London Bridge, Dr. Seuss Trees, and Mighty Sequoias – From Arizona’s west to Central Cal

Lake Havasu City – the home of The London Bridge. Yes, the one brought over from London and plopped down in the middle of the desert, spanning a man-made channel onto an island on Lake Havasu. Did I mention this is a desert? Yes all 104º of it! Interesting town totally focused on water sports and the Colorado River waters held back by the Parker Dam. It was so hot, after a good lunch looking out over the London Bridge and crystal clear waters of the lake, I decided to hit the movie theatre and see King Arthur. Interesting retelling of an old tale. Entertaining on a hot May afternoon.

The next morning I was up before dawn heading west to Joshua Tree National Park – 2.5 hours away. A very interesting drive through very desolate desert landscapes. There were long stretches of road when I was the only one on the highway. I also discovered an interesting feature of California desert highways – they do not smooth out the dips. It was quite an exhilarating drive hitting multiple dips in a row at 72 mph. It’s a good thing I don’t get sea sick!!!

Joshua Tree National Park is a contrast between the low Colorado Desert and the high Mojave Desert. In the Colorado, the Creosote Bush and Cholla Cactus are abundant – the high desert features the Dr. Seuss looking Joshua Trees. These are not really trees but relatives of the Yucca. A starkly beautiful park with abundant desert flowers and plants and extremely weathered rock formations.

Leaving Joshua Tree, I decided to check out Pioneertown – an old western town where they shot Gene Autry and Roy Rogers pictures. It was a quaint stretch of old wooden buildings. Since it is the off season, it was mostly abandoned with one artist in residence selling his pottery wares.

Leaving the old west, I ventured into the bowels of California – the central valley – on my way to Sequoia National Park and its sister park Kings Canyon. I decided to take nine hour drive and just sightsee without stopping to take pictures. I will go back. Central California is a virtual garden with so many colors and textures created by the agriculture and landscapes. AND Sequoia National Park is worth repeating and really diving into. I have decided to return right after my Hawaii expedition (which I have started as I sit here in Honolulu typing this post.)

My long drive ended in San Francisco. After spending over 11 hours on the road, I decided to take Tuesday off and just enjoyed the sights and sounds of San Francisco – taking a trolley ride to Fisherman’s Wharf for a seafood dinner and enjoying the fog enshrouded environs. Early the next morning I hit the road to the airport, parked my car and five and a half hours later I was in Hawaii. Again 45º in San Francisco to 84º in Honolulu. I wonder what my body is thinking?

Tomorrow – I am scheduled for an eight and a half hour photo tour of Oahu. Can’t wait! Stay tuned – Hawaiian pictures coming soon!