lake-havasu-city – I like to write junk…

HAVASU CITY RESORT – 1966

“It’s doubtful that Nellie Pierce ever received or read Nancy’s message.”

Artist’s depiction of Havasu City Resort

Lake Havasu City, located in western Arizona on the shores of the stunning Lake Havasu, has become a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and scenic beauty. Among the many accommodations available, Havasu City Resort, now called Nautical Inn, stands out as a top choice for visitors looking for comfort, amenities, and access to local attractions.

Nautical Inn offers a wide array of amenities designed to suit families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The resort typically features modern and spacious rooms, some with lake views or direct access to the beach.

The resort’s prime location allows guests to explore several local attractions. Lake Havasu itself is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. The famed London Bridge, which was relocated from England in the 1970s, is a must-see historic site and provides a picturesque backdrop for photos and leisurely strolls. The area also boasts hiking trails, golf courses, and vibrant nightlife, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Guests can enjoy outdoor pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, and on-site dining options. Many resorts in the area also provide water sports equipment rentals, such as jet skis and paddleboards, along with boats.

Nautical Inn is a popular venue for weddings, business conferences, and family reunions. Many resorts offer event planning services, banquet facilities, and outdoor spaces to accommodate gatherings of various sizes. The beautiful scenery and pleasant climate make Lake Havasu City an ideal setting for memorable occasions.

Lake Havasu City is accessible by car from major cities such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The resort provides convenient parking and may offer shuttle services to nearby attractions. Local transportation options include taxis, ride-shares, and boat taxis for lake excursions.

The Nautical Inn provides guests with a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in one of Arizona’s most scenic destinations. With its comfortable accommodations, diverse amenities, and proximity to natural and cultural attractions, it is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in Lake Havasu City.

A picture postcard, showing a painting of the Nautical Inn, was sent to Nellie M. Pierce, at 207 First Avenue, in Joliet, Illinois, on May 12, 1966. A typewritten message on the front, written by someone named Nancy, says:

“5-12-66

Dear Nellie, No letter from you yesterday; how are you enjoying the cold weather; we have been enjoying some dark drizzly days but today is lovely. Al went to 29 Palms today and I wish I could have gone too. Hope you have a good weekend. Love Nancy”

Strangely enough, it’s doubtful that Nellie Pierce ever received or read Nancy’s message, because the postcard recipient had been dead for four months. Nellie M. Dunlap was born on September 10, 1892. Her occupation was a library assistant and then librarian, according to census records and archived newspaper accounts.

Nellie married Glen Pierce around 1924. He died a few years before his wife. Miss Nellie M. Dunlap-Pierce passed away on January 21, 1966. She was 73.

BLESSED

“Sometimes, we just don’t know the circumstances of not hearing from people.”

Another year has passed us by. As I’ve gotten older, I try to take a few minutes out of my busy schedule and seriously ponder what happened during the last 365 days. This reminiscing must be done away from any television, radio, phones, computers, and other interference. The garage works best for me.

On my wife’s side of the family, she lost five members in 2025. That’s the most we can ever remember. Several friends are no longer with us, with perhaps a few who are now unable to communicate. Sometimes, we just don’t know the circumstances of not hearing from people.

On Facebook, a friend wrote that they were going to start omitting the names of those who were no longer active. I had to grimace, because oftentimes folks pass away with nary a whisper. I seriously doubt they’d care if Wanda cuts them loose.

Our country has a new president, and I’m thankful for that. Some folks aren’t, but knock on wood, the sky hasn’t fallen yet. I’ll be the first to let you know if I spot any pieces coming down. I complained a lot when Joe Biden was in charge, so it’s only fair…

I was able to see my sixth book published. The price for books is skyrocketing, so my sales are more of the Kindle online version than anything. In 100 years, “Alaska Kemosabe” will be a rare bird, much like “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (First Edition)” of which only 22 copies survive.

The city was blessed with new lane dividers. Thanks to them, once again, automobile curb feelers are undoubtedly a big seller in local automotive parts stores, along with tires. I’ve yet to hit one, but judging by all of the black marks, many people have.

Speaking of Highway 95, nothing says “Welcome to Havasu” any better than miscellaneous debris for visitors to see. Landscaper and construction trailers seem to be the biggest culprits, but golly gee, there are service club members in town that’ll pick it up for free.

