At the end of the last blog, we were just getting settled into life at Quartzsite. We found an awesome quiet spot in the BLM land off of Plomosa Road. This area for camping is about 15 minutes from all the hubbub of Quartzsite and most people like camping a little closer to town. Our spot is perfect for us because we can leave everything as is and just hop in Franks truck to go back and forth to town which we pretty much do every day. We made the mistake of taking Piper, the dog, to Tyson Wells on our first day there. This was not the best choice. Way too many other dogs and too many people in a confined space. We walked around for a bit but then came back to our campsite to rethink what the rest of the week would be like because Piper and the 4 of us were all too stressed out. Too many people and too many dogs.
The next day was the opening of the Big Tent. We left Piper in the camper with Greg’s hunting camera so that we could see her during the day on his phone. Our first stop was to check out the Lectric e-bikes to replace their bikes that were stolen. They found great deals on them at the big tent.
The next day Kenny called with some great news of how he spent his Saturday afternoon. Started out the day by signing papers for a cute house that they will be renting starting on Feb 1st. Over 50 people were in the running to be the renters and Kenny and Kaitlin won over the landlords with their charm and good looks. After the signing of the lease, Kenny took Kaitlin to the Vanderbilt Museum where he proposed to her and she said YES. A great day for them.
We enjoyed our time in Quartzsite. The sunsets were amazing and the weather was without or clouds. It was perfect.
We headed from there to Lake Havasu which is also in Arizona only about 90 minutes away. Found another great spot in the Craggy Wash BLM area. These BLM spots are free and the views are amazing.
We took a nice bike ride through out the area and then a nice hike around Lake Havasu and over the London Bridge. Had dinner at the Javelina Cantina and then headed back.
The hiking and biking and eating continued for a few days. Unfortunately the Balloon Festival was a bust. The weather did not agree with the launching of the balloons so we didn’t get to see any of them lift off. We watch video of years past where they actually dip down into the Lake Havasu channel with the balloon basket. Pretty amazing stuff. We had dinner at “The Chair.”. It overlooks the London Bridge and the water but the Balloons never came. Frank got the Tsunami burger and the thing was GIGANTIC. They make an announcement on the loud speaker as the bring it out so that everyone can stare and gawk at its giantess!!
Greg and Frank did a nice hike up to a cave where we were staying.
The next day we decided to head back to Quartzsite. Lake Havasu doesn’t really have any RV dumping stations and when you’re boondocking, you need to have a place to empty your tanks so we made a pit stop in Parker to go food shopping and to empty Barbara and Franks Tanks. Greg and I don’t have any tanks in the van which makes boondocking a little less work. But Barbara and Frank are totally becoming boondocking champions and settling into retirement quite easily.
We took a drive to some bogus Indian rock art. I really don’t believe the American Indians made this rock depiction on the ground but it was a fun hike anyway. It wasnt even photo worthy but I got a couple of pics of us hiking to it.
Next day we headed to California. The land of expensive fuel. We spent the night at a casino and had an awesome buffet. Everybody lost but me. I won 60 bucks.
Next day, which is today, we went our separate ways. Greg and I headed to Los Angeles and Barbara and Frank to a KOA in Palm Springs. Greg and I are taking a Princess Cruise tomorrow. I booked a hotel with free parking and shuttle just like we did in Florida. I made the reservation in September for this place. When we arrived at the hotel, the guy would not honor my reservation!!! It was bizarre. I showed him the email with the price and still no. I called the corporate office and they called him and still no. He wanted to charge us another 70 bucks above and beyond what was agreed upon. I was pretty mad, it was a complete fiasco. We cancelled our stay with him and decided to just park at the cruise port instead. It’s $22 a day so it actually works out to be less than what we were gonna have to pay him. Plus our van is right here in port for when we return back. The only issue is we usually use the hotel room the night before to pack and shower so now we will pack in the van instead and stay the night in the van. It is what it is.
I’m really looking forward to this cruise. I could use a little rest and relaxation and no chores at all. That’s my favorite part. And the food of course.
Below is our monthly calendar for January. January is always a good month financially with all the free land to camp on in Arizona.
The Van Stops Here 