Willow Beach & Arizona Hot Springs

In addition to the great scenery along the 93 towards Vegas there are two places to make special note of.- neither of which we stopped at this year.

But we did last year and since our blogs from last year have gone to blog heaven (a whole other story!) we thought we would include the pics and stories here. 

We reminisced as we drove by the signs.

Coming from the south the first is Willow Beach - roughly - but don't quote me - 12 miles south of the Hoover Dam.

We 'stayed' here last year in early March while killing time waiting for a snow storm to clear out of Idaho and Washington. 

By staying I mean we attempted to boondock with only partial success. 

Watch carefully for the Willow Beach Rd sign - just past there is also a Willow Beach Recreation Area sign.

Willow Beach is along the Colorado River just south of the Dam.

It is a fairly steep drive down to it - but hey - if we can do it most anyone can - I mean make it UP again.

We went for several hikes up in the hills.

Once we reached the bottom to the parking area - having driven ALL THE WAY DOWN - we found out that the campground was closed due to a land slide. We were pretty disappointed but not too put out since I had read that there were boondocking areas here. 

We spoke with the concessionaire who told us 'to go ahead and camp overnight in the parking lot - since the Ranger NEVER COMES DOWN ANYWAY' - although we didn't hear that from her.

And so we pulled to the end lot and thoroughly enjoyed a few days there. Hiking, walking to the river, and watching the fishing off the pier. 

Only to then be visited by who? yup - the Ranger - you know the one that NEVER COMES DOWN!

We explained the situation AND the lack of 'no camping' signs. 

We were sent packing with a warning. 

As we were leaving later in the day we were approached by another camper wondering about parking overnight. After a friendly visit we both decided to head out.

Just as we were leaving a man WHO WORKED THERE said to just go up that road over there and they won't bother you.

GREAT!

So we both headed up and parked for the night - again - no 'no camping' signs. We sure enjoyed our fire time that night with Monty and Lana. The next morning they offered one of their kayaks to Derek - and Cassia.

It was pretty windy that day so poor Derek - but they did make it across the river and back. Monty was gone for hours! super fit!

Monty and Lana left later that day but we camped a few more nights and then headed back to Henderson to check the weather. Since it was still bad to the north we headed back down to the SPOT.

Big Mistake! Shortly thereafter a return visit from the Ranger - you know the one that NEVER COMES DOWN. We were sent packing with a $70 citation. Needless to say we can't return there.

But you can! It is a beautiful spot.

While finding the link for you I see that the campground is open again. Good news! Not so good news.... they now charge $35/night for full hook ups. Well - consider it a splurge and go!

Next along 93 is the parking lot for the trail that leads to the Arizona Hot Springs.

Be forewarned - it is not for the faint of heart or the exercise challenged. It is a whole lot of work to get there and back. Approx. 3 miles down - but then of course 3 miles back UP. It is a tough trek in and you really need to do some research on the web in order to be able to find it - or hope that there is someone down by the river that you can ask for directions. If we hadn't had someone to ask there is NO WAY we would have found it (even with directions from the internet).

One of the most beautifully situated natural hot springs I have been to.

I wasn't overly impressed about climbing this ladder with water running down at me. Derek coached me - after all - he had just done it with Cassia on his back. I spent the whole time talking myself up only to realize at the top that there were people listening to me. Can we say embarrassing!

This story really gets good when we were on our way out. We had been sitting in the springs with a couple from Henderson. Not overly fit looking and drinking beer - this is important info - just bear with me.

They tell us about the 'back exit' - a trail out the back that is a bit steep but at least 1 hour shorter. hmmmm well - as Derek and I discussed after they had left - if they can do it surely we can!

And so after much deliberation we decided to give it a try. All went really well at first....

Neat rocks.....

not overly steep.....

Until we came to 20 foot wall - yup - no exaggeration! We just stopped and stared, and stared.

I don't know what got Derek up that wall with Cassia on his back. His sheer will and something extra -I'll call it a miracle - God getting our back - big time! We still talk about it with a nervous laugh. 

We came THIS CLOSE to ending Cassia's life when it was just getting going at 22 months of age.

And me you ask! I looked at that wall and said NOPE - can't do it.

