Road Gypsies - Val & Holland: 11/08/24

Friday, November 8, 2024

PARKER DAM; Shabbat 2024~AZ

We had to drive to Parker-AZ this morning, to buy some DEF fluid for Betsy; and decided to do a short Daytrip to the Parker Dam that straddles the Colorado River between AZ and CA.

Dams don't really interest me, by Holland gets excited about them (being a contractor, he gets excited about architecture, in general) … and this is Holland's Bucket List Year; so, we went.

I was more interested in the natural beauty of this desert area ;-)

Pretty little bush in the Wal*Mark parking area - it looked like little red feathers were stuck all over it …

Fairy Duster Plant:

(https://wateruseitwisely.com/blog/plant-of-the-month-fairy-duster/)

Parker Dam-AZ from Quartzsite-AZ; 59 min (52.2 mi) via AZ-95 N and Parker Dam Rd

Holland said, 'European truck' - I said, 'probably down from Canada.'

I wish them luck; sincerely.

Coming into Parker Strip-AZ; 6 mins. from the Dam.

I like this drive; basically wilderness, but for the RV Resorts, scattered about freely.

Pretty awesome close-up - this pic does not do it justice.

Crossing the Dam from AZ into CAParker Dam: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Dam)

The water height is 'right there!' - pretty high.

In a matter of seconds, we are in CA

The Dam water comes from the Colorado River; natural water route.

Parker-AZ across the river.

A little fisherman's Recreational Park; back in Parker-AZ.

Beyond the net, is Lake Havasu - a man-made Lake that feeds into Parker Dam.

Fishing platforms.

Looking backward to the Dam from the fishing-boat launch Park.

Fish Info Plaque …

Aquatic Dinosaur Fish of the Colorado River: (https://waterdesk.org/2022/09/the-colorado-river-is-dying-can-its-aquatic-dinosaurs-be-saved/), Flannelmouth Sucker fish: (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/96865-Catostomus-latipinnis), & Speckled Dace fish: (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/111659-Rhinichthys-osculus)

Arizona Fish Species: (https://anglersunited.org/about-us/arizonas-fish-species/)

It was very cold when we woke up, but the day warmed up as it unfolded, and the sunrays felt good.

I admit the Dam was impressive.

It really did turn out to be a fun day :-D

On our way back home, I said to Holland that I was thinking about hiking a loop hike tomorrow; from Independence to the local garden Club Park - and back home again: it seems to me to be about the same distance as I walked around Lake Sacajawea (and the Old Pacific Way Dike Hike) in Longview-WA. I really like hiking, and I miss it. My body misses the daily hike toning.

Anyway, we drove the route I am thinking of hiking, and I'm thinking it shouldn't take too long to walk the loop. Holland said he'd be more comfortable with me walking the 3 blocks to the main drag traffic light (I'll be more "in the open"; he worries about my safety) - and I may do that, eventually: but I really want to do the backstreet hike, first: I've hiked all over the place solo lobo most of my life; I'll be walking with my walking stick, and if anyone gets closer to me than I want them to be, I'll just whack 'em ;-)

Seriously though, all of it should be fun - and I'll be fine. I don't walk alone; Elohim always surrounds me with a winged guard force :-)

While In Parker earlier, I picked up a pretty pink holiday cactus to add a little cozy vibe to our home on wheels:

My Wal*Mart 2024 indulgence ;-)

Actually a Thanksgiving Cactus.
Thanksgiving Cactus:
(https://www.thespruce.com/thanksgiving-cactus-care-guide-5199419)

Spider Plant snippet I got in Rosburg-WA, this Summer; I'll transplant it to fresher soil, tomorrow. I really want this plant t survive & thrive.

Although some producers market the Zygocactus as a Christmas Cactus it is actually a Thanksgiving Cactus. A true Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) blooms a few weeks later than a Thanksgiving Cactus and has smooth edges to its fleshy stems, while the Thanksgiving Cactus has toothed edges on the stems.

And after Supper, I got started on another Angel Baby Pocket Blanket: these make up very quickly, and it comforts me to know that I can give a little comfort to someone else.