Jack O' Lantern

“An opening in the trees now cheered him with the hopes that the church bridge was at hand. The wavering reflection of a silver star in the bosom of the brook told him that he was not mistaken. He saw the walls of the church dimly glaring under the trees beyond. He recollected the place where Brom Bones' ghostly competitor had disappeared. ‘If I can but reach that bridge,’ thought Ichabod, ‘I am safe.’ Just then he heard the black steed panting and blowing close behind him; he even fancied that he felt his hot breath. Another convulsive kick in the ribs, and old Gunpowder sprang upon the bridge; he thundered over the resounding planks; he gained the opposite side; and now Ichabod cast a look behind to see if his pursuer should vanish in a flash of fire and brimstone. Just then he saw the goblin rising in his stirrups, and in the very act of hurling his head at him.” – from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

Wheels on the Bus

About halfway between the Utah-California border and Barstow, you’ll pass a curious sign that says, “Zzyzyx Road.” For years we’ve passed this sign on the way to and from Disneyland, and we’ve wondered about it. At the other end of this oddly named road there is a natural spring that has attracted thirsty travelers for many years. There’s a prehistoric quarry nearby where petroglyphs and projectile points (we used to call them arrowheads) may be seen. During the mid-1800’s it was a wagon stop called Soda Springs. A railroad used to run through the area, but no trains go there now. In the days of Route 66, an enterprising fellow renamed it Zzyzyx, which he claimed was the last word in the English language. He sold bottled spring water and even maintained a sort of zoo. Today the spring is home to California State University’s Desert Studies Center.

Handy Andy

Before it became Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it was the Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland - sort of a dry version of the Jungle River Cruise. The conductor rattled off jokes as the train slowly passed geysers, teetering rock formations and barrel cacti. The tepid ride was replaced by a western-themed roller coaster (running in the opposite direction) when I was in high school. Just a few feet from the exit is the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue and petting zoo, where you can dine on ribs and beans and meet some very friendly goats. For a time you could catch a performance of Billy Hill and the Hillbillies here. Today you’d have to look for them under a different name at Knott’s Berry Farm. Soon you’ll have to look elsewhere for ribs and beans, too. The barbecue and the goats leave January 10 to make way for Star Wars. At least we get to keep the rollercoaster.

Tiny Framed Nine-Patch

Radiator Springs Racers has easily the best queue music in the park, with road tunes that include “Dig That Hot Rod,” “In My Merry Oldsmobile” and “Henry’s made a Lady out of Lizzie.” After you dance past Stanley’s famous oil-bottle house, you board a six-seater convertible and take a jaw-dropping drive through scenic Ornament Valley. Darkness falls and you have a near collision with a Mack truck. You go tractor-tipping with Mater until Frank the Combine wakes up. Afterwards you either head to Luigi’s for a new set of whitewall tires, or Ramone will treat you to a fresh coat of paint. Then it’s time for the big race. At a cost of over $200 million, this is the most expensive ride in either Disneyland or California Adventures Park. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive theme park rides on the planet. And it’s worth every penny.

Flying Darts

Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean was the last attraction Walt Disney personally oversaw. Walt was diagnosed with lung cancer November 2, 1966 and passed away December 15. Pirates was due to open the following spring. The fake skeletons originally planned to adorn the ride turned out to be big disappointments. With opening day swiftly approaching, Imagineers turned to UCLA’s Medical Center, which provided several real skeletons. Since then most of the bones have been replaced with lifelike (deathlike?) substitutes. Apparently the only remaining remains are a skull and crossed bones mounted on a bed in the treasure room. The ride has undergone other changes to keep up with the times. Several pillaging pirates have given up chasing skirts and seem more interested in food and drink. Following the release of the Disney pirate movies, Barbossa, Davy Jones and three versions of Captain Jack Sparrow were added. The most recent addition is a mermaid from “On Stranger Tides.” 

Pat-a-Cake

“I went to bed in the carriage. I had not been there but a few minutes when the Spirit said to me, ‘Get up and move that carriage.’ I told my wife I had to get up and move the carriage. She said, ‘What for?’ I said, ‘I don’t know.’ I got up and moved my carriage. I then looked around me and went to bed. The same Spirit said, ‘Go and move your animals from that oak tree.’ I went and moved my horses and put them in a little hickory grove. I again went to bed. In thirty minutes a whirlwind came up and broke that oak tree off within two feet from the ground. It swept over three or four fences and fell square in that dooryard, right where my wagon had stood. What would have been the consequences if I had not listened to that Spirit?” – President Wilford Woodruff

Simple Design

I was leaving the grocery store last week when I was accosted by a uniformed cub scout selling Trail’s End Popcorn. He had microwave popcorn, cheddar cheese popcorn, jalapeno popcorn, chocolatey (that’s code for “there’s no actual chocolate in this bag”) popcorn, and caramel popcorn with almonds, cashews and pecans. I thought the cheddar variety might make a nice starter for Sunday dinner, so I asked for its price. “Thirty dollars,” the scout replied. I was standing just feet away from similar bags selling for less than $3. I know it’s a fund raiser, but a 900% increase? He had nothing for sale under $25. I looked in my purse and told the bear cub I didn’t have enough cash to buy popcorn. “That’s okay,” he said cheerfully, “We take credit cards.” I thanked him, but said I prefer to use the green stuff. Now he was seriously confused. “Green stuff?” he said, “What’s THAT?”

Gathering Basket Checkerboard

I adore this little poem. I wish I'd written it. If you missed it the last time I shared this, you're welcome. 

“I opened a book and in I strode. Now nobody can find me.

I've left my chair, my house, my road, my town and my world behind me.

I'm wearing the cloak, I've slipped on the ring; I've swallowed the magic potion.

I've fought with a dragon, dined with a king and dived in a bottomless ocean.

I opened a book and made some friends. I shared their tears and laughter

And followed their road with its bumps and bends to the happily ever after.

I finished my book and out I came. The cloak can no longer hide me.

My chair and my house are just the same, but I have a book inside me.” - Julia Donaldson