Quartzsite–It’s a Wrap
January 31, 2016
It was a dark and snowy night… well, make that; it was a dark, windy and rainy night. The sound of the pelting rain on the motorhome is fierce but magical. But never mind all that literary jargon: IT’S POPCORN NIGHT!
Sunday is almost always popcorn night—my true break from practical, healthy eating, and I have not one drop of guilt. I do it right—I cook it in oil and I smother it with at least two tablespoons of butter. If you are going to feel guilty, don’t eat popcorn!
Tonight is my last night in Quartzsite. I broke camp today from the spot that has been home for the past two weeks. Because rain was forecast, I was worried that the dirt road would get turn to sludge, so I moved closer to town, off of a paved road. With the exceptionally dry climate of the desert, the dirt roads are extremely dusty. People give a very large envelope of space between vehicles to enable you to see the road. As I towed my car behind Miss Chauncey, I threw up huge pillows of dust. Sigh, in my eagerness to get away before the rain came, I left a front window down in my car. To say that there was a half inch of dust in my car is an exaggeration, but you can imagine the mess…in every nook and cranny of my car… At least it wasn’t raspberry chipotle sauce… Luckily, a huge bowl of popcorn soothes a multitude of disappointments! As I munch, the motorhome is rock’n rollin’ in the wind. In fact the wind is so strong that I decide to pull in my slide outs so they won’t catch the wind so much. Much better and the motion is reduced to a gentle sway.
I have learned SO much in the past two weeks! And, all that new information caused me to spent a lot of money. I learned that my propane refrigerator had been recalled twice and had been the cause of multiple devastating RV fires and several deaths. So I got a temperature activated fire extinguisher installed in the outside access compartment to the refrigerator, and three other foam fire extinguishers for inside the RV. My ceiling lights were all halogen, and were real battery hogs, causing me to run the generator more than I wanted to keep my batteries charged. So, I replaced them with LED lights. The three lights now burning over my head as I type are putting out a total of 4.5 watts! I also got a highly recommended security electrical device that will keep your RV from receiving a power surge when you plug into a campground power outlet. It will alert me in case of reversed polarity when you plug your RV into a power source in a campground, and will shut off the electricity if the current drops below a level that would cause damage to my electrical appliances and components. This scenario often happens in the summer when lots of people in a campground have their air conditioners running. Expensive upgrades, but I felt all were very much worth the price.
So, as I reflect on my first boondocking adventure, I’d say that it was a great success. I may plan an annual pilgrimage to Quartzsite to join the thousands of other RVers, who, like migrating snowbirds, return to roost every winter. Every day, after trying to take in as much as I could, I would return to my comfortable RV. I’d walk up to the door, stomp my feet on the rug outside the door to dislodge the dust from my shoes, and smile. I’m home! I’m loving it and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
It was lovely meeting you today and I look forward to following your adventures. Hmm, now where is that “follow” button? 😉
My very first comment! YEA! Thanks so much! I’m in the campground clubhouse (wifi) working to try to cuplicate my original theme so I don’t mess it up while I check out other themes. Thanks again for your time and expertise yesterday!
Hi Ingrid,
I FINALLY was able to add the form to subscribe to the blog, and put in a few images. I’m going to announce it to my friends before uploading any more so that they are not overwhelmed when they first go to the site. I still don’t love this theme, but I just couldn’t get any of the other possibilities to work at this time. I’ll keep working on it! Hope you are well!
You sound so happy! I am very glad you are finally posting your adventures.
So excited to receive notice of your blog! Am reading it ALL
Thanks, Joy! How’s your progress toward your own road trip?
Great reading! Keep em coming! So glad I am not too busy to read. Ha! My plans are slow.
I was SO slow getting everything ready for the trip, but I have been glad that I took my time, because there were only a few things I had forgotten! Keep on trucking!
This is fantastic!! You are living MY dream!! I can’t wait to follow along on your journey. You’re still my hero! Rock on Doc! 🙂
Thanks so much, Mandy! I’m having a great time! I’m remembering your epic RV trip out west! About time for another, right?! We could meet up! You are the best!
Love that you are off and running with the blog. I have been working my way north since last Sunday, spent 2 nights in ABQ and the last 3 in Colorado Springs. Heading north again tomorrow. I hope our paths cross again.
