Baby Lighthouses, A Copper Mine and The London Bridge - Copper Canyon Lake Havasu

Copper Canyon, California

Today's tour starts in Lake Havasu City, Arizona at the London Bridge. This bridge actually did, at one time span, across the Thames River in London. It was bought at auction by Robert McCulloch (the chainsaw guy). He had the bridge shipped to the U.S. and re-assembled in Lake Havasu City. The bridge now spans across a small channel from the mainland to a little island.

The London Bridge

In spite of a forecast calling for strong Santa Ana winds, we damned the weather and boarded the pontoon boat for a cruise across the lake to Copper Canyon. Our Canadian friends, Paul and Diane, were leaving a few days and we wanted to make sure that they didn't miss it.

Snug aboard with Captain Todd at the helm, we set sail. The boat provides blankets to keep things cozy. The only casualty caused by the wind was our French Canadian friend, Paul's casquette. We heard a loud "SHIT" as his cap flew off into the lake. Shit is one word Paul pronounces in excellent English.

Cruising across the lake

Sailing under the bridge, you can see the mud hens' mud nests in the eves.

The lake shoreline with the Mohave Mountains in the background.

Looking across the lake to the California side, an extinct volcano forms a prominent peak known as Muffin Mountain.

Wind and water erosion form a natural bridge called Window Mountain.

Mini lighthouses

There are 25 functioning replica lighthouses located in various spots around the lake. Each is a one fifth size model of an actual American or Canadian lighthouse. Here are the ones that we spotted on the tour. I won't attempt to try and identify what the original is.

Copper Canyon

Before there was a Lake Havasu and Parker Dam, there was a copper mining camp located in a canyon on the California shore of the Colorado River. The canyon was known as Copper Canyon. River boats brought in supplies for the miners and carried off the mined copper. Burros were used to haul the copper to the boats. After Parker Dam was constructed and Lake Havasu was formed the area was flooded by the lake and mining was no longer feasible. The mines were abandoned and the burros were left to fend for themselves in the wild.

In warmer weather the Canyon is a favorite fishing and recreation spot.

Our tour guide said that this rock formation looked like an elephant. I'm not so sure.

Maybe this is what she was talking about.

This is a favorite bird nesting spot. There are owls in there now.

The departing look at Copper Canyon.

All in all, this was a nice tour. If you are ever in Lake Havasu City, I would recommend it. The company is Sunset Charter & Tour Co.

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Enjoy!

Roger

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