"Exploring East & West of the Colorado River Caravan" Today's travel is to Lake Havasu City. By 8am, I had inspected four rigs before they started their 170 mile trip. On each travel day, specific caravaners are assigned to look over each departing rig with a mental checklist, i.e. tv antenna down, directional signals working, hitch connected correctly, step retracted, etc., etc. before they leave. By 9am, all but three couples were on their way. Our group had the job of being caboose. While I was replacing a burned out directional signal, the insurance agent arrived to inspect our damage claim. Fifteen minutes later, with the inspection done, our group was rolling north. The highway seemed like a macadam ribbon through stark brown desert, choked with RVs going to or coming from Quartzite. For such a barren land, it seemed odd that so many people were out in the middle of it. Because the sun's heat can be overwhelming in a short time and because we notice it most while driving, I use a cut off shirt sleeve on my arm when it's in the direct path of sunlight. I prefer a warm arm than having it seared and burned. Quartzite traffic was like any large city at rush hour. The hustle and bustle of buying and selling looked hectic, but in this case, enjoyable. The price of fuel was 10-15 cents less than we've seen in months. During the drive here, each couple had a chance to be last, middle or first in the caboose line up. When we would spot an Airstream parked alongside the desert, each of us stopped to check if they needed help or were just having lunch. As Quartzite got closer, we noticed the number of RVers parked in the desert increased dramatically. This city has the largest population of boondockers in the country. Just about every parked rig bristled with solar panels - tipped upright to capture the southern sunlight. At the town of Parker along the Colorado River, we saw lush trees and plants at the shoreline. Just 25' away from the river, the landscape suddenly turned drab brown with parched dryness for as far as the eye could see. Parker Dam was built during 1934-38 and is the deepest dam in the world. Underground aquaducts are used to supply water to much of southern California. We took pictures and had lunch there. Ice cubes melted quickly, yet we didn't feel hot when in the shade. Our campground in Lake Havasu City has water, sewer, electric, cable and the parking is on a level concrete pad. The swimming pool, laundry and clubhouse look new. This evening's meal was prepared by caravaners. We learned that baked potatoes, boiled for 20 minutes, could be wrapped in aluminum foil, placed on thick towels in an ice chest, covered with more towels and allowed to "cook" for another hour. They were still piping hot (and cooked all the way through) when served. This method seemed too simple, but it worked like a charm. The rest of tonight's menu included chili sauce with meat, broccoli, chopped fruit and chocolate chip cookies. After supper, the game of joker continued, but this time Sandie had a different partner. It didn't make any difference. She and her partner trounced another caravaner and myself. This is her second time playing and her mastery of the strategies is impressive. There's no telephone plug available for email at this campground. Bummer. My outgoing mail is piling up. We've been so busy, I haven't had time to scramble up a phone plug elsewhere. I've seen options and would have asked, but.... The Van ran well again today. No new noises. Since reducing the choke richness, there seems to be more power on uphill grades. Chores like checking engine fluid levels are done daily to be sure a simple oversight doesn't cause a major inconvenience in the desert. This week, I noticed the frame on our screen door has a 3" crack in the hinge, causing the door to sag when open. Perhaps, I'll temporarily reinforce that area with a piece of scrap 1/4" aluminum, if I can find it in my boxes of "spare things." More tomorrow, Terry mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic." Anon To unsubscribe or to change to a daily Digest, please go to http://www.airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html If replying back to this message, please delete all the unnecessary original text from your reply.