So we decided I should back track and look for another route. And wouldn't you know that about 20 feet back we had missed the real way up! It wasn't easy - I didn't look down - but I got up with ease compared to Derek's rock climbing experience.

The rest of the hike to the trailer was smooth but we spent the ENTIRE time in a weird state of brain meltdown realizing that this time we had cut it WAYYYY to close! 

Moral of the story? If you go down - which I hope you do - and take the back way out - don't climb the 20' wall - turn around - go back about 20' and go up the rocks piled against the short wall.

I think we'll only go back when 1) enough time has passed so that we forgot the pain and 2) when Cassia is old enough to walk it herself - 

so it may be a good 10 years.

Good story eh? Guess you can see why we drove right by these two places this year!

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: I CANNOT believeeeee this website has eluded me thus far - I thought I was really up on my RVing sites! Guess not! Now I am wondering what other sites I am missing!!!! Head over to Hitchitch for a great list if you are into reading RVing blogs. I am currently trying to get us on to the site to fanangle some much needed PR.

Kingman, Az

Well, obviously the first thing on our minds Friday morning was our truck. In addition to the engine light being on it was idling very rough - to the point of sounding like it was going to stall at any moment. 

not good

We had passed an AutoZone on our way in and so there we went. The truck was checked with one of their fancy dancy machines - the fellow reported - "6th cyclinder - can be this, this, this or this'. hmmmm - not sounding so easy this time!

Derek went in and came back with their list of mechanics and off we went. The first place and closest - of course (how else were we to choose?) didn't have enough guys on that day and so sent us to this place.

Mike Taflan's on Andy Devine Ave.

After a time (the mechanic needed to be called in -  and then called twice) our truck was inspected. 'When was the last time you had a tune up ' was the question. Since Derek and I just looked at him blankly (we have had a TON of work on the truck in the last few years but a simple tune up escaped us) - hmmm - the mechanic rescued us - 'don't worry - I can tell you!'

And so - about 4 hours later and with $218 less in our pockets we were back on the road. Our spark plugs were changed and some 'stuff' (women speak) was poured into the gas tank. Yes, yes I know it is all much more technical then that but I've got to admit that when Derek starts talking 'truck speak' my mind tends to wander.

{special note: when we got back on the road the truck didn't sound or run any better and we were shaking our heads! grrrrrrr But after traveling the next few days and putting more stuff in the tank - it finally ran much better and the engine light went off about 1/2 way through Idaho.}

Down the Interstate we went - exit 48 - next up.

We had pretty much decided to skip old Kingman since we had been twice before and we were behind schedule now, if such a thing existed.

But since we needed gas and the visitor's center was - just over there - we decided to stop in and have a late lunch. I was thrilled, I just love this stop - not exactly sure why - I guess because it is so familiar.

If you want to ensconce yourself in Route 66 memorabilia - this is THE place.

+ wifi!

Love this building - here's the pic from this trip and below is the pic from our Desert Wanderings Tour 2008.

Lots to see in the Power House and a really good Roue 66 store. We've shopped several times at the store when the R 66 theme was still so shiny and new to us. 

Every time we visit multiple trains pass by - so it must be a busy busy line.

Sure feels like spring here! Pic courtesy of Derek who keeps track of plants and trees.

Just across the street sits a locomotive and we visit here each time as well. Strange feeling for me this  time as Cassia and I went over while Derek stayed behind for some internet time.

WoW!

If you would have told me in 2008 that I would be back to this place in four years with our almost 3 year old toddler - well - I won't tell you what I would have said! Sure is amazing!

'Nope I won't look at the camera!'

Cassia 2012

 Cowboy Derek 2008

Across the street is a great diner - Route 66 style - Mr. D'z. In 2008 Derek and I went for the whole deal - burgers, onion rings, fries and malts. Living on credit - ahhhh - those were the days.

Today - we had sandwiches in our trailer. To congratulate ourselves on our restraint we decided to make a trip over and treat ourselves to malts. We can't leave the USA without a malt! 

Cassia and I in front of Mr. D'z.

Yum! I had a vanilla malt and Derek chocolate. I know, I know - Cassia's ice cream is huge! Somehow my request for a 'child size ice cream' got lost in translation. Dad had to make the sacrifice and finish it for Cassia.

