You’ve heard of Billy the Kid and Jesse James, but have you ever heard of Elfego Baca? This guy didn’t just survive one of the most insane shootouts in Wild West history—he went on to become a sheriff, a lawyer, and somehow got mixed up with Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution. From taking on Texas cowboys to representing revolutionaries and…

Get ready to saddle up for one of the most jaw-dropping outlaw stories from the Wild West that you’ve probably never heard of—Hank Vaughan. He wasn’t just some two-bit criminal. No, this guy was a horse-rustling mastermind, a daredevil gunslinger, and somehow, he managed to cheat death more times than should be humanly possible. In this episode, I …

In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, we will explore the surprising story behind the California Camel Experiment and its connection to the Virginia City Camel Races. From the mid-19th century trials of camels in the American Southwest to the whimsical camel races in Nevada today, I'll take you on a journey through this quirky slice of his…

“Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” “Carpe Diem” “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today Tomorrow will be dying.” What do all of these sayings have in common? They can describe the city in California nearby Sacramento that boomed for just a month. The people knew it wouldn't las…

Queho was and is known for being Nevada's first serial killer who was never caught. To read click this link This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.comAv Ricky Mortensen

Butch Cassidy is a famous outlaw so this episode I share the story of one of his “Wild Bunch” a guy known as News Carver To read the Article version Click here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com…

Calaveras County in Northern California Absolutely loves frogs, they are obsessed. Frog murals, frog statues, frog plaques, a frog walk of fame and of course they have the annual Jumping Frog Jubilee where they have the annual Jumping frog competition. So why is Calaveras County, Angels Camp in particular, frog obsessed? To the point there was a co…

Yankee Jim was the victim of mistaken identity, there were two criminals back in the early 1850's known by the name Yankee Jim. Both were tall, both were criminals but one more so than the other. Nowadays most don't know there were two and make the same mistake the court in San Diego made and combine the two men into one. Intrigued? This is a publi…

Could I have stumbled upon THE John from the Irish folk song John Kanaka? Come along with me and learn the story of a Kanaka who was never supposed to be and his adventures in California. Prefer to read? Click here Sponsor links below Hawaiian State - Book 1 Hawaiian Legacy - Book 2 Hawaiian Legend - Book 3 This is a public episode. If you would li…

Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about one of California's most notorious outlaws...Joaquin Murrieta, the infamous figure known as the 'Robin Hood of the El Dorado.' Join me and delve deep into the dusty archives of history, to uncover the truth behind Murrieta's notorious exploits and separate fact from fiction. This episode …

Do you ever think about how animals are relocated? I'm sure you've seen a horse in on of those trailers on the road or put your dog on a plane but I'm talking about wild animals. Like Beavers. Idaho has quite the story about relocating a bunch of beavers after World War Two and I will tell you that story. Sponsor Hawaiian State - Book 1 Hawaiian Le…

Living on the west coast in the United States you might think that to see Civil War artifacts, you gotta head on down to the South where it was fought or go to a museum. What if I told you there are some Civil War Cannons in plain sight in Northern California? But before I tell you about that… This is sponsored by The Hawaiian State book series by …

My professional photographer Grandpa and I went out for a photography trip up at Mount Rainer here in Washington. As a history lover I always have my eyes set out to learn the local history around me and sure enough I came across something pretty interesting. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get …

In this episode, I will be telling you all about 5 different men, John Sutter, Sam Brannan, Sam Barlow, James Savage, and Doc Maynard. Each of these men made some kind of impact on the western United States. You can listen now but This episode will be premiering in all its glory on YouTube at 7.15pm tonight. on 2/21/24 each of the 5 will be posted …

Listen, Watch or Read. The Choice is yours. Ancient Celtic Druids base their holidays on the wheel of the year. The Celtic year was divided into 2 halves the light and the dark. Within The halves, there would be 4 fire festivals. Samhain was the name of the fire festival that marked the beginning of the dark half of the year. During Samhain, it is …

On today’s episode of the Travel Tidbits Podcast, Alissa and Courtney debate the merits of cruising and all-inclusive vacations. From unlimited dining options to great excursion options, plus the ease of budgeting, Courtney highlights why an all-inclusive vacation might be your ticket to stress-free travel. Alissa makes her case for cruising, revea…

Opportunity is one of the many words that you can use to describe The United States, sure not everyone will succeed and not everyone will get the same opportunities but you get a heck of a lot more than you would in most if not all other countries. This is why so many people immigrated here and still do today. Well, even within this country there w…

