Life in the Desert--can be interesting, fun, sometimes 'quirky'.

 

Lou is getting a little frustrated with living in the trailer!

We decided to splurge a bit for a dinner theater show

The pre-dinner entertainment gave everyone a chance to try some tricks.

The Bridge to Nowhere

Yuma, Arizona

This bridge was built in 1929 (when there was actually water underneath it|)

A dam was built in 1968 that diverted the river.

Rumor has it that it was a prototype for the Golden Gate Bridge.

When you view this 800 ft long suspension bridge in the middle of the desert 

that looks like the Golden Gate Bridge--

you wonder if it's true.

Old Town

nice collections of 'quirky' shops

Well- this one really spoke volumes to us!

The Queen Reigns!

These popular desert flowers thrive on lack of moisture.

I am hoping Lou's new stained glass skills will create one of these beauties.

The RV Park hosted a public awareness program by the 

US Border Patrol.

We got to hear many stories and see how the dogs get trained.  

Colorado River History Museum Yuma AZ

It all started as a military post along the Colorado River in the mid 1800's during the Indian Wars.

Once wild and uncontrollable, the Colorado River is now the most dammed 

and endangered river is the US.  No longer reaching the ocean 

it slows to a trickle at the Mexican border, just 20 miles from Yuma.

Same Location

THEN                                                 NOW

                  1916                                      2013

There was so much water back in 1900's that the river could be a raging, dangerous ocean.  Today it is mostly sand and some vegetation.

Our guide on the tour answered the question "What happened?" 

"People came".

After 1900's  dams were build to prevent flooding and provide consistent water for irrigation.

 Now there are 10 dams between Yuma and the Grand Canyon.

Up until the turn of the century, (1900's) the Colorado River was navigable by paddle steam ships up to the bottom end of the Grand Canyon ( approximately Lake Meade) and Yuma was a major port for supplies is the southwest.

This picture shows the route of the steam ships from San Francisco to Port Isabel to Yuma. 

THE COLORADO RIVER SIPHON

A massive underground pipeline that carries water from California to Arizona under the Colorado River to irrigate the Yuma Valley.

 

           

This massive tunnel had to go 50 feet under the river, and when bedrock was struck, they had to send divers to dynamite the bedrock to get shafts deep enough to install the underwater pipe.

The delivery of water has transformed Yuma into a major agricultural area. Providing 90% of the leafy green vegetables (lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower etc.) in the U.S. during the winter months

On our tour of the Colorado River Historical Museum we were glad to see a bit of colorful bougainvillea in this vast sand pile!

Hula and Fire Dance

at the Pioneer RV Park

The guests did a great job of dressing up for the party.

(Many elegant t-shirts)

Our friend Linda had the best one!

The featured entertainers with Polynesian dances 

Always must have the guy that will wear the coconut bra and dance.

A lively evening

The fire dancers are always great fun to watch.

It's been a good stop in Wellton and Yuma,

now we are on to Desert Hot Springs.

We miss all of you at home.  Would love to hear your comments.