Our Journey : January 19 – 29, 2023 Quartzsite Arizona

3/06/2023

January 19 – 29, 2023 Quartzsite Arizona

On January 19th, we were up early, finished packing up and securing our lot, and off we went.

Andy drove to US-95, pulled over and I took over driving. I drove to the Stone Cabin where we met Tami and Merle and then continued up US-95 to Plomosa Road. We stopped at the camp host spot, disconnected and then I drove the car. YEA!! That part of 95 is nice and straight and surprisingly there was not a lot of traffic.

We pulled in at MM3 and found our way to Escapees Chapter 6/21. After setting up and a run for gas for our generator, we spent the rest of the day gathered around the fire. It was so good to see folks I have not seen in over 7 years and to meet a bunch of new folks. Let the fun begin.

When we went for gas, we drove around Quartzsite and there are lots more flea markets and sell-a-rama for me to explore. Plus lots more folks to reconnect with in our little area. Can’t wait. It is going to be good week.

Our place in the desert:

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From January 19th thru the 20th, we were busy…

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Shopping and Exploring

We spent a few days exploring the Big Tent RV show and Tyson Wells. It has been 7 years since I have been here and I was really shocked at how things have changed. In the Big Tent, about a quarter of the vendors were RV related. The rest were the usual vendors that you would see at Fairs – Pots, Pans, Cleaning Products, Jewelry, etc. They have three rows and the center row always had folks from all over the country advertising State Parks, Touristy Places, etc. Not any more.

Tyson Wells was usually packed with all different kinds of vendors. In other words, if you didn’t find it here, it didn’t exist – LOL! There is usually about 30-40 rows of vendors. There were about 20 rows of vendors. Still some good buys and interesting items – LOL!

There used to be three major craft and bead stores in Quartzsite proper. There is only one now – Desert Camel Beads and Crafts. Great store and the new owners are doing a great job!

I didn’t to the other areas – just ran out of time – LOL! Next year, I hope to stay longer to check them all out and I truly hope there are many more vendors or the old ones come back.

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Old Friends and New Friends

I realized that I never knew how much I missed some of the folks that we met along the way until we reconnected. It did my heart so good to see so many of these folks.

There were others that I missed and hopefully our paths will cross again.

We camped with Chapter 21/6. In 2009, Bruce and Bunny from those chapters took us under their wing since we were so new to the desert. Sadly Bunny has passed and we met Bruce’s new friend Maxine – wonderful person. It was so good to see them. We also reconnected with Mike and Mary – great to see them as well as others from those chapters.

We spent some time with Pam and Steve, Gerry and John M; and Judy getting caught up. We hope to see them later this season.

It was also great to see Gerry and John B; Ellen and Lou; Gretchen, Jackie and Kaz but sad that we didn’t get a lot of time to spend with each other.

And it was nice getting to know Jill, Tami and Merle and others who names I forgot. (One of the downsides of getting older – Bummer!)

Mary and I getting caught up (Sue, we missed you!)