just a different body on a Beetle.

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

Thank you! I was just checking to see if some one had informed WH of the make!

[@Snarkapotamus]

Used to have a convertible ghia...

[@deborahanderson5508]

One of your best!! Peace

[@barnyg6804]

The old Ray Anthony Album I seen in the background there of course he did the famous song THE HOKEY POKEY you know put ya right foot in and ya right foot out do the hokey pokey and turn about.....

[@Elhastezy888]

That's what it's all about..... man💃🏻

[@barnyg6804]

​@@Elhastezy888 Right on

[@vernwallen4246]

You will never cease too AMAZE ME.Stay safe.

[@PhyllisGarcia-cf7fz]

What a cool blast from the past place! Love it 😊👍 A must see...a step back in time. When life was a lot simpler and not so stressful. Great find WH. Chock up another great find girl. Your simply the "Best!" Can't wait for the next one! Happy trails Wonderhussy....👓🥾😊

[@korhing1066]

Thank You For All your Hard Work so We May Enjoy These Adventures

[@rexkars7867]

Super Town! Thanks for tuning us on to Amboy!

[@JTA1961]

Well said

[@glennthomas7435]

Behind the sparkly curtain is the POKER TABLE!!

[@toddreddington9673]

Three wheeled Cushman it's pretty cool !

[@wendygerrish4964]

There's a couple of 3 wheeled cubcars in Big Oak Flat Ca of all places. Meter maids used them in cities dishing out parking tickets for one.

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

As a former "Meter Maid" during the 70's in Newport Beach CA I'll tell you, by the end of the day the Cushman was not so cool. We were pretty beat up. Also, they are a clutch, and the cover is just zipped up canvas. I can still hear that thing in my head, like driving a 3 wheeled riding lawn motor.

[@norryone]

1959 Lincoln Continental Mark 4

[@bendermi]

Thanks , I always look in comments for the cars I don't know. 👍👍

[@richardbowen9071]

Another great video Sarah! You once again look outstanding even dressed down in a Harley t-shirt and jeans. I concour with the telephone pole that was "happy to see you". And then you even spoke German! That was the icing on the cake!

[@TerraFirmaX]

I used to drive tow truck out of Yucca Valley in the early 90's and Amboy was an area that many on their way to the river would break down. I towed many a vehicles out of that town

[@davidedgar2818]

You might have been the tow company that towed a bus back in 93? I was with a group on a "hippy" school bus heading to burning man we broke down just outside of Amboy and towed back to Twenty Nine Palms for repairs.

[@princessunicorn669]

I got a flat tire right as I was coming into Amboy in the early 90’s enroute to Vegas from San Diego. It took awhile to get a replacement 😅

[@TK77MG]

You're awesome, thank you. 👊

[@alohablue2907]

Nice to see a classic place not destroyed by vandals ❤

[@fredweber9923]

This one was great. Thank-you gorgeous

[@bendermi]

The car at 14:50 is a Karmann Ghia built by Karmann in Osnabrück it has a wider chassis so you could'nt just make a body swap. Thanks for the video keep them coming. Three thumbs up 👍👍 from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@harrycalahan1848]

Love this place. When i biked across America in 1987 i cam across this town. I was Amazed! I been back and its still looking great. Lots of moves filmed there.

[@princessunicorn669]

True, but not good movies. Mostly low budget horror with no name actors with exception to that movie Kalifornia with David Ducovvney and Brad Pitt.

[@princessunicorn669]

It use to bug me that they had a fresh faced kid playing the employee there at Roy’s and not old Buster, who actually lived and worked the place.

[@harrycalahan1848]

The was a good movie call the hitcher with rutger hauer and c thomas howell. Filmed in this dinner

[@princessunicorn669]

@@harrycalahan1848 I watched that movie long long ago, and didn’t realize it was partly filmed there, very interesting 👍

[@princessunicorn669]

I was reading a popular Vampire book series back in the early 90’s and one of the locations in the book that the Vampire attacked some people and caused a huge ruckus was at that Amboy gas station Lol… I could hardly believe it 😂 I sure miss chatting with Old Buster when he was still running the place he was definitely a character.

[@lolalydon]

Love this video!! I travel between Vegas and Palm Springs thru the preserve a couple times a year and I always stop at Roy's in Amboy. I'll be there again later this Spring if anyone wants to hang out haha

[@larry785]

As I am a Ham/CB radio operator, my eye caught that unused radio tower!😍😍😍

[@mannybravo237]

Someone else left a comment stating it's active KIHT FM ?

[@911copcam]

I noticed that right away

[@Subgunman]

Thought that was an abandoned cell tower. Good place for a high power ham repeater. 73!

[@Rob2]

@@Subgunman Is there much activity over there? I drove though the area 35 years ago with a reciprocal license carrying 2m equipment, there were several repeaters (more like 'remote base') but it could well be not much activity is left.

