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Travels With Randy PodcastAuthor: Randy Smythe and Kevin Harmon
Randy Smythe has decided to retire at age 59 and spend an entire year traveling across the United States with the goal of visiting every US National Park. Our weekly podcast will follow Randy and get weekly updates on where he's been, what he's seen, and who he's met - as well as sprinkle in some retirement planning advice, income stream ideas, and e-commerce news and discussion with his good friend Kevin "Bubba" Harmon. Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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TWR Route 66 Ep 4: The California Desert - San Bernardino To Needles
Episode 4
Monday, 9 February, 2026
Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 4 is here! The California Desert - San Bernardino To Needles Super Bowl and Weather Insights Randy and Bubba discussed the weather in different regions, with Randy noting mild temperatures during his trip despite concerns about winter weather. They shared thoughts on the recent Super Bowl, with Bubba and Randy agreeing that the game was defensively focused and not particularly exciting, while Randy expressed pride as a Rams fan despite the team's loss. They also commented on Super Bowl commercials, with Bubba praising an ad by Anthropic that humorously depicted potential future AI ads, while both agreed that many commercials seemed less impactful than in years past due to high expectations and expensive production costs. Political Sensitivities in Classic Comedies Bubba and Randy discussed the challenges of making classic comedies like "Blazing Saddles" and "Tropic Thunder" today due to political sensitivities. They reflected on how everything seems to have become political, including events like the Super Bowl halftime show, which they miss from the "good old days." Randy shared his perspective on nostalgia, attributing it to aging and a tendency to look back fondly on childhood. They also discussed Randy's extensive documentation of his Route 66 journey, with over 10,000 pictures taken, though only about 40 are shared per post. Route 66's California Transformation The discussion focused on Route 66 in California, whereRandyshared insights about the route's history and current state. He explained that California decommissioned Route 66 in 1965, converting it to County 66, and noted the varying conditions of the road through different regions. Randy highlighted Rancho Cucamonga's efforts to preserve and commemorate Route 66, contrasting it with areas like Fontana and San Bernardino, which have seen decline and transformation into areas with pawn shops, dispensaries, and vacant lots. He also mentioned visiting a Route 66-themed store called Man Cave Collectibles in Fontana. Route 66 Business Threatened Ruby interviewed Grumpy, the owner of Man Cave Collectibles in Fontana, a Route 66 landmark built in 1940. Grumpy expressed concern about the city's plan to widen the street and create a truck lane, which could threaten his business's survival. Ruby shared Grumpy's story and discussed the broader impact of progress on historical Route 66 businesses, noting the decline of smaller towns along the route. Bubba suggested adding a link to Man Cave Collectibles when posting the podcast. Route 66: California's Historical Challenges The discussion focused on Route 66, particularly in California, where they discussed the challenges faced by San Bernardino County due to its large size and limited tax base. They explored the historical significance of Route 66, including the first McDonald's location in San Bernardino, which has been turned into a museum. The conversation also covered the route's alignment with the Cajon Pass and its transition to Interstate 15, with a focus on driving the original road using frontage roads to avoid modern highways. Route 66: Desert Scenery and Ghost Towns The discussion focused on a road trip along Route 66, from Victorville to Barstow. The speaker described the desolate but scenic route, passing through several small towns including ghost towns and a unique attraction called Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch. They noted that while the area was once bustling during Route 66's heyday in the 1950s, it is now largely deserted, with only a few businesses remaining open. The speaker emphasized the peaceful driving conditions, with minimal traffic and the ability to stop freely along the road. Route 66's Decline and Revival Randy and Bubba discussed the historical Route 66, focusing on the section between Barstow and Needles, California. They talked about the decline of towns along this route due to the shift from steam to diesel trains and the construction of Interstate 40. Randy shared stories about ghost towns and abandoned gas stations, mentioning the Baghdad Cafe and its connection to a German movie. They also discussed the challenges of revitalizing old gas stations and the presence of a well-maintained house in the midst of a ghost town. Route 66 Ghost Encounter Bubba and Randy discussed a mysterious encounter on Route 66 where Randy saw a woman dressed in period clothing pushing a stroller in the middle of the desert. They debated whether the woman was a ghost, noting that she moved out of the road when she heard Randy's van. Randy planned to ask Beth about any known ghost sightings on Route 66, and they also discussed how to identify the correct route by looking for train tracks and power poles. Amboy Motel's Revival and History Randy and Bubba discussed the desolation of Ludlow, a town near Interstate 40, despite its proximity to the highway. They noted the lack of major chain businesses and the decline of Roy's Motel in Amboy, which was revitalized after changing ownership. Randy shared details about the motel's neon sign and its appearance in a Rose Parade segment. They also mentioned an unexpected encounter with a plane landing on a road near the motel, which turned out to be at a historic airstrip in Amboy. Route 66's Forgotten Towns The discussion focused on the history and significance of Amboy, a town in the Mojave Desert that gained fame as a stop on Route 66 before being bypassed in 1931 when the highway was realigned. The conversation revealed that Goff's, a town that was briefly on the original Route 66 from 1926 to 1931, became a ghost town after being bypassed and is now inaccessible due to road conditions. The speakers noted that while Amboy has maintained its celebrity status as a filming location for music videos and movies, the original Route 66 alignment through Goff's is now a forgotten road that cannot be driven. Route 66 Mojave Desert Adventures Bubba and Randy discussed their Route 66 road trip experiences, focusing on the Mojave Desert and Needles, California. Randy shared details about a non-profit ghost town in the Mojave Desert and highlighted the abandoned sections of Route 66 in Needles, suggesting potential business opportunities for ATV rentals. They also discussed the historical significance of the area and recommended a three-day itinerary for travelers, emphasizing the importance of planning stops in places like Kingman, Arizona. Route 66 Exploration Plans Randy and Bubba discussed their upcoming exploration of Route 66, focusing on the longest contiguous stretch in California, which spans 348 miles and takes about 7 hours to drive. Randy shared his experiences visiting historical sites along the route, including Calico Ghost Town and a desert art museum near Amboy, emphasizing the importance of taking time to appreciate the history and stories behind the abandoned places. They also talked about the growing popularity of their Facebook page, which now has 21,000 followers, and Bubba mentioned their plans to start exploring Arizona next week, which covers a vast 400 miles. Enjoy! Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys? Want to sponsor us? Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions? bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !!
