Crossroads Campgrounds

There use to be a place called the Crossroads Campgrounds. It was a neat spot just north of Parker. I am not certain it still is open, maybe someone could let me know.

If it is, here is the information we had 10 years ago.

The grounds are open all year. There are 12 tent or RV units available. The maximum length for RV’s is 35 feet. Crossroads does provide vault toilets, a picnic area and fire grills. The Campground does not have drinking water or showers. The real treat to this camping site is that there is no fee to camp and reservations are not necessary.

 You can get to Crossroads Campgrounds from Parker by traveling north out of town on Highway 95, for approximately 8 miles. 

It is just past Cienega Springs. If you would like more information on this unique camping spot along the Colorado River outside of Parker, you may call 520-505-1200.

Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and Library

Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and Library The Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and Library features the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Navajo and Hopi Indian Tribes. You will learn about these tribes past and present. The museum has an extensive collection of locally made Indian crafts. The collection includes Chemehuevi basketry, Mojave pottery, Indian beads and jewelry. 

The museum also has a Beebee Brown Basket Collection, which is unique. The nearby ghost town of La Paz has contributed some pieces from long ago. You will enjoy going through this museum. There is so much to learn about the area and the people from the past. The library is adjacent to the museum. Here you will see original manuscripts and records dealing with the Native American cultures.

The Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and Library is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The museum is closed on Sundays and holidays. A small donation is appreciated for the entrance into the museum.

The museum is located off of Highway 95 at 2nd and Mohave in Parker. You can get there from Lake Havasu City or Bullhead City by taking Highway 95 south to Parker.If you would like more information on the museum and/or library, you can call (928) 669-9211

Buckskin Mountain State Park

Going to Buckskin was the treat we all wanted. The sand and excitement of the river was a draw for locals and visitors as well. Buckskin Mountain State Park attracts nature and water lovers to the area.  The park is at an elevation of 420 feet and covers 1.677 acres.  Its perfect location along the Colorado River, draws hikers, campers, fishers, and water enthusiasts.  When you arrive at Buckskin Mountain State Park, you will want to go to the visitor center and look into all the activities that you can get involved in.

Campers will find showers, electric hook-ups, laundry facilities and a dump station.  There are 125 camping units.  Pets are allowed at the park.

If hiking is your desire, you will find picnic areas, picnic shelters, group use areas and hiking trails.  There are three developed trails for hikers to chose from, it is a hard decision.  The trails ascend from steep bluffs to panoramic views.  Buckskin Mountain State Park provides restrooms, h andicapped access and a concession st and.

Water lovers will enjoy the facilities that are offered at the park.  You will find a boat launch ramp and a gas dock.  The park is a perfect spot for boaters, swimmers and water skiers.  Those who enjoy fishing will discover this is the place to go to drop your line.  Large-mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish and bluegill can be found swimming in these waters.

Buckskin Mountain State Park is open every day from 8:00 to 10:00.  The admission for a private vehicle is $7.00 for weekends and holidays.  The charge for a private vehicle is a great price for weekdays.  Camping fees range from $12.00 to $30.00.  If you want more information on this park, you may call 928-667-3231.

You can get to Buckskin Mountain State Park from Parker by taking Highway 95 north out of town for approximately 11 miles.  You will see the signs for the park.  The park is associated with the River Island Unit, so don’t get confused with the signs.

You will have a great time at this park!

Bluewater Resort and Casino

The first time I went down to Bluewater was in 1974. As a teen, it was the best place in world. In 74 the casino was no even on anyone’s drawing board. The charm was all in the river location and the beauty of the desert.

30 years later Bluewater changed. The charm is still there, but now there is world class fun to be had mixed with the beauty I remember so well.

The Bluewater Resort and Casino uses the draw of the Colorado River to entice its visitors. The resort casino has lots to offer. The resort has 200 rooms and suites with river views.

Casino entertainment is popular. You will find over 40 slots, non-stop gaming action (poker, keno and off-track pari-mutuel betting) and a large bingo parlor.  If you want like to cool off, you can take a dunk in the indoor water slide or pool. The food is great! There is 24-hour dining available. 

