Oatman & Route 66

On Wednesday we took a drive down Route 66 on the way to the old mining town of Oatman.  Route 66 was one of America's primary east-west arteries running between Chicago and Los Angeles. It was known as the main street of America because the highway formed the Main Street of many towns along its route.  Many families travelled this road with all their belongings during the depression fleeing the Dust Bowl for opportunities in California.  Think Grapes of Wrath.  Many people will remember the TV show of the early 60's by the same name.

By todays standards Route 66 is a narrow winding paved road with no shoulder to speak of.  I would never take our RV on this road and in fact posted signs warn of a maximum length of 40 feet due to the tight turns.  The Interstate Highway system has long ago replaced Route 66 as a means of transportation however in spots the road still exists and nostalgia keeps tourists coming back to drive a piece of history.

The 42 miles of Route 66 took us through the old mining town of Oatman and to get there we started out in the flat desert on the shores of the Colorado River and started a steady ascent.  As we continued to climb the scenery became more dramatic and colourful as the desert is really starting to bloom.

We decided to stop at the top of Sitgreaves Pass, Elevation 3550 feet, to have lunch.  Even though the day was heavily overcast the view was still pretty spectacular.

The Yucca plant in bloom really brightens things up.

As does the Beavertail cactus.

On the outskirts of Oatman we were greeted by their welcoming committee.  Larry, Curly and Mo.

Oatman was a gold mining boom town from 1910 to the 1920's with 8000 people calling the place home.  The gold mines have opened and closed periodically since then in conjunction with the highs and lows of the price of Gold.

The early prospectors brought burros to haul rock and ore inside the mines and haul water and supplies on the outside.  As the mines were closed the burros were released into the wild and the decedents still thrive in the surrounding desert.

Each day at noon the town of Oatman has a staged gunfight as part of its show for the tourists.  The burros make their way into town each day about this time to collect treats from the tourists.  We were a little early and these guys were just on their way into town.  About an hour later we met them on the towns main street.

This one took the "Oh isn't he cute" award.

The tourists gather to witness the gun fight.  We didn't watch cause we have seen a few of these and, well,  seen one staged gunfight and you've seen them all.  The main street is lined with old building filled with touristy type stuff to buy.  We picked up a couple of Route 66 hats and t-shirts.  Believe me I do have enough hats and t-shirts but at $5 and $7 respectively I guess it won't break us.

It was a nice drive with great scenery.  Too bad it was overcast as the pictures would have been better with sunny skies however the clouds kept the temps in the low 80's rather than 93 which has been the norm for the past 5 weeks.

On Thursday we stayed around the park.  We had met one of our neighbours out walking our respective hounds and turns out they live in Cooks Creek, about 5 miles from our house.  They told us of a nice little beach where we could let Charli go for a swim so Thursday morning we headed off.  

There was just us and some fishermen.  Not sure if they appreciated us letting Charli splash around in the water but its a big lake and they moved on.

Charlie always has to give a good shake when she comes out even though she is going right back in.  Lori got just a little too close.

ET Phone Home.  A swim must be followed by the indignity of getting towelled off.

I'm not much for fishing but if I had to sit in a boat for a couple of hours at least this view would keep me interested.

Just across from the dog beach was a field all abloom.

Havasu Falls RV Park is located just north of town overlooking the lake and townsite.  While the sites are a bit small here is the view outside our trailer.  I'd say it compensates for the tight spaces.  

My next and last report from Lake Havasu will cover Friday and our day trip back to Parker.

Till Then.