Parker Dam and the London Bridge

Today we drove up to Parker and on north to the Parker Dam. It is the deepest dam in the world, with 2/3 of the structure underwater. We saw signs telling us that trucks, trailers and motorhomes were not allowed to cross the dam, but we are a pickup, so we traveled on. When we arrived at the dam, there were concrete barriers outlining the traffic lanes. The lanes were really narrow and we didn't think we would fit. Wes thought we might, but we didn't want to take a chance on getting stuck. So, we backed up and followed a road up the mountainside where we found several overlooks and a boat ramp. We were amazed with the size of Lake Havasu as well as how clear the water was. After an hour or so there, we continued on to Lake Havasu City where the London Bridge is located. There were very good signs directing us to the bridge, but we still could not find it. We also had a hard time finding a place to park our truck. Well, (hicks that we are), we finally realized we had been driving back and forth ACROSS the bridge. We found a parking lot and toured the bridge. This bridge was taken apart brick by brick and transported to Lake Havasu where it was reassembled. After it was completed, a channel was dug underneath it to allow the water from Lake Havasu to flow under it. This was a very interesting place. The water was also very clear here. All around and under the bridge was like an English Village with shops and restaurants etc. We hiked all around the area and considered a ride on the Dixie Belle, but decided against it at $15 each for an hour. I would rather spend my money on eating out, which we did later at Chilis. We bought some expensive post cards, but no other "trinkets".

On the way north, we had noticed several state parks and decided we would check them out on the way home. There are 3 and all are very nice. Some spaces have water and electric hookups and each park has a dump station. They are all right on the Colorado River with some nice beaches and beautiful views. The best was Buckskin Mountain and we will add that to our list of places to stay in the future.

Also, we wanted to report to all you golfers that the La Paz County Golf Course is one you should not miss! We are not golfers and there was no place to stop and take photos, but it was quite a course. There are desert type mountains all around this area. Instead of leveling everything off to make a course, they just built it all around the area. There are greens on top of mountains and in the little valleys. The trails look like they might 4 wheel golf carts in some places. The course goes along the river and under and over bridges. Quite an interesting place. We would like to go back and just walk around the course.

We drove on back to our RV park and were treated to a really beautiful sunset. We set out in our chairs with several of our neighbors watching Mother Nature's movie. Great day for us!!

Feb 5, 2007

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