Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Ouch! - May 5

Just as we are leaving our camp site, the rear corner of the rv and bicycle rack clipped a small shed tearing open the rear panel of our beautiful new rv.  A few screws and a little duck tape, and our home looked almost good as new. After the shock of what happened wore off, we made the sound decision to return home to Tucson for repairs. Could be a few weeks before we are on the road again : (  We'll keep you posted!








Saguaro






We quickly realize that this is not the worst place to be, as the desert is now in bloom. Time for a photo shoot! (Saguaro National Park West) 






Prickly Pear
Cane Cholla
 
Cane Cholla


Cane Cholla 
 




Cane Cholla







 

 
 
 


 
 
 
Joyce's Kia

Friday, May 3, 2013

Havasu Springs Resort - May 1-4

On the road again - at last! It took longer than expected to get Jim's house ready to rent, but that is now behind us and we are excited to find out what retirement is really about. We are tested immediately on our day of departure at La Mesa RV when we are told that the repair to our hydraulics will take two weeks. After several calls and some deliberation, we choose to forge on with hopes of completing repairs when we get to Las Vegas. Our first destination, however, will be Havasu Springs Resort, 309 miles from home. This is a private RV resort at Lake Havasu, where we have a trial membership. We will stay here for four days, then proceed to Las Vegas.

Upon arrival, we are met with very high winds that last through the next day, so we spend this time exploring our new surroundings. Lake Havasu is a spectacular lake surrounded by mountains and hills with colors of red and chocolate. As soon as the winds calmed we took the kayak out for some fishing on the river at the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. No fish to be caught that day, but a most enjoyable day on the boat.





Joyce and Jester arriving at Lake Havasu Resort











Parker Dam, constructed on the Colorado River in 1939, is the deepest dam in the world and feeds water to southern California, Phoenix and Tucson. Thank you, Parker Dam! We drove our truck across the dam.











Looking south from Parker Dam











Bill Williams River.  Very nice place to kayak and fish.

Note to self:  Go further up the river past the bridge next time, as we hear that birds are abundant.











Ready to launch! Exceptionally clear, blue waters.
















 





Young Chuckwalla basking on a rock along the path to slot canyon.









View of slot canyon at Crack in the Mountain Trail Slot Canyon. Located in Sara's Park at mile post 177 on highway 95, between Havasu Springs and Lake Havasu City.  Very scenic trail - would do this again.






London Bridge was relocated to Lake Havasu City from London, England in 1971. 

Drove the truck across the bridge twice. No need to do this again.