An old man is laying in a bed, he's not really all that old in his late seventies. He would like nothing more than to not be stuck in his bed, weak and slowly dying. trapped in his thoughts knowing his time is near and drawing closer every minute. This man is extremely wealthy, has very few real friends, and many posers. His whole life has been tha…

Listen, Watch, or Read. I got you covered. Hey everybody in this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits I am going to do something a little different. A Tidbits Blitz, What that is, is a handful of tidbits in one episode. These tidbits are short but worth telling so instead of posting a super short episode for each one I'm going to do a bunch in one…

Are your dreams filled with the sound of lyrics from Super Mario Bros.? Then Universal Studios Hollywood's new Super Nintendo World is for you! Join Kristi and Jamie as they discuss their experience in the new land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesAv Jamie Weitl

Have you ever heard of the Orson Welles Controversy concerning the War of the Worlds Broadcast he did one day? Well if you haven't or even if you have but haven't heard the full broadcast for yourself, you are in luck. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymort…

"Regal? Overrated? Captain of men? Friend and benefactor? Bellicose firebrand? Robert Stockton was many things to many people, but in two things he was constant: he was unwavering in his dedication to his state and to his country, and he never failed to strive for glory. Regardless of what history makes of his achievements, and there were inarguabl…

You have likely had one of the Ghirardelli squares before, have you ever wondered about the history not of the company exactly but the man that started it? Well I have and I did the research and MANNNNN did this guy have a tough time in business yet he persevered along with his family. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh…

In today’s episode of the Travel Tidbits Podcast, Jamie introduces agent Alissa MacVey, who specializes in luxury travel. Jamie and Alissa discuss luxury travel options for families, focusing on Disney Cruise Line Concierge Level (including Alissa’s recent stay in the funnel suite on the Disney Wish!), Royal Caribbean’s Star Class Suites, and Club …

Jamie and Kristi are back for a special pop up episode of the podcast! Building on Jamie’s original tidbit episode Season 2 – Episode 15 that Jamie recorded right after Genie+ debuted, Kristi and Jamie discuss some of the changes that have occurred with the Genie+ system, how to utilize it effectively, and their thoughts on budgeting effectively to…

I tell you a brief explanation of 4 kinds of gold and then the stories of 3 gold nuggets This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.comAv Ricky Mortensen

The Jenny Lind Steamboat Disaster claimed 32 lives in the bay area back in 1853. In this episode, I'll tell you all about it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.comAv Ricky Mortensen

According to E. Clampus Vitus legend, St. Vitus devoted 37 years of study and unbiblical contemplation to seek out the fundamental truths bound up in the mystic title of the order. He began writing a cabalistic treatise on the subject in 83 volumes. Still, so far as anyone has been able to discover, he got no further than the first 3 words: Credo Q…

Many moons ago there was a big lake in the western territory of the United States. Native American tribes called it dá’aw which translates basically to “lake”. Some say there is a 60-foot monster like the loch ness monster that lives in the deep known today as Tahoe Tessie, some say there are hundreds of bodies at the bottom perfectly preserved fro…

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye! After over two years, we are recording our *final* episode of The Travel Tidbits Podcast. In this special episode, Jamie, Sharon, Samantha, and Nikki discuss their favorite parts about being a part of The Travel Tidbits Podcast team. Also, as a special treat -- find out all about how Pineapple Escapes go…

In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of my favorite criminal, Charley Boles also known as Black Bart. He robbed 28 stagecoaches in his bandit career and was eventually caught and sent to San Quentin. I'm really excited about this episode. Books Recommended Black Bart - George Hoeper Black Bart: Search is over - …

In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of a man who made his mark everywhere he went. Whether it was mining for gold, building a telegraph line across the country, constructing railroads, potentially inventing the pony express, and most notably Consul for the Chinese people in the United States. His name? Frederic…

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! To celebrate this day of giving thanks, we are inviting you to "Our Home" to learn about a few of our favorite Thanksgiving day traditions. Each home is different...this is ours. Also, for fans of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade -- Michelle gives tips and tricks for attending the parade in NYC. Featured in this episode: Sharon: h…

In this episode, Jamie highlights our upcoming Pineapple Escapes group trip to Ireland! If Ireland is on your bucket list, this trip is an excellent way to visit all the highlights of Ireland and have all the planning done for you -- all you need to do is enjoy your trip. If you have more questions, you can reach out to your favorite Pineapple Esca…

