Back to Imperial Dam LTVA - Feb 14, 2013

Our great time in Phoenix was topped off with an evening in the company of Doug and Edie at their place somewhere in the north west part of this booming metropolis.

ROB, PAT, EDIE, AND DOUG

On the way back to the Yuma area we drove by this interesting array of mirrors.  It appears that it is the world's largest parabolic trough concentrating solar plant.  Located near Gila Bend, Arizona, it is big enough to supply energy to 70,000 homes.

ARIZONA SOLAR ONE LLC

The Imperial Dam LTVA (long-term visitor area) is neighbours with YPG (Yuma Proving Ground) where the US Military test weapons and equipment.

On display are a many weapons of various uses, ages, and sizes.  Included are various forms of canons and mortar launchers.

Rockets.

Tanks and RVs.

Neat flying machines.

The Imperial Dam was constructed as part of a major irrigation project with irrigation being the first priority and recreation lakes somewhere down the list.  When we arrived this afternoon, the level of the lake had gone down considerably from what we had seen during our previous time here.

IMPERIAL DAM RESERVOIR

 Upon arrival, we were greeted by a couple of Burrows.  I had to get a photo of this one before I was allowed to set up camp.

We also discovered John Kohl, who was with us all here last week, was set up within a short distance of our original campsite after having been somewhere else for a few days. It is interesting that in a place like this unorganized campsite, people remember who we were and where the other members of our party have relocated.  One of our neighbours knew his location by his flag which he pointed out to us.

It makes one feel safe in the middle of the desert.