Left Cali….three times! Crossing over into Arizona at Needles, the “Arizona State Line” sign was in the middle of a bridge over a levee so we decided to turn around to get a picture. Back over the border then on to Oatman, AZ. The road there was just 2 lanes with lots of hills so it felt like a roller coaster – quite deserted and we got out at one point just to stand in the middle of it. Oatman was delightful – the best part were the wild burros that just wander around the streets – even saw one with his hind quarters hanging out the door of a little shop with the shop lady encouraging him to go back outside.
When we headed out to Oatman we had about 1/4 tank of gasoline but only 1/8 of a tank when we arrived (heat and hills) with no gas station in town. It was 15 miles back to Needles or 26 miles, over a mountain, to Kingman and it was 4 p.m. Command decision said…back to Needles, then just took the I-40 loop around which probably got us to Kingman in about the same time but with a lot less stress. ‘Course, that meant leaving Cali and crossing into Arizona one more time!
Highest temp was saw today was 118 but only got a picture of it on the car thermostat at 116. Had to shut the air conditioning off several times to keep the car from overheating. On the way back to Needles from Oatman, we had our arms (and someone also had her feet!) out the window and it literally felt like a furnace. When you think about it, the air was about 10 degrees hotter than a hot tub! Even though it was a “dry heat” we were still swimming in sweat, stuck to our seats, and glad to get some gasoline so we could put the air back on. I see why people travel at night around here.
Dinner was going to be Cracker Barrel but we opted for the Golden Corral next door as they had a buffet and we wanted salad. First time at Golden Corral (the people watching was superb!) and I will definitely go back for the salad – craisins, green olives, artichoke hearts, peas, sunflower seeds, 3-bean salad, – lots of great toppings. And the pot roast and sweet potatoes were pretty good too.
After dinner Em rip-sticked in the parking lot – it was the perfect spot as it was concrete with lots of rolling hills, very few cars, great lighting as it got darker, and even a few built in ramps and curbs on the sidewalks just to make it interesting. She looks so graceful, much like an ice skater, and when she comes zipping around in a circle, reminds me of the old Frick and Frack skating team.
The night ended with an hour in the tiny but warm indoor hotel pool. Nine super-fun kids, 5 parents, and one insane game of keep-away with a large, yellow, Weider exercise ball.
– Ann
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }