As a photographer I spend months on the road each year traveling to photo destinations and art shows across the country. Each year the American roadscapes look more and more similar from Seattle to New York--the same chain motels and restaurants dominate from coast to coast.

There are, however, obscure places where artifacts of the middle 20th century remain; this abandoned cafe, motel, and gas station near I-80 in Wyoming is a classic example. I remember coming upon this place 20 years ago as I journeyed cross country; at that time I could still get high-test gas and low-test coffee at Red Desert.

Today the high desert wind blows tumbleweeds against the faded stucco walls and broken windows. Cars zoom past on the interstate at 75+ mph, leaving the hamlet of Red Desert like a deserted stop on Route 66.

Addendum: Sadly, as of 1999 the Red Desert has been demolished; all that remains is a pile of rubble.

Lee Rentz