Happenings at The Big Tent in Quartzsite, AZ

Every year that we are in Quartzsite for the RTR, we take one day to do some things in town...yes, even though we've done it before and even with all of the people here. 

It's fun to walk around and see all of the new rigs out for the year, the "older" ones from years past and to see the vendors selling whatever it is they are selling.

The Big Tent is an interesting place and I have to say that this year was the best year for walking around the Big Tent because there was barely anyone there, but I know that doesn't do much for the town of Quartzsite, so it's kind of sad.

We were able to walk...yes, I said walk! through the big tent this year. Usually there are sooo many people inside you pretty much shuffle along at a very very very slow pace, if at all. Last year we walked in and turned right back around to walk out, just way too many people...but not this year, it was nice.

We walked into a couple of rigs but not as many as in years past. 

One rig we walked into was a rebuilt, revamped, remodeled, rewired, etc. 1974 Winnebago Indian. It was tight!

I think the main reason the big tent was so empty was because all of the 'smart' folk were at Big Bellies Adult Day Care having a good ole time singing, dancing, laughing and drinking!

We did our annual Progressive visit. Every year they give away a few different items you can win when you play their slot machine. The first year Jamie got a really cool shirt and I got a reflective dog leash. Last year we both got playing cards. This year we both wanted shirts because they are super comfy and they had some really good looking shirts this year, but we both got sunscreen and chapstick instead...whomp whomp. I guess it'll be good for Baja, but still! We also got chased by a bear which I was way too happy about!! 
Watch the 12 second video below.

We took the bike into town and even though we were a little overdressed due to that, the weather played well with us throughout the day! It was so nice, we actually got ice cream and what amazing ice cream it was!!

$4.00 for a waffle cone or cup and all scoops are double, you can even get two different flavors!! Jamie got Mocha Fudge Brownie with Chocolate and I dipped into the Sea Salt Caramel with Mint Chocolate Chip.....man, was it good!!!!

I think we walked around for about two hours seeing everything as well as getting a couple of interviews of vendors and guests walking around. We made a little game out of it so people were more willing to talk to us, it turned out great...those videos soon to come.
As we walked away from the sights and sounds of the Big Tent we caught one more sound of a lone guitar player, he had a great voice and tons of soul...his name is Kelli McAllister and you can find him on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/user/kelli112687

I say, "Even if you've been to the Big Tent before, you never know what you might find, see or hear...go again, you may have a totally new and fun experience!"

PEACE 

 

Heading to Camp Mellow

Today feels like a brand new start, truly a brand new day. We have spent time with family and friends, all of our visits were quite superb and successful...it just feels good! It was so nice spending all of the time we were able to have with my sister & her family, meeting my cousin (for the first time, after 32 years!), and seeing a girlfriend after 11 years and meeting her family. I'm very satisfied with the way everything went, again...it just feels good. After leaving Krystle & Nick's last night, we drove about 10 miles to a casino called The Talking Stick Resort and camped in the lot for the night. There were only two other class A's in the lot, but that's enough for us.

We slept in 'til about 8:45 a.m., until it was too hot to lay there any longer. The weather is crazy in Arizona...it's cold for a day, warms up extremely the next couple of days, cold again, rain, maybe snow, hot, cold, etc. I'm sure another reason for our coming down with the sickness like we did. Anyway, we got up, I walked Savannah...this casino lot is a bit different than the last few we've stayed at. There is no open area for dogs to potty, just a very small rock area, that is more for looks and the landscaping than for "poopin-a-pup"! The parking lot is pretty big though, so maybe there is a better area than where we were parked and where I walked.

[caption id="attachment_4023" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Whole LOTta nothing![/caption]

It really doesn't matter though, for today we are moving on. We are driving to where Bob is camping, J' and him have some work related things to work on as well as it being a pleasure trip...it's always a pleasure to see Bob!!

We are en route now, it's just 10 a.m. We are driving on I-10 West, passing Tempe, the cars are moving right along, no traffic...it's a beautiful day. After we see Bob, we plan on driving to Ehrenberg to meet up with fellow campers at Camp Mellow...not many people left, everyone is taking off one van at a time. I think Bryce & Mike are the only ones left out there before they move on as well. They both leave tomorrow, from what I know, so hopefully we'll get to see them before they head to Nevada.

...about noon

We are back on the road now, after about a 45 minute visit with Bob. It's always so nice to see Bob, he's just a big breath of fresh air.

[caption id="attachment_4027" align="alignright" width="150"] 2 amazing men[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4026" align="alignleft" width="150"] Bob's site[/caption]

He's in love with his life, loving every minute and where he is.

It was nice to sit and chat with him and see handsome Homer. Savannah, you could tell, was quite joyful to be out, unleashed into the wild...huntress on the loose!

[caption id="attachment_4024" align="alignleft" width="150"] Handsome Homer[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4025" align="alignright" width="150"] Lil' Huntress[/caption]

After our short visit with Bob, we headed on down the road toward Ehrenberg. On our way to Ehrenberg, we passed Quartzsite. We stopped to get gas but also our curiosity was being sparked, "What does Quartzsite look like when everyone is gone?" We did a drive through and it's pretty much a barren desert town. Even the RV's that were for sale at big places like La Mesa and other big lots, were gone. I guess they have to go where the peeps are...which isn't here!

