932 March 23-25, 2023 Shea Road and Rodeo
Our day started differently than usual. I drove the 27 miles to Lake Havasu City to do some errands. I picked up a picnic for an overnight adventure, went to the Anything Offroad store to get Tim’s steps, and then went to the hardware store.
By the time I got back, Tim had cleaned tanks and moved the RV to the overflow area. The state parks along this corridor of the Colorado River are very busy. They each have dry camping areas that are first come first serve. We had decided we wanted to stay in the area and this was a great solution for us.
We installed the steps on the hinges of the passenger doors. Theses steps allow Tim to more easily access the tent when we are setting up and putting the tent away. The first set went on fairly easily. The second set was harder. The neighbor, who is from Alberta Canada, came to offer tools and help. He saw that Tim had stripped the bolt and he declared it “hooped.” Canadians for the most part are much too polite to be crass. The neighbor walked away on to his own adventure for the day. Tim was determined not to be “hooped.” He didn’t give up. It involved drilling a bolt out but Tim got it done.
We packed the coolers and loaded the Jeep and headed for Shea Road. This is another lovely area.
We were as usual searching for the perfect camping spot. We found a beauty.
We each took walks. I found a sign indicating that this was an archeological site. We had seen the fire scars in the caves and we had wondered if this had been home to Native Americans a long time ago…question answered!
We saw a couple of packrat nests. This nest had tin cans and plastic bottles in it. Packrats like to gather treasures, especially shiny things to decorate their nests. Packrats also like to chew on engine wires and parts. For this reason, we opened the hood of the Jeep to deter nighttime gnawing activity.
As we were watching the sun go down, Tim spotted movement in the valley about ¼ mile away. We used the binoculars and the camera zoom and saw that there were burros out there.
Another evening of a simple dinner, peace, the smallest bright smile of moon, and dazzling stars.
Friday morning, we wanted to take Shea Road all the way to another portion of the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge. When we woke up, we could hear heavy machinery out on the road. 15 miles from town and we could suddenly hear backup beepers! The men were working to repair the parts of the road that had been affected by heavy flooding.
We passed the workmen and got to a totally impassable section of road.
We got back home in the late morning. I had enough cell service to talk to a good friend and my mom. We spent the rest of the day resting.
This evening, we went to Lake Havasu City to see the Havasu Stampede Rodeo. This was an upscale. Professional rodeo. The patriotism and the pageantry, the horse and the athletes were all remarkable. We stayed until after 9pm and it got chilly.
Sheep waiting to get out of the ring after being ridden by children 5-7 years old…mutton busting!
Great adventures!
