Lake Havasu AZ - back and forth between three states today

 

I didn't quite know where I would end up for the night - had an idea and it all finally worked out as planned.  Interesting driving along the Colorado River - you go back and forth between NV, AZ and CA.  And your phone and car may/may not jump to the different time zones with you.  

It is a stunning drive south on either side of the Colorado River.  

I did not have a locked in destination for today - but had Havasu in my head based on the bigger plan.  I have learned lots can happen when you are on a wander and you may stay elsewhere as night gets closer.  I have learned I am not interested in driving through mountain style roads in the dark anymore.  

I only know Havasu because my parents had great friends their whole life that somehow chose this as their winter destination long before it was the popular spot it is now.  And therefore it had a bit of interest for me - but now it is one big destination to the rest of the world.  

Glad I got the opportunity to check it out a bit.  

Laughlin NV - The Minnesota Connection

 

Don Laughlin moved to Nevada in the 50s and this town is named after him.  He is from Owatonna MN and had a connection to my father either by friend and/or related.  I remember my parents talking about visiting Don at one point in time. 

Interesting spot on the map and the world he developed on both the NV and the AZ side of the map. 

 

Hoover Dam/Lake Mead NV - I hung out on both the Nevada and Arizona sides

Always heard you should see the Hoover Dam - now I understand why someone who has been there would say it. 

Wow - what a visual and emotional experience.  And you get to experience it with so many other Americans and visitors from wherever as well - lots of great and easy conversations start happening. 

And then when you think that we were bold and brave enough to take something like this on it gives you pause to how uninspired we can be in this current world of waiting for what... 

Boulder City NV - Entrance to the Dam

 

After an early AM walk meeting up with all those just going home or those just waking up along the way I got myself a car and I was off - heading south and then further East. 

If I knew what I know now I would have grabbed my car on my arrival and just drove down and stayed in or near Boulder City - very civilized place on the map.  

Cool town - enjoyed the vibe.   

Las Vegas NV - The kick off point

 

Off for a quick adventure before Xmas/New Years land.  Great timing with another messy snow in Minnesota and the cold coming in right behind it.  And when I arrived here they are talking about record warmth for December over the next few days.  

Sounds like I get back to -25F windchill - so another winter adventure when I get back there.  

Having the National Rodeo happening just down the road from my hotel makes for another interesting twist to being in Vegas.  All the TVs have rodeo events on - and at least every other person you see is in a cowboy hat.  Not the usual Vegas vibe.  

Saint Paul MN - Sienna comes to Minnesota

After a very busy weekend having an early Christmas celebration Sienna finished up with a trip to the MOA and a night in Saint Paul.  The 4AM trip to the airport and back to the warmth of Florida.  

Minneapolis MN - A day full of celebrating

Interesting day of celebrating.  Went to the celebration of life for my great friend Wally and later in the day hit two holiday parties - the first full of family.  Lots of joy at all three events - and of course a great loss.   

Saint Paul MN - Celebrity Night

 

Hanging out with Nancy as she gets her moment on the weekly update show on public television.  Interesting to watch from behind the screen and the segment went well for all.