Lake Havasu Lighthouses

A few years ago, when I was researching Great Escapes Arizona (Countryman Press), I learned about the lighthouses on Lake Havasu. Since then, I've wanted to see them. It's not that I'm into lighthouses or know much about them. I'm just fascinated by the idea that these mini-lighthouses are replicas of famous ones throughout the world.

The first lighthouse was actually built by the Lake Havasu Marina, and although it is not a replica, it served as the inspiration for building the replicas. To date, there are 18 lighthouses, including the Marina Lighthouse, with plans for nine more in the works (at least, according to the Lake Havasu Lighthouse Club website, http://www.lh-lighthouseclub.org/).

I only saw a few of the lighthouses on my last trip. The Marina Lighthouse was the easiest to spot, and I got the best pictures of it (see above) because I could photograph it from the marina parking lot and at low speeds near the boat ramp. The rest, we jetted past at warp speed. I did manage to get one shot of the Vermilion Lighthouse. The man and his pick-up truck puts the lighthouse in perspective. They're not life size replicas, but the Havasu lighthouses serve their stylish purpose of making the lake safer for local boaters.

Havasu ATV Trails

I have to admit: I didn't quite get the whole ATV / quad thing until I went to Lake Havasu. We bought a Polaris about a month ago, and it was kind of fun riding our neighborhood's dirt roads. I put the emphasis on "kind of," though. Havasu was different.

Behind my sister's Havasu neighborhood is a wide open area crisscrossed with riding trails. Some are steep, some rocky and some sandy. One--or maybe more than one--goes down to the lake. My favorite, though, are the bumpy trails, the ones that make you feel like you're on a rocking horse, gently going back and forth. Unfortunately, because it's so hot now, you have to go early in the morning, and by 8a.m., you're still gritty and sweaty.

After that first ride, I noticed that all of Havasu seems to have access to some trail system or another. I don't know where the best trails are. I don't know what the regulations are. I am, after all, new to the whole quading thing. Still, if you're looking for a great area to ride, check out the Havasu area. Just maybe....wait until the fall when it cools off.

Lake Havasu

I've been swamped with deadlines since I've been back in town, so I'm a little late posting. Here's a few pictures.

Heading to Lake Havasu

I'll be leaving for Lake Havasu tonight to spend the 4th with my sister's family. I doubt I'll have Internet access, so this will probably be my last post until Monday. We'll be boating, riding quads and hopefully doing a little sightseeing. I need some new pictures of the Bridge, and I'd like to see the lighthouse replicas along the shoreline.