Lake Pleasant, Arizona

Lake Pleasant RV Resort

March 23-29, 2013

Actually back-tracked to come here from Verde Valley; but it turned out to be worth it for a couple of reasons.  Ken was looking for water anywhere in Arizona...we were getting tired of all the funny looks at the kayaks!  Google Earth showed him Lake Pleasant. 

 

This RV Resort also has a marina and about 100 dry-camping spots for those Arizona week-enders who enjoy the water like we do.  But, it wasn't the best for getting the kayaks in the water.  So, we went to Lake Pleasant State Park...what a beautiful spot.  We saw many people who just pulled up to the water and camped or used the campground sites which were beautiful (but not big enough for the big rigs). 

 

We spent a couple of days kayaking in refreshingly cool and clean water.  The lake has little nooks and crannies all over the place and we really enjoyed going in and out. 

 

 

In one particular "nook" with high rocks guarding the entrance, we saw a lot of nests with very, very large blackbirds watching over their babies.  One (must have been poppa) decided we were too close and swooped down to warn us away.  We didn't have to be told twice...

We saw the signs to be careful of wild burros....never though too much about it until we saw five of them grazing at the edge of the water.  I had to wonder if they might be able to swim and how far back we should stay.

 

After each trip out we would find a spot in the Park to enjoy our picnic lunch.  You couldn't have asked for nicer views.

 



Looks like a postcard, huh?
 

We've hit some pretty high elevations so far in this trip; up to 5000 during this last trip to and from Verde Valley.  Ken felt he would be more comfortable with a little more braking power (especially with the heavier car) during our upcoming visit to Utah and its national parks.  So, he did some investigating and found there was an exhaust brake a bit more powerful than what we had; and found a place in Phoenix who could install it.  In his call for an appointment, he had to give the id number for the brake.  He read his manual, found the brake and noted a broken airline; not just unattached, but broken.  (Funny the last people to be in that part of the engine were from Cape Cod Truck).  Basically, we had been driving this past 4,000 miles with no exhaust brake.  So we spent a night in their parking lot and the new brake was put in the next morning.  Bob Bateman, this picture is for you...the old brake. 

You can see a lot of these hot air balloons all over Arizona!

And, all over this beautiful country you can find beautiful sunsets!

In checking the forecasted weather for our next stop in Holbrook, we found Sunday called for dust storms with gusts up to 60 mph. So, because we can, we packed up and left a day early.  See you next at the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert and Canyon deChelly.