Gary and I usually hike around the areas where we camp. But today we decided to take a road trip. Our goal was to see the Parker Dam, south of Lake Havasu City but we also thought we’d take a long drive. We headed north to Interstate 40, west on 40, then back south on US 95 to Interstate 10, east on that and then back north on AZ 95.
I know you’ve all heard about the drought here in California. We’ve seen it close up. The land around here is really dry.
I’m not quite sure what they meant by this sign. I thought I was here.
The countryside was rugged. All sharp edges out here, an unforgiving terrain.
There were signs along the road warning us about the ‘wild’ burros. But this fluffy little guy just wanted to be petted. He’s moving in for my hand and almost ate my camera. His mother’s not so sure about me, tho.
These burros are too used to being fed to be really ‘wild.’
We rounded a curve (one among many) and found the Parker Dam.
It is the deepest dam in world, Yes, that’s not a mis-print: it is really the deepest in the world. Here’s a diagram showing how much of the dam is below the water level and how much is above. It’s very like an iceberg, with only a tip of the actual structure showing.
Lake Havasu, which is behind the dam provides water for 15,000,000 people in both Phoenix and Tucson, more than 336 miles away. Lake Havasu was picture perfect.
The rest of the drive was as stunning visually as was the first half.
Above are water pipes taking water to California.
We also saw a great blud heron in a wildlife preserve. Look at him peering around for food.
Back to our campground.
Sometimes I felt like I was in an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
But the sunsets were always a treat to end the day.
Is your picture of the pumping station at Hayfield road to the north of I-10--it doesn't look like it? Huell Howser (California's Gold) went inside a pumping station, and it's amazing. We laughed at the "vintage" RV since we still have the same Coleman cooler. We are planning to go to Scottsdale for the AZFDHS all-class reunion at Greasewood Flats on March 15 unless there is the unlikely event of a snowstorm.
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ReplyDeleteThis was the pumping station right on the Lake. I'm sure that the inside would be a great learning experience. We really enjoyed the tour of Hoover Dam - we got in right after they opened from the September 11 closing.
That mini-reunion would be fun. Tell me who was there - I'd love to know.