Quartzsite 2011

Every January something happens that is hard to believe unless you have seen it. According to the Arizona Highway Department some 750,000 - 1,000,000 people, mostly in RVs, converge on this sleepy desert town, located just 20 miles east of the California boarder on Interstate 10 for the rock gem and mineral shows, plus numerous flea markets and the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show. This phenomenon started some 35 years ago and is billed as "The Worlds Largest Gathering Of RVs in the World."

Arrival is very easy, just lower your airbags, extend your slides, level your coach and you are ready to go. You also need to pay a small fee for use of the land. As you can see, we are all set. Don't forget to get out your chairs and a tables.

The Monaco IRV2 gang is parked in a circle with enough room for a nightly bon fire where everyone congregate to discuss happenings of each day. We met many new friends and had a great time visiting the vendors tents and seeing the 2011 RVs.

Here's Dave repairing topper awnings with the help of Rick & Mike. After some excellent training from Dave & Kathy the daily crew removed, repaired and installed a total of 13 topper awnings while at the site.

One of the best things about being here is the chance to visit everyone's coach and see what modifications each of us has made to make the coach more usuable. Here's a sample of drifter's addition of a storage unit on the inside of his cafe door. Great idea! Need a couple of these for my coach.

Telegraph Pass Hike

During our visit to Yuma we hiked Telegraph Pass in the Gila mountains. We had to hike a mile and one half just to get to the trail head. At the top of the peak sit 366 government and privately owned radio transmitters and other communications equipment. The winding paved road leading to the top of the mountain was built to allow the companies to service thier equipment. In one photo you can see Kathy opening a metal container which holds a log book for guests to sign as they reach the top of the pass.

Yuma

Yuma's rich historical background and sunny subtropical climate make it an attractive destination. In the winter snowbirds double and even triple the towns year-round population of 83,220. RVs spread across the landscape, filling the many RV parks in town, along the river and throughout the foothills area.

As you can see we are staying in an owner lot in the foothills section of Yuma AZ. This area is home to residential construction as well as other types of constructions such as module homes, small casitas and gravel lots with (2) full hook-ups for motor homes.

Sagurao National Park

We visited Saguaro National Park outside of Tucson AZ. Originally named Saguaro National Monument it consits of 91,000 acres of the Sonaron desert. Giant Saguaro cacti unique to the Sonaron Desert sometime reach a height of 40-60 feet in this catus forrest, with the right growing conditions it is estimated that these catus can live from 150-200 years. These cacti grow very slow. A 10 year old plant may be 1.5 inches tall. When rainfall is plentiful and the saguaro is fully hydrated they can weight between 3200-4200 pounds.

In additon to the Saguaro cacti we found an old Hohokam petroglyph site.

Davis Monthan AFB

Davis Monthan (Agave Gulch) has been awarded the Camper's Choice Award for in 2009 for the best military campground.. The spaces are adequate as you can see. It was nice being on-base as we had access to a great fitness center as well as the golf course, commissary and other facilities.

"DM" as it called to Air Force Personnel, is home to the Air Force Bone Yard. As you can see there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of retired aircraft that have been stored in excellent condition. Should the need ever arise, these aircraft could be returned to service in several months. Hopefully we will never need to use them again.

On December 20, 2010 very early in the morning I had a chance to view and capture a Lunar Eclipse. NASA reported that this was the first time that an eclipse has coincided with a solstice since December 21, 1638 and the next one will not come around again till 2094. I guess I was very lucky since I will not be around for the next one. Enjoy. I took these free hand with my hand held camera.