Pioneertown Post Office in Pioneertown California claims to be the most photographed Post Office in the United States
This morning (Friday) we begin the two days of travel to Pioneertown, California with very heavy hearts, but more on that in a minute.
Pioneertown is almost like a second home. This tiny Mojave Desert community is actually a former western movie set built in 1946 and used in various old time movies stared in by the likes of Gene Autry. Today the buildings are actually in use like the one pictured that is an actual Post Office. Pioneertown is about an hour from Palm Springs has also been the base of our Lower 48 travels, and I actually have numerous wildlife photos grace the covers of magazines that were captured from right within the city limits, most recently was Your Big Backyard. We have found it to be a convenient place to store our RV as the nearby Palm Springs airport is easy to fly in and out of, and the area is located near I-8 and I-15, making it easy to move on the Nevada, Arizona, Utah etc. in case we aren’t photographing in California. But the real reason we use this as our base is because Janine’s Dad and Step Mom live there and have made our travels to and from wonderful and enjoyable experience over the years. Janine’s dad has ridden motorcycles on every back-road from Colorado to California and always has tons of great advice on places to see – really, he always had great advice on everything, I have always valued my time spent with him. He treated me like one of his own kids – well actually, maybe even better.
This gets me back to the heavy heart. Unfortunately Janine’s dad, Doug Nelson passed away unexpectedly this week. It is a huge shock, and has us deeply saddened. Obviously our travel plans are now up in the air – but I do know over the next week or so, what phone and internet access we do have will be used to keep up on business, so I anticipate little if any activity on the blog next week. I will sure miss you Doug!
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
My condolences to you and Janine.
I’m so sorry for your loss Ron and Janine. My father passed away suddenly three years ago – I know the feeling. Hopefully you’ll take solice in the beauty that surrounds you and in the wonderful images that you create.
Janine & Ron: I’m very sorry for the loss of Janine’s dad. I wish you both and your family the best through what I’m sure is a difficult time.
My condolences to your family. Someone once said something to the effect, that God gave us memories so that we may enjoy April roses in December. May your memories help lighten your sorrow at this time.
My condolences to you both. Safe travels.
I’m very sad to hear Janine and Ron. Very sorry for your loss. We wish you all the best in this difficult time!
Janine and Ron, I smile when I visualize the slight smile I’m sure comes to you when you visualize who Dad is with now.
Thanks a lot for all the nice comments they really mean a lot to us – thanks!
Janine and Ron I am very sorry for the loss of Janines Dad, Dads mean so much to us. May God be with all of you. Nice old post office picture.
Best wishes to both of you in this stressful time.
I am very sorry for the loss to both of you. Best wishes in your travels and it is nice that you can be with family!
That’s got to be hitting both of you pretty hard. My condolences to you and Janine.
So sad…give Janine a big hugh and maybe a nice walk will help clear her head. So Sorry!
I’m so sorry for you both. I hope family and warm memories will sustain you through this time. My deepest sympathies.
I’m deeply sorry for your loss…..
my condolences
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you both and your family.
Caring thoughts are sent to you, Ron, and Janine, from us in Australia. I lost my Dad three years ago after a long and full life, but he is forever part of our lives in our memories. It is still a very hard time and our prayers are with you.
Noella & Barry
Janine & Ron,
My thoughts are with both of you… My deepest sympathies.
Ron, Janine – so, so sorry for your loss.
So beautifully written, your loss hurts my heart. Go with God’s blessings and never forget his memory. Dad and I send our love.
Ron, Janine – so sad to hear of the news of Janine’s Father. And extended hug to you from Anchorage, and my deepest sympathies. You both have a lot of friends sending you positive thoughts and love to help you through this.
My condolences. I lost my dad earlier this summer so the struggles you now face are still fresh for me. May your heavy hearts be lifted by your memories.
Ron & Janine -
Sorry to hear the sad news. I hope Janine’s mom is doing ok.
Safe travels…
So sorry for your loss. I lost both my parents in the last few years. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Ron & Janine – with sympathy – we hope that all things that made your Dad so special will stay in your heart forever as beautiful as all your memories of him.
So terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Please have a safe journey and may you find comfort in all the great memories.
I’m very sorry to hear the news. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Thank you everyone for your kind words and well wishes. While this has been a sad time, we had a wonderful Celebration of Life for my Dad yesterday. It could not have been more perfect and gave us all much comfort.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to both of you.
Janine and Ron – Debbie and I are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ron and Janine..so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom quite unexpectedly six years ago and know the profound feelings involved. Take care and God bless.
Ron and Janine,
I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve endured the sudden loss of both parents–it shakes the world. My thoughts are southward to you.
This is the first opportunity I have had to access the internet since last Friday – Wow, thanks so much for all the kind words – it really means a lot to me, and especially Janine. Thanks so much!
Ron
Wow, I’m so sorry for your loss and offer you both my condolences. I was totally off the grid in Yosemite’s high country when this happened. I didn’t even realize you two were in California. My bad on that. Wishing you both the best through this difficult period.