chnlisle
Post Master
Excellent pix and story and not so much as a phone call. Hmph
2 Months in California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico
- Thread starter Alaskan Snowbirds
- Start date
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
After coffee, shower etc. we packed a lunch and took a short hike to an old ranch and into the hills. We stopped at one of the ranch buildings for lunch.
Susan did some exploring in full snowbird migratory plumage.
A little further up the trail there was a little flowing water in the wash we had been following and just past that was an old cistern.
Past the old ranch the trail led up a valley into the hills and we did a short day hike. It looked like a good spot for a backpack trip too. I’d check with the BP/Park Rangers before backpacking overnight in this area though.
Susan did some exploring in full snowbird migratory plumage.
A little further up the trail there was a little flowing water in the wash we had been following and just past that was an old cistern.
Past the old ranch the trail led up a valley into the hills and we did a short day hike. It looked like a good spot for a backpack trip too. I’d check with the BP/Park Rangers before backpacking overnight in this area though.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
Baked potatoes and steaks in/on the grill again that night for dinner and after a pleasant shower in the morning we broke camp and headed to Ajo to do laundry.
We decided to head into California to see that side of the Colorado after the laundry was done and left Ajo around noon. We stopped at the Roadrunner short term area at around milepost 99 on AZ 95 and we spent the night under a saguaro there.
Next day we crossed the Colorado on I-10 and drove the west side of the Colorado to Las Vegas on US 95.
BLM’s Red Rock Canyon campground tent area, where we spent the night, was very close in to Las Vegas but still isolated from the urban areas. We had more camera brain damage and didn’t take pictures. The BLM site has a good write-up on the campground at: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/blm_special_areas/red_rock_nca/recreation/red_rock_campground.html
After dinner at Terrible’s Casino in ‘Vegas that night and after picking up a laptop and a few bottles of Crown Royal next morning, we headed back south to Lake Havasu City (LHC) via Hoover Dam and US 93.
We got a motel with Wi-Fi and spent the evening getting cleaned up, setting up the new laptop, taking care of correspondence and paying bills.
Next day we discovered LHC Library has outstanding computer facilities with probably 40 public use computers available as well as free Wi-Fi.
We decided to head into California to see that side of the Colorado after the laundry was done and left Ajo around noon. We stopped at the Roadrunner short term area at around milepost 99 on AZ 95 and we spent the night under a saguaro there.
Next day we crossed the Colorado on I-10 and drove the west side of the Colorado to Las Vegas on US 95.
BLM’s Red Rock Canyon campground tent area, where we spent the night, was very close in to Las Vegas but still isolated from the urban areas. We had more camera brain damage and didn’t take pictures. The BLM site has a good write-up on the campground at: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/blm_special_areas/red_rock_nca/recreation/red_rock_campground.html
After dinner at Terrible’s Casino in ‘Vegas that night and after picking up a laptop and a few bottles of Crown Royal next morning, we headed back south to Lake Havasu City (LHC) via Hoover Dam and US 93.
We got a motel with Wi-Fi and spent the evening getting cleaned up, setting up the new laptop, taking care of correspondence and paying bills.
Next day we discovered LHC Library has outstanding computer facilities with probably 40 public use computers available as well as free Wi-Fi.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
Next morning we went to Cattail Cove State Park and got a spot next to the mother and step father of a friend who had lived in Juneau for several years. It really is a small world.
Cattail is expensive by our standards (around $25/night). It’s very well maintained and there seems to be a real camaraderie among the folks staying there as well as with the rangers and hosts. Restrooms are sanitary with good showers and there is a boat launch and beach area.
We did a short walk to the summit of the knob that overlooks Cattail Cove and enjoyed the lake views from there.
Another day we did a little longer (2-3 mile round trip) walk to BLM (?) boat-in camp area. Cactus (spell check says I should say “cacti” for plural but I just can’t do it) were just starting to bloom along the lakeside trail and Susan was very excited that she got to see them.