[caption id="attachment_4032" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Main Strip[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4033" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Crossing over I-10[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4034" align="aligncenter" width="350"] By the "Water Tank"[/caption]

We drove out of Quartzsite with a full tank of gas. We were pretty stoked that we got just about 400 miles out of our last tank...awesome-sauce! Ehrenberg is a quick 18 mile drive West of Quartzsite, so we were arriving back on the BLM land in no time. After tracking down the guys at Camp Ironwood, which only turned out to be Bryce & Steve, the guys ran to the store and Nana & I stayed behind to domesticate our spot for the night. The weather here is awesome, pretty hot but if you can find some shade, there's a super nice breeze to make it feel just perfect. It really doesn't get much better than this, right now! We are back in the company of good friends, even if it is only for a few hours...it's a nice, comfortable place to be. Tonight, we'll hang out and catch up, then as everyone wakes up tomorrow...we'll all go in very different directions to new places on to new adventures, starting a new journey.

[caption id="attachment_4037" align="aligncenter" width="280"] Camp Mellow's Finest![/caption]

As time moves on, so do we, but it sure is nice when you get to see familiar faces along the way.

[caption id="attachment_4038" align="aligncenter" width="280"] My Fave!![/caption]

PEACE & SAFE TRAVELS

 

 

Run Errands. Squeeze a Naked Man. Get on the Road.

It's 2:30 p.m. exactly on this rockin' Tuesday afternoon. We woke up with a plan of action today! My left jaw and ear have been hurting for the past few days and has been quite painful. I'm hoping whatever it is, it just goes away...it hurts to eat, talk, yawn, sleep, smile...yep, it's been an interesting few days. I can just hear my mom now..."Well, then don't do those things!" haha Such a kidder! We woke up to it being pretty cold in the van, almost 45*...and we put the heater back on-top yesterday! Good thing for blankets and body heat! I think it also helped that we were in Blythe instead of Quartzsite, due to it always being at least 10* degrees warmer in Blythe. I had to walk the Nana Bug on a leash this morning (gasp) due to being back in the desert with the wildlife and all. As well as waiting, waiting...and waiting for her to go potty. What is it with her and the desert? I guess there are no other 'smells' to follow...Maybe I should write out instructions for her, eh!? It sure was windy out there causing the 60* weather to feel more like the 45* it was in the van this morning. We got everything packed up and ready for travel after our cafe' and it's actually looking pretty good, inside and out. The new tarp we got yesterday looks so much nicer, it's canvas instead of plastic...muy bueno! We left our spot in Blythe (good-bye

[caption id="attachment_3709" align="alignright" width="150"] Yummers![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3708" align="alignleft" width="150"] Good-bye[/caption]

spot), hit up K-mart to look at their blenders, went to Albertson's and got some snackies for the day; Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and fruit. We drove back to Quartzsite to grab a few last minute things; RV mat (to stop tracking the entire desert into the van, yuck) and a bag of Flax seeds and to walk the town one more time before leaving.

[caption id="attachment_3710" align="aligncenter" width="225"] 2 of my favorite things![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3711" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ooooooooooo[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3712" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Aaaahhhhhhhh[/caption]

I was also able to grab one more thing to finally be able to send my mom a lil' package. Oh, oh, oh, we also went to see Paul, remember the music show we went to...? He's the naked guy that owns the Reader's Oasis Bookstore in town. We went to his store to buy a Quartzsite sticker, with no luck, but I was also able to get my picture taken with him! Me likey!! haha (Bernie I'm stealing one of your photo's due to it being a bit too cold that day, thanks!) And with that I give you Paul Winer...he IS naked in these pictures so considered yourself warned!

[caption id="attachment_3715" align="aligncenter" width="300"] I see a butt![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3716" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Such a groovy guy![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3714" align="aligncenter" width="199"] Sweet Pie!
Thanks BK![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3713" align="aligncenter" width="146"] Nakey Nakey![/caption]

A quick stop at twice the ice after the bookstore and away we go to Phoenix! We are en-route as I write, started with 118 miles with only 84 more to go to our destination point!

[caption id="attachment_3718" align="aligncenter" width="300"] And away we goooo[/caption]

From there we will get our bearings, see where we will sleep for the night and scope it all out to see if we want to stay in town or just go up to the mountains. I'm also super stoked to see a girlfriend of mine, that I haven't seen in about 10+ years. Woo Hoo!! A new town, an actual big city and new scenery...we just love it!

[caption id="attachment_3719" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Welcome to Phoenix![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3722" align="aligncenter" width="300"] ...and the traffic![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3720" align="aligncenter" width="225"] I ❤ Tunnels[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3721" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Tunnel Vision[/caption]

This travelling lifestyle is the way to go, man...right now I wouldn't ask for anything more. I get to wake-up with my tribe every morning, spend true quality time together while seeing new places and experiencing all sorts of different things, meet new peeps and the best part is, we feel free! We don't feel stuck, we are living our lives, not a life anyone else thinks we should be living. What's right for one person/tribe is just the opposite for another. Every day is another day to gain access to the goals you've always wanted to reach.