[@larry785]

@@mannybravo237 No. Very bad place for radio station. Probably a tower leftover from a government entity.

[@speckitis]

I remember when Amboy was for saile in the late 80s. It wasn't horribly expensive to own your own town. The Marines at 29 Palms used to call it "Jamboy".

[@oscaranderson1822]

You ought to buy that and then all of us old guys will come and fix it for you.

[@Lois-o1f]

And us girls can fix up the kitchen 😂❤

[@itsdiane2you11]

​@@Lois-o1f and make sandwiches 😂

[@ssQ2U]

Bartender 🙋‍♀️

[@WizardOfWhoopee]

I'll get those cars running, but leave the patina.

[@heartdawg]

The last part is fricking hilarious!! The Buda 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@garyleonard8495]

I was through there about four years ago cool place. Sad to hear that the guy died.

[@sadistic_bushmaster]

Herbie the love Buggy?🤣 That’s a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34! It’s a Rare car that needs to be saved!

[@wendygerrish4964]

Featured in 'Top Gun' 's ~ girlfriend had one...the convertible version.

[@thomasprice5702]

Great piece Hussy, oh hello from Amboy Indiana pop. 317 and falling.

[@lot6129]

That phone number on the chicken trailer works, Pomona CA :-)

[@shawnheneghan4110]

It is amazing that the lobby has not been broken into, vandalized and all the memorabilia stolen. There are no broken windows and even the couch looks to be in reasonable shape.

[@jennablerose2168]

Shhh🤫

[@MikeKelly-ku6rq]

All it's missing is Howard Sprague, Andy, Helen and Goober.

[@shawnscrimsher2207]

You're absolutely right and that's why you should take down your post not to bring this to any weirdo's attentions‼

[@JMendez1973]

Oh. I wouldn’t worry about the safety of the location. It’s like the old west out there. F around and find out how quickly small projectiles can accelerate and penetrate. LOL

[@MikeKelly-ku6rq]

Penetrate, please, a moment of silence.@@JMendez1973

[@Oldnoitall]

I remember listening and partying to Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes Thanks for all the hard work and videos.

[@rossjudd6049]

Except that "Amboy" Was in Crown Heights section of Brooklyn~

[@princessunicorn669]

@@rossjudd6049DOH 😮!

[@darkstar1568]

It was actually referencing Perth Amboy New Jersey and a street gang from an 1950's novel.

[@jolenecreech7648]

YAY. 😁. I AM COMMENTING BEFORE WATCHING! 😊. I needed this right now! Good timing, WH!!!! ❤

[@spencereagle1118]

The 'Manson' car is a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, probably worth rescuing.

[@traceytrotter9934]

One of my favorite cars ever.

[@mikenuyen4441]

Karmann Ghia was my first thought too.

[@clifforddriver9434]

That's a karmann Ghia. Made by Volkswagen.

[@traceytrotter9934]

@@mikenuyen4441 How could there be a doubt? Granted I was born in 1960. If I were young I would know though.

[@bendermi]

That's a Karmann Ghia built by Karmann in Osnabrück it has a wider chassis so you could'nt just make a body swap.

[@Netzienet]

In 1959 my Dad came out with a friend from Illinois on Route 66 on Harley’s. Came out to be an actor and only was in one or two episodes of Rough rider with Clint Eastwood. Started working in the trucking industry and met my mom 😊. So yes all types of good people came out on Route 66. He passed the love of the open road tome and when i get the opportunity i like to get out like you do. Love watching you until opportunity opens for me.

[@samhardy2038]

The clouds above the sign at 3:33 were terrific!

[@SteveTheFordGuy985]

Hi Sarah, The white three wheel vehicle that was behind Roy`s Motel (Amboy) is a CUSHMAN These vehicles had many uses . I grew up in Santa Monica Ca, SMPD used 3 wheel Cushman vehicles for parking enforcement throughput the city back in the late 70`s . Parks & Recreation Dept. also used Cushman Trucks for maintenance of parks. OMC (Outboard Marine Corporation ) was the manufacture of these utility vehicles. Thank you Sarah for visiting Amboy Ca, I found it very interesting.

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

I worked for the Newport Beach PD as a parking control officer in the 70's, and it is a long day driving around in a cushman. Don't miss it.

[@hikerdan]

I remember those patrolling the meters in Newport.

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

@@hikerdan I was beautiful. Would have blown you away. HA HA ! Not really. We were all young and gorgeous! Hiker Dan do I know you?

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

@@hikerdan Also, on rainy days we drove units with shot guns and all. However, we did not have access to the codes. Just, those Cushman's were suicide in the rain! So, driving those things in the Ocean mist and morning dew, slip and slide!!! Yeah, forget the hills!!!

