By Stacey Lane and J. Adam Birch | Special to the Independent
Arid and aberrant, most incongruous, and the coolest place in one of the hottest deserts in the world, there is a fascinating focal plane established for those seeking not only unique, but exclusive.
These are the attractions seen nowhere else on Earth. After the ancient seas receded millions of years ago and the falling of the meteors in 1883, the waters wars of the 1930’s called upon a nominal Navy and today a jewel of Mohave County is revealed by the vintage lamps, lighthouses and thriving business. Its name derived from the astonishing green-blue waters, this beacon boasts some of the oddest, or contrary, things an adventurer might ever find hiding in the nautical history of Lake Havasu, Arizona.
Where to begin may be the easiest part of the journey as one of the most iconic bridges in the world spans the Bridgewater Channel.
Block by block the London Bridge greets travelers and boaters alike since 1968 after a time over the Thames in England. Hailed as one of the city’s greatest features, it is a thumbnail in the gallery of Havasu’s aid to navigation and the gong signaling the adventure has just begun.
Lake Havasu’s main starlight and stunning show of illumination, The London Bridge, was sold to McCulloch Oil Corporation for $2,460,000 in 1968.
The bridge had been dismantled with each piece numbered and shipped. Shipping and construction brought the total cost of relocating the bridge to $7,500,000. Robert McCulloch, Sr. saw this opportunity to reconstruct this massive icon as a way to attract tourists and buyers of residential lots. Those purchases included the ornate lamp posts made from melted-down cannons captured by the British from Napoleon’s army, after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Overlooking the Bridgewater Channel, these lampposts line the London Bridge today.
On the list of unrepeated features there are currently 28 miniature, replica lighthouses around the lake, built and maintained by the only replica lighthouse organization in the world. These are 1/3-size micro-mini versions of the grand originals of United States east and west coast lighthouses that solved a much needed night navigation dilemma for the boats that use the lake.
An easy stroll from the action and right on the water will lead to the Heat Hotel. After a day of fun guests continue to rave about the fluffy beds and sheets that ensure a great night’s sleep in quiet blissful accommodations. This manageable must is affordable and accommodates while not scorching the budget. Suites and singles lace the pristine shoreline welcoming weary travelers and provides plenty of opportunity for all styles of traveler needs. Outside the hotel, boat docks are also available for guests arriving via water.
The Heat Hotel’s waterfront setting, unparalleled views with direct access to the Bridgewater Channel and London Bridge make these sunlit rooms and suites a first choice in accommodations and retreat. While staying at the Heat Hotel, there is no need to get into the car. Located walking distance, across the channel, open air shopping, restaurants and sightseeing area, called the English Village, for your every need. It continues to offer stunning views of the London Bridge and the channel where colorful kayaks and slick saucy boats play both day and night.
For the adventure seeking, walk on over for a boat rental, jet skiing, parasailing, and the next stop at a local favorite, Rubba Duck Safari Tours. Upon arrival, the “Captain Your Own Rubba Duck” boat is a popular choice offering a fun-filled, 2.5 hour or 5 hour guided tour, an emerald water excursion of Lake Havasu and Topock Gorge using the same style of boats used by the U.S Navy Seals.
An experienced guide points out fun facts and history while on the cruising adventure of California’s east shore and the relaxing waters of Arizona’s West Coast.
Today, every visit is a sequel to the numerous movies and television shows that feature this extraordinary desert attraction. Bridge Across Time and take a View From the Top of the Arizona Sky. Explore the Highway to Havasu and discover the channel’s hidden secrets with Twin Turbos while the Mohave lights flood Lake Havasu, Arizona.
For more information on Lake Havasu, visit https://azstateparks.com/lake-havasu/, the Heat Hotel at https://www.heathotel.com/ and the Rubber Duck Safari at https://rubbaducksafari.com/.