Did you join the Solos? We are having a pre-escapade rally in Connecticut.
Take care,
Deb
No I didn’t join them. Are you going all the way East for the rally? I don’t think I want to drive that far! Did you leave your RV in Albuquerque and fly north, or are you driving?
It is so great to hear from you. You are a natural at this blog-writing thing. You sound like you are having a wonderful time and I look forward to reading more.
Hey Denise! So good to hear from YOU too! Thanks for your kind words. We’ll see if the “spirit” still moves me, since it’s been a while since I wrote a post!
Rhonda,
I read them all in one sitting and enjoyed them very much. You have a very nice writing style and have definitely found a niche from which to share your interesting adventures and thoughts. Keep up the good work. I hope my subscription went through. Best wishes for safe and fascinating travels.
It did, Barbara! Thanks so much! I don’t think people are receiving notice of my replies. If you are, could you let me know. I’m checking into getting a “subscribe to replies to this post” widget that should help! Are you guys doing much RVing lately? Would love to hear!
I love your blog already……. and I’ve just read the first entry. I’m sure looking forward to reading on! You do have a natural gift for writing!!!
Thanks so much Helen. That means a lot! I’m definitely enjoying the journey. Hope to include some more photos soon.
Just found your blog and I really admire your courage. I would love to do what you are doing but I just don’t have the courage to hit the road alone. I am loving the blog and I am so glad that you are enjoying your journey.
Thanks Betsy! I really am enjoying the journey!
I love your adventure . Glad you are taking weather and bad roads in your stride. I will look forward to your posts and pics.
We are currently in Boston for a conference. It is too cold here!
Thanks so much, Pam! Sounds like you are having fun too! (but colder than Arizona!) If you have time, would you let me know if you get this reply via email. I’m testing a plugin that is supposed to let people who leave a comment get an email if I or someone else replies to their post. Don’t do it if you don’t have time! So good to hear from you!
Thank you for the blog email invitation. Just finished your entries and enjoyed them so much. Life is an adventure. Even the mishaps along the way are part of living life. Your entries are wonderfully written.
Thanks Sharon! So glad you came to check it out. I miss seeing you in Albuquerque. Hope all is well with you!
I loved rereading your posts and the comments you received. Time for some new ones.
Thanks Paige! Do you get any notification that I replied? or that your post was approved?
It may be that for you to see this reply, I nave to reply after I’ve logged out of the administrative panel–which is a pain, since I have to login to approve the post!
Al over at thebayfieldbunch told everyone you had a blog, so I came over to check it out. Love the theme you chose, very nice. I’ve read all of your posts and like you tell it like it is. I’ve added your blog to my sidebar so others can find you. I look forward to reading about your traveling. What year is your RV?
Hi Steve! I saw that he had done that! Al is one good guy! Thanks for your kind words. If you don’t mind, I’m going to send you two replies–this one that I’m writing while signed into my site, and another one while signed out. I’m trying to understand the behavior of the plugin I just installed that’s supposed to send an email to the commenter if I reply. It’s been doing some quirky things, and I’m trying to see if there is any rhyme or reason. I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know at fleming27858@gmail.com.
My RV is a 2010 Winnebago Journey. So far, so good!
Hi Steve, This is my second response to you–hopefully you got an email with a copy of my reply.
Once again I’d like to thank you for your comments. I went over to your site and you have a very active blog! Wow–puts me to shame, but you’ve been at it for several years. If you didn’t get my first reply (and instead would have to come back here to see it) here’s the year on my RV: 2010. I’ve really enjoyed it!
Sorry for the slow response, I got involved watching movies right after I read some blogs.
FYI … I did NOT get an email telling me you had replied to my comments. I did get an email from you when you sent me one to my blog email address and getting to read it now.
I though I’d check to see if you had replied here or not first.
I assume and it might be incorrect … are you using the WordPress platform for your blog? If so, I don’t remember needing a plugin for commentors to receive emails when a reply is received.
I just now see the “notify me” for followups…I’ll sign up for that and see what happens.
Hi Rhonda, this is a text comment. Since I’m an admin, I get the notices to approve comments too. So I’ll see what kind of notice I get and to what email.
