As we continue to drive west toward California, Dave found we could drive a bit on the Route 66. After leaving the Grand Canyon, we were able to get off I-40 and head west for a bit on Historic Route 66. The 2,447-mile highway originally ran from Chicago, IL through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending in Santa Monica, CA. As it was decommissioned and replaced by interstates for the most part, 85% of it is still intact and is can be a fun journey to visit the unique stops and attractions along the way.
The segment we were on went through Seligman, AZ. Seligman was bypassed by I-40 in 1978. A local barber, Angel Delgadillo, led efforts to preserve Route 66 and formed the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. In 1987, Seligman became the Birthplace of Historic Route 66 and was embraced by other towns along the route. There is even a Route 66 passport book to have pages stamped along the way. Angel retired from barbering at the age of 95 and now at 98, he is making bird cages and all proceeds go toward Route 66 preservation.
That was a fun stop!
Dave and I continued to head west as our next stop was Lake Havasu City, AZ. Who remembers when the London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu City? Surprisingly, I do. I guess it is one of those obscure facts that stay in the back of your brain. The original bridge was built in the 1830’s and spanned the River Thames in London, England.
Over time, the bridge could no longer hold the traffic in London and was placed for sale in 1968. Since 1964, a real estate developer had been unsuccessful in selling lots on a planned community on the shores of Lake Havasu. Prospective buyers thought the land was too far away from centers of population and it had a very hot, arid climate. The developer’s real estate agent heard that the London Bridge was for sale and suggested the developer buy it. It took some convincing but he bought it, well, actually he bought the exterior masonry. The facing stones were meticulously removed from the bridge, numbered, and shipped to Lake Havasu City. The “New London Bridge” was completed in 1971.
Prospective buyers of land were attracted to visit the bridge and take a tour of properties and land sales improved. The developer was able to recoup all his expenses on the purchase and the shipping of the bridge and his dream became a reality. The current population of Lake Havasu City is approximately 60,000. The lake seems to be central in the activities of the community. The boat launch near our campground was jammed packed! There must be several hundred spaces for boat trailers.
Even in early June, it was hot. Dave and I have avoided summer heat for the last 4 years, so we are no longer acclimated to it. We bought doggy shoes for Murphy, so he didn’t burn his soft pads on the hot asphalt.
We found a great dog park for Murphy and went at 6:30 am. before it got too hot! And believe me, we weren’t the only ones there. The dog park is right along the channel that was cut for the New London Bridge and had a nice walkway on both sides of the channel. In the picture of the campground below, you can see the London Bridge on the left hand side. The community has grown quite a bit in last last 50 years.
As this was our last Arizona stop, I sought out the best authentic Mexican food and I believe the reviews! I had asada queso tacos and Dave had a loaded burrito. Both were delicious. Oh, and I had my new favorite drink, a horchata. It is made from rice, water, cinnamon, and sugar. It is so refreshing! California, you better step up your game.
Murphy and I caught sunrises on our early morning walks. which included several swims stops for Murphy. The last morning we saw three coyotes chasing a bird at the overflow parking lot. Murphy and I skedaddled back across the parking lot. With three coyotes together, I didn’t want to find out if they had any interest in Murphy.
Dave and I walked up to a lake overlook and enjoyed evening sunsets. Murphy went to0, with his shoes on, and he wasn’t very happy about it!
Lastly, Dave has been learning how to create a YouTube video of segments of our trip. Here is a link to his first video. I think it is great (although I am a bit biased).
Other than the heat, Lake Havasu was a fun stop. Our next destination is Joshua Tree National Park. Time to get my Passport book out!
Getting excited for California Brenda, “Its a dry heat”, they say Dave, and I really don’t like wearing shoes Murphy.
Thanks for the memories! We traveled parts of HWY 66 in 1959 from AZ to Chicago. What a trip. No air conditioning just a swamp cooler attached to the window. And a desert bag attached to the bumper.
Have a wonderful time in the national parks!
I love reminiscing of my time out west & love swing what you guys are up to! Make sure to give Murph some ice cube broth!
Big hugs
Nice video Dave! More more more:)
so how much did the root beer float cost ? LOL
We have been to Lake Havasu It is a beautiful site.
the Grand Canyon, I have never experienced what a beautiful area.
Keep up with the YouTube posts everyone will like them just be careful they are not any longer than 3 minutes….. remember our parents made us sit and watch movies and pictures that took forever and if the lights were out we could go to sleep…