Several new restaurants opened this past year, which is good. A few also closed. Saddest of all was Scotty’s Broasted Chicken. That’s one eatery that can never be replaced. Joleen and I ate there on many occasions with friends. The time I remember most was with a builder who was going over construction costs with us.

New to Havasu at that time, I noticed the coolest guys in town wore neon colored sunglass straps around their necks. When they weren’t wearing their sunglasses, they let them dangle on their chest, always in reach. I did the same in Scotty’s, and when we went to leave, the cashier pointed to my glasses before saying,

“I’m going to have to charge you extra for takeout!” Chicken crust, coleslaw, and bread crumbs sat proudly on both lenses. She said it happens all the time. Her suggestion was that I flip my sunglasses to the backside while eating, or totally remove them. I’ve never forgotten that free advice.

I’m not sure what the road holds for 2026. Hopefully, it’s all good. Something tells me nothing will be done about those ugly curbs, but I can live with that. It gives residents and snowbirds something to complain about, other than dogs doing their business in the Rotary Park ball fields. Hey, don’t blame the dogs, they can’t read the signs.

My New Year’s wish for everyone is to be happy and healthy. Having just those two alone, consider yourself blessed!

THE HAVASU ICEMAN

He was “The Man” where making ice happen in our warm desert oasis is concerned.

Last Saturday, I attended a memorial service for Raymond Brogan of Lake Havasu City, held at Mudshark Public House and Brewery. The owner of this popular business — Scott Stocking — was gracious enough to offer a portion of his restaurant for the special remembrance ceremony at no charge. It’s great to see business people giving back to the community like that.

The turnout was exceptional — with approximately 80 of Ray’s family, friends, and business associates in attendance. Some traveled from as far away as New Zealand. I learned at this service for the first time — that Ray belonged to a Los Angeles motorcycle club called, “The Barbarians.” I didn’t even know he was into motorcycles. Raymond also was associated with the local Havasu MC club, “Desert Warriors.”

A fellow club member told attendees at Ray’s memorial, just how much Brogan loved riding with them and that he considered the members all good friends instead of just club members. Ray looked forward to more two-wheeled excursions and social get-togethers with these guys and gals before falling ill.

Ray and his wife Lisa are from New Zealand, having moved to Arizona several years ago. He loved his former country with all of his heart, yet America was his beloved new home. Rugby was Ray’s favorite sport, with him and Lisa attending games with fellow “Kiwis” whenever the “All Blacks” New Zealand national rugby team was playing in the U.S.

Raymond had recently started his own business called Keeping Havasu Cool. A Master HVAC —there was nothing about heating and air conditioning that the man didn’t know. I relied on his expertise several times as did other friends and strangers.

Ray Brogan helped numerous folks in the community with their AC problems, often without charging them. Ray was truly one of those folks who’d give you the shirt off his back.

Perhaps Ray was best known for hosting the ice rink at London Bridge Resort each winter and for opening an enclosed rink on McCulloch Boulevard. He was “The Man” where making ice happen in our warm desert oasis is concerned. Some folks called him “Ice Rink Ray” while others honorably referred to him as “Iceman.”

“Today’s New’s-Herald” reporter, Brandon Messick, wrote an informative story six years ago about Ray building an outside ice rink in this city. This archived article, published on November 23, 2018, is titled, “An ice day for skating.” It mentions Ray’s unique challenges in keeping water frozen when the winter temperature hits an abnormal 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ray Brogan loved to see children in Havasu ice skating and often allowed the less fortunate to skate for free. Ray was known by many folks as “The Havasu Iceman.”

In Lubbock, Texas, where I learned to roller skate as a kid, some parents labeled us, “Rink Rats.” In Anchorage, Alaska, where I frequented public outdoor ice rinks during winter along with friends, we were called the same. I’m sure Lake Havasu City has a few rink rats of its own thanks to Ray and Lisa’s efforts.

When Ray was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, this coming after several misdiagnoses, sadly, he only lived six weeks before passing away. There was no time to get affairs in order before he was gone, leaving Lisa to finish the difficult and arduous job.

As a microphone was being passed around at his memorial service for people to offer up remembrances, I thought long and hard on something to say. There was so much I could’ve offered in paying my last respects, yet chose something that I wasn’t sure would be deemed acceptable by folks I didn’t know — especially Ray’s family and friends from New Zealand.

Ray had a dry sense of humor that was over the top. Quick-witted, it oftentimes took me a few minutes for his ‘off the cuff’ comments to finally sink in — and on one occasion — it wasn’t until the following day.