The dining options are varied from buffet to snack bars. The miniature golf and movie theater four-plex are just a sample of the activities offered at the resort and casino.  The Bluewater Resort and Casino is located near downtown Parker at 11222 Resort Drive (1-800-747-8777).

Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge

Growing up in Parker, I visited this area many times.  It is always a great Arizona adventure.  You can get to the refuge by traveling north out of Parker.  Just past the Parker Dam you will see the road east to the Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge.In 

The Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge was established over 60 years ago, making it one of the first along the river.  Since the 90’s, the refuge has been managed and maintained by six state and federal agencies.  It is an excellent resource for riparian, wildlife and fisheries.

There are few places in the world where you can see such a diverse assortment of plants and animals.  It is possible to st and in one spot and see a saguaro cactus, a cattail and and a cottonwood tree.  You will be amazed at the variety.  

This unique blend of upl and desert, marsh and desert riparian habitats provide numerous birds, mammals and reptiles.  Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge is a destination spot you won and #146;t want to miss.

Parker Arizona

Parker is in Western Arizona . It is in La Paz County. The town is located on Highway 95 along the Colorado River and California border. You can get to Parker from Bullhead or Lake Havasu City by taking Highway 95 south. You can get to Parker from Phoenix by taking Interstate 10 west out of town, to Quartzsite. At Quartzsite turn right and head north on Highway 95 to Parker. 
Parker is a fun recreational town on  Arizona ’s West Coast. It is a town that grew because of its location, along the Colorado River. Today Parker’s population is 2,975. The town sits at an elevation of 450 feet. The climate is hot in the summer, yet mild in the winter. The winter low is 38 degrees and the summer high is 108 degrees. Parker does receive a scattered amount of rainfall about 3 inches a year. There are so many recreational activities in Parker. It is a great town for boaters, fishers, and campers.

Parker is named after General Eli Parker, an American Indian and respected officer. General Parker was part of the staff for General Ulysses S. Grant. He was present during the surrender of Robert E. Lee, during the Civil War at Appomattox. Later, General Grant became United States Superintendent of Indian Affairs. While he held this position in 1865, the Colorado River Indian Reservation was created, along with the town of Parker. The original town was four miles south of the present day Parker. 

The reason the town moved north was due to the railroad. In 1905, both Arizona and California came together to built a bridge over the Colorado River. The site chosen was north of Parker and thus the town moved.  Parker was founded in 1908 and in 1948 the town was incorporated. Arizona voters decided to create a new county by taking part of Yuma County and naming it La Paz County. On January 1, 1983 Parker became the county seat for La Paz County.

There are some attractions you will want to enjoy during your visit to Parker. One of the biggest attractions is Parker Dam. This dam is known as one of the deepest in the country. The Bluewater Casino is another attraction. It is near downtown Parker. The casino has entertainment, gaming and a four-plex movie theater. The Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and Library is a great place to learn more about the Native Americans that lived in the area long ago.

 Outdoor activities are definitely the highlights of Parker. You will want to see Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, La Paz County Park and the Buckskin Mountain State Park. Both of these spots will let visitors see the beautiful area and its wildlife. Crossroads Campground is a terrific place to relax.

Parker Unified School District has four schools in the area. There are also six additional schools that service La Paz County. Three preschools and a Head-Start program are also available in Parker. Arizona Western College and Northern Arizona University offer classes in town.

Parker has a hospital with a helicopter pad and 39 beds to meet the medical needs of the town. La Paz County Regional Hospital is located on Mohave Road (928) 669-9201. There are physicians, dentists, optometrist and chiropractors available in town.

There is a local AM radio station and two local television stations. If you are interested in receiving a cable connection in Parker, you will need to contact Cable Vision at 1620 California Avenue (928) 669-2191.

