Nelson, Nevada

The photo above is not in Nelson, but is down at the end of the road from the mining town.  It's part of the extensive Lake Mead Recreation Area.

The mining town has many buildings that are in quite decent condition, some of which are still inhabited.

This is the entrance to one of the mine shafts, but it's a teaser because you can't go far!

There are many artifacts of the mining business as well as tools and equipment scattered around.

 

There were dozens of vehicles in various stages of deterioration in the area. A few had been modified by someone with a good imagination.

I am amazed at this next car - a three piece back window - totally intact.  I'm sure someone restoring one of these vehicles would love to have this!

Oatman, Arizona

Oatman is an interesting little town full of tourist stores and a few restaurants, but also donkeys roaming the streets.

 

 

 

On the way, we saw this little stone snowman, as well as other Christmas decorations on the bushes along the road.  In the store, there is a store with Christmas items still on the roof, as well as inside.

 

 

Obviously, it gets hot in the summer, so the residents make a party of it on July 4th each year.

 

 

Since this is on Route 66, there always seem to be classic cars around.  Seems like there were more than usual this time.

 

 

 

This little town will probably live forever, it is known as the ghost town that refuses to die.  This was my third trip up and I see something new each time.

 

 



Route 66 - Needles, California

 

Needles, California is located directly on old Route 66, the pre-1930 road, as the sign below tells us. 

 

 

There are multiple old motels that are abandoned, complete with neon signs that no longer work, and probably have not worked for decades.

 

 

 

A few old gas stations are still standing and a couple look like they've been maintained, one of the gas pumps on this one shows the last sale of one gallon at 34 cents.

 

This one has no pumps, but someone was working there, possibly restoring the old truck.

The train station is large and is well used.

 

 

 This looks like it was a popular place back when Route 66 was well traveled.  The sign looks pretty good, but the building needs help.

 

The murals are all over town, on restaurants, mechanic shops and other buildings.  I'm sure they're not the original ones, but I'm glad the residents keep Route 66 alive as much as they can.