The best Westerns display the classic American Anglo-Celtic hero: the peaceful man of violence. He does not start the trouble, but when it comes he is better at it than the bad guys. He is a good man protecting good people from bad people, who are always around. He is smart, quick on the draw, and a straight shooter. The goal is living a peaceful life, but at times it must be defended, even with deadly force.

One of the most scenic and historic drives in Southern California is the old mining/stage road from Bodfish (near Lake Isabella) to the railroad town of Caliente, and thence to Freeway 58. It is still the same narrow, steep, winding road it was in the 1860s, but hard surfaced. Climbing oak-covered hills, it passes by the still-occupied site of the mining town of Havilah, and crosses or circles the wide range-land in Walker Basin. Watch out for stray cattle on the road. In Springtime there are usually beautiful patches of wildflowers along much of the route. A wonderful setting for California Westerns. (Please note that, unless you enjoy climbing up very steep  roads, it is much easier to go from Bodfish to Caliente.)

"Sittin' by the roadside on a summer day,
Chattin' with my messmates to pass the time away,
Lyin' in the shadows underneath the trees,
Goodness how delicious, gobblin' goober peas...."

(Civil War song, Confederate)