Cattail is expensive by our standards (around $25/night). It’s very well maintained and there seems to be a real camaraderie among the folks staying there as well as with the rangers and hosts. Restrooms are sanitary with good showers and there is a boat launch and beach area.
We did a short walk to the summit of the knob that overlooks Cattail Cove and enjoyed the lake views from there.
Another day we did a little longer (2-3 mile round trip) walk to BLM (?) boat-in camp area. Cactus (spell check says I should say “cacti” for plural but I just can’t do it) were just starting to bloom along the lakeside trail and Susan was very excited that she got to see them.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
There are a lot of “grottos” along the trail. In the clear water we could see fish in spots…at least one was a good largemouth bass.
The boat-in camp area had a covered picnic table and pit toilet, both appreciated by old snowbirds in this more populated area.
The boat-in camp area had a covered picnic table and pit toilet, both appreciated by old snowbirds in this more populated area.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
We tried wading but even with the 80 degree weather the water was cold enough to hurt.
Good views of the lake on the way back.
Good views of the lake on the way back.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
We heard good comments about Alamo Lake State Park while we were at Cattail Cove and took a trip to visit there and see friends in Salome on the way back.
We were camera brain dead again but the Arizona State Parks site for Alamo Lake has some good information and flicks at: http://www.azparks.gov/Parks/ALLA/gallery_01.html
Alamo was a good area for us but the campgrounds didn’t impress us much for some reason. We’ll stay on the BLM/State lands around the lake next time, there’s a lot of it.
On the way back to Salome, on March 1st, we saw three burros and one of the three was colored like a buckskin horse.
In Salome we spent a great day with friends riding 4-wheelers in the desert and just “settin’ and talkin’”. We went back to the area where we rode 4-wheelers that day and spent the night on a spot with a great view of Salome and the surrounding area. It was one of our favorite camp spots of the trip.
We did some star gazing after watching a Salome sunset.
Next morning I watched the sun rise over coffee while Snowbird Susan was snoozin’.
We were camera brain dead again but the Arizona State Parks site for Alamo Lake has some good information and flicks at: http://www.azparks.gov/Parks/ALLA/gallery_01.html
Alamo was a good area for us but the campgrounds didn’t impress us much for some reason. We’ll stay on the BLM/State lands around the lake next time, there’s a lot of it.
On the way back to Salome, on March 1st, we saw three burros and one of the three was colored like a buckskin horse.
In Salome we spent a great day with friends riding 4-wheelers in the desert and just “settin’ and talkin’”. We went back to the area where we rode 4-wheelers that day and spent the night on a spot with a great view of Salome and the surrounding area. It was one of our favorite camp spots of the trip.
We did some star gazing after watching a Salome sunset.
Next morning I watched the sun rise over coffee while Snowbird Susan was snoozin’.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
Then the Paha Que went up and it was showers all ‘round.
Life is good!
On the way out of Salome we stopped to say good bye and thank our friends then headed out to complete the loop back to LHC by way of Wickenburg and Kingman.
We found a ridge on BLM land just south of Havasu that night. It was FWC habitat, with a view of mountain and lake.
The next day we went back to Cattail Cove to see the friends we made there and relax a bit. I did spuds and steak in/on the grill again and went to a sing along and presentation on the Sonoran Desert put on by the Cattail Cove rangers and friends.
Life is good!
On the way out of Salome we stopped to say good bye and thank our friends then headed out to complete the loop back to LHC by way of Wickenburg and Kingman.
We found a ridge on BLM land just south of Havasu that night. It was FWC habitat, with a view of mountain and lake.
The next day we went back to Cattail Cove to see the friends we made there and relax a bit. I did spuds and steak in/on the grill again and went to a sing along and presentation on the Sonoran Desert put on by the Cattail Cove rangers and friends.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
After a couple nights at Cattail Cove we went visiting in Yuma again.
We planned on spending the night at the Imperial Dam Rec. Area but got there late after dinner in Yuma and ended up at the Squaw Lake parking area, which we didn’t care for much except the hot showers ($1 for plenty of shower).
