While we enjoyed our week in Laughlin, Nevada, it’s time to move on, the Nomads that we are. It was around noon when we hit the road south to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

This is still desert, but we are seeing cotton and some wheat fields along the 70 miles we drove today.

Cotton Bale

Arizona

Lake Havasu State Park campground was booked up for tonight, but they do have an overflow parking lot where we can dry camp for $20. It’s right on the shore of Lake Havasu. We have a great view.

Lake Havasu State Park

A block of classic cars caught our attention as we drove by on our way to the campground so when we got situated at the park we went back with the Jeep to see what we thought was a classic car show. It’s not, it is a consignment dealer who has boats and RVs and classic cars for sale. The salesman was very nice and said I could take all the pictures I want.

Next is a visit to the Lake Havasu City Visitor Center where we enjoyed the exhibits and read about the history of how Lake Havasu City came to be and how the bridge got here. It was purchased in 1968 and taken apart in London, England, and shipped here and reconstructed in this spot.

Lake Havasu City Visitor Center

The sun was getting low and we knew that tonight was the city’s Christmas Lighting Ceremony so we hung around for a few hours to see what they did. The first thing is a swimming race across the channel along side the London Bridge. There were 56 swimmers and whoever reached the other side first got the flip the big switch that turned on all the Christmas lights. Swimmers ranged in age from 7 years old to 60. There were a few who could not make the distance, they were given a ride on a foam mat. We watched from atop the bridge.

Quite an impressive display of lights, and Santa was there too. Click the center to play the video.

London Bridge, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

• Gasoline:  none
• Lodging:  $20