London Bridge

If you thought you had to fly to London to see the "London Bridge"  you are ............ wrong. The London Bridge is just up the road from Quartzsite, yes, out here in the desert. In 1968 it was moved stone by stone and re-assembled in Lake Hasau; so off we went to take a look.

First though a few pictures from the BLM land. More rigs are showing up each day and we have definitely noticed more folks in the downtown area.

These campers are close to the road but obvious prefer their location as they are also close to town.

 Passing what looked retirement communities as we drove north on 95.

 Flags across the "London Bridge", Arizona, Britain, U.S.A.

 And here is how the grand old lady looks today; no, no, no,  not Mary, the London Bridge. Not bad and still able to carry traffic across her spans.

 No barges, just kayakers, boaters and swimmers. I wonder if she misses "Big Ben"?

 Mallards, now I'm feeling like I'm back in Canada.

 Driving home and the views are always spectacular.

 Well maybe this isn't so spectacular, but it does show how much people cherish the water's edge,

 This is spectacular! Another beautiful sunset in Quartzsite.

Enjoy your day, we are visiting the flea markets today. That should be good for a few pictures. See you tomorrow.

Quartzsite, Arizona

Yesterday was a stay in town day, laundry, banking, catch up on e-mails and general round the "house" stuff. Took a hike up into the foothills but left my camera behind. Saw the remains of an old stone house built in 1954. Guess it wasn't so old since most of us are at least that age.

Enjoyed the sunset and thought you would too.

Today we are off to Parker and may go to Lake Havasu City but will see how the day goes. Saturday we will be up early and drive to San Diego for our cruise to Mexico. People we have met here will keep an eye on the trailer while we are away. In March we plan to install a solar system on our trailer so I'll send pictures once the panels are in place and we no longer need to rely on the generator.

Palm Springs to Quartzsite

Early yesterday we said our goodbys after a lovely time with Jim, Andrea and family. It was lovely to get caught up on all the news and visit with everyone.

 It was a fast trip across California to Arizona; went through one time change so lost an hour.

 Here is our set up in Quartzsite on the Long Term Visitor BLM land.

 Looking out our front door in Quartzsite.

 Watching the setting sun. We are already using "skype" and staying connected with everyone.

More news tomorrow.

Palm Springs, California

Yesterday it was time to say good-bye to new friends, pack the trailer and move on down the road.

First the ladies had to spend a few minutes enjoying the warm morning sun.
 

 Must have a group shot! Mary, Carol, Rosemary, Annie & Frank. We had a great time together.

 Two hours later we were in Palm Springs. I like these short driving days.

 Parked behind Jim & Andrea's place.Nice to "boondock" so close to family. I wonder if they have a boondocking spot in Vancouver?

 Mary enjoyed the fruit right off the trees in their yard. Oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit.

 Enjoying some time together. Notice any change in Jim?

 OK, do we have to leave? Who wouldn't enjoy time around this pool?

 Boys will be boys; Mat and John having fun together.

Thanks Jim & Andrea for a wonderful time.

Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade

Just returned from the Rose Bowl Parade, fantastic; all the floats, marchers, bands, horses were exceptional. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and had a great time with everyone. Last night we couldn't believe all the people camped out sleeping on air beds along the parade route. Here are a few pictures from the parade this morning. I have more pictures on my web album.

We couldn't believe the size of some of the floats. Huge doesn't begin to describe them.

 This band did more than march and play, they danced as well.

 Some of our gang at the parade. We had such a great time with everyone at the rally.

 Marvin & Annie in the crowd.

 Have you ever seen a bull ridden in a parade? I couldn't believe it.