LAUGHLIN NEVADA WEEKEND TRIP

While going northwest for a weekend at Laughlin NV, we started through Joshua Tree National Forest. It sure made us think that we were back in Joshua Tree National Park in California, except the trees here were much larger and bushier! Of course, the changing mountain scenery was very enjoyable!! Upon arriving in Laughlin, we were happy to put the coupons to use that Gary got from a seminar in our home park in Mesa. We stayed at the Riverside Hotel/Casino for $32 a night on the 24th floor, and I got my much anticipated bathtub for relaxing!! And Laughlin, boasting the gambling business, gave us credits to use in the casino. But even more beneficial were the coupons for their buffet. So we were all set for some enjoyable time!! We could watch the river cruises while enjoying dinner. Then after dinner we set off for a walk along the river walk. It was only open to the next hotel (Aquarius), but that was enough to get us started out to tour the town!! We walked through their casino and out the front door to go on to the outlet mall up the street for a bit of shopping.

We did not do too much damage there, but were in awe of the other hotels!! That is about all there is to Laughlin!!

These are pictures taken from our 24th floor window. Guess you can tell that it is land of the retired!!

The mountain views are great also. While I slept in the next morning, Gary went on to check out the in-house Classic Car Show of Laughlin on the 3rd floor of the hotel. All rested up and while still holding a little money in our pockets, it was time to head on out to return home. We chose returning by way of Route 66 for our "kicks". In this area the famous Route 66 is just a two lane county road. It took us through the mountains into the ghost town of Oatman, AZ, an old mining town.

Here we come upon a hotel of days gone by. We went through the stores which always inhabit these tourist areas and found a little cafe' where we stopped for lunch. The food was good and the ambiance even better.

Of course, the piano player was of days gone by also!!

As we prepared to leave town, the burros were appearing for their handouts from the tourists. They are said to be descendants from the burros used in the mining which were left to run wild when the mines closed.

Driving on east on Route 66, we find the roads hugging the mountains!! So the going was much slower. Since Gary is native of WV, he is familiar with this kind of roadway and driving, and I kept busy with the camera.

We were not sure where this camper had walked off to, as there was nothing around except more mountains and brush.

We continue to hug the rocks and follow the curves and signs!!

Yes, we even stopped to snap a picture of the burro out in the wild!! A cyclist going in the opposite direction motioned to show us that he was there.

And on around the curves we go, back and forth, back and forth!! It was not unusual to see more than three or four stretches of the same road which was ahead of us.

We also passed an operating mine with modern equipment.

Not too far beyond that active mine, I noticed this hope in the hill. I wonder if it was part of a mine of years gone by??

It was a long trip home, but well worth the longer route!! Would do it again when we get a chance.

Check in again soon for things going on closer to home in our park. Take care.