After we set camp we met Sam, our double Ranger (FWC and Ford) neighbor and enjoyed talking to Sam and his lovely wife. They’d had their FWC for about 10 years and looked very comfortable in it.
We did a short nature walk next day with our Alaska friends.
The cactus (cacti) and shrubs/flowers were starting to get serious about blooming.
We planned on spending the night at the Imperial Dam Rec. Area but got there late after dinner in Yuma and ended up at the Squaw Lake parking area, which we didn’t care for much except the hot showers ($1 for plenty of shower).
After we set camp we met Sam, our double Ranger (FWC and Ford) neighbor and enjoyed talking to Sam and his lovely wife. They’d had their FWC for about 10 years and looked very comfortable in it.
We did a short nature walk next day with our Alaska friends.
The cactus (cacti) and shrubs/flowers were starting to get serious about blooming.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
Senator Wash is just across the dam/road from Squaw Lake. We’ll investigate it as a camp spot next time.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
When we got back to R&R’s truck we took a drive to Picacho SRA. The trip in was washboard and about 18 miles long after we left pavement, but interesting (after we got past the dump).
When we got to Picacho SRA there was a young lady fishing for sunfish and doing great.
Her dad was helping with the unhooking and bagging chores and in exchange she was going to let him use some of her catch to fish for stripers and flathead catfish later that night. Mom and older brother were helping with the bait catching duties too but this young fisherwoman had the talent.
Riz and I got a little education on fishing stripers and catfish from dad.
When we got to Picacho SRA there was a young lady fishing for sunfish and doing great.
Her dad was helping with the unhooking and bagging chores and in exchange she was going to let him use some of her catch to fish for stripers and flathead catfish later that night. Mom and older brother were helping with the bait catching duties too but this young fisherwoman had the talent.
Riz and I got a little education on fishing stripers and catfish from dad.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
It was a quiet area but there was even some big boat noise at Picacho. Several kayakers were pulling out at the upper ramp too.
We did a short hike on the “Picacho Mills Historic Trail” and enjoyed the mining history and river views along the trail, as well as the exercise.
This was the upper mill site that was in peak operation between 1904 – 1906. By 1910 mining had pretty much shut down.
We did a short hike on the “Picacho Mills Historic Trail” and enjoyed the mining history and river views along the trail, as well as the exercise.
This was the upper mill site that was in peak operation between 1904 – 1906. By 1910 mining had pretty much shut down.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
The lower mill was built in 1877-8 of hand cut rhyolite stone from the local area.
Riz and Tess hit their pace on the way back.
Chnlisle did a trip report on their four day stay in the campground at Picacho and posted it at: http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1996
On our way out of the Imperial Dam area heading back to LHC the next day I had to do a double take when I looked way up on a rocky point and saw this lone burro looking very Hollywood wild stallion macho.
Riz and Tess hit their pace on the way back.
Chnlisle did a trip report on their four day stay in the campground at Picacho and posted it at: http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1996
On our way out of the Imperial Dam area heading back to LHC the next day I had to do a double take when I looked way up on a rocky point and saw this lone burro looking very Hollywood wild stallion macho.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
We made a stop at the “tanks and rockets” along the road back to AZ 95 and checked out this flower that R&R had spotted a few days before. Susan found it in one of our books (I can’t remember the name right now) and it said it’s not common and a lucky find.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
The laundry at the S. end of LHC has Wi-Fi and is one of our favorite Laundromats, so we stopped and caught up on correspondence while we washed clothes, nice deal!
That night we spent at the BLM area just north of LHC airport. We went about three miles off the main highway where we were out of the crowds and found a private spot with some very nice views
We took out a big black garbage bag of junk and picked as many nails (left from burning pallets?) as we could.
That night we spent at the BLM area just north of LHC airport. We went about three miles off the main highway where we were out of the crowds and found a private spot with some very nice views
We took out a big black garbage bag of junk and picked as many nails (left from burning pallets?) as we could.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
Darling Daughter’s college softball team was scheduled to play a tournament in Anaheim, CA, starting Tuesday, March 16. So, the next morning, Monday, March 9th, we started wandering that direction.
