Oatman, AZ via Route 66.

First the route:

Hwy 60, aka Grand Ave North to 89 North. We went to Prescott via Skull Valley. Once into Prescott, we went back onto 89 North. Through Paulden and to Ashfork. We went on 40 West to Seligman where we picked up Route 66. West on Rt 66 to Kingman and stayed on 66 to Oatman. The road back we hit 40 East, down 93 and home.

This about a 500 mile ride. Most of us did it in one day. You can stay in Kingman or just head to Laughlin for the night.

For those of you who are not familiar with Oatman http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oatman,_Arizona

This is the place where the mules roam free. Almost free anyway, you need to feed them carrots.

The ride there is a nice easy ride up to Seligman and on to 66. This is not the best maintained road, but not bad. Tar snakes are abundant. When the weather is warm, they can at the very least create a mild pucker factor. There are some old gas stations that are now tourist trap place. But they are kool places. Some of the ride is just high desert with lots of mountains in the background. Just imagine traversing Route 66 in the “old days” in a car with no A/C in summer time. There was a time this was about the only way to get to California from Chicago. There are some areas where the road has some nice sweeping turns. There are places where all you see is straight 2 lane black top. When you get close to Oatman, the twists and turns get tight, but the scenery gets better. Remnants of old mines, some homesteads still inhabited with lots of old “stuff” around. No Wal-Mart nearby.

Once in Oatman, find a place to park, be alert for animals, people and large piles of Mule remnants. Stroll around, buy some stuff, and grab a cold one at the saloon. There are the obligatory cowboy gunfight shows. Hang out a while and enjoy the people watching, relax.

As usual bring lots of water, dress appropriately, use sun block.