Cholla Campsite

Originally we were going to explore the "Rim" yesterday but Mary woke up with a sore hip so we changed plans and stayed in camp. Mary cut my hair (no pictures) then she worked on quilting with Sherri. So here are a few thoughts from the camp-ground in Arizona.

We are seen every type of RV on this trip. Here is a recent find we saw in Miami, Arizona. It must be from the 70s, but looked in good shape.

Once set-up we needed to register. Off to the visitors' Center with Mike and Sheri.

Sheri prepared supper for these weary travellers. Thanks, Sheri, much appreciated. Smoky, wanted his supper too.

Mike and Sheri are also "Airstreamers". We met them in Quartzsite. Their trailer holds 5. Two adults. two dogs. 1 parrot.  Where does everyone sleep? Lovely trailer!

Quartzsite, Arizona

What is it about Quartzsite that attracts so many winter campers? (Weather, Cheap Camping, the Shows, ATV riding, etc. etc. etc.) Right now there are over 2,000 vendors here all trying to sell stuff to the RVers out in the desert. The BIG TENT is up and the "shows" start this weekend. Every day new rigs arrive by the thousands. Some areas in the desert are quite crowded as friends and owners of particular brands try to group together.
Monday, Marvin, Annie, Mary and I took a hike up into the hills behind us. By the time we were finished those hills felt like mountains.

Annie stayed at the bottom to look after Tobey and Niki while we climbed to explore an abandoned mine.

 I believe this was the crusher for all the rock dug out of the mine. We didn't find any gold lying around.

 Looking across the valley, our trailer is out there somewhere......

 Mary suggested we climb the next hill which was even higher.  This is starting to feel like a mountain now....

 If you click on this picture to enlarge it you will see thousands of white dots.......... those are campers.....

 The BIG TENT, has just been erected and the shows start Friday.

 Can you believe all the campers? Every state even Alaska is here; lots of Canadians too ............

 OK, time to get off this mountain, see you later ............................

No post tomorrow as we will be flying back to Toronto. I'll post again on Saturday. (P.S. Please excuse the "blue tinge" I didn't reset my camera and I didn't realize my mistake until I was back down, and I wasn't about to climb back up to redo the pictures.)

Quartz from the Gem Show

It's a good thing I have a heavy duty truck. As each week passes Mary collects more rock for the entrance back home. Here is her purchase at the "Gem Show" yesterday.

This is a piece of "Quartz" and will look great by our front door.

 This ultra-light flew over during "Happy Hour" yesterday. We have enjoyed sitting around with Brian, Phil and Jim and getting their input on "Solar Systems" for trailers. They are a great source of information.

If you are thinking of joining us here in "Q" this is the typical morning scene you have to endure.

 Love the wide open camping sites and those beautiful clouds drifting by.  One can be very content here.

This will be the last post until we return from our cruise January 15th  Thanks for all your comments. See you next Saturday. (unless we get wifi on board) Check back on Sunday to see if we are on line.

Quartzsite Gem Show

As promised an update on Quartzsite. We drove in to check out the "flea Markets" and discovered they were getting ready for a gem show this weekend. Now gems are right up Mary's alley so she was delighted to spend a few hours walking through and checking out all the vendors.

First a shot of the entrance to our BLM camp area.

 Now that's a solar system. It automatically follows the sun across the sky each day to maximize solar gain.

 Campers near us. Remember this is only $3.00/night

 Checking out the "Flea Markets" early this morning. Difficult to find a parking spot and everyone say it's not busy.

 Everything is available somewhere under a tent in Quartzsite.

 Lots of food vendors, lots of variety, all fast food though. OK once in a while we break down and have a burger. Cancel the drink and fries though.

 Every vendor needs a gimmick to get the buyers inside the door.

 A shot across tent city. This area will change each month as new and different shows set up. Mary was delighted to learn that the "Quilting" show opens two days after we return in February. YEA!!!

 Someone asked if I was interested in getting my licence.............. sorry I don't qualify back in Canada.

 Back home and ready for some reading time outside under the sun. Do you want to see what Mary bought at the gem show?

Check in tomorrow, I need to get a picture first.

Have a great day.