Created by Elmer long, the Bottle Tree Ranch near Barstow is an interesting stop along Route 66. With nearly 200 welded metal trees, Elmer has created folk art through the use of recycling waste he finds at trash and dump sites. He started the ranch in 2000 after inheriting his father’s bottle collection. After retiring in 2002, he worked on creating art through upcycling full time. Walking through the ranch is a fun experience, standing there listening to the sound of the art interacting with the wind. If you are driving south along Route 66 just past Barstow, stop by for a look around. Elmer will usually come out and talk to the visitors about his art. We found him to be an interesting person and you can tell he loves what he does.