Travels with Joe: The Ship Ashore Motel

Last year, while driving up route 101 near the Oregon border, I came across a ship sitting in the middle of a field.   My first thought was, wow, high tide is pretty bad around here, and I decided to drive towards higher ground.   Then I realized that this was the infamous Ship Ashore Motel and Resort, located in Smith River, California.

The ship was built in Germany in 1925 for a New York millionaire.   No expense was spared to make this yacht one of the most palatial type ever built.  It sailed around the globe, and many foreign dignitaries, including members of the royal family, accepted a ride on the "Caritas," the original name of the ship.
In 1941 the US Government bought the ship and retrofitted for use as a naval ship in World War two. It was stationed in Hawaii until 1946, when the ship was decommissioned.  She made the rounds of different harbors in the next few years, eventually becoming a floating restaurant, gift shop, museum and motel office in the waters off of Smith River.
In 1965, 12 tractors were hitched to the boat, and she was dragged a quarter mile to her current resting place along Route 101.   The trip took 10 hours, but she made it intact, and is now a prominent landmark in the area. 
Unfortunately, the boat was closed for repairs when I arrived, with no re-opening date announced.   Still , it was worth a quick stop for a picture.

Did I mention that this was the infamous Ship Ashore Motel?   As I looked up the ship's history, I discovered that the Ship Ashore motel was also the site of a mass shooting.   In March of 1975, Robert Sander killed seven people in cold blood for apparently no reason.  I had prepared this posting a few days ago, unaware of what was going to happen over this weekend in Colorado.  I considered pulling it, but decided to go ahead.   It's amazing how little changes.   My prayers go out to the people in Aurora....

Saturday Morning Cartoon: Toot, Whistle, Plunk, and Boom

Here's a great Disney cartoon from 1953:   Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom, directed by Ward Kimball and Charles Nichols.   At this time, UPA studios was the new Hollywood darling, creating cartoons with bold new graphic design.  This was in direct contrast to the realism Disney had spent years perfecting in their animation.  Disney decided to jump on the bandwagon and show they too could use the "new style" in their animation.  They also decided to film this cartoon in CinemaScope, making this the first animated cartoon released in the new format.  Hollywood took notice, and this film won the 1954 Academy Award for best animated film.  More recently, in 1994 it was chosen #29 in the Top 100 cartoons of all time.  You may want to hit the "Full Screen" button on the bottom right when watching this one, as it is presented in widescreen. Enjoy!

Saturday Morning Cartoon: Mickey's Service Station

Here's one of my favorite Mickey Mouse cartoons of all time:  Mickey's Service Station, released in February of 1935.   This was the next-to-last black and white Mickey cartoon, and the first one to feature Mickey, Donald and Goofy working together as a team.  This cartoon never slows down from start to finish, with numerous gags constantly coming at you throughout the film.   You really have to watch it twice to catch it all.   One of my favorite moments is when Mickey holds the door open for Pete and it comes off the hinge...  It's a quick, subtle gag that you may miss, beautifully animated.  Mickey cartoons were at their high point in the early 1930's, and this was one of the last great ones before Mickey began to lose the spotlight to Donald and Goofy.  Enjoy!




As an added bonus, here's some production artwork from the film, including a different ending that was not used...

Trip Report Magic Mountain, with a review of the NEW RIDES!

Magic Mountain has been undergoing so many changes in the past year, so I felt it was time to make the  journey out to Valencia to see what shape the old park is in.   Below you'll read my thoughts on my visit last week, plus, as an added incentive, you can read my reviews of their two newest rides:  Lex Luther's Drop of Doom and Green Lantern:  First Flight!   Caution:  Spoilers ahead!

7:00:  I start the drive out to Valencia.   Thanks to the wonders of our modern freeway system, a trip that may have taken the wagon train three hours only takes me two!   At least we are heading in the right direction.   Unfortunately, I wasn't - I was going south.  I eventually righted myself and headed north on the I-5.

9:00 AM:  I get off the I-5 and drive up Magic Mountain Parkway to Magic Mountain's auto plaza entrance.   Parking is $15.00

9:05 I drive down Magic Mountain Parkway and find a place to park in the Denny's parking lot.   I hike up the hill to Magic Mountain, then catch a one of their fiberglass trams to the main entrance.  I believe these trams are originals....   not Magic Mountain originals, I mean the first original trams built ever.   Talk about a bumpy ride!  I'm sure they will be much smoother once they discover round wheels.

