Lake Havasu City, Arizona: London Bridge

The real 950-foot-long bridge, moved here from England in the late 1960s. "Terror at London Bridge" was filmed here in 1985; "Piranha 3D" in 2009.

We did not stay in the area; we only drove through specifically so that "mom" could see the London Bridge for herself. I am obsessed with everything United Kingdom. So this was a real treat for me. We drove across the bridge and parked in the parking area just to the left past the bridge. We hoofed it on foot from there. The Island Gifts and Souvenirs shop below the bridge had the nicest gal there. And the west side seemed a lot more low key vs the east side, which was filled with young tourists on Spring Break. Loved the sign and lamp posts.

On a road trip out west I noticed a sign: "London Bridge Next Right." And I thought, "Yeah, right, London Bridge in Arizona," only to learn the story later at home. The next trip, around 2015, I did stop. It was Sunday evening and most of the businesses were closed, but the fountain was working and the ducks on the river greeted me in full force. The bridge is a work of art with an interesting history. I had a great burger and hot cup of joe (it was crisp fall windy day), fed the ducks, and was glad I stopped.

The Winding Roads of Lake Havasu City -- The method to C.V. Wood's madness. In designing the city, founder Robert McCulloch, and designer, C.V. Wood wanted all streets of city to have some water view lots. There are some without, but by winding the roads around as they did, they, for the most part, succeeded in accomplishing their goal. I have been wandering these streets since 1972, but just learned of their desire for this goal about 10 years ago.

We just made a stop at the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. The fountain was clean and running. The area did not look run down. We did see the telephone booth, which looked like it has been painted. We did not see a double-decker bus. There were businesses, although many had closed signs; not surprising given the temperature was 111 degrees.