Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Yuma–to Quartzsite and the big Tent RV show!

We spent most of our allotted 2 weeks camped off Ogilby Road, using the time to take advantage of being around lots of businesses in Yuma, as well as the Arizona Market, etc.  When the weather was conducive for a happy hour, I biked over to where Deb & Riley and Tom & Deb were camped.  I knew that Doug & Yuma had already gone, but all I found was empty desert where they had all been.

IMG_0525 IMG_0527

There was lots of opportunity to hike and bike more, exploring back into the hills.

There are frequent signs of old exploration or mining activities, with lots of small excavations, and well weathered lumber, and rusted metal parts laying around.

IMG_0531

IMG_0598

IMG_0533There are lots of these old (and some newer) mining claim stakes around.  These ones have simple engraving on an small aluminum plate.

IMG_0591This one has a small cavity behind a tin lid that would have held more detailed information about the claim.  Modern claim stakes often have a small plastic container with that information.IMG_0592   IMG_0593  IMG_0594

Some of the holes go down vertically …

 IMG_0595While others go in horizontally.  IMG_0597IMG_0596

Never try to do a Sudoku puzzle in the newspaper – if your cat is there to help!

IMG_0584IMG_0585IMG_0589

Keeping the hot spot warm – or vice versa!

IMG_0601

If you are a cat; why lay in a nice soft warm bed in the sun – when you can lay on a bag of apples?IMG_0610

We made it up to Quartzsite in time for the start of the big tent show.  Being a sucker for punishment, I headed into town on opening day!

From the last LTVA site south of town, it was stop and go traffic.

Sure enough, vehicles were parked along both sides of the highway 95 – all signed ‘no parking’!

IMG_0619IMG_0620

Vehicles in the turning lane coming from town were backed up all the way across the overpass,almost to the traffic lights on main street.

IMG_0623IMG_0624

We didn’t even attempt to join that throng, but headed into town, got a bottle of propane filled, then came into the show from the back side, finding a parking spot in the big wash.

I expected the big tent to be a zoo, but found it surprisingly quiet, with lots of room to move around.

IMG_0625IMG_0626IMG_0627IMG_0628

Found this interesting rig outside.  Not sure what to call it, but it fit’s in your truck like a truck camper.  The back is wide open, with ramps to load your ‘toys’, and the front only has a small double bunk.  Didn’t seem much sign of a kitchen, or bathroom facilities, though I did see an outdoor shower compartment.

IMG_0631

IMG_0629IMG_0630

I even saw my first Javelina of the trip!

IMG_0632

The wash back at camp, where it’s peaceful and quiet, unlike in town this week!

IMG_0605

Expecting friends from the Great White North to start arriving this week!

Till next time …

4 comments:

  1. We love the Yuma area, always something to explore. I’m glad you enjoyed the tent experience now we don’t have to go! We’ve seen enough. Enjoy your great white north company!!

    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  2. I remember those Quartzsite traffic jams well and I remember Kelly and I standing in the long line-up on opening day of the big top one year. Oh the silly things we do sometimes. Your campsite looks like home to me. Having had cats years ago we're quite familiar with their quirky ways like Hailey laying on the apples or right where one is trying to work on something. Gotta love those little critters though. We sure did when we had them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can't believe you went the first. I'm going to try Thursday.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well rats ... sorry I missed you. We were there opening day, but went early and got a nice parking spot right out front. So much fun stuff to view!!!

    ReplyDelete