There are a variety of churches to choose from such as:
Desert View Baptist 401 West 15th Street (928) 669-2490
Sacred Heart Catholic Church 916 11th Street (928) 669-2502
Valley Presbyterian Second and Mohave Road (928) 669-8193
United Methodist 1505 Arizona Avenue (928) 669-8913
Saint Phillips Episcopal 1209 Eagle Street (928) 669-9681
Seventh Day Adventist 909 Mohave Avenue (928) 550-0336
Latter Day Saints 14th and Reata (928) 669-2700
Messiah Lutheran 800 8th Street (928) 669-8964

Emerald Canyon Golf Course is a beautiful course open to the public all year round. The course offers spectacular views of the Colorado River, cliffs and ravines. You will find a full service golf shop, snack bar, driving range and practice greens. In addition, the Emerald Canyon Golf Course has a PGA Golf Pro and golf lessons. If you are interested in more information on playing, you may call (928) 667-3366.

Local Events:
Offroad Road Racing Season January
La Paz County Fair March
Parker Enduro Speedboat Race May
Annual Innertube River Float June
Fourth of July Fireworks Over the River July
International ‘Air Chair” Championships September
MS Best Dam Bike Ride November
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade December

Intaglio at Bella La Paz

I would like to introduce you to Intaglio at Bella La Paz.  It is being created in La Paz County, near Parker Arizona. Parker is my Arizona hometown, so I really am excited to see this project take form. Let me share a little information on the project. If you would like more information, just give me a call or email me at chapman@westusa.com

Now Let Me WELCOME You TO INTAGLIO AT BELLA LA PAZ
An Affordable RV and Residential Home Community.

RIVER COUNTRY HAS IT ALL:
Yes, everyone loves the climate and lifestyle of Colorado River Country.  Millions come here each year to rest, relax, recharge and meet up with old friends. Yes, life is good on the Arizona Coast. The warmth, the sunshine, the clean air, the open spaces. …you know what we mean.

While there is abundant sunshine and friendship, there haven’t been many affordable RV Ownership communities to choose from… until now.   Intaglio at Bella La Paz is now taking reservations, so don’t miss out on this special opportunity to reserve your place in the fun!!

YOUR NEW HOME AWAY FROM HOME:
River Country has a limited number of great RV and Winter visitor choices.  Sometimes it’s even a struggle to find your spot in the sun, at any price. 

Whatever your situation, we have your new RV lot or new Home-site waiting for you at INTAGLIO. Just for you. Three large lot sizes from 4500 to 9,000 square foot to choose from. Park your RV on your own lot each year, order your personalized Manufactured Home, or build your own site-built home. Full hookups with municipal water and sewer systems are included

COME JOIN US FOR GOOD TIMES:
RV’ers are the best people in the world to be friends with.  Loyal, down-home, friends you-can-count-on.  And laugh?  Sometimes it’s Too Much Fun!  Some of you have made us laugh so hard our sides ached. You know what we mean. 
           
INTAGLIO has been designed from the start with good times in mind.  Three communities to choose from, depending upon the lifestyle, home, and budget you have.  And you will be amazed at the value packages we offer for lot only or lot and home packages.  All at outstanding prices. 

Validation Tools

When you have a website as part of your business, you need to learn a little extra everyday. Today I am learning about website validation tools. My thought was share what I learn as I go along. As they say, observe once, do once, teach once.

The Basics

• The MarkUp Validator. - HTML validator
• The Link Checker - Checks anchors (hyperlinks) in a HTML/XHTML document. Find those broken links.
• The CSS Validator - validates CSS stylesheets or documents using CSS stylesheets.

Developing mobile-friendly content? The MobileOK checker is a one-stop service to check your Web site and improve its mobile-friendliness.

Also in the works is the Unicorn, the project to build a Universal Conformance Checker.

Specific Tools - for Specific Needs

• Semantic Extractor - Sees a Web page from a semantic point of view. Extracts such information as outline, description, languages used, etc.
• RDF Validator - Checks and Visualize RDF documents
• Feed Validator. - Checks newsfeeds in formats like ATOM and RSS.
• P3P Validator - Checks whether a site is P3P enabled and controls protocol and syntax of Policy-Reference-File and Policy
• XML Schema Validator

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