The Lake Havasu City area was virtually unknown to me until recently.  My campsite in Tucson wasn’t going to be ready for my arrival until February 11th.  In the meantime, I had an unplanned week prior to that date.  Predicted nighttime freezing temperatures prevented me from traveling to destinations such as Grand Canyon City, Flagstaff or Sedona.  After exploring options on-line, I set out for Lake Havasu City.

The Lake Havasu City area was bustling with Snowbirds and vacationers from all across the US and Canada.  It is an ideal location for those wanting to enjoy blue skies, comfortable temperatures and a plethora of activities and attractions to choose from (or a spot just to relax).

The first full day in Lake Havasu City was spend making the drive to the community of Oatman.  Oatman is an authentic western ghost town and mining camp that had its beginning back in 1915.  It is also along the famed Route 66.  The Black Mountains create a beautiful backdrop for travels along Route 66 between Lake Havasu City and Oatman.  It didn’t seem like I would drive half a mile before I was stopping to take yet another photo.  Oatman was bustling with burros and tourists a plenty.  I would not be surprised if the burro population surpasses that of it’s human population.  The burros make themselves at home as they wonder the streets, sidewalks and stores.  Pesky things that they are, you should watch out for your souvenir bags, purses, ice cream cones, and, yes, shoe laces.  My thanks to Veronica and Richard, whom I met in Vegas, for suggesting I visit this little ghost town.  It was “burro” interesting!

Another day, while in LHC, I took a Bluewater Jet Boat Tour.  It was amazing to enjoy  Lake Havasu and the Topock Gorge from a 47′ custom built shallow draft vessel.  Our captain and tour guide made the day informative and interesting.  We saw a coyote, a Desert Bighorn Sheep and, my favorite, petroglyphs.  I was in heaven as being in or on the water is one of my favorite past times.

To top off the week I took advantage of the opportunity to take an Amphibious Introductory Flight in a FAA Certified AirTime Aircraft, Cygnet 3.  I was up early,  layered in appropriate clothing and accessories, paperwork completed and ready for takeoff at 8:00am.  Joe Lorenzen,  an FAA Certified instructor, made sure I had an unforgettable experience.  He complimented me on my ability to fly the aircraft myself; adding I would be an ideal candidate for getting my pilot’s license.  Perhaps he was hoping for a new, committed student.  He recited experiences of other first time flyers whom he had considered non-potentials.  Sort of reminded me of my first experience flying an aircraft (a Boeing 737 back in my Southwest Airlines days).  What I wanted to know was when would I be permitted to land the aircraft myself.  Joe assured me I would land it the next time I took a lesson.  The Cygnet 3 was a fun little aircraft to fly.  It was the next best thing in the most literal sense to my nighttime dreams.  Just spread my arms out like wings and will myself to take to the air.  I’ll definitely continue instruction somewhere along the way!

If you are ever in the Lake Havasu City area be sure to check out Hangin’ Over Havasu.  You might find yourself taking an introductory flight with Joe.

What a week!  As much fun as I had in the Lake Havasu City area, I was ready to get to Tucson and settle into the RV park here for the remainder of the winter.

LHC, I’ll return someday!  Until then, I’ll be trippin’ on experiences in other locations across the country and around the world!!!