Miracle Mindset

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey  I have to admit that one of my favorite places to explore is the grounds of the Southern California Railroad Museum (at the time these photos were taken, it was known as the Orange Empire Railroad Museum). Several years ago I was traveling through Perris, so I decided to take a break wandering around the grounds. Time limitations didn't allow for much wandering, so I just poked around the southern end of the property.

 Photos & Story by Ken Hulsey It’s fitting that a restaurant housed in an old train station would boast the finest collection of vintage railroad cabooses in Southern California. Located just off the Sierra Highway (California Highway 14) in Acton, Vincent Hill Station is a fine dining establishment that features live music and dancing. Interestingly, my main reason for stopping off the desert highway was not the food, but rather the impressive collection of cabooses visible from the road.

 Written By: Ken Hulsey Many of you are undoubtedly familiar with the legends of Bigfoot and all of his ape-like kin who are reported to dwell in the numerous remote wilderness areas and swamps throughout North America. These vast areas where man seldom treads provide a perfect refuge for these creatures, where food and water are plentiful and protection from the elements is readily available.

Written By Ken Hulsey This has been a profoundly sentimental week for me. It all started when I discovered that an old friend from my church congregation used to live in my hometown of Whittier, California. Before the first service, I found myself reminiscing about the local landmarks with her, which stirred up a deep sense of homesickness. From that point on, everything I encountered seemed to trigger memories of my California roots. It probably doesn't help that I frequently wander around Louisiana wearing my Dodgers baseball cap.

 Photos and Story By: Ken Hulsey Back in 2020, during our whirlwind trip to Los Angeles and Hollywood, we packed up the family into a rental SUV and traversed the winding roads out of Griffith Park to the historical Griffith Observatory. When Terri and I lived in California, we often traveled up to the observatory to soak in the history and enjoy the amazing vantage point where you have an unprecedented view of downtown Los Angeles as well as the famous Hollywood sign.

Written by Ken Hulsey Yesterday, while driving home from work, Randy Newman's 1983 hit "I Love L.A." came up on my Spotify playlist. As I listened to the lyrics, I was hit by an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. It's amazing how music can transport us back to the time when we first heard a song. These moments become part of our collective memory and carry a sentimental significance that evokes cherished feelings and memories.

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey Back in 2012, the San Bernardino Railroad Days in San Bernardino, California, featured a true star of railroading: the ex-Santa Fe "Northern" locomotive #3751. The event attracted a lively crowd of railroad enthusiasts and photographers who eagerly lined the tracks in front of the beautifully preserved vintage passenger depot, all hoping to capture a glimpse of this remarkable piece of living history. As expected, this proud locomotive of the Santa Fe steamed down the Metrolink tracks from her home in Los Angeles, presenting an impressive sight for all to behold. 

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey When we lived in California, one of the things that my wife and I loved to do on a Saturday afternoon was to pack up a picnic lunch and travel up into the San Bernardino Mountains for a hike around Big Bear Lake. The mild temperatures were a relief from the hot temperatures down below in the Mojave Desert. The trails that follow the rim of the lake are easy to navigate, and there are plenty of scenic places to stop and enjoy that packed lunch. On this particular outing, my wife and I picked up a bucket of fried chicken on the way to eat.

 From Visit Anaheim If you’re dreaming of your perfect summer getaway, look no further than the beautiful beaches of Orange County, California ! Whether you want to ride the waves, unwind on golden sands, or wander through charming coastal towns, there's a slice of paradise waiting for you. From the iconic Huntington Beach Pier , alive with surf culture, to the serene coves of Laguna Beach , you'll find that SoCal's beach vibes are the perfect escape this summer.  

 Written By: Ken Hulsey If you're on the West Coast and looking for a fantastic fast food option, let me introduce you to a little treasure known as Flame Broiler. This delightful chain prides itself on offering a healthier alternative to the typical fast food fare of burgers and fried chicken. Their menu is refreshingly straightforward, yet incredibly satisfying, featuring wholesome bowls of either fluffy brown or white rice as a base. You can choose from tasty options like beef, chicken, or tofu, and then top your dish with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables.