~Darrel
I’m so excited that I get to ride along with you and live vicariously through you my friend. I think about you often and look forward to the next episode. If you ever turn the RV towards Washington DC/Alexandria you know you will have the best tour guide!
Angela 🙂
Hi Rhonda,
I just found your blog through Al of Bayfield Bunch. Have already read all of your posts and hope you continue to write. I would love to do what your doing.
I don’t post much anymore since I have not been traveling much but hope to get back to it this summer to escape the heat of Tucson.
Hey Jo! Thanks for coming by. I do intend to keep on posting–at least while I am on the road. I tried to look up your blog, but it didn’t come up. I’m going to send you a private email because I’m not sure you will see this unless you check back. Thanks again!
Hi Rhonda – we just started reading your blog after Al mentioned it. Your description of Quartzsite is right on, we have been there every year for the last 5 years (at least) and still enjoy the atmosphere. We are new to the Boomers group as well and have found them to be a terrific bunch. We hope you will continue your blog as your travels take you places.
Frank & Chris (British Columbia, Canada)
Hi Frank–Wow–a fellow Boomer! Great! Thanks for reading my blog. I’m sending you a separate email because it seems that people don’t get notified when I post a reply to their comment…I’m working on it. Always something! Rhonda
Wow! You go girl.
Hey there, Rhonda — You must have been born as a blogger. I can imagine your road trip so easily. Please keep sharing your adventures and humor with all of us who enjoy adventure through the couch!
Miss you here in Albuquerque,
Sally
Miss you too, Sally! Thanks for reading about my life on the road!
Hi, Rhonda! Came to read your blog again and cannot find you. I wanted to catch up….
Hi Sharon! I’m still here but have gotten way behind, obviously! I’m home in Albuquerque now and got swamped with getting the landscape cleaned and ready for spring. Hope to post more soon!
Thanks for letting me know, Rhonda! Thom and I will be taking a road trip in September to visit my siblings and celebrate with my Cousins and hopefully all my siblings the birthdays of my Aunt Nora who’ll be 95 and my Uncle Harvey who is turning 90. We will be visiting my brother in NM and staying at a resort in Angel Fire, NM for 1 week. Don’t know if we will make it to Albuquerque, but wonder if we could meet half way? Take care, & keep in touch, Sharon Kermes
Wow, Sharon! What a trip! I don’t know for sure if I’ll be back in September. That’s one of the things I love about this lifestyle and being retired–I can go until I’m ready to come home! Keep me posted about your plans!
Hi Rhonda!
Rover Ronda aka Ronda western WA we met on RVSue’s blog.
I just got here but I’ll catch up.
I’m glad you have a special Sunday snack. Mine is cake. I only eat it Sunday’s (or birthdays).
Like I said I just got here but based on your title you must tow a toad. Wow. Good for you. I understand that gets tricky. Do you trailer it or 4 down? Well, I’ll catch up reading your blog it may say.
Hi Ronda! I’m do glad you are here! Welcome! I pull my car 4 wheels down. I didn’t think I could deal with a trailer or dolly–just too heavy. With all wheels down I can put the car on or take it off in about 5 minutes unless it gets in a bind. Not bad at all for the convenience of having a high mileage vehicle for roaming around!
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other then that, fantastic blog!
Hi Jenni, Thanks for finding the blog. I did check it out in Internet Explorer before I “went live” and again just now, and I don’t see any issues. I have a Windows machine–sounds like you have an Apple–could that the difference in platform is causing the issue, but it shouldn’t. Hmmm…sorry for the issue on your computer. Don’t know what I can do to fix it. 🙁
Hi Rhonda, my name is Bill came across your blog and really enjoy your style of writing.. I’m originally from Albuquerque born and raised but last 5yrs living close to my daughter and grandaughters in Dallas,Tx. Been doing some rv traveling part time and working part time. Looking to make it to quartsite this winter . look forward to reading more about your travels.
Hey Bill. Welcome! Fun to hear from an Albuquerquian, or at least a former one! Glad you enjoyed my blog. I’m way behind in posting–need to get caught up! Perhaps our paths will cross in Quartzsite next year.