Arizona

by Jeff · September 18, 2015

Well, we made it through the random rain storms to Lakeside Havasu City Arizona.

So of course, the first thing to do once we got to the lake was to hit the Safeway for some light evening fare to have in the hotel. We have found that the lighter we eat while travelling the better we feel and that by carrying easily made lunches and snacks we save some money and see some places we might not regularly stop at if we were just destination bound.

The second thing was to drive across the London Bridge. Yea, it’s the real one bought back in the 1960’s and transported to the Arizona desert. Look it up, the story is interesting along with the cast of characters involved.

Then it was off to the Travelodge (which neither of us slept well at, will do reviews of hotels and highlights after the trip is through) to check in. We were pretty wiped out from the 11 hour run from San Leandro so we hit the sack and both woke up early the next morning.

Had the free breakfast at the Travelodge (waffles and a banana) then it was off to take an early morning hike along the channel and cross the bridge on foot. The trail along the channel leading out to the main lake is immaculate and everyone you pass looks you in the eye and with a friendly smile wishes you good morning. It didn’t matter if it was the cute 20 something jogger with her headphones on or the obviously retired couple. Even the local rotary club was out for a walk at 7:30am.

Then of course we got some souvenirs, some more breakfast to go, pumped some fuel and headed off to Prescott. We followed a wandering track up to Hualapai and Havasupai along route 66 and then kind of circuitous to highway 93. We found another of those cool out of the way places to enjoy a picnic lunch at Burro Creek.

We then headed on to the town of Bagdad. This is a town wholly-owned by the copper mine company.

We pulled The Beast into town and went to the end of the public road and passed a parked county deputy. We had to turn around and went into the post office to mail some post cards. While sitting in The Beast addressing cards, the deputy moved to where he could see us from across the street. He noticed us watching him and left that spot and I saw him pull up to another point he could see us at. As we were rolling out of town, we had to go right by him and both R.P. (Rotinipoker.wordpress.com) and I looked straight at him with big smiles and waved. He did not pull us over but we are both sure that Beasts information is now in the mine security and Yavapai county sheriff’s office data base of suspicious vehicles…..lol.

After deciding to get on to Prescott we had a great drive into town. I was last here in 1984 when I rode my motorcycle up from Tucson to meet my mom here for the George Phippen memorial art show that she was attending with her best friend Muriel. The courthouse still looks exactly as I remember it. The old hotel is still there and whiskey row is still intact.

We pulled into our home for the next three nights “The Motor Lodge”. where we were greeted by the owner. He was showing a room to another couple, so he invited us to enjoy a beer, wine or water from his selection of nice beers and wines and relax on the porch in the shade. This 80 year old motor lodge is in the process of a total boutique themed room style makeover. It originally was an all kitchenette motor hotel. The rooms are very cozy and comfortable. The only thing is that The Beast is a little like a dancing elephant in the parking area (which includes a carport), it takes very careful placement to get him properly parked.