Sunday morning's weather was a great contrast to the heat of Saturday. It was overcast and windy, with the threat of rain. We hit the road at 7:30am, with the idea of stopping for breakfast after an hour or so in Yucca Valley. The drive on CA-247 proved to be very enjoyable with no traffic, and lots to see as it wound it's way through dramatic desert scenery. According to Yelp, C&S Coffee Shop is the #1 place for breakfast in Yucca Valley, so that 's where we headed. The coffee was put to good use warming our hands...
 |
| Lloyd enjoys a welcome coffee at C&S Coffee Shop and Family Restaurant - Yucca Valley |
From Yucca Valley we headed east on CA-62 for 20 miles or so, before turning off to visit Jushua Tree National Park. We could have spent all day there, it is so large, but limited ourselves to visiting a couple of sites within 10 miles of the entrance. This spring the Joshua trees have been blooming in an unprecedentedly prolific manner, which has puzzled biologists. Some suggest that this is due to the dirth of rain, which is causing the trees to try to produce more seed to survive. Here are a few of the photos I took in the Park.
 |
| "You think I look ugly; look at this guy!" - Skull Rock at Joshua Tree National Park |
 |
Jumbo Rocks campground. Fully booked already in May! Note Lloyd's period suitcase, and custom-made leather strap
|
 |
| It's amazing what will grow in this arid desert. We were lucky to see many plants in bloom. |
By now the sun was coming out, and it was warming up considerably. So, we had to make our way back to CA-62 and head for Lake Havisu City. CA-62 is a long, very-straight road through the desert, passing between ranges of arid mountains. It is dramatic, but very inhospitable. Shortly after leaving Joshua Tree National Park, we passed a sign by the roadside indicating that there would be no Service for 100 miles. Probably not a good idea to run out of gas, or break down here.
 |
| CA-62 is like the Energizer Bunny.- it keeps on going and going and.... Lloyd doing his impression! |
 |
The story's pretty much the same in the other direction....
At the end of CA-62, we crossed the Colorado River into Arizona and the small city of Parker. By now, temperatures were into the 80's, so we took a short break for refreshment.
After 100 miles with no gas stations, this is the first we came to. Doesn't inspire much confidence......
The last 40 miles to Lake Havasu City follow the Colorado River and then Lake Havasu northwards. When we finally drew into the parking lot of the Hidden Palms Resort we found Mark and Andrea's red XK-120 already there, and looking suspiciously clean. After taking a break, we met up with other members of the COLT: Mark and Andrea driving their red XK120, and Philippe and Francoise driving their BMW Z8. Philippe and Francoise had hoped to bring their Series 1 E-Type, but last minute problems forced them to change their ride. We drove down into Lake Havasu City as a group and had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the old London Bridge. Jerry arrived later in the evening in his Series 1 E-Type.
|
 |
| London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. We had dinner at the restaurant on the left, overlooking the bridge |
No comments:
Post a Comment