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

And the noise! I can still hear how it sounds to turn the ignition and have the motor start up, the clanking when coming to a stop! My God! These machines beat the shit out of you if you were driving around all day in traffic, start & stop. # one money maker for Newport Beach, traffic control officers. True story. the meters were just some of the parking problems in Newport.

[@paulrom446]

I also stayed at Roy's back in 1998 I think! I got in from LA late one Saturday night 🌉! They had a Ham and cheese sandwich waiting for me in my Bungalow! I loved staying here!

[@racheldelfin342]

Amazing little town, I'm with you - great place to party respectfully - 40s to 60's style ? 😀 😎 Albert Okura did a great job restoring the restaurant and lobby 👏 maybe his kids will continue the legacy. Since he passed away last year, it might be up for grabs if it doesn't get stuck in Probate for years 😢 thanks for another amazing adventure 😊❤

[@janetceniza8091]

husband speaking age 81, I have my handprint in clay from the 1st or 2nd grade. The teacher let us put our hand in a pancake size patty of clay and she fired it, probably in her oven. Then we got to paint it, mine is green, and take it home. This was back in 1949 or 50. I will pass it on to our only grand kid and she might keep it or pass it to file 13. By then I won't care.

[@scottyo64]

I am 60 but have mine, which is painted in gold. Date on the back is 12-69 Edit: I was 5 at the time

[@JTA1961]

An actual "hand me down "

[@jimgoldwinger422]

One of the sustaining sources of income was Leslie Salt in the mid-6os. It was one of the largest open pit salt mines in the world. The railroad had a spur for transporting the salt. Ninety-nine "Nine Highs" and one bag per car. The ramp from the bagging/sacking plant to the car floor was around three feet as I recall. One had to be very careful with the hand truck-going down the ramp and making the 90 degree turn (bags were a 50-100lbs each) or you'd be re-stacking bags in the car! In the summer, Leslie would do summer hires with the caution that the employment would be over on day X. The money was outstanding, but they weren't going to allow one to stop their education because of it. The open pits were 50-100' wide and as long as the seam of salt. They would use det cord and dynamite to loosen and a drag-line shovel to load a internal narrow gauge railroad system for transporting to the crusher and bagging plants. I was one of several young men that made the daily commute from 29 Palms MCB, where our fathers were stationed. Long drive both ways-what else was there to do in the summer?

[@jeromedodson5178]

I like how friendly the people are. They let you make yourself at home.

[@danpayan9468]

Back in hey day gas was 19 cents a gallon reminds me of Howard Johnson's

[@johnrogers6291]

Really enjoy any blogs connected to Route 66. Thanks Sarah, you are a Dear.❤

[@GregoryMueller-ss2qv]

Hello from Illinois Wonderhussy 😊😊

[@JimWVa-2023]

I’ve been to Amboy several times, on the way from Death Valley to Joshua Tree. The cafe was open and sold gas, cold drinks, snacks and Roy’s T-shirts (still have two).

[@markweatherly6782]

This totally reminded me of the scenes from the Wes Anderson Asteroid City movie. Bizarre movie but very cool retro aesthetic.

[@kevinlee7263]

That little 3-wheeler looks like a Cushman Vanster. Cushman made scooters and small utility vehicles; that one looks like something that might have been used for a meter maid or mailman.

[@clyddebeatty4578]

Well.... You forgot to mention the one famous presence in Amboy. The Amboy Crater. As someone that has explored the entire desert area from Nevada and Arizona to Tecopa and Death Valley, I climbed the crater after a strenuous hike and climb to view the surrounding area. The desert is an amazing living thing. The Eastern Mojave Wilderness area is so vast you could spend two weeks exploring it. Thanks for so many fun and informational desert videos. The next time I go through Tecopa I will offer to buy you a drink.

[@cootsluicer]

In the boy scouts we worked on springs in the desert near there for wildlife, Ive hiked to the bottom of emboy crater a couple times. Brings back memories

[@lisaaronson283]

Hi ya Wonderhussy! Seeing that older Carmengia sure did bring back memories. My mom owned an orange one. She took 3 kids to the Woodfield Mall in Illinois in it. At the time I was the smallest so i rode in the trunk. Ha! The trunk actually opened into the back seat where i could stick my head into the car. You find the most cool places. I also was impressed that you learned some German as a young girl while your Dad was stationed there. I would love to travel back to Germany and ease drop listening to people talking in German. There is no way you look like you speak the language. How fun would that be! You could gasp if you heard them say something juicy. Ahaha! Hope you are good! Safe travels!

[@richard-hr4tw]

Love the Harley T-shirt !

[@chuckmurphy08]

That hotel lobby reminds me of new car showrooms; Well done, Wonderhussy! Once again you've knocked one out of the park . . .

[@jamesburns2232]

The funky little car at 23:40 is a CLUBMAN. They are used around industrial sites to quickly and economically deliver people, parts, food, and packages to their designated locations. 😉

[@lulufune1489]

My sister got a 67 Karmann Ghia for her 16th bday. I remember how fun it was. It was turquoise and we fit 7 kids in it when shed pick us up from the roller rink!

[@ralphcrosby4051]

Thanks for sharing your adventures and showing theses neat old places stay safe 🎉

[@stevekovacs4093]

Went thru Amboy as a boy in 1964 with the family on a cross country trip. The restroom at the service station was covered with crickets, I can't forget 60 years later.

[@629GSMITH]

Love this as Always.

[@leannyK]

Hi WH! Happy Friday!

[@TERoss-jk9ny]

Chiwawa! Such incredible memories growing up out there. Well… Actually I grew up in Victorville, but my dad drove Truck for Harris Transportation. “Let us take that load off your mind”. GREATEST CHILDHOOD EVER! Appreciate all you do, there, Hussy. Great video.

[@oscaranderson1822]

Just a shame to see old towns like that slowly getting dissolved by time.😢

[@mikeinlutz]

Great Vid!!! Drove by it in Dec '68

[@eugenenelson5398]

When you shot the pictures of the back of the old buildings, it reminded me of an old town they used in the movie with Nickolas Cage. Called conair, where they sat an airplane down to refuel.just some of those old buildings looked like it. Great vedio!

[@MySORRELL]

THANKS!

[@glennk.7348]

Seriously- your videos are the BEST!!!! 😃

[@marvinellis1517]

Right down the street from Essex Ca. 😮❤

[@titanman59]

Hello from kingman az.

[@underthetornado]

I lived in Kingman for a short while. Biggest insects I've ever seen live in Kingman!😂❤

[@Elhastezy888]

My aunt lived in Chloride, used to se "ufo's" all the time 🥏

[@MrJimbok1]

The small car at 14:30 is a K.armen Ghia. In the 1960's Karmen Ghia and Volkswagen were associated together somehow.

[@PhilipRawbon-rk8uv]

Stopped into Amboy on my way to Old Conchella..lol..lovely place😂

[@roseapple8786]

We always drive through Amboy to go to North County California (Escondido). I always wanted to stop there but never have. I am happy that I got to see it through eyes. Thank you for sharing all your videos (I have seen every one of them) and God Bless you and your family and stay safe through your travels and exploring and what not. 🥰👍👍👍👍👍(🌹🐞🦂🌵)

[@jeannemalaby2688]

That was a fun video, thank you Wonderhussy😜

[@T.W.goodguy]

Your so hilarious at times,😂😂🤣, The pole is always happy to see someone,😎☮️✌️

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

I stayed at Roy's as a kid in the early 60s before I40 was completed. It was bustling back then. We wanted a cabin, but they were full, so we stayed in the motel part behind them. As I recall, there was a second row of cabins in front of the existing ones. There were a bunch of us kids playing in front of the rooms. I had a great time. Behind the front desk, there was a bar on one side and a gift shop on the other. The gift shop had bullwhips on the wall that they were selling. One of the kids I met had one, and he let me try it. He taught me how to use it, and I fell in love with it. I had to have one. When I took mom into the gift shop and showed them to her, she instantly decided they were too dangerous and refused to get me one. I was mad at her for a long time after that. lol

[@mtacoustic1]

This month's 'True West' magazine has a great article on cowboy actor Tom Mix's crash site NW of Tuscon, outside of Florence, AZ. It would be a great site for a future review!

[@jimmiekey9420]

Watching from Amboy, AR. Happy to see you.

[@6spring3]

Exactly! Get everyone together for a fancy cocktail party to make money to refurbish the place and make it a fun stop along Route 66!!

[@sabybaby]

Yes WH, You do tell a Great Story!! Love your channel..

[@suzyos7180]

Juan pollo is a staple here in the inland empire and Los Angeles area. I personally got to see Mr. Okura in person a couple of times during the Route 66 car shows. He would always bring His chicken mobile to show off in the parade lol. We loved it. You might also want to check out the McDonald’s museum in San Bernardino which was also owned by Mr. Okura and the original site of the original McDonald’s. It’s quite the museum. You would love it!

[@alanchristensen5735]

You should have mentioned the Amboy crater! When I was stationed at 29 Palms we would look out at the crater and make up stories about how it was a gateway to hell.

[@joeabbott1497]

we drove through Amboy 2 years ago and stopped to visit the volcano. I am surprised you didn't go there. I could see it early in the background of your video. If you ever go back be sure to check it out. If you noticed a lot of black rocks on the ground they are volcanic pumice.

[@tdhawk167]

That motel office/lobby is very "Jetsons" looking! How cool is that?!?!

[@milesandhikes]

This is EXACTLY my kinda place!!! Love exploring abandoned historical towns (even if 5 people live in it still)