The Caribbean of the Southwest

I have been curious about Lake Havasu City ever since my long time friend Joel moved here sixteen years ago from New York (well, Connecticut, actually, but he will always be the consummate New Yorker to me.)   I met Joel in a smoky Manhattan “dive bar” back in the early 90’s at a SCUBA diving club meeting.    He was “a friend of a friend” and technical dive instructor who evolved into a trusted confidant over the years.   Though we have kept in touch off and on through the different phases of our lives, I hadn’t seen him in almost 20 years since he left the northeast and moved his family out west for the possibility of a better quality of life.

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Postcards of Havasu’s “Mini-lighthouses” for my fellow lover of lighthouses, Nina…

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There have been times in my life when I have fallen in “lock step” with someone who exhibits exemplary leadership skills.  I liken it to the “Pied Piper syndrome,” whereby thrill seeking is heightened in their presence.  This is typically due to their advanced skill level, knowledge, and confidence.  Before I know it, I am diving off the back of a “research vessel” in the North Atlantic in 8 foot swells with double steel tanks on my back, exploring sunken shipwrecks in 55 degree murky green water.   Such was the nature of my relationship with Joel.

Scuba Training and Technology.

Scuba Training and Technology.

(Said in a thick Brooklyn accent,) "Heh's what yuh do.  Yuh pull out youah American Express Card..."

(Said in a heavy Brooklyn accent,) “Heh’s what yuh do. Yuh pull out youh American Express Card…”

When one sees a friend for the first time after 20 years, it is as much a look in the mirror at one’s own life as that of the other person.  One is prompted to reflect back on where they were in life when the respective paths took a turn.  I was a Sex in the City “Carrie Wannabe,” even back before there was such an HBO series, finding my way as a single career woman in Manhattan, while looking for a venue to write about it.

Even back then, I longed to be a writer.  In addition to scuba instructor and explorer of shipwrecks, Joel was also a magazine editor, willing to offer direction.  I am reminded of the old adage “The more things change…” (no more suits, heels, Chanel make-up, $200 hair styles) “the more they stay the same.”  (love of exploration, travel, writing, etc.)   Someday I will get Joel’s take on this as well…IMG_1104

View from the Overflow Camping lot at Lake Havasu State Park

View from the Overflow Camping lot at Lake Havasu State Park

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Joel refers to Lake Havasu as “The Caribbean of the Southwest…everything here revolves around boats, beer, and bolt-ons.”  I will refrain from explaining what he means by “bolt-ons,” but suffice it to say it is a part of the anatomy that belongs in the standard issue Havasu uniform, the bikini top.

IMG_1174 IMG_1157IMG_1150Rather than the Caribbean, Lake Havasu reminds me more of Daytona Beach during Spring Break.  And I am here in winter…it’s not even spring yet!  Although the beauty of the lake is pleasing to my eye and the weather just about perfect, the sound of constant rumbling motors of racing boats, motorcycles, and jet skis is enough to drive me back out to the desert dunes.IMG_1179 IMG_1169 IMG_1153There always seems to be something going on at Lake Havasu.  Even London Bridge moved to get in on the action.  Thankfully, my timing was good to arrive the weekend after the Rockabilly Festival, and instead landed me in the middle of the “Blues, Brews, and Que” barbeque cook-off.  Here are a few of the highlights….

Yep, the smoke is under the hood.  Maybe in the Tracker's next life...

Yep, the smoke is under the hood. Maybe in the Tracker’s next life…

Tastings were $2 for pulled pork, $3 for brisket and ribs.  Size of offerings varied dramatically.

Tastings were $2 for pulled pork, $3 for brisket and ribs. Size of offerings varied dramatically.

These guys filled their sample cups half full of rice.  Is that cheating?

These guys filled their sample cups half full of rice. Is that cheating?

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One dollar "brew tastings" were also advertized, but Coors was the only vendor.   I don't classify that as "brew."  ;-)   I did sample their Porter.  It was as bad as Coors Light.

“Brew tastings” were also advertized, but Coors was the only vendor. I don’t classify that as “brew.” I did sample their Porter. It was just as bad as I thought it would be.

Leather pants and heels, rolled-up denims and ankle socks make for good people watching.

Leather pants and heels, rolled-up denims and ankle socks make for good people watching.

Remind you of anyone?

Remind you of anyone?

What is seared meat without 2 sides?  Que served up with a side of religion and the 2nd amendment.

What is seared meat without 2 sides? Que served up with a side of religion and the 2nd amendment.

This guy had a Weber Grill collection.  The gray one in the upper left is the oldest, from 1952!

This guy had a Weber Grill collection. The gray one in the upper left is the oldest, from 1952!

"Rub your meat."  Nuff said.

“Rub your meat.” Nuff said.

13 thoughts on “The Caribbean of the Southwest

  1. Although the festival looks like fun I could only handle a little of it. I’ve only stayed on the BLM north of town briefly and never explored even the bridge. But if I had a friend like Joel who lived there and could show me around that would be fine. The “over flow” camping looks pretty sweet.

  2. When one is caught in a Tourist Trap, might as well act like a Trapped Tourist. I was disappointed at the lack of T and A…. and No, the chick in the black leather pants doesn’t count.
    I don’t know how people can stand it there in the summer. You can’t stay in the lake all day!
    Box Canyon Mark

  3. We visited Lake Havasu for the first time this fall and had a wonderful time. What a neat place! Looks like you picked a great time to visit:) People watching never gets old. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve said…What were thinking with that outfit!!

  4. By any chance are you a Clive Cussler fan? I thought of many of his books when you were describing you diving to wrecks adventures. I love rediscovering friends I haven’t seen in decades. What fun! I like you unique take on Lake Havisu through your pics. Very nice!

  5. Wow–you showed us a side of Lake Havasu we’ve never seen–I frequently say, “did that person look in the mirror before they went out in public in that outfit????” Great photos!

  6. Those friends who push us to see what we’re really made of are invaluable. CanNOT picture your Carrie-side :-))))) Miss my Seadoo, don’t miss the noise! Sometimes you can just tell that someone doesn’t own a full-length mirror…… You have to love a town that can keep the party going all year long!

  7. Love the Lake Havasu area! When we were there a few months ago, it was pretty quite and did not have all that fun stuff going on, we will have to plan our next trip to coincide with those activities so we can taste some of those foods!

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