Captains log Day Eleven.
Driving the original Route 66 via Oatman
From Williams to Lake Havasu City, via Seligman and Oatman. Total mileage 220 miles on some interesting roads especially up and down a few mountain passes.
First stop in Seligman we found a jewel of a town kept alive in the spirit of Route 66 by some amazing people with some crazy places. These people have dedicated their lives to keeping the Mother Road a joy to all who travel through God Bless them.
Suitably refreshed we headed on west to the town of Oatman. The route took us on an amazing journey on some pretty hairy roads through the Black Mountains. Luckily for us the spring flowers adorned the mountain sides before the heat of the summer fried them to a crisp.
The old mining town of Oatman is just totally amazing. It is 2710 ft above sea level. The town is a unique reminder of the old west and one of the countless gold mining towns that sprang up in the 1800’s. We enjoyed the multitude of shops whilst stopping to stroke the wild Burros. Burros are descendants of pack mules that once hauled ore from gold mines and roam nearby in the hills. They show up every morning in the living ghost town nudging tourists and hoping for a snack.
The obligatory Buffalo burger was the highlight of the day enjoyed in the hotel where it is reputed Clark Gable and Carole Lombard got married. The whole place is decorated with dollar bills stapled to the walls and ceiling.
After lunch we were treated to the daily gun fight in the street much to the delight of all the visitors.
Overnight stop is at Lake Havasu City famous for having our old London Bridge as it’s main attraction. In 1967 The City of London decided to put the bridge up for sale. It was bought for 2.5 million dollars by Robert McCulloch who it shipped here. It was re-dedicated in 1971 in all its glory.
Finally just taking the delights of a beautiful sunset with a beer we meet some crazy’s. It could only happen in America. A lady taking her three pigmy goats for a walk and another taking Mable the pig out in her carrier.
The end of another glorious day.
What a fabulous day … love all the quirky bars … certainly keeping Route 66 going for all … and in amongst it an old Mobil sign! 😀
ReplyDeleteMountainous roads sound tricky but the views are stunning … how beautiful is that sunset.
And a Wild West show just like in the movies … half expecting Clint Eastwood to step out from the crowd!
Sending huge hugs 🤗😘 xxxx
You'll both fit in well you two crazy ones 😁😂
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