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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jun 18, 2012 15:54:19 GMT -5
So here is a thread where we can talk about this. I'm pretty sure I want to think about going, but it's hard to get an idea what it's really like (is it more about shopping? Or socializing? Or classes/demonstrations? Or hounding?) And then there are the logistics, which are baffling. I can't even figure out what dates I would need to take off work or when the best time to go is. And where does one stay (one who doesn't want to camp and doesn't have an RV)? Looked at the older threads, and see references to motels, RV parks, camping and car sleeping . . . lol. And references to Desert Gardens (the favored RV park?) and the PowWow and a whole bunch of different shows, and Tucson and Quartzite (not the same?). Some folks staying 3 months? ? Basically I need a beginner's tutorial on how to do Quartzite (or Tuscon or whichever is best) as somebody who has to do it in a long weekend. I'm only looking and buying and socializing, not selling. And I can only take maybe Wed-Sunday or Saturday-Wednesday. I can't figure out which show is the main show, to plan out when to think about going. I'd want to rockhound too, so ? Help! I've never been to any show other than the local 1 day shows. Thanks! And YES, I like to plan ahead. ;-)
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Post by Pat on Jun 18, 2012 16:10:18 GMT -5
Been twice and glad we went. Do not stay in the Quartzsite Yacht Club! We made reservations sight unseen because it was on the main drag and had an attached cafe/night club. It's ancient trailers divided in half with very thin walls, loaded with fleas and very noisy temp controls. If you do plan on staying in a hotel, make early reservations. It has a lot of rock vendors as well as a lot of related tools etc for the rockhound. Also has junk. Here is a good website for further information: www.quartzsitervshow.com/local-quartzsite-information/Every rockhound should take the pilgrimage to both Quartzsite, then on to Tucson at least once.
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shermlock
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2011
Posts: 612
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Post by shermlock on Jun 18, 2012 16:25:08 GMT -5
I had all of the same questions! Scott
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Post by johnjsgems on Jun 18, 2012 17:57:56 GMT -5
Best bet for motels is about 15 miles away in Blythe, CA. If only there for 3-4 days go on the Pow Wow/QIA show weekend. You can see the Pow Wow in one day and Desert Gardens in one or two depending on how serious you study each offering. Desert Gardens is the biggest strictly rock show in Quartzsite. The QIA/PowWow draws some great vendors for the 4-5 days they are there. Many of the Desert Gardens vendors set up at the Pow Wow as well. Desert Gardens has better parking and less hectic crowd frenzy.The other shows are mostly flee market with a few rock vendors hanging on.
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 18, 2012 18:06:04 GMT -5
There is tent camping at Desert Gardens. If you flew into Phoenix, you could rent a small RV and drive it about an hour to Quartzsite. Lots of room at most of the RV Parks this past year, including Desert Gardens.
I guess we would have to decide when the RTH BBQ is... that would be Tony Catman or Sheri picking that date. The Pow Wow