10:00 I make it to the main entrance.   Admission is a mere $61.99, which includes all the rides, shows, and attractions, except those not covered by the admission fee.   All that for $61.99!   I find a hole in the fence and enter the Park.

10:30:  Six Flags Magic Mountain used to be a beautiful park...  A nice variety of rides spread about a hilly, well-landscaped 260 acres.   Then, the roller coasters took over.   The park now has 15 roller coasters, a small children's area, and relatively little else.   I was told by the brochure that this is a theme park, with nine themed lands to delight me...   But I'll be darned if I, or anyone else, could distinguish between one land or another.   Theming has been totally forgotten by this park.   Baja Ridge is described as a "South of the border barren desert landscape where three roller coasters await guests."  This area has one restaurant:   A Panda Express.  I suppose they do have Panda Expresses south of the border, if you assume the border they are referring to is Canada's.   The Goldrusher Mine Train is located in the Movie World section, while Thomas the Tank Engine is found in the High Sierra Territory section .   If I had to choose a theme for this park, I would describe it in two words:   Corporate Sponsorship.   EVERYTHING and EVERYWHERE you look in this park is sponsored by something.   No item was too small to escape the sales staff.   The lampposts have banners for various snack treats hanging from them, posters on fences advertise the latest movies, local restaurants and high-speed cable, and every facility is sponsored by something.   I looked in a mirror and found out my reflection was sponsored by Windex.   It truly distracts from any theming they had left.   Which is none. 

Magic Mountain in its early days.   None of what you see here exists anymore.

 11:00:  I rent a locker.   SPONSORED BY:   Public Storage.  The had a big sign that advertised "One dollar for your first month," but this particular locker cost me $10. 

11:30:  I head for the Log Ride, one of my favorite rides in the park and the only themed one in the High Sierra Territory.  Unfortuately, they decided to tear this ride out.    I can only assume they weren't able to find a sponsor for it. 

12:00 I walk through Bugs Bunny Land.   SPONSORED BY:  Acme products.  As a big fan of the Looney Tunes, I am always disappointed that this area is so poorly themed.  Elmer Fudd operates a weather ballon ride?   Daffy Duck operates a tour bus?  And the Tasmanian Devil operates a trucking company?   UGH.   They should have a ride where you get blown up several times, and at the end you have an anvil dropped on your head.   But I guess there would be very few repeat riders.

12:30:   I come Across LEX LUTHER'S DROP OF DOOM (sponsored by the Otis Elevator Co.).   My official review comes after the photos.   CAUTION:   Spoilers ahead!

It wasn't open yet, so I couldn't ride it.   End of Review.

13:00:  I make my way past Scream (sponsor:  Edvard Munch) and Colossus (sponsor: Clearasil, which is really gross when you think about it) which are located in the "County Fair" area.  I pass by the former home of the Alpine Twist ride, which is now a pistachio orchard (sponsor:  American Pistachio Growers).  At least here, they repaced the ride with some landscaping.   There are several former rides that have remnants just sitting around:   Deja Vu is gone, but the area has yet to be cleared of foundations and queue.   The monorial stations and the skyway stations still sit, unused.   And don't get me started on the log ride. 

13:30  I walk through the DC Universe area of the Park.  It seems every hero and villian have sponsored a ride here.   It's truly a Marvel (plug).   This is where you'll find the new Green Lantern:  First Flight!  Roller Coaster, which was open and running.   I will review this ride at the end of this column.  

14:00 I make it to the Gold Rusher (Sponsor: Anne Nicole Smith.), a roller coaster that dates back to the park's opening in 1971.  Despite it's age, it's still a fun ride for the whole family.   I like the way it's spread out over the terrian, climbing hills and using the natural topography in its layout. 
As I look around the park, I'm pleasantly surprised to see how much original architecture can still be found around the park.  For example, here are a few photos of attractions that have not changed a bit since opening.   The early 70's influence now sticks out among the newer areas.  As Magic Mountain pulls more and more original elements out, (and eliminates the few family rides they have left) you'll see less and less of these:

14:30 I decide it's time to eat.   I look over the varied and stimulating offering available to me at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

14:45 I finish my corn dog and head towards Apocalypse, which is located in the Cyclone Bay area of the Park.   Really, can't this Park make some decent food?   The Park seems to have given up on producing decent food offerings, as they have brought in Panda Express, Johnny Rocket's, Cold Stone Creamery and others to manage some of their food outlets, but even these are overpriced and not up to par with their counterparts outside of the Park.  The Mooseburger Lodge makes a decent burger, I will give them that.  But nothing else.

