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.
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.
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…
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.
Rather 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. There 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….
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.
Great pics ! On my list to visit someday. Still wierd to see London Bridge
And a lighthouse but memories of back east .
I thought you were in TX for a minute with that God, Guns and BBQ sign!
Interesting, still doesn’t make the list though.
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
LOL
Americana at its best! …..worst?
Whatever, it’s America. 🙂
That brisket photo has my mouth watering, as does that Weber grill collection. How cool is that? The lake looks lovely.
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!!
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!
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!
OH m y gosh….get yourself outa there…..fast
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!
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!