Back to the truck and back on the road. See you again - I'm sure - Kingman!

We headed out of Kingman north on the 93 headed to Vegas. I LOVE this part of highway 93 - a nice smooth drive. 

Our destination was to the Home Depot in Henderson. But as you will see from a few posts from now we didn't make it. Derek took a right off the highway and almost got us in to some serious trouble. All worked out but it was pretty tense for a while - still don't think I can laugh about it!

Thanks for takin' the time to check in on our trek!

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: I just found this new blog - Frugally Sustainable by Andrea. I have toured a bit and really enjoyed today's post 'Help - I want to be a stay at home mom... but don't know if I can afford it!' It is worth a read. People look at us and wonder how we afford to do what we do also - it just comes down to making choices. We can't all make the same choices but at the same time I do believe that in our over consumerized (is that a word? it's coming up underlined) world - much savings can be attained by either cutting things out or making them yourselves. I think I'll try making the liquid soap and the tooth powder when we get home.

JOSHUA FOREST PARKWAY

From Wickenburg we followed highway 93 AKA the Joshua Forest Parkway. We also wanted to take this route last and so we were happy to be on a new road for us!

The novelty wore off pretty quickly though!

Interestingly I had asked one of the ladies at the Wickenburg Chamber if the 93 had steep grades...

'no' she said!

Now I can't figure out if she just didn't want to tell me the truth - or it just doesn't seem steep to her...

Well let me tell you - it DOES have some steep parts - I felt pretty bad for our little truck trying to pull the trailer up some of the climbs through the Poachie Range.

The Joshua Tree for which the parkway gets it's name.

We thought the word 'forest' was a bit strange for the collection of Joshua Trees but I guess that is because we come from a place of dense forests - but there were quite a few Joshua's in one place.

This was one of the steeper climbs although hard to get from a photo.

Interesting rock formations along the way - not the best pic but the best of the bunch.

Now here is a good story for you!

As we were flying down a hill we looked to the left and saw - just in the nick of time - what appeared to be a group of wild horses running and kicking up some serious dust. There was also a truck and trailer parked out there also. There was left turn lane in but by the time we realized what we were seeing it was too late to slow down. 

'DARN!'

said Derek.

All the way down the hill he was upset that we missed the turn off! 

'That would have made a great picture! Wild horses! and Cassia could have seen them!' says Derek

And so by the time we were at the bottom of the hill and found a crossroads....

tick, tick, tick

yup - Derek was going to go all the way back UP the hill!

At the turnoff at the top - there was what you ask?

yup - a GATE! so we couldn't go in

and the 'wild horses'?

They were wild no longer and calmly grazing in the bushes quite a ways away - we could only see 2 of them.

And so the three of us just stood for a few minutes realizing that what we thought we saw and what we really saw were two different things!

We couldn't get in, it wasn't a boondocking site and they weren't wild horses.

All was not lost - Derek got a nice mother - daughter pic.

Now don't get me wrong. If you have power to spare - or a nice little sports car - this is a great drive. Very scenic - good road. But for us - with a V6 pulling our trailer we just don't do mountains very well.  

The alternative is the Quartzsite - Parker - Lake Havasu - Kingman route along the SR 95. Since we had done that before - and lets be honest - it is a pretty busy road - we thought this would be a better way. Now that we have done it I'm not sure - pros and cons on both.

We actually weren't even planning on this route until sometime around Buckeye. Our original plan from way back in Florida had been to FINALLY visit Prescott and Sedona - up to Flagstaff - back to the Grand Canyon - onto Page and Kanab and over to Cedar City Utah and through the Great Basin. 

But not to be this year.

We ultimately decided that it was 1) too early - brrrrr 2) too steep and 3) too far out of our way - the last two mainly being affected by the quickly rising fuel prices and our corresponding falling bank balance.

The landscape is desert - beautiful but dry. Just before Wikieup the highway intersects the Big Sandy river - WoW! the moisture has allowed Cottonwood to grow - what a neat combo!

The lighter green are the trees.

Not a whole lot in Wikieup - pretty much a gas station town.