Recently, six of the Pineapple Escapes’ travel agents recently went to California for agent training and one of their favorite parts of the trip was the WB Studios Tour. Listen in as Sharon, Samantha, and Jamie discuss their time at the WB Studios Tour and some of their favorite parts. Featured in this episode: Jamie: https://pineappleescapes.com/j…

The weather may be turning cooler but it is warm and sunny in MEXICO. In today's episode, Jamie and Erin discuss the recent Pineapple Escapes group trip to Xcaret Mexico. Featured in this episode: Jamie: https://pineappleescapes.com/jamieweitl/ Erin: https://pineappleescapes.com/erinshoup/ Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.c…

In this episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits, I share with you the story of a lady named Lucy Ann Stoddard Wakefield Batterman, who was known to most for her pies but there’s something else she’s known for. She is part of the Miners on Main series which is a scavenger hunt coming soon to Main Street in Placerville highlighting local people of hist…

In today's episode, Kristi and her son, Carson share their experience visiting Universal Studios Florida and Disney World for Hollywood Horror Nights and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Listen as Kristi and her son discuss their trip, their favorites, and tips to make your visit more enjoyable. Featured in this episode: Kristi: https://pinea…

This short episode of Ricky's Historical Tidbits is about a lady named Eliza Mckinstry. She is part of the Miners on Main series which is a scavenger hunt coming soon to Main Street in Placerville highlighting local people of history that had some kind of impact on the city of Placerville. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this…

Join Nikki and son MAV as they share their experience at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights. Halloween Horror Nights is typically marketed towards adults due to the scary content however there are some kids who love all things spooky and love to be scared. Check out a kid’s perspective of this popular seasonal event. Featured in this Episo…

In this short episode of Ricky's historical tidbits, I share with you a little bit about a man who will be featured in the city of Placerville's “Miners on Main” scavenger hunt on Main Street. Known to history for a few things but is mostly known as Judge Blanchard. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers …

It’s West Coast: Disney versus East Coast: Disney as Jame and Samantha debate two different Disney special events: the Oogie Boogie Bash in Disneyland and Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party in Walt Disney World. Which party will come out on top? Featured in this episode: Jamie: https://pineappleescapes.com/jamieweitl/ Samantha: https://pineapple…

Listen in as Sharon, Samantha, and Jamie discuss their recent trip to Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and an L.A. tour. Featured in this episode: Jamie: https://pineappleescapes.com/jamieweitl/ Sharon: https://pineappleescapes.com/sharonspruill/ Samantha: https://pineappleescapes.com/samanthaharris/ Follow Us on Social Media! Facebo…

This is a short episode about Dorothea Zeisz, a woman who had 10 kids then her husband left the country for "business" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.comAv Ricky Mortensen

Fall is here and it’s SPOOKY SEASON! Get in the spooky spirit with Nikki and Michelle as they discuss the Spookiest Travel Destinations - East Coast Edition. A topic so vast it *HAS* to be a series -- you’re welcome. If you love the macabre, the creepy and everything *spooky*, this episode is for you. Enjoy! *cue evil laugh* Featured in this episod…

“One of the best detectives on the Pacific Coast; prompt, vigilant, and firm; always sober, reticent in his business affairs; knew no fear of danger; confided into the fullest extent of his employers, and generally esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.” that is a description of a man known today as the Sherlock Holmes of the wi…

Concluding her series on Xcaret Parks and Tours, Erin discusses Xcaret Park. This park features animals, an amazing beach with natural pools, Mayan culture and ruins, and so much more! Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineappleEscapes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PineappleEscapes/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com…

You may have heard of Studebakers in terms of cars or old wagons but do you know the full story of the man behind it all, it is quite the story and you will enjoy every second of this episode all about it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substac…

Join Kristi, Sharon, and Taylor as they share some of their favorite travel hacks! Featured in this episode: Kristi: https://pineappleescapes.com/kristischerer/ Sharon: https://pineappleescapes.com/sharonspruill/ Taylor: https://pineappleescapes.com/taylordeck/ Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineappleEscapes/ Instagra…

Robbers Roost is a place where the notorious Gassaway Gang hung out and robbed an unknown amount of people until they finally got caught and were sent to jail. Though short, this is their story. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickymortensen.substack.com…