As most of you already know, I try to stay off “the slab” in general, but especially on these rides. Not much to see on the slab, and slab experiences are seldom anything anyone else is interested in hearing about. However — This morning I made an exception, and in an effort to “Get the Hell outta Dodge,” I did do some slab time. But I was off the freeway and on my way eastbound before I got to Palmdale so it wasn’t that bad.
I had to get all the way to the other side of Twentynine Palms before I got to one of my kinda roads. Hwy 62 east of 29 Palms takes you up into the Chocolate Mountains; and although it’s desert and fairly sparse out here, it’s still very peaceful and relaxing. As you can see, I’ve got the road all to myself, just the way I like it. It could use some curves….
On the other side of the mountains, the road dead ends at Hwy 177. Turn right and you’re headed for Palm Springs – my left turn had me headed for Parker, Arizona. Parker is a dam town on the Colorado River. The Parker Dam began it’s four year construction back in 1934 and is the deepest dam in the world; the water it holds back is Lake Havasu (have-a-sue). Lake Havasu City is famous (at least around here) because it is the location of the London Bridge – The real one – No Kidding!! It’s a long story, but I’ll try to give you the Readers Digest version. In 1831 the bridge was built across the River Thames in London. Over 130 years later the bridge wasn’t strong enough anymore so it was dismantled brick by brick and sold for 2.5 million dollars and moved to Arizona. The bricks were reassembled and now the London Bridge lives here in Lake Havasu City. Well – almost. This is a modern bridge made of reinforced concrete; the facade of the bridge is made from the outer bricks of the 1830’s London Bridge. I found this London Bridge picture in the archives…..
It’s plenty warm in this part of the country, but I’m not even close to complaining about it. I have a feeling that the memory of a warm ride might be a comforting one as I continue my trek this year. Don’t forget – all those blue letter words in the blog are links for you to click on for more information on that particular subject. Okay time for my Whataburger!! YUM Yum
Haha Oh my, that last pic IS one from the archives.. haha I remember that ride well, and all the speed boats and partiers at the river that day.. Safe travels today, and give Mr and Mrs JB a hearty howdy from me 🙂 <3
You once again look good in your element…..Not as good as Robin, but….
Back in my younger days, that was a place to ski and party. The Parker stretch from the dam down river had a lot of fun river front resturants too. You guys look like your having a great time. Enjoy the ride.