2020-5 What a World we Live in

2020-4

What a World we Live in

Campground: BLM Big River. Boondocking. Dry camping, dispersed sites. California side but very close to Parker Az. (2^nd week)

Campground: Craggy Wash BLM 14 day free camping. Site is at the north end of the Lake Havasu Airport and one mile into Craggy Wash Canyon.

Craggy Wash, BLM free dispersed camping
north end of Lake Havasu AZ

Parker Arizona

It’s the middle of April and the temperatures are very moderate. Mid 70’s to 80 during the day and cool evenings in the 50’s. I’ve driven up from Parker to Lake Havasu to pick up some eye drops for my glaucoma. Good Lord are they getting expensive. I’m on 4 different eye drops and the two I picked up today cost $134.00 and 132.59. Without insurance they would have been $326.99 and $716.99. If that isn’t a sign that we need universal health care I don’t know what is.

Keeping in mind that at present, I have not paid any camping fees for the last couple of weeks and expect to continue this way throughout the summer. Living off the grid should save me considerable money this summer.

More good news, my ROKU stock is going back up and I’ve recovered a bit of the loss I’ve had since the Corona virus outbreak destroyed the markets. Sure wish I still owned Dollar General stock as well as it continues to go up in value. Two great stocks to purchase and hold onto.

And on top of all that good news, I’ve received the $1,200 relief check from the Federal Government today. Though I can’t imagine how we as a country are going to be able to pay it all back.

Distance Traveled: 53 miles
Lake Havasu Arizona

London Bridge Canal, opening onto Lake Havasu 

super nice walking path along the canal and the London Bridge

Eucalyptus trees

doesn't look like fun to me, having to stand up
and paddle ?

these guys were loud talkers
caring on a conversation with other boaters
and folks along the shoreline

Lake Havasu has miniature lighthouses all along the
lake shoreline 

Today's travel from my site on the other side of the Colorado River/Parker AZ to Lake Havasu and of course I’ll be heading back tomorrow to continue my stay in place during the pandemic. Though both Parker and Lake Havasu have not had all that many cases. I just feel safer in the smaller town of Parker before heading north eventually.

Lake Havasu has 4 or 5 dispersed BLM camping areas south of Lake Havasu with the closest one right next the large Lake Havasu sign leading into town on the south end. I’m on the north end, outside of town at Craggy Wash BLM. It boarders the northern end of the airport, but is about one mile into the canyon. And what a pretty canyon it is. Lots of campers, many of the older variety and many of the sites are not overly level, but still quite doable. The one long dirt road is ok and should not pose any problems for just about any size camper.

The rugged canyon walls, with many rock outcropping poking out at various angles. Wild flowers dot the valley floor and up the sides of the canyon walls. Just opposite my camp site is a sign indicating that the are is considered wilderness beyond the campground area and only foot traffic is permitted. I took a short hike up one of the paths leading into the wilderness, which sounds so primitive. Taking lots of close up shots of the spring wildflowers.

Craggy Wash BLM, free camping

One mile in from highway, next to Lake Havasu
Airport, north end of town

had to take a second look, didn't you

you know your a full time RV-er
living off the grid, the best you can

awesome canyon, but many sites were crowded
when I was here.

a bit too crowded for me

pygmy poppies in the desert 

In the morning before heading back to Parker, I got a hearty breakfast at Denny’s (take out of course) and then drove over the London Bridge and over to the park for a pleasant walk along the canal and Lake Havasu. Lots of dog walkers, boaters, fishermen and a couple paddle boarders. Something that just doesn’t look all that enjoyable to me. Having to stand up on the board, balance one self, and paddle all at the same time.

Coming back to Parker, I stopped in the Safeway Grocery store and was pleased to see all workers in the store are now required to wear a face mask. This was not the case when I went into the Walgreen's in Lake Havasu, as all the workers including the 4 or 5 working in the pharmacy. None had on face masks and could be spreading Covid all around. I would normally have gone through the drive thru window but needed to pick up a few other things besides my eye drops. Kind of scary.

Rv notes:

The Class C Solera motor home recently got 13.75 mpg not bad for driving around in ones home. The Mercedes diesel engine and drive train are awesome. It is so smooth switching between gears I don’t even notice when it is shifting while in cruise control mode going up hills. That and how cool is it that the turning radius is identical to your Chevy Silverado extended cab. Making it easy to make turns and go around corners, back into a parking spot and it actually fits in a basic parking spot.

The fridge is a bit smaller than the one I have in the 5^th wheel camper, but I’m able to get everything tucked in. At least with everything is so snugly packed in I don’t have to worry about anything bouncing around when traveling down the road.

Since the camper is a smaller footprint, when using the furnace at night to take the desert chill off, the furnace only has to run a short time to warm up the camper. Small spaces, less propane used. Haven’t had to turn on the a/c yet. As temps increase gradually, and as long as there is a breeze, all is well.

Camper Tip: 

 For those folks doing lots of boondocking, I found a solution for using my laptop without needing to use an inverter for electricity. Go online and purchase a DC plug compatible with your laptop. Note, my HP laptop has a blue tip on the end that plugs into the laptop. Since your laptop actually runs on DC power, (your regular A/C plug actually connects to an A/C outlet, then it converts back to DC power going into the laptop.) I purchase mine online as well as a DC extension cord.

DC power cord for HP Laptop
ordered online

Note to self: you did good kid getting the fully self contained Class C camper. It’s been super easy to travel in. handles well, and is perfect for this epidemic we are experiencing. Which by the way wasn’t even on the radar when you started to look into getting the smaller camper. Being able to self quarantine away from the general public is a blessing. A different type of camping than you’re used to, but you’re doing well and adjusting easily to this new lifestyle. You may miss your friends, but thank goodness for the internet and phone you are able to stay in contact.

I think I’m going to enjoy this new type of camping for many years to come. Praying for everyone’s safety and good health.

More Photos:

Lake Havasu, Craggy Wash BLM land