A history of the Shaffer Spring Goldfish Bowl

Many people have visited the wondrous Shaffer Spring Goldfish Bowl on Oatman Road (aka Route 66) between Kingman and Oatman in western Arizona. However, many of you probably don't know about the history of this bowl fed by a natural spring from the side of a mountain. Herberta Schroeder, in a special article for the … Continue reading A history of the Shaffer Spring Goldfish Bowl

What should be done about Oatman’s burros?

Easy, now. No one is suggesting getting rid of all the semi-wild burros that roam the Route 66 village of Oatman, Arizona -- especially Oatman businesses, which see the animals as a big reason it's become a tourist attraction. The burros are descendants of burros used in the area gold mines a century ago. When the mines … Continue reading What should be done about Oatman’s burros?

Rich Henry keeps hopping along

Look what hopped up in my feed. KSDK-TV, the popular NBC affiliate in St. Louis, gave two minutes to Henry's Rabbit Ranch on old Route 66 in Staunton, Illinois. Henry's been doing this schtick for more than 20 years now, which makes him a veteran in Route 66 circles. (Image of Rich Henry by Marcin … Continue reading Rich Henry keeps hopping along

Midewin Tallgrass Prairie now leading bison tours

Rangers at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie off Route 66 near Chicago now will lead hikes to a pasture that contains recently introduced bison. The Rangers will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends through October, reported the Kankakee Daily Journal. If you go this month, chances are good you'll see baby buffalo. The … Continue reading Midewin Tallgrass Prairie now leading bison tours

No, nobody’s going to hunt Oatman burros

A few media outlets reported a Mohave County, Arizona, official proposed hunting for wild burros to reduce overpopulation in the region. Naturally, this got Route 66 folks and animal-rights activists riled up, because that would mean the Route 66 town of Oatman, Arizona, would see its beloved wild burros in the cross hairs. Mojave County … Continue reading No, nobody’s going to hunt Oatman burros

Bison reintroduced to Midewin Prairie

Nearly 30 head of native bison were reintroduced this week to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie along Route 66 in Wilmington, Illinois -- the first time buffalo have roamed in that area in nearly two centuries. Bison were exterminated by the 1830s in northern Illinois, and the animals were hunted to near-extinction in the United … Continue reading Bison reintroduced to Midewin Prairie

Keepers of the Wild owner plans bigger complex near Kingman

The owner of the Keepers of the Wild exotic-animal sanctuary on Route 66 north of Kingman, Arizona, is planning an even-bigger animal sanctuary called Wild Planet off U.S. 93 west of Kingman, according to varying media reports. According to the Bullhead City Bee, the complex that will cost nearly $40 million will be on 4,000 … Continue reading Keepers of the Wild owner plans bigger complex near Kingman

Dying dog taken on a big road trip

One of my favorite milestones from #pohthedogsbigadventure with @djneilarmstrong and @goumada. Getting to the end of Route 66, signifying that we made it all the across the country. This was already almost 2 months ago... And the trip we took started 10 weeks ago now. When my parents found out I was sick, it seemed … Continue reading Dying dog taken on a big road trip

A closer look at Oatman

A Northern Arizona University student, Margo McClellan, produced an audio documentary about the Route 66 town of Oatman, Arizona. McClellan told the Mojave Daily News she came to the town because of its famous burros, but also became fascinated by its residents. The documentary is below, with photos to accompany the audio: Oatman AZ - … Continue reading A closer look at Oatman

New Route 66 signs coming to Albuquerque

About a half-dozen new signs that join the Route 66 logo with a roadrunner will be installed in Albuquerque by the end of March, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. The road runner, incidentally, is the state bird of New Mexico. The mockup of the multipurpose directional sign, which is partly designed to direct tourists to attractions … Continue reading New Route 66 signs coming to Albuquerque