Quartzsite and beyond

written February 12, 2015

When last together I told you that we were heading to Quartzsite, Az. for a couple of weeks in the desert, for the “Circling of the Montanas. WOW, we are back from one of the most unique experiences of our journey yet! We were one of seventy five Montana's gathered in the desert. More than half were positioned in an oval, with the others scattered behind. In the center a dealer positioned 6 new Montana's for us to look over at our leisure. It worked, I think he sold two! We also gathered there nightly for Happy Hour and for a bonfire. In other words, fun.

the beginning of our gathering.....

Circling the Montana's 2015, taken from an Ultralight.

 

Look who we met up with at the RV Show!

Quartzsite, what can I tell you, 3,300 permanent residents (300,000 to 400,000 during January), no zoning, 3 ½ inches of rain all year, mountains on three sides but located where it is flat, flat, flat desert, Arizona 95 running north/south is the only paved road out of town (can't count I-10 as it only passes through at a high rate of speed), January traffic jambs are something to behold. 

 As are the sunrises and sunsets over the mountains. Each morning and evening a few clouds appear in the sky just for the magnificent show, then they disappear until morning for the next show. While they are gone at night the sky is a mass of stars like you have never seen before. WOW, WOW, WOW. We were located six miles north and three miles east of town (the only source of light for thirty miles in any direction) so it gets DARK at night. Living in the “light pollution Mid West, we were totally unaware that the “MilkyWay” was still up there!!! Only one road near, with only other campers around no road noise, no airplane noise, no train noise, after 10 PM when generators are turned off there is just the occasional coyote howl, it is QUIET!

Being of the creature comfort generation we were not quite sure how we would do “Boondocking”. Boondocking = no electric, no water, no sewer.

We purchased a generator (running hours 7AM to 10PM) which provided a small amount of electricity during the day and charged our batteries for the night. We had 60 gallons of fresh water in our water tank, and our grey and black tanks were empty. We actually did quite well, had thirty gallons of water left after 12 days! One great tip given us was to catch the cold water in the shower while waiting for the hot to appear into a bucket. Take that clean water to wash dishes with, catching the rinse water to use to flush the toilet! Wow, what ingenuity.

One of the main reasons so many RV'er's are there in January, is for Quartzite's huge RV Show, Flea Market and Gem Shows, all going on simultaneously. Fun and beautiful items could be found by everyone.

I can only imagine how hot it must be in the summer, so a good reason to be closed!

A lot of dust and slow going on the very rough road to The Desert Bar

A real gathering of all terrain vehicles and 4 wheelers - ye ha !

On Saturday we went on a “Bar Run” with our many friends. The destination, Nellie E. Desert Bar, was located around 32 miles from our campsite. The first 27 miles we drove on AZ-95 (smooth asphalt), the last 5.2 miles were driven on a “road” carved out of a mountain. The 32 mile trip took us one hour and 35 minutes. Until now I was totally unaware one could actually drive 5mph and be going too fast!! The Nellie E. has great burgers and is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, the place was packed by Geezers out for a thrill! It's also a real destination for Off Road vehicles as there are trails/roads all through the hills around it.

We took a day and went into the mountains to hunt for Quartz and Crystals. Found some! Not enough to re-retire but great fun, nonetheless.

 

Lake Havasu, Arizona

Lake Havasu

Cattail State Park on the Colorado River north of Parker, Az.

Took another day and drove to Lake Havasu City to see the London Bridge. Nice, but so is the bridge over Twin Creek back in West Alex, Ohio. Nuff said! We did, however, take a side trip crossing the Parker Dam over the Colorado River, which was breathtaking. We then followed the Parker Dam Scenic Road back to Parker , along the California side of the river with cool views of the Colorado River and wild burros loose on the road. In Parker we met friends Sue and Kevin Uden, who moved to Parker 30+ years ago, for a nice visit and another tremendous authentic Mexican supper.

Parker Dam on the Colorado River south of Lake Havasu, Az.

As soon as we crossed the dam, we were in California!

We only saw them in a yard behind a fence, so no danger there!

The Crossroads, originally a store in a small town near where the dam was being built.

Every evening after “Happy Hour” at 4:00, and stunning sunsets, we had a campfire to sit by, listen to great guitar strumming and singing, and tell “true” stories!!! What a great way to wrap up each adventurous and interesting day.

Great songs, great laughter, great friends

Sorry that there are no “getting lost” stories this time, but there really weren't any roads around to get lost on! Julie is grinning.