15:00 I ride Apocalypse, and I survive.  If I had ridden Psyclone, the former roller coaster in this locale, I would really be making a shoking statement.   This roller coaster is a huge improvement over the Psyclone, which was rickety, badly maintained and very unpleasant to ride.  Apocolypse used to be named Terminator: Salvation, but it lost that sposnorship.   It is now sponsored by Falling Skies, a new show by Steven Spielberg. 

15:30 I start climbing the hill in the back of the Park up to the Rapids Camp area.

16:00 Still climbing

16:30  Still climbing

16:45  Still climbing

17:00  Contemplate suicide...   decide to continue climbing.  Sponsor of Hill:   Dr. Kevorkian.

18:00  I remember that I left my wallet at Apocalypse.   I decide it's easier to assume a new identity than to go back and get my wallet.  Continue climbing.

18:30   I make it to Rapids Camp.  This is actually one of the better-themed areas of the Park, if you ignore the entrance to Tatsu that is inside the camp.   The trees are grown in, the food is barbecued,  and the buildings resemble a logging camp in the wilderness.  One of the first ever river-rapids rides is located here, and it is one of the best.  Sponsor:  Bounty Paper Towels.

19:00 I made it back to the front of the Park.   Here we find what you think is a classic antique carousel.   However, it seemed suspicious to me...   all the horses looked the same.  Eventually, I figured it out:  Magic Mountain made fiberglass copies of one of the horses, then sold the original wooden horses and replaced them with the fiberglass replicas.  UGH.  Well, at least the frame is original, built in 1912.   It's just that so much work has been done on it that it's hardly reconizable.   Sponsor:  Joan Rivers.

Now it's time for my reveiw of Green Lantern, First Flight.    After a few pictures, read my review of Green Lantern!

REVIEW:   I didn't ride it.   It looks too scary.   End of Review..,. and end of this Trip Report.  

Restaurant Review - Cupid's

I'm a fan of a good hot dog, and in particular, a good chili dog.  Today I'll be telling you about my current favorite spot for chili dogs:  Cupid's. 

Cupid's Hot Dogs is a  small chain of hot dogs stands in the Los Angeles county.   They started out as Walsh's Hot Dogs in 1946, owned and operated by Richard and Bernice Walsh.  Soon after opening, Robert changed the name to Cupid's Hot Dogs, naming the stand after his wife Bernice, who was nicknamed Cupid.  The family operated three stands until the son, Robert Jr. took over.   He added a fourth location and began franchising Cupid's across Southern CA.   Now there are only three Cupid's left, with a fourth rumored to be opening soon.  The specialty is the chili dog. 

Because of the franchising, it is said across the internet that the quality of Cupid's varies from one location to the other.   However it is agreed that the Nothridge location is the one truest to the original Cupid's with the original chili recipe in use.   So, naturally, that is the one I visited.   Cupid's Northridge is a small stand, with only a few outdoor tables for seating.  I ordered the chili hot dog and a lemonade - no fries here!   They do sell chips, but I can buy a bag of Lay's anyplace.  I was here for the chili dog.

Here is a picture of the chilidog I received:

Here is the same chili dog 15 seconds later:

This is, hands down, one of my favorites.  The hot dog is the old-school variety, with a skin that snaps when you bite it.   The chili itself is an odd neon orange color that doesn't show so well in the photo, but trust me, it is ORANGE.   However, it's an all-beef chili that compliments the dog perfectly.   The buns are steamed and are the final ingredient to this tasty dog.  

Now, I admit, Cupid's isn't perfect.  If you are looking for a Chicago hot dog, you may find Cupid's lacking in condiments.   If you looking for chili fries, well, you may have to settle for Frito Pie.  But if you want a good chili dog, plain and simple, you can't do much better than Cupid's.   Plus, the chili dog itself was only three dollars.   I ended up eating nine dollar's worth.

I have yet to try the other Cupid's hot dog stands to see how they measure up...   I hate to tempt fate.  Why ruin a good thing?   However, to satisfy my curiosity , I will visit the other Cupid's in the coming months and report back.  