When we got to LV we took Northshore Drive along Lake Mead to Valley of Fire State Park. The park is impressive…miles of sandstone colored red, cream, pink, purple, black….and all weathered to improbable shapes with holes and caves everywhere…Susan says it was awesome.
We spent our first night in the Atlatl Campground. Atlatl Rock has ancient rock paintings and some of them show hunters using atlatls (levers for spear throwing).
We spent our first night in the Atlatl Campground.
When we got to our camp site someone from the site behind us was sitting in the small cave/big hole just to the upper left of our camper in the next picture. If you look closely you can see the chair they were sitting in. I didn’t know it was there until I started to upload this picture.
Both no-hookup and electric/water are available and the restrooms had showers.
When we got to LV we took Northshore Drive along Lake Mead to Valley of Fire State Park. The park is impressive…miles of sandstone colored red, cream, pink, purple, black….and all weathered to improbable shapes with holes and caves everywhere…Susan says it was awesome.
We spent our first night in the Atlatl Campground. Atlatl Rock has ancient rock paintings and some of them show hunters using atlatls (levers for spear throwing).
We spent our first night in the Atlatl Campground.
When we got to our camp site someone from the site behind us was sitting in the small cave/big hole just to the upper left of our camper in the next picture. If you look closely you can see the chair they were sitting in. I didn’t know it was there until I started to upload this picture.
Both no-hookup and electric/water are available and the restrooms had showers.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
That night we wined a bit and had dinner watching the moon rise.
Next day we checked out some of the rest of the park.
Next day we checked out some of the rest of the park.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
The White Dome Trail (just over a mile loop) was a good spot to stretch our legs.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
After lunch we headed toward Overton Beach on Lake Meade but stopped on the way to check out Elephant Rock….not sure we would have known it was an elephant if the sign wasn’t there.
Overton Beach was a disappointment. The campground was apparently closed for repair and the lake level was way low. We did enjoy seeing about 50 American Pelican there though.
OP
OP
Alaskan Snowbirds
Senior Member
We stayed at Arch Rock Campground that night. Arch Rock Campground is named after,
you guessed it, Arch Rock.
Arch Rock Campground has pit toilets and no hookups and great isolated spots on the upper end. Another favorite spot.
We stopped to fill the water tank next morning and there was a FWC on a pickup pulling a 25’+/- travel trailer at the water station. We stopped and complimented the driver on the camper and she noted that “of course, only very intelligent folks own them”. “Of course” We agreed.
She was full timing on BOR land just outside Overton, staying in the trailer during the winter and using the camper during the summer. She was pleased with the BOR area and we added it to our list of spots to investigate next year. There's a lot more here than just Valley of Fire.
We went out the other side of Valley of Fire to I-15 and through Las Vegas and stopped at Saddles West RV Park in downtown Pahrump to do laundry and hook up to Wi-Fi for paying bills and catching up on correspondence.
Dinner at Terribles was a 16oz T-bone with baked potato for me and a French dip for Susan and it came to just under $15 total after the senior discount…Glad we aren’t close often, I’d be dead in a month.
you guessed it, Arch Rock.
Arch Rock Campground has pit toilets and no hookups and great isolated spots on the upper end. Another favorite spot.
We stopped to fill the water tank next morning and there was a FWC on a pickup pulling a 25’+/- travel trailer at the water station. We stopped and complimented the driver on the camper and she noted that “of course, only very intelligent folks own them”. “Of course” We agreed.
She was full timing on BOR land just outside Overton, staying in the trailer during the winter and using the camper during the summer. She was pleased with the BOR area and we added it to our list of spots to investigate next year. There's a lot more here than just Valley of Fire.
We went out the other side of Valley of Fire to I-15 and through Las Vegas and stopped at Saddles West RV Park in downtown Pahrump to do laundry and hook up to Wi-Fi for paying bills and catching up on correspondence.
Dinner at Terribles was a 16oz T-bone with baked potato for me and a French dip for Susan and it came to just under $15 total after the senior discount…Glad we aren’t close often, I’d be dead in a month.
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