 Information from the City of Victorville. Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in Victorville, California  Get ready to mark an extraordinary milestone in American history! Victorville, California, is preparing to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable event on July 4, 2026, at Silverado High School’s Hawk Stadium. 

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey Our family has cherished our time hiking around Silverwood Lake for years, so I knew a day spent in nature would be a hit for everyone. This beautiful area has been a favorite of ours, offering fantastic opportunities for hiking (just remember to stay on the trails), fishing, boating, and camping. What’s great about Silverwood Lake is its ability to feel serene, even though it's conveniently located near the bustling areas of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County. Unlike nearby Big Bear Lake, which often gets crowded on weekends, Silverwood Lake allows you to enjoy a peaceful day if that’s what you’re after. 

 Story and Photos By Ken Hulsey One of the things I truly miss about Southern California is spending leisurely days at the Southern California Railway Museum (formerly known as the Orange Empire Railway Museum). While sifting through an old folder of photographs from a few years ago, I rediscovered a treasure trove of images I took at the museum. The highlight was definitely the museum's operational steam locomotive, the former Ventura County Railway 2-6-2 No. 2. I thought it would be great to share some of these photos with fellow rail enthusiasts.

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey Kramer Junction, a small desert outpost along Highway 395 in California, offers some surprising treasures for those willing to stop and explore. Kramer Antiques is a unique shop filled to the brim with vintage finds, collectibles, and memorabilia from bygone eras. Outside, an array of classic cars and trucks immediately attracts attention, hinting at the wonders that await inside.

 Photos By Ken Hulsey / Story By Terri Hulsey Victorville is on the southwestern edge of the Mojave Desert. Established in 1895, the downtown area grew around historic Route 66 (now 7th Street). The town soon became known as a prime location for shooting westerns in the 40s and 50s but Victorville was also a memorable setting during the Hollywood heyday of space sagas. Infamous director Jack Arnold (“Creature from the Black Lagoon,” "This Island Earth,” “The Incredible Shrinking Man”) shot the opening scene of “It Came from Outer Space” (1953) here. The UFO flew over the rocks on the east side of the Narrows, near the Rainbow Bridge, and crashed in Old Town Victorville.  

 Photo and Story by Ken Hulsey Sometimes in life, things don’t go as planned. Today, I took a deep dive into my photo archives and resurfaced with a long-forgotten treasure. The above image features the late-night horror host Mr. Lobo standing in front of a statue of the Japanese superhero, Ultraman. This photo was taken outside the famed Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Before I get caught up in the story behind this image, I think it’s a good idea to provide some background on Mr. Lobo and his show, Cinema Insomnia. This information comes straight from the archives of my old blog, Monster Island News:

Serving 80¢ World-Famous Chili Cheeseburgers at All Southern California & Nevada Locations on Friday, May 15th from 12 to 8 PM. For a truly authentic Los Angeles fast food experience, it's hard to beat Tommy's. The formula is simple: take a cheeseburger, hot dog, fries, or just about anything, and smother it in their delicious chili. Sure, it can get a little messy, but it's so worth it! - Ken Hulsey

Photo and Story by Ken Hulsey My spiritual journey took me from the lush and beautiful California coast to the desert region of the state. Initially, I struggled to adjust to life there. The landscape was stark, filled with brush, rocks, and miles of sand—an entirely different scene from the scenic vistas along the Pacific Ocean. A friend on Facebook once commented on how lucky I was to be in such a beautiful place, and I responded rather negatively. I found it hard to see any beauty in the vast expanse of the California desert.

Written by Ken Hulsey  A relationship with God can be an amazing journey filled with incredible experiences. However, it can also involve hardships and trials meant to foster spiritual growth. I took the image above back in 2011, and it’s hard to believe that it's been 15 years since then. I snapped it with my phone while crossing over the 405 Freeway in Irvine on my journey home from work. At that time, I was working the late shift at a nearby environmental laboratory and didn’t have a car, so I walked everywhere I needed to go.

Photos & Story By Ken Hulsey BNSF ES44DC locomotive 7888 demonstrates pure raw power as it climbs the steep grade towards Mormon Rock in Cajon Pass.