Nothing.
We often drive between Southern Utah and Phoenix.
Some might find the mile after mile of barren desert quite bleak.
But, oh! There are many interesting things along the way.
My favorite stretch on Highway 93 is between Kingman and Wickenburg, Arizona.
We're talking the Wild, Wild West here.
You will pass the now abandoned unincorporated town of Nothing.
Inhabitants: 4
Town Motto:
"The staunch citizens of Nothing are full of Hope, Faith, and Believe in the work ethic. Thru-the-years-these dedicated people had faith in Nothing, hoped for Nothing, worked at Nothing, for Nothing."
With a name like Cactus Needle, I love spotting the first Saguaro's that come into view.
Mountainsides dotted with these majestic cacti, standing stalwart like an army protecting the Sonoran desert.
There are intriguing rock formations.
Do you think these might have been the model for Big Thunder Mountain at DisneyWorld?
The vistas break the monotony of the two lane, winding road often filled with slow trucks and RV's.
With a name like Cactus Needle, I love spotting the first Saguaro's that come into view.
Mountainsides dotted with these majestic cacti, standing stalwart like an army protecting the Sonoran desert.
There are 53 miles of driving through the Joshua Tree Scenic Parkway.
Thousands upon thousands of the largest Yucca plant, often reaching heights of 30-50 feet.
Did you know that the Mormon Pioneers named the Joshua Tree? They saw this plant as a symbol of the Prophet Joshua, arms outstretched, waving them on to the the Promised Land.
Did you know that the Mormon Pioneers named the Joshua Tree? They saw this plant as a symbol of the Prophet Joshua, arms outstretched, waving them on to the the Promised Land.
So tempting not to make an immediate right and find out what it looks like at the end of Vulture Mine Road.
Culturally, who wouldn't want to venture down Calamity Wash, or arrive at the town of Surprise?
Makes a person want to put on their bowlegged swagger, and use words like Giddy Up and Ye Haw!
12 comments:
I have just enjoyed reading your post Nedra. We have some amusing place names here too in the UK. I used to live in a town called Leek, Staffordshire and in Dorset there is a river called River Piddle. I wonder how that one got it's name.
Best wishes, Shirley
How fun! Aren't road trips great??
Thanks for the blast from the past. I lived in Kingman, AZ when I was 10. I still remember the name of the street, "Snavely Ave." lol Love your photos!
Growing up in the CA desert I didn't know people had grass! :o) Joshua Tree National Park used to be just a monument when I was growing up. I used to love going hiking there...Skull Rock being my favorite. My childhood friend's brother was the ranger when it was a monument and then when it became a national park.
Hi Nedra,
I love your travel images! We plan to visit the wild west later this summer. The plans aren't made yet, but it is a trip we have wanted to make for a long time and said we would do it this year. It will be the next time we are home from the sea.
Thanks for your pictures!
Hugs,
Lois
The first rock formations looks like a teddy bear....how neat.....
Fun post Nedra. I have never ventured to this part of the US before...
Mary
Love the the road trip, I feel like I've been traveling seeing all your pictures. Your area is really beautiful.
we absolutely love the rock formations in the west - it is something that is a must see.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
I like looking for unusual names and signs, these are interesting to me. Some of the place names over this side of the world would be hard to pronounce.
Thanks for the little tour. When I was little my family drove through Sandwich, Massachusetts and I just couldn't believe there could be a town with a name like that. Haha.
Karen
Oh, Nedra!! Fun, fun post but you can keep the desert as far as I am concerned!! Love the Town of Nothing's motto though!!! :-) Kris
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