Friday 25th May
One great big cactus in Kingman.
We do a quick drive through Kingman to take a few photos that we should have done yesterday. Happy now!
Feeling better this morning and we are excited to be heading
off to Oatman at last. Its very windy
and gusty again, the temperature is
around 76F. I must say I was a little
nervous about the drive through the Black Mountains with all the hairpin bends
and the lack of guard rails. However it
was quite spectacular to experience the different rugged terrain. Much drier , parched looking in fact with a
very definite mining look about the countryside. Long straight stretches as we approached the
Black Mountains (originally known as the Blue Mountains but eventually changed
to due to the confusion with the Blue Ridge).
Finally arriving at Sitgreaves Pass we expected the nail biting was
over, but now the descent was a good test on the brakes.
On arrival at Oatman the first person we see is wearing a
gun, the second person demands $2 for parking – no arguments there!
An old gold mining town, taking advantage of the tourist
dollar and it was busy. The mountain
backdrop was very picturesque and the wild burros, particularly the babies were
very entertaining. 
Lunch at Oatman Hotel
was welcome and we were amazed at the dollar notes plastered over the walls and
ceilings. The entertainer (singer)
advised there were around $78,000 in dollar notes pinned on just about every
possible surface. The origin of the
dollar note pinning goes back to the gold miners not carrying money while they were working
underground but if they pinned a dollar with their name on it, the bartender
knew they were good for payment.
A shoot out on the street occurred following a holdup and
the pair of culprits arguing over the
money. Of course it was all a setup and
we happily donated money to the cause.
After collecting our beautifully carved cedar sign we headed
out of town toward Laughlin, where we had organized our next accommodation at
the Aquarius Casino. For a $10 upgrade
we were given a magnificent room on the 18th floor overlooking the
Colorado River and the mountains.
Bargain! 
The wind was blowing a gale when headed off to the outlets –
conveniently located right across the road - we had to hang on tight to each other while
waiting for the pedestrian lights to change as we were almost blown onto the
road – absolutely not exaggerating.
Shopping, dinner and bed before the drive across the Mojave
Desert tomorrow.
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