Lake Havasu quick visit

March 12 (Monday)
Having never been to Lake Havasu we thought it was about time we checked out this popular spot to see what all the fuss is about. Lake Havasu is a bit over an hour drive mostly south of Bullhead City.

We headed south on 95 to Needles where we intersected with I40. Needles is on a bit of a downturn which seems to be general for many California border towns. Lots of boarded up buildings and generally a lack of people around. Needles was on old Route 66 so lots of historic looking buildings on Main Street.

Lots of old Route 66 type buildings in Needles.

We headed East on I40 and then turned South on 95 toward Lake Havasu.

I think this is the famous 'waving hand'......from a bad angle, from the north heading into Lake Havasu.

Our fist glimpse of Lake Havasu

The metropolis of Lake Havasu spreads put along the shore of the Lake for many miles. Lots of new development, both retail and residential. Obviously lots of money being spent in this area. Western Arizona is definately doing better than Eastern California.

Entrance to the English Villge with the London Bridge in the background.

Very nice fountain at the entrance

Replica old English phine booth beside the museum/tourist info centre.

See below.....

A school of 'Rubba-duckies' under the London Bridge.

Each brick of the London Bridge was removed, moved here to Lake Havasu and replaced in ots same location. Not all the bridge is original, but most of the outer stones are.

As the story goes, Mr McCulloch who bought the bridge in London actually made money on the deal after he sold bits and pieces of the stone work, donations and tax receipts.

The hub of activity is centered on the London Bridge and area in the middle of downtown. Lots of water activities here. Anything from jet-skis to charter boats. Certainly a younger crowd around here than other towns we have visited this winter.

A 'Rubba Ducky' awaiting departure with the flock!

These are very cool. This is a Rubba Ducky and you rent it and then join in a guided tour around the area. You drive your own boat (two people per boat).

The flock departs!

All types of boats on the water. This one is a boat nose-heavy.

The marina and shops behind

The channel heading out to the main lake. Many folks nose into the soft sand with their boats and enjpy a picnic, or beers, along the shore. There are many events, along with vendor tents along this section.

This is a large bay before entering the main lake. The moutains are in California.

They have dozens of these miniature lighthouses all around the shore. They are replicas of actual full size lighthouses from around the US. These miniaturs are actully fully functional and provide navigation help to boaters.

Lots of fishing boats head out to Lake Havasu this time of year. Later in the summer the water is too warm for good fishing. Much better up by Bullhead City where the water remains cool.

The channel is not too bust today, but it's only noon and not too hot yet.

Some very large boats ply the waters of Lake Havasu as well.

This boat is from 1963.

This Scott-McCulloch motor was popular at the time. Mr. McCulloch, founder of the town and owner of the London Bridge set up a manufacturing plant here and used the lake to test his engines.

Visitor Centre and Museum.

The plans on hoe to put London Bridge back together again! Each block was numbered when the took it apart in London so they knew where to place each piece when they rebuilt it.

The edge of Lake Havasu

Boats of all sizes......and prices!

A calm day on the Lake. California/Arizona border is about half  way across.

We've seen it and the crowds, and I think we'll find a quieter spot.......as nice as it is.

Once back in Bullhead we did get a very nice sunset to end the day.......

.......and that was Our View From Here.