What We Found in the California Desert

I sure did miss being a nomad.

More than I thought I would.

Solo Again, This Time in Flagstaff, Arizona

Back in June of 2023 I found myself solo – AGAIN. Yes, again. I had been with John on and off for about 2 years as we traveled in RVs when we called it quits for, what I thought, would be the last time. This time was final, I thought to myself as well as told friends and family. Little did I know I’d be contacting him a few months later. But I’ll pick that back up again further down this post.

Watch : From RV to Pickup Truck : Solo Female Nomad Part 1

As I found myself solo and pretty much broke. I had some money in a retirement plan as well as savings but not enough to warrant not getting a job. My tiny savings needed to stay intact in case of complete tragedy. This was bad, but not tragic.

Solo and broke, I bought a truck with some money John and I settled on when we split and started living in my 2011 Ford Ranger pick up truck. It was summer so I headed to Flagstaff, Arizona. I’m an AZ resident and figured Flag (as the locals call it) would be a cool place to live, work and hike.

Now that I had transportation I could get a job and then a place to live until I could build my finances back up again. I was doing just that when disaster struck again (honestly, I’ve never had this much bad luck in my life!)

Long story short, in November I left Flagstaff under duress (click that link to find out why) and headed to Lake Havasu, Arizona where John had offered to let me stay with him.

Just a month or so later I’m happy and beginning to explore the area – just like I did for years previous when I was an RV nomad!! (Check out my Instagram account for all my photo journal entries over the years of all the amazing places I’ve been).

Finally Exploring the Lake Havasu Region

All the years I stayed in and around Lake Havasu as a nomad I never had the chance to visit the Parker Dam. RVs aren’t allowed on the dam so that excluded me, as I lived in a class C RV for almost 3 years.

John and I headed out one blustery morning to check out the, get this, DEEPEST DAM IN THE WORLD! What?!

Since seeing the Parker Dam took all of 15 minutes, it may be the deepest but visually it’s pretty small, we decided to drive the California side of the Colorado River across from Parker, Arizona.

Not far from the dam is Copper Basin Dunes OHV area. John took a quick right into the parking lot and realized we could head out into the desert with our little red 4×4. How fun!

Traveling just a few minutes into the ride we found ourselves hopping out to follow a hiking trail! The day just got better!

But wait, there’s more…

This is where we found the rock garden!

Be sure to watch my YouTube video below for the extended experience.

Finding Hidden Gems in the California Desert https://youtu.be/uRqyclxqRpI

I just love how each art structure represents the desert or region, except Mickey Mouse, how did he make it? LOL.

Thank You for Stopping By!

I’m Allie. At 48 I set out solo to live in my RV. That journey is on hold but my passions for hiking and living well in my 50s still live on! Join me below for more inspiration and adventures. We’re older but even stronger!