Traveling a little over 50 miles to the north from Lake Havasu City, we visited the town of Oatman. Oatman about 100 years ago was a flourishing gold mining center until 1942 when gold mining was no longer essential to the war effort. Today it remains as authentic as possible as a western ghost town and mining camp.
Gunfights in the street are done several times during the day. A little hokey but all done in fun and afterwards a hat is passed with the money received donated to the Shriner's Hospital.
Wild burros come into the street to mingle with the tourists. Carrots can be purchased for feeding the burros and the burros become rather aggressive when they know someone has the carrots.
The babies are not allowed to have the carrots as they can choke and die from them.
There are a variety of shops along the street along with several restaurants. One shop had paintings on sandstone done by local artists that were unique. Many shops had the touristy t-shirts and trinkets.
The town is located on U.S. Route 66, a federally funded "Back Road By-Way".
Most of the way is uninhabited, mountainous desert environment. Today was a beautiful sunny day but a little cool in this higher elevation.
