Visiting Lake Havasu, London Bridge & Parker Dam

 Arizona has so many places to see and do, that one just cannot do it in a single trip.  Most generally everypone says that they want to go see the Grand Canyon, but there are other places to visit and see while in Arizona.

In the winter time the small little town of Quartzite becomes into full bloom with lots of activities such as the huge Mineral Show, the big RV show and many, many other things.  The desert floor goes from Iron Wood bush, cactus to lots and lots of RV's.  But that's a story for another time. 

While here we took a day trip on HWY 95 to Parker Dam and and Lake Havasu City.  The drive to Parker Dam and to Lake Havasu City was spectacular and just beautiful! The mountains seem that the they would change colors by the sun rays. Some brave soul even went as far as to put an American Flag on one of the peaks of the mountain and to our understanding, that Flag is periodically change when the old one gets frail looking.

Our first stop was to Parker Dam, which controls the Colorado River and also helps control the water on Lake Havasu. Since 911 they no longer allow RV or large trucks or vehicles and no foot traffic to go through. As it was I held my breath as we went through the very narrow barricades while crossing on the Dam!

 Lake Havasu City is really not that old of a town. It was established back in 1964-I was even born by then! I remember being there briefly when the girls were just wee babes, and like everything else-everything changes. More shops and businesses have developed. One of the things that I did like about Lake Havasu City, many of the buildings and shops still had a refreshing look to it. The downtown area and other areas didn't have the run down look that you see in other towns when you drive through them. All the homes and buildings have the southwest look to them. You didn't see any wooden two story homes, or brick layer homes. Most all have the Stucco look to them painted in shades of light brown, tan and even pink.

Did you know that London Bridge is located at Lake Havasu City? That is one of main attractions to this area. The bridge is built out of brick stone that was transported from London, piece by piece and put together at it's present location. The bridge is suppose to represent the "bridging" between London and the United States. One piece already had to be replaced and was again shipped over from the exact place that the rest of the bridge was built. You can walk or drive over the bridge. Many shops adorn both sides of the bridge with various attraction from a brewery company to souvenirs. Unfortunately due to our economy, we saw many shops that was closed and out of business.

 You can also take a tour of the lake via boat that takes tours throughout the day. Unfortunately we didn't do it due to time restriction.

I can't wait to go back again and spend yet more time in Lake Havasu City. Even our little dog, Leah had a great time and she kept sticking her head between the pillars of London Bridge, looking down at the water. It's a good thing that my husband had a good rein on her and that we had her chest harness on, or I think she might have jumped!  Yes, dogs are allowed on the premises surrounding London Bridge, they are however forbidden in the shops.  Remember also in the summer time it does get extremely hot, so watch your pets!

So if you are any where close to the town of Lake Havasu City, stop and visit London Bridge and other sites nearby.  You will be amazed and have a great time!