While my wife and I were dining with Ray and Lisa, along with four other friends at a popular Italian restaurant, I asked the talented man, “How can I tell if my air conditioner is putting out to capacity?” Ray’s reply was instantaneous and to the point, informing me with a straight face, “By how loud it moans.”

Being a naïve guy, and not knowing what he meant, the comment flew straight over my head until a lightbulb finally turned on some 24 hours later. Only then did I start laughing.

The Barbarians Motorcycle Club is raffling off Ray’s 2008 Harley Davidson XL with all proceeds going to Lisa Brogan, Ray’s widow. She incurred a significant medical debt and is in great need of financial assistance here.

Tickets are $50 each and are available at Gear Up Motorsports located at 308 London Bridge Road. Contact Anthony at (928) 680-9100 for more information. They can also be purchased at Mustang Sallys located at 91 London Bridge Road.

Ray Brogan is going to be sorely missed in our city, yet he left behind a legacy that very few if any will ever claim. He was responsible for planting seeds of joy within area youth, showing them how much fun can be had with a simple pair of ice skates while gliding along on top of frozen Arizona water.

Ray will always be known to many local kids including parents as, “The Havasu Iceman.” I’m sure he’s looking down right now — quite proud of his many accomplishments!

HAVASU MYSTERIES

“If tiles are the problem — may I suggest going with carpet.”

I’ve been coming to Lake Havasu City long enough to see a big difference in growth over the years. There are far more homes, buildings, and people than when we first visited the city in 1979. That’s to be expected. Some residents see this as bad, but not me, because along with this growth came plenty more new job opportunities along with places to eat.

There’ve been several mysteries over the years that caught my attention. One of them being: Why did Bob’s Big Boy leave? My wife and I frequented the restaurant and liked their food, especially the burgers. No one has been able to tell me why they’re gone. They always seemed to have plenty of customers. I miss the little guy standing outside holding up that big hamburger.

Hussong’s is another mystery. At one time it was a good choice for Mexican food but eventually took a dive. How do successful places like that end up this way?

On top of that, their building caught fire afterward. Why do so many eateries go up in flames when they close shop. Are upset patrons doing this in protest? I’ve seen this happen in every place I’ve lived. Why don’t banks go up in flames when they close?

One of my current unsolved mysteries now involves an unfinished home on Smoketree Avenue and Magnolia Drive. Asking my wife how long it’d been under construction, she thought maybe four. I think it’s more like seven. What is the problem here? My curiosity has gotten so bad — that I drive by weekly just to see how much “hasn’t” been done.

Joleen believes the owner is having difficulty getting floor tiles, at least that’s the rumor she heard. We went through that problem with our home nearly 20 years ago. Hopefully, things have gotten better since then. If tiles are the problem — may I suggest going with carpet.

There’s another place I’m curious about on Bryce Court, more visible driving south on 95 than anywhere else. Someone has been working with equipment in their yard for a couple of years and still isn’t finished. He’s made major progress, and it looks great.

I’ve seen him in a dump truck, backhoe, and skid steer, moving more dirt around than some major construction projects in town. The fellow is doing an excellent job enlarging his yard.

My wife tells me to stop someday and ask him, but I always remember that line, “Curiosity killed the cat!” In reality, what the guy’s doing is none of my business. I’m just curious, I suppose — like hundreds of other people in our city.

Other mysteries in town have me scratching my head. What happened to the double-decker bus that was supposed to be up and rolling years ago. I’m talking about the one parked in front of McCulloch Real Estate, and not the one once in the English Village, used as a food truck. I wonder about that bus as well.

Perhaps the biggest mystery at this time is why a Sam’s Club or Costco hasn’t been built here yet. Our yearly population along with Parker’s would definitely support at least one of the big box stores. My vote of course would go for Costco. I say this not out of DEI or politics. Sam’s Club in Bullhead is miles closer than Costco in Las Vegas.

If this business does decide to locate here, may I recommend the south side of town? We need more traffic this way to even things out. The other day, while driving to Walmart, it took 20 minutes because of all the stop-and-go traffic.

This brings me to one final mystery, what happened to the proposed South McCulloch Byway, designed to make it easier to go east to I-40 from our side of town? I’d bet that guy doing the major yardwork on Bryce Court with all of his equipment, could have that needed road opened up in record time!