Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman, AZ
I have just returned from a trip to, and into, the Grand Canyon in Arizona. You all know that I do this trip once or twice a year and post photo’s of the hike down to the Phantom Ranch. So, in effort to not bore you to much I have instead posted photo’s of Route 66, between Kingman and Oatman, Arizona.
Route 66, between Kingman & Oatman, AZ
- I took all of my photo’s while riding in our car. This image lets you see how winding Route 66 can be.
- Between Kingman and Oatman there are the remnants of gold mining activity which took place in the 1800’s. The mining town of Oatman is a very complete “ghost town”. Artists, craft people, restaurants and gift stores now inhabit this very rustic REAL old west town.
Oatman, AZ and Giant Burro Termite
Beside ghosts, there are other inhabitants which infest Oatman, Gigantis Equus Mulus Isoptera . Better known as the dreaded Giant Burro Termite.
Oatman, AZ and Giant Burro Termites
The highly effective camouflage of the Giant Burro Termite lets it travel through out the town without the slightest notice of the residents or tourist.
Termite Damage
The Giant Burro Termite is a dry wood termite. Once you recognise the signs you can see that in fact the whole town is infested by quite a large swarm. The picture above illustrates how the damage can occur right in the open, in sight of visitors and residents alike.
It makes me wonder if the owner of this establishment knows the damage these wood eating beasties are inflicting on their building? Is there even enough orange oil is the world that could stop the greedy munching?
We went to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, CO a week or so ago. There’s a raised deck you can walk on through the Giraffe exhibit, where you end up right at the level of their heads and can scritch them and feed them giraffe crackers.
They’ve almost eaten completely through the railings. Giant Giraffid Termite indeed.
Ah! We just discovered this town a few weeks ago on our trip back to L.A. from the Grand Canyon. We hiked down to Phantom Ranch, too! I wish -I- could do that trip once or twice a year!!
I love Oatman! My husband and I have stopped there many times to feed the burros, stroll the stores and just enjoy the people. A wonderful place to spend the day!