20.5.25

Spring Road Trip

 Off to Palm Springs for the Film Noir Festival, I found that driving from Vegas through the Mohave was not only the most direct route, but also the most scenic and the most relaxing.  At one point the road connects with a section of the famous Route 66, to the Amboy junction.  Nearby is the Amboy Crater..


Then it's south to 29 Palms...  with a pit stop at the Rev. Willis Memorial Rest Stop #3...


A real trash heap as you walk around the graffitied rock.

One comes out of the Mohave into 29 Palms on Utah Street, which leads directly south across the highway into Joshua Tree National Park.  A couple routes through the park will eventually lead into Palm Springs.

The return trip, again through the Mohave, included a stop at the Kelso Junction "oasis".


Lots of history at this site...


And, since it was Spring, many plants were in bloom including this small tree.


Finally, leaving Las Vegas, actually Henderson, I often avoid the freeway by driving through Lake Mead National Monument.  Early I the morning, traffic is very light, the road is great, and the morning light provides a unique view of the park's scenery.  Here's a look back towards Vegas...


I keep finding alternative routes to avoid freeways.  Surprisingly, traffic is generally light and the trip becomes more relaxing than the constant hassles found on the Interstates.  


8.5.25

Cool Car Show

 Recently several low rider car clubs, along with other classic car fanatics, banded together for a Cinco de Mayo show on Main Street.  Some sweet rides, some great restorations, and some surprises as seen below.

A fine 40's Ford...


Some fine 50's Chevys...





And since a 57 Chevy is one of my favorite cars...


Some low rider hydraulics...


And the engine compartment.  Fully blown...


A classic hot rod...


Another hot rod... chopped and channeled....



A clean, stock restoration...


A nice Ford Fairline...  Check out the radio antenna...



A few more wonderful car creations...




A couple old trucks also got the restoration treatment...


Great paint job...




Before you get your driver's license, you get a bike...




And no car show would be complete without grilling up some eats...


A wonderful afternoon, and a look at another side of our great, diverse American culture.


22.3.25

Some Local Musicians

 Thought I'd post a few pics of local musicians from gigs I've attended in the last year or so...


Subconscious 3 at Caputo's


A trio at a local coffee shop (a former church)


Better Off With the Blues at Mary Amanda's house concert


UofU Professors at the Gallivan Center


Tully and Willis playing for the Alta Lodge Sunday brunch


Better Off With the Blues at Pat's BBQ


Dave and Esther's current trio at the Senior Center


John Flanders, Willis Clow, and others jam one Sunday afternoon


20.1.25

Museum Modern

If you are ever in Palm Springs, CA, I highly recommend a visit to their art museum.  Great special exhibits as well as an extensive permanent collection.  They are also associated with the local mid century architecture.  In fact, the aluminaire house was moved to the museum property.


 Too many wonderful art works to show here, but I did like this "sculpture".


Again, try to visit the museum if you are ever in the area.


28.11.24

Dead In Paris



I recently returned from a few days in Paris.  While walking around in the Montmarte area, I discovered this cemetery.  While not as famous as the one with Jim Morrison's grave, it was fascinating just the same.

There were zillions of grave, crypts, etc.,  going back centuries.  Here's a sampling.







If you look closely at the pic above, you may notice an almost holographic presentation of the head.

Below is the grave site of Ampere, who was important in the discovery of electricity.


And the graves of a couple famous composters, Offenbach and Hector Berlioz.



This one surprised me, since I had never heard of Dalida.  Obviously she was important to the French, since it is quite the grave site and well maintained.  Turns out she was a very popular singer in the 50's, 60's and 70's, selling millions of records.


Missed Francoise Truffaut's grave, and I suspect many the graves of many other famous people.  Click on the link at the top of this post for more info.