Cowboys and Constellations

Today, Chris came out to the desert and we decided to check out Pioneertown! Pioneertown was founded in the 1940s as a motion picture set and town in which people could live at the same time. What appeared on the exterior as a 19th century Old West town really housed bowling alleys, living quarters for actors, and ice cream parlors. Over fifty films and several television shows were filmed in Pioneertown in the 1940s and 50s, and although the town is no longer used as a movie set, people continue to reside there today.

When we arrived, we went to get lunch at Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace, a longtime club and landmark built within one of the original Pioneertown sets. Musicians such as Robert Plant have graced the stage at Pappy & Harriet's, and Eric Burdon is one of its regular patrons.

These glass bottles are embedded in the brickwork of an exterior wall of the building. That's the sun shining in!

Bluegrass band. And cute little girls dancing.

An old soundstage from the movie days.

Morbid much?

My new friend! I know you're (probably?) grossed out, but you shouldn't be. Also, I know Chandler will (probably?) never read this, but…I'm sorry, Chandler…the pig reminded me of you…and how much I miss you!

  

Down at the O.K. Corral

This is an acting troupe called "The Pioneertown Posse"-- they put on Old West skits on weekends on Mane Street (yes, Mane Street) in Pioneertown.

I think the desert has the most beautiful sunsets.

Outside Pappy & Harriet's

Next on our agenda was a star party! We went to the home of ambient and electronic musician Clive Wright just outside Joshua Tree National Park, where there were telescopes set up for stargazing, as well as a projector. Unfortunately, it was a pretty overcast night, so the stargazing aspect of this party was a little lacking. Fortunately, there was also the live music of Paul Bonser/Primer and Clive Wright, which was really cool.