Lake Havasu City, AZ
Last Friday morning we left Furnace Creek in Death Valley and drove about 260 miles back to the south east to Lake Havasu City, AZ. Lake Havasu is created by Parker Dam, on the Colorado River about 30 miles to the south. Lake Havasu City is fairly new, established in 1963, and its claim to fame is the London Bridge. What? Isn’t the question, “Where is the London Bridge?” sort of like the old joke, “Who’s buried in Grant’s tomb?” Apparently not, as this bridge is definitely not in London anymore!
The London Bridge in 1870 (in London)
The bridge was purchased for $2.5 million from the City of London when it was replaced in 1968. The bridge was disassembled, each piece was marked with a number, and the marked stones were shipped to Lake Havasu City and reassembled for another US $7 million. It opened in October of 1971.
The London Bridge today
The bridge was not reconstructed over a river, but rather it was rebuilt on land in a position between the main part of the city and Pittsburgh Point, at that time a peninsula jutting into Lake Havasu. Once completed, the Bridgewater Channel Canal was dredged under the bridge and flooded, separating Pittsburgh Point from the city, creating an island.
Crossing the London Bridge
The Bridgwater Channel Canal from the center of the bridge
We are set up in the Lake Havasu State Park, just north of the bridge, for the next two weeks. There are a number of recommended hikes in the area so expect more rock pictures in the future. As we speak, the nimble hiker is busy reviewing future adventures.
More on that later . . .
Oh, the Places They Go! 
Once again you are at a location on our list, it seems like you guys are about 6 weeks ahead of us. Maybe we will catch up with you one of these days!
Have a good Thanksgiving…….
Thanks, Jim and Barb! I am sure one day our paths will cross:)
Happy Thanksgiving:)
I learn something new everytime I read your blog! Enjoy the area and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
You know, Joan, that I learn something every time, too! John researches and then when I go to proof read, I get all the background info!
Happy Thanksgiving!
We stayed in the state park last year and again this year – enjoyed it both times. On your right as you cross the bridge there is a restaurant with great views of the bridge. Can’t recall the name.
Thanks for the restaurant tip, Rick! We’ll check it out.
We’ve encountered the BEST sunsets during our stays at Lake Havasu. Sara’s Crack is one of our favorite hikes. And for some late afternoon entertainment check out Pirate’s Den just down Hwy 95
http://livelaughrv.net/2013/11/19/oh-yeah-happy-hour/
And be sure and check out the ‘Desert Bar’
http://livelaughrv.net/2013/02/14/dining-western-style/
Not sure if I linked those properly, but you can always check my blog for entries as we’ve been to the area the past two winters. I know you’ll have a fun time.
Thanks, Ingrid! Your blog is one I pinned for the “Crack” hike! I’ll check out the other posts.
I haven’t been to Lake Havasu for many years. We often took our boat to the lake for weekends of waterskiing. I look forward to your adventures.
Looks like a great place to spend time on the water. Sure is beautiful:)
I love that bridge. The wreathes on it only adds to the beauty!
The sky looks like it is just perfect there. Glad all the cold we are having has stayed away. Enjoy your stay.
We need to head to the bridge at night and check out the holiday lights.
Yes, our weather has been almost perfect but we have had some cool wind lately. But we aren’t complaining:)
I remember being amazed that London would sell such a famous bridge. Looking forward to your hiking.
From the reading I did, Sherry, it said the bridge was actually sinking about an inch every eight years. Eventually, the one side was too low and the bridge needed to be replaced.
There will be lots of hiking!! I have a booklet with enough hikes to keep us busy for our whole stay:)
Not in London anymore, and originally built over dry land…..I’ve always thought that bridge must be so confused! We lived less than 2 hours away and I remember all the excitement leading up to the channel being flooded and the bridge’s “grand opening”. I don’t know why I’ve always thought it was kind of cool that a tiny little town in the desert would take on such a huge and expensive project – even though it is literally just for tourist dollars, it was pretty gutsy! Per usual, I’m sure you will find a million places I have no idea were there 🙂
It is a very interesting story, Jodee, and a successful one:)
So interesting about the London Bridge — I didn’t know the history of it, either. I like learning about history through your blog. 🙂 Can’t wait to see the adventures you guys find around Lake Havasu!
There is a lot of hiking around, Laurel, so be prepared for more rocks:)
Oh, boy, another place on my list! I am taking good notes. 😉
Oh, yes, Suzanne, it looks like you should add this area. There are a ton of state parks and it looks like lots of boondocking, as well. I have a big booklet full of hikes that we will be sharing as we try them out:)
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