Saturday Morning Cartoon - Redux Riding Hood

In 1997, Disney quickly and quietly released "Redux Riding Hood" into the festival circuit.   It was originally meant to be the first of a series of updated, adult fairy tales, but this one proved too weird even for Disney.  Although it was nominated for an academy award, Disney gave it very little exposure and then quickly hid it away.   Recently, the creator of the cartoon, Steve Moore, posted it on his blog, and I am now posting it for you here.   Stick with it, it starts slow but builds to a great finale.   Listen for Adam West, Mia Farrow, Don Rickles, Fabio, Garrison Keillor as the narrarator and Michael Richards as the wolf.  Disney made quite a few cartoons around this time that got limited release.  It's a shame, because many of them are quite good.      Enjoy this one, from Disney's Television Animation division.

  

 

Fast Food Restaurant Chains - the Missing Links

Yesterday, I was driving home and looking for a place to have a quick lunch.  Nothing was looking good...   and then I passed an H.Salt Fish and Chips restaurant.   Now THERE was a fast-food chain I hadn't seen in a while.   Within five minutes I was staring up at the retro-1970's menu board, while a older Asian woman patiently waited for me to make up my mind.   I ordered the "Captain's Combo" and then it was MY turn to wait patiently, as they made my food to order.   Eventually I received my food, sat down next to the framed map of England, and ate a meal I hadn't had in years.    It was all still pretty much the same...   The fish was great, not to greasy and contained in a nice crispy outer coating.   The jumbo shrimp is a shrimp "ring," it actually looks like two shrimp mating.  There isn't much more to the menu, as this chain has not been part of the big diversifying drive that has hit fast-food restaurants in the past few years.   Just the same menu they've had for years.
As I sat there, eating a hush puppy, I began to think: what other great fast food restaurants have nearly disappeared, or disappeared entirely?   I thought I'd do an occasional feature on those lost

Take a look at the shrimp... See what I mean?

chains..   Since I just went to the H.Salt, I'll give you a few details on them.

H. Salt Fish and Chips began in Sausalito, California, by Hadden Salt.   Salt was an English immigrant and opened his first shop as Salt's Fish and Chips.   The shops were successful, but Hadden felt the name wasn't quite right.  He consulted with an advertising firm, who suggested he change the name to H. Salt, Esq. Authentic English Fish and Chips.   He eventually entered a joint venture with KFC, which expanded the chain, but the chain has gotten significantly smaller throughout the years.   Currently there are 25 stores, all in Southern California.  The chains still have an English pub influence, with some Tudor motifs still in existence.   They always seem to enjoy a bit of a renaissance around Lent.

The next chain restaurant no longer exists...  Pup 'n' Taco.  This is a chain that is sorely missed by many of us, especially those of us who enjoy cheap food.   Pup 'n' Taco would sell you 4 hot dogs or four tacos, or any combination of the two, for a buck.   Sure, they were cheap tacos, but they were still good.   And they served slushes.  Pup 'n' Taco began in 1965, just as Mexican food was just beginning to be served at fast-food restaurants in Southern California.   Russell Wendell, the founder of Pup 'n' Taco, had good timing, as Mexican food was just becoming popular at fast food chains.     Del Taco opened its first store in 1964 and Taco Bell in 1965, so Pup 'n' Taco was riding the crest of this new fad in fast food.  The chain grew quickly, but not quick enough.   By 1984, Taco Bell owned 1600 stores and Pup 'n' Taco had 99.   At this tragic point in the story, Taco Bell saw a chance to buy out its competitor, which it did.  They converted most of the Pup 'n'Taco outlets to Taco Bell, and either razed or sold the remainders.  After 1984, only 3 stores remained in Albuquerque, operating as "Pop 'n' Taco."  As of now, it sounds like these last three stores recently closed, closing up the Pup 'n'Taco story for good.
My oldest sister worked at the Pup 'n' Taco in El Monte for a while, so you can bet I was well versed on the food.   As I said, it was your standard cheap taco you can find just about anywhere.   It was the fact that you got 4 for a dollar that made it so irresistible.   That location is still standing...   it was a Tommy's Burgers for a while (which must have made the building proud), but now operates as Alfredo's Mexican Food.   Well, at least they still serve tacos.

Here's a Pup 'n' Taco commercial from their glory days, about 1981:


I owned these two hand puppets for a while.   I wish I still had them:

Next time, we'll look at other favorites, and I'll combine two current series by talking about an old favorite, Pioneer Chicken.   See you then!