We eventually hit the I40 and rolled into Kingman. We headed straight to the Home Depot on N Stockton Hill Road. Sadly a delivery truck parked right behind us and kept his engine running all night. Because our truck was running rough we didn't move - finally we fell asleep. First time that has happened to us at HD.

A beautiful sunset over Kingman that night - Derek took these two pictures - and if you can believe this is exactly how they came out! Amazing colours!

And so another day on our journey came to a close - a very busy day - Buckeye Hills Recreation Area to  Wickenburg to Kingman! All the traveling was good for Cassia though - she got a few naps into the day and thankfully her fever was gone and she was feeling much better by the time we reached Kingman.

We knew that the first thing we had to do in the morning was head to Auto Zone to try to figure out why our engine light had come on and why the truck was running so rough. The engine light had come on during our 2008 tour and we had pulled into the Ottawa, Oklahoma Auto Zone - a new chip was all that was needed. We were hoping that this would be a repeat!

Cheers!

P.S. I see we have passed over the 10,000 mark of site visits! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: Interested in weather? Derek and I sure are - it's one of our hobbies I guess. On fb we have 'liked' Firsthand Weather. Here is the website - actually in adding this link it was my first time at the site - we really appreciate all the regular updates on fb - especially during the last few days with all the tornado activity in the east.

On to Wickenburg, AZ

{For those of you following along faithfully I am very very sorry for the delay in posting. For about a week we were traveling and or away from hotspots. We are now at our friends place in Idaho - I have tons of pictures and stories to share with you - so lets get started!}

Leaving the Buckeye area we headed to Wickenburg. Never having been to Wickenburg we were pretty excited. We wanted to visit last year but it was too far off the route home.

So - finally - Wickenburg - here we come!

I highly recommend taking the back road to this town if you are traveling up from the south. On one of our maps this route is a light grey and on the other it is yellow - meaning paved but a small road.

Oh well - if it's paved we'll try it. This is the route.

From Interstate 10 west of Buckeye take exit 103 and head north on N339th Ave. At the T turn right on the Indian School Rd, then a right on N355th Ave - also called N Wickenburg Rd. Follow this road for a while - until Vulture Mine Rd - take a right.

As you come into Wickenburg the landscape is amazing!

Take a look!

I had read that there was boondocking along Vulture Mine Rd. Yup - there they are. A bit crowded though for our tastes.

Vulture Mine Road makes it's way to highway 60 - take a right to be taken into Wickenburg. We followed until we saw the sign 'Tourist Info/Historic Downtown'. 

Our plan for the afternoon was to stroll around Wickenburg. Plans changed since Cassia still had a fever. She had had a rough night and wasn't any better even though she had slept all the way to Wickenburg. So - after we parked I went over to Bashas for some tylenol. 

While Derek and Cassia hung out in the trailer I went over to the Chamber of Commerce to get some info and check the internet. When I got back Derek had lunch waiting (which was great since we were going to go out for lunch but this worked out just as well). 

On the way in we had seen a sign with the words 'homemade ice cream'! Not ones to turn down ice cream we decided that Cassia was well enough for a small trip. Along the way we snapped some pictures!

Wickenburg reminded us of Bisbee and Tombstone.

Cassia was pretty excited about the horse on the roof.

I didn't go in but like the sign! REALLY like Tombstone.

Had Cassia been feeling better (or a little older) we probably would have visited the Desert Caballores Western Museum.

We soon reached our destination - Chapparral and the three of us were enjoying our ice cream. I cannot believe that I didn't take any pictures of that! But I did take one of the table!

This was a very very short trip to Wickenburg. It just wasn't the right day with Cassia not feeling well. We thought we might find a place to park overnight around Wickenburg but instead we decided to carry on to Kingman since it was still quite early. 

Once parked in Kingman that night I realized that The Bayfield Bunch were in the Wickenburg area and had been downtown the day before! Amazing - last I read they had been over at Bouse. Sad to have missed them but now I can link this post to Al's since he always gets great photos. I also found out that we could have parked for the night at Constellation Park for $5 a night. 

Who knew?! 

I wonder how that one eluded me.

Thanks for visiting!

Teresa

Today's Interesting Link: Our pics really don't do Wickenburg justice. Head over to The Bayfield Bunch for their pics of downtown Wickenburg and area!