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.

Preemie Angel Pocket Blanket - Knit.

PRETTY~Parker-AZ

Last night we watched the recent Presidential Election Primary, and couldn't believe that once again, nikki haley showed her total delusional side when she claimed the victory!

It's like the obamanite factor of DC does not live in reality anymore: nikkie haley is a delusional obamanite demonrat posing as a republican Patriot - she is neither. She is a rhino; and a soured one, at that.

Laura Ingraham: It's three strikes and Nikki Haley is out: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zre58dvamQo)

Larry Kudlow: Nikki Haley is going to get clobbered in South Carolina: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXLyMCdeuEE)

Trump campaign press sec calls 'Democrat vessel' Nikki Haley 'delusional': (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8UPG6ZHcCc)

We went to bed with the sound of heavy rainfall all around us … and prayed that the DC insanity would be washed away with this new year Presidential Election.

Yesterday's tap-dancing-backbeat that lasted all night long.

President Trump WON - but nikki haley took the mic and pronounced herself 'winner'!

This morning, we woke up to sunshine; so our drive to Parker was a fun one :-)

But first, I spent a little time in the bunk room … my earlier post today:

'Flexability~My Senior Exercise Plan 2024': (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/01/flexabilitymy-senior-exercise-plan-2024.html)

Then, I spent a little time getting dolled up before leaving Quartzsite ;-)

I didn't get too fancy - but I did put a little color on my face, and pull out some cute shoes to match my jeans and mexicali-style peasant top:

A chance to wear cute shoes, again ;-)

'Gentle' for brow, 'Illusion' for lid color, & 'Conquest' for inner lid highlight; 'Auburn' Brow Gel & 'Cobalt Blue' Mascara.

Buckled into Betsy, and ready to roll …

Parker-AZ from Quartzsite-AZ; 36 min (35.7 mi) via AZ-95 N

The mountains were couched in a misty cloud layer, due to all that rainfall last night, and warming sunshine this afternoon.

It looks like a massive & extensive dust storm - but it's moisture evaporating from the desert floor.

Don't know what this is - but it looks like a refinery plant of some sort, with that black smokestack … but couldn't run anything down on it. Hmmm

Parker-AZ on the horizon; this is a very busy highway.

We had lunch before shopping; while we were eating, these pretty little - and very noisy - birds entertained us. I went online, and tried to find out what they were, but nothing at all resembling them came up :-(

Then we talked about the truck camper we're considering, to purchase … and saw something similar across the way:

These are vey noisy birds; glittery green back, honey gold front - yellow eyes, green legs, & a green beak.

The type of truck camper we will be shopping for in the near future.

Shopping went well this afternoon … there were no crazy shoppers ready to pick a fight with me over peppers; and Bleu behaved himself, too. Everyone loves him, and he basks in the 'star' shine ;-)

Road crews were busy along the route, all day long - thankfully traffic wasn't held up too long, either way.

I spotted another pretty heart-shaped cloud in the sky: I love seeing them - to me, they are heavenly messages letting me know that Elohim has His eye on us, and is guiding us along; preparing the way before us, and leading us safely to where He wants us to be. When I see a heart cloud, or a heart rock, I literally feel His love all around me :-)

Road work the entire length of Hwy. #95, to the Parker-AZ Junction; both side shoulders have been graded, and pea gravel was being laid down.

I love the way Elohim shows  me his love for me … heart-shaped clouds. Hearts were everywhere this month.

Holland and I  both indulged a little at the grocery store: I spent big on eggs, and Holland will enjoy a big mug of spendy coffee tomorrow morning ;-)

$8 for 18 eggs; worth it not to be poisoned with chemicals.

And something for Holland; dark roasted, 'Quatch approved, & made in America - his kind of thing ;-)