Quite The Contrast in Weather Systems....

The locals have always stated that it never rains in southern California! Well, we can prove different!  It rained.....and it rained for well over 14 hours, non stop.  Oh, but the desert sure loved it.  It's refreshing!

Puddles can be seen on the desert floor.

For a brief moment, this early morning, we thought we had been picked up and beamed back to the Pacific West Coast of BC.  It was much milder here though.

Late yesterday afternoon, before the rains.

Yesterday was mild - although cloudy - so we left on a 2 1/2 hour morning hike to a conservation area here at Pirate Cove.  It was fun to discover and read the many signs that depict the types of foliage in the desert and the history on the Colorado River.

From the other side we saw this RVer - with metal detector in hand - scouting for local precious metals.

A little blurb on the Mesquite Tree, found here.  (Double click for a larger photo view)

Of all the cacti found in the desert, the Prickly Pear is quite common.  We have not ever seen one in bloom but that may just happen this winter.

We were quite taken by the scenery along this Conservation area. 

Taking a break to enjoy the Colorado River - to the right - and the estuary to the left.

The estuary is the entrance to Pirate Cove Marina.  It is a protected channel that guards against damage to boats during heavy winds that can blow through here.

Caught a photo of these two fishers after reeling in a local fish.  They released it back into the channel.

On our way out of the Conservation area, I caught a few photos from the resort area.  I particularly enjoyed one of the numerous water fountains built with oak barrels.  Nice concept....and very effective too with the sound that the water makes.

The lovely cabins that dot the water front along the protected Pirate Cove channel, off the Colorado River.

Another view of the marina below shows just how sleepy this area is during the winter months.  It is very serene and peaceful.

Jeanette and I followed our morning hike with lunch and then suited up for the 40 minute ride into Laughlin, Nevada.  From there, we rode over the bridge (on the Colorado River) and into Bullhead City, Arizona, to have the motorcycle front brakes replaced.

Coming into Lauglin from the south side...heading north.

When replacing the front motorcycle tire, one week ago, I had a good look at the front brakes (there are two of them in front and one on the back wheel) and although they were still fine, they were close to being due for replacement.  Yesterday afternoon's appointment had a new set installed.  

We rode off to the Bullhead City China Buffet, for a fantastic, late afternoon, meal before heading back home to our RV site - in California.  I mention the three states in this blog because our ride did take us from California to Nevada, then into Arizona, then back to California.  Three states were crossed into during one ride.

We arrived back to our RV site and, within one hour, the rain began in earnest.  It drizzled all night long and we woke up to heavy clouds and moist air.

The Canadian Geese that hang out here were enjoying the wet weather.

As of this writing, the rain has long ago stopped and once this blog is posted, Jeanette and I plan to head out for a nice afternoon walk on the loop.

Thanks for dropping in.