As I'm sure is the case for most people, the Holidays is a busy time of year for Cindy and I and planning things like trips with friends is difficult to do. And, when I got a message from mcpuck saying that a few of our old friends were planning a get together out in Laughlin and that we were invited to come, we moved things around and made sure that we could join them. Of course, we didn't know what the plan was beyond meeting up with them for the weekend but really, it didn't matter to us. It'd been way too long since we've gotten together with everyone and that alone would make it worth the almost 1,500 mile round trip. Anyway, here are some pics from our trip, I hope you enjoy them. 
Fortunately for us, Trail Bud was able to join us on this trip and so we got to caravan down together. Here's a shot of us along the shores of Walker Lake soon after meeting up.
One of many gas stops that we made along the way.
Of course, we can't make a trip down the 95 without making a stop to top off at "Eddie World"
Pulling into Laughlin after a long day on the road.
Good morning from the banks of the Colorado River.
The Misfit Committee.
After a nice breakfast, we topped off our tanks and headed out to do some sightseeing.
Hello Arizona!
Our first stop for the day was over in the town of Lake Havasu City to see Arizona's 2nd biggest tourist trap after the Grand Canyon - The London Bridge.
For centuries, the London Bridge spanned the Thames River in London, England over 5,400 miles away but on April 18, 1968, Robert P. McCulloch bought it from the Common Council of the City of London for a sum of $2,460,000.
Each block was carefully numbered, dismantled, shipped across the Panama Canal, trucked in from Long Beach, CA, reassembled piece by piece here in Arizona and then opened for traffic on October 10, 1971.
Time to drive over London Bridge! It's hard to imagine that there was a time where severed heads including that of William Wallace were once dipped in tar, impaled on spikes and placed on display at the southern gateway of this bridge.
After driving over London Bridge and back again without it falling on us, we headed south, pulled off pavement and aired down to do some exploring.
Looking out across the beautiful Arizona desert.
The plan had been to make a trek out to the old mining town of Swansea but apparently, it'd been a while since we were last out in the area and the trailhead near the Parker Dam is now closed. What a bummer!
One of two closed gates at the end of the road.
Fortunately, there are other places to explore and things to do and so we made our way out to them.
Shot of Et in his red JK looking for spot to get some flex however little it might be.
Don climbing his way up with ease.
With a set of 40's, I don't think Ray even knew there was an obstacle here.
A couple of shots of Moochie in his brand new Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk giving it his all!
And finally, here's a shot of Tony in his bone stock Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited making it look easy.
Pulling into the "Nellie E Saloon" (aka - the Desert Bar) for a little grub and adult beverages.
Located in the Buckskin Mountains just east of Parker, Arizona, the saloon is situated on an old mining claim that was called the Nellie E.
Time to take a step inside.
When the land was acquired by a guy named Ken back in 1975, it came with a liquor license and in 1983, he opened for business - CHEERS!!
Dropping into the shadows of a canyon - Before calling it a day, we decided to make one more stop.
It's always fun to see stock Jeeps or in this case, an all new Cherokee out on the trail.
Snaking our way along a ridgeline.
Made it to Rovey's Needle just as the sun was setting.
Making the final climb to the top.
Moochie climbing up and through the eye of the needle.
Doug in the eye of the needle.
I've yet to find a good explanation as to how this towering rock formation was created or what kind of forces carved out the honeycomb shapes in the middle of it but I suppose, the imagination is all that's needed to fill in the blanks.
One last look across the valley and then it's time to head on out.
Tanking up before making our way back to Laughlin.
Of course, Lori had to stop in the mini-mart to pick up something Christmassy.
Back at our home for the night, we cracked open some Francovich Holiday Nog to celebrate an awesome day out!
For those of you who aren't from the Reno area, Francovich, owner of The Grill restaurant gathers family members from about mid-October till the end of December to make their famous Francovich Holiday Nog. This nog is based on a recipe Eli Francovich brought from Yugoslavia and started making here in Northern Nevada back in 1867. Laced with aged Kentucky bourbon and Jamaican rum, it contains a modest 7% alcohol and has a wonderfully smooth taste. It has been a family tradition of theirs that has continued for five generations and for 143 years.
To good friends and good times - CHEERS!!
Fortunately for us, Trail Bud was able to join us on this trip and so we got to caravan down together. Here's a shot of us along the shores of Walker Lake soon after meeting up.
One of many gas stops that we made along the way.
Of course, we can't make a trip down the 95 without making a stop to top off at "Eddie World"
Pulling into Laughlin after a long day on the road.
Good morning from the banks of the Colorado River.
The Misfit Committee.
After a nice breakfast, we topped off our tanks and headed out to do some sightseeing.
Hello Arizona!
Our first stop for the day was over in the town of Lake Havasu City to see Arizona's 2nd biggest tourist trap after the Grand Canyon - The London Bridge.
For centuries, the London Bridge spanned the Thames River in London, England over 5,400 miles away but on April 18, 1968, Robert P. McCulloch bought it from the Common Council of the City of London for a sum of $2,460,000.
Each block was carefully numbered, dismantled, shipped across the Panama Canal, trucked in from Long Beach, CA, reassembled piece by piece here in Arizona and then opened for traffic on October 10, 1971.
Time to drive over London Bridge! It's hard to imagine that there was a time where severed heads including that of William Wallace were once dipped in tar, impaled on spikes and placed on display at the southern gateway of this bridge.
After driving over London Bridge and back again without it falling on us, we headed south, pulled off pavement and aired down to do some exploring.
Looking out across the beautiful Arizona desert.
The plan had been to make a trek out to the old mining town of Swansea but apparently, it'd been a while since we were last out in the area and the trailhead near the Parker Dam is now closed. What a bummer!
One of two closed gates at the end of the road.
Fortunately, there are other places to explore and things to do and so we made our way out to them.
Shot of Et in his red JK looking for spot to get some flex however little it might be.
Don climbing his way up with ease.
With a set of 40's, I don't think Ray even knew there was an obstacle here.
A couple of shots of Moochie in his brand new Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk giving it his all!
And finally, here's a shot of Tony in his bone stock Jeep JK Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited making it look easy.
Pulling into the "Nellie E Saloon" (aka - the Desert Bar) for a little grub and adult beverages.
Located in the Buckskin Mountains just east of Parker, Arizona, the saloon is situated on an old mining claim that was called the Nellie E.
Time to take a step inside.
When the land was acquired by a guy named Ken back in 1975, it came with a liquor license and in 1983, he opened for business - CHEERS!!
Dropping into the shadows of a canyon - Before calling it a day, we decided to make one more stop.
It's always fun to see stock Jeeps or in this case, an all new Cherokee out on the trail.
Snaking our way along a ridgeline.
Made it to Rovey's Needle just as the sun was setting.
Making the final climb to the top.
Moochie climbing up and through the eye of the needle.
Doug in the eye of the needle.
I've yet to find a good explanation as to how this towering rock formation was created or what kind of forces carved out the honeycomb shapes in the middle of it but I suppose, the imagination is all that's needed to fill in the blanks.
One last look across the valley and then it's time to head on out.
Tanking up before making our way back to Laughlin.
Of course, Lori had to stop in the mini-mart to pick up something Christmassy.
Back at our home for the night, we cracked open some Francovich Holiday Nog to celebrate an awesome day out!
For those of you who aren't from the Reno area, Francovich, owner of The Grill restaurant gathers family members from about mid-October till the end of December to make their famous Francovich Holiday Nog. This nog is based on a recipe Eli Francovich brought from Yugoslavia and started making here in Northern Nevada back in 1867. Laced with aged Kentucky bourbon and Jamaican rum, it contains a modest 7% alcohol and has a wonderfully smooth taste. It has been a family tradition of theirs that has continued for five generations and for 143 years.
To good friends and good times - CHEERS!!