[caption id="attachment_3723" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Lone Butte Casino[/caption]

What's stopping you today?

PEACE

Cookies! Cookies! Bulldog?? Cookies!

I'm not really a political kinda gal...plus we haven't been around T.V. or radio for the past week, so waking up (turning the tube on) and seeing the 2nd Inauguration of Barack Obama was a little unexpected.

[caption id="attachment_3520" align="alignleft" width="150"] Where are the bathrooms?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3521" align="alignright" width="150"] Another Four Years...[/caption]

We laid in bed and watched for about an hour, then decided we'd be here all day if we kept on with this business and finally turned the tele off and got out of the fort. Today we would be driving back over to Quartzsite. The final outcome of the games yesterday decided that the San Francisco 49'ers and the Baltimore Ravens (Beth~ J's moms' team) will be going to the Superbowl. May the best team win!

As we were driving back in, we definitely saw a huge difference from the landscape of last week to this moment. I think this was the time to say...Welcome to Quartzsite! This was the sight that was in our minds that we had not seen yet: Hundreds if not thousands of RV's off in the distance, like a sea of white...the brown specks being the buildings, polka-dotted in between. Just for fun, we drove around town like we were just arriving for the very first time.

[gallery ids="3525,3529,3526,3527,3528,3530,3531,3532,3533"]

[caption id="attachment_3534" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Quartzsite[/caption]

 The energy was high in town, we threw the idea around of going to the big tent today but after sitting in traffic for 35 minutes only to drive a couple of miles, we decided to just drive back to the R.T.R. camp.

[caption id="attachment_3536" align="alignleft" width="150"] A week ago[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3535" align="alignright" width="150"] B.L.M. Today[/caption]

Even on B.L.M. there was a definite difference in the amount of people that were here. Before we started living this way, we had no idea that living/camping/parking (whatever you want to call it) like this, even existed. It's a lifestyle that is good to know about (and how to do it) and it's been super easy and seems to just keep getting easier, for us anyway! And just to reiterate how easy it is...we got back just in time for Happy Hour! Although, most of our hours are happy!

When it started getting dark, we walked to Joon to get some warmer clothes on (I was still wearing my cool new pants, oh pics at the end, with my flops and a pull-over)...my tootsies were freezing! We got in the van, Savannah followed and then Rain (Jenn & Johnny's pup) jumped in the van, (I thought, "Sweet, "slumber party", although we were just layering)...then this Bulldog, whom I had never met before jumped in after Rain. Oh My Gosh!! I was laughing soooooo hard. He was snorting and climbing on me, trying to give me kisses...he blended right into the mix. It was the funniest frickin' thing I had seen all day...I couldn't stop laughing. It was just so random! Later, I would find out this 10 month old Bulldog's name is Bruce! Ohhhh, Bruce.

[caption id="attachment_3542" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Who are you?[/caption]

We layered up and walked over to a dinner invite from Lees & Bernie. Bernie was a good man and 'spoiled my dinner' with Oreo's before the main course! He's a true friend, haha. We had a scrumptious dinner together, ending with Lesa turning me onto a totally different type of cookie. It was like a caramel cookie crisp, we came to the conclusion that they were a crispy, flaky, flattened waffle cone! Yummers! After dinner, we walked over to  the campfire. We met a couple of new faces, laughed about the U.F.O.'s (Japanese Lanterns) flying through the sky and ate about 6 different types of cookies. The next thing I know Joey brings out some chocolate chip cookies and some chocolate wafer things.

[caption id="attachment_3543" align="alignleft" width="150"] Elephant
Lion
Seal[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3550" align="alignright" width="150"] I'm spoiled[/caption]

It must have been National Cookie Day...well it was where we were! I can't pass up a cookie, haha!

I think tonight was really great. The R.T.R. 'ends' tomorrow, some people will be staying and some people will be leaving. It has been so great getting to know the people we have been able to meet and creating new friendships. This time will always be remembered, for us, as well as many others that joined this group, for however long they were able to. We have learned from others as we have been told others even learned from us! It's fun to meet up with like-minded individuals, see how they do things, get great ideas and even find a travel partner or two along the way. What a great event this R.T.R. is. A special thank you to Bob for pulling everyone together whether it was for teaching, learning, creating masterpieces, living spaces or friendships, comfort, exercise or just to do something you've never done before. I know we have our 'things' that we are taking away from it and I know everyone else does too. I can't say how it is in other group settings (with campers/dwellers) but it has been a pleasure camping amongst this group. I think we have a pretty sweet gang and am happy to be able to call you friends...never thought I'd find so many friends in the desert!

I wish every one of you safe travels.

Here's to our paths crossing again

hoping it's sooner (rather) than later

my traveling friend.

...and here are the pics of my new pants!!

[caption id="attachment_3524" align="alignleft" width="150"] New nails & pants[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3522" align="alignright" width="150"] Nuevo Pantalones[/caption]

Aren't they rockin'!?

PEACE