Road Trip with Huell Howser

Episode 1

Barstow

Fri, Jan 12, 2001 58 mins

In Huell's first "Road Trip," he travels to Barstow and the desert that borders I-15 east of town. Most people think of the Interstate as a desolate stretch of highway, the quickest way to get from L.A. to Las Vegas. But on this road trip, Huell discovers that if you just slow down and explore a little, its full of colorful and interesting people, places, and things. Starting at the California Welcome Center in Barstow, Huell enlists the help of a guide who takes him to some historic sites in town including El Rancho Motel on Route 66, the Barstow Harvey House and Rail Depot, and one of the oldest Del Taco locations. He's then introduced to author and tour guide Bill "Short Fuse" Mann who takes him to some ancient geoglyph rock art markings on the desert floor, past the Marine Corps Logistics Base, and through Yermo on the way to the Calico Ghost Town. After getting immersed in mining and Old West history, Huell stops at Peggy Sue's 50's Diner. He then ends his road trip at Calico Mountains Early Man Archaeological Site, well short of his goal of reaching the Nevada state line, but satisfied by the surprises he found along the way.