Back to the River

We've made the decision to head back home to the Northwest. I love when we pick up camp and head on the road. Yep it looks like a number 2 pencil eraser to me.

So we planned another stop at the Colorado River to meet up with Chris and Chuck & see our friends at The Den. We stayed at La Paz County Park and were fortunate to secure an excellent site with an unobstructed River view.

Chris & Chuck have a new jet boat!  It is a beauty. And fast.

We went to Lake Havasu and met up with Peggy & Greg for a day on the water.

Beautiful Topock Canyon

Pirate Cove with a great restaurant, rental houses, marina, zip line, fun in the sun.  This place is packed in the summer when it's 115 degrees. That's what they say anyway. We'll have to experience that some time.

It's the beginning of spring break. Lake Havasu and it's famed London Bridge have quite the reputation of boats lined on the channel with boozing, bikinis, big boats, and water fun.

This guy was attached by "snorkel" from a wave runner that gave him the power to soar above water. He made it look easy. Notice his arms at his sides, not out for balance. This is the same location where we experienced the hot air balloons in January. Next year in February we'd like to attend the International Pyrotechnics Exhibition here at Lake Havasu.

Dinner at Tommy's Paradise for fish and chips. And as always, we were treated to the Chuck Cherry tour of homes. He dreams it and makes it happen.

Next day this guy is wave boarding a zip line in front of Blue Water Casino on the River. We had so much fun. I love the River. Thank you so much for your generosity Chris & Chuck. Fun times.

The next day we were graciously invited to a birthday potluck party with our friends from the Den. We love these people and don't want to wish the year away, but we can't wait to see them all next January. Thank you Joe for the handmade Chinese checkers board.

Algodones, BCN, Mexico

Driving 30 minutes from Yuma, into California and south we went to the border town of Los Algadones. This small border town caters to the Anericans and Canadians. I have never seen so many dentists in a small area. You can get your teeth cleaned for $25, crowns for $200, implants, etc. The offices are clean, professional and busy is brisk with repeat customers.

Margaritas by the pitcher. Tacos by the plateful. Yummy.

Lots of trinkets, lovely stained glass

Restaurants

And of course the obligatory Liquor store/ Pharmacy combo. One stop shopping.

Prices increase from Nov-April when the snowbirds arrive. You don't need a prescription and costs are still much less than in the US or Canadia.

Don't forget to bring your passport for crossing the border. It always feels good to re-enter the USA!

Yuma? Really?

We each have our own personal windshield while driving down the road.

We see mountain peaks and airplane graveyards.

With everything closed up I can still get up to make a snack, take a nap, or use the bathroom

Yes, we went to Yuma. In the past this has always been a drive through city on the way from San Diego to the River or Phoenix. And it should remain so. But it won't because we actually had a good time here too.
I've got to learn to stop putting my foot in my mouth about certain Southwestern towns. Now that we have a motorhome to stay in, it's a different world. I would never come here to stay in a hotel, and I never thought I would stay at an RV Park (read: Retirement Village). These areas are overflowing with snow birds and boomer birds, many of them Canadians.

 It was super windy and only a handful of people showed up for happy hour by the pool. Free entertainment, 7 days a week. BYOB. Yesterday it was 89 degrees and everyone was in the pool listening to a different band.

Cochise Terrace, Benson, AZ

This is our third and final stop for this part of Arizona. Cochise Terrace overlooks the city of Benson - not far from Tombstone. The RV resort is terraced and has wonderful views, but seems to always be breezy. It's 10-15 degrees cooler than Phoenix - only in the mid-70's. Tim and I swam our final day and sat in the hot tub several nights.

Big RV sites

Cocktails with Dennis & Jackie

Our spot was right next to the pool.

We met the woman, Donna - who painted all the murals that surrounded the pool area

This was the great view through our windshield this past week. The evening shadows really make the mountains look surreal.

One evening we went to an observatory. The amateur astronomer gave a lecture followed by us observing the constellation Orion and then viewing Jupiter and 4 of its moons through the large telescope inside the private observatory.

Orion's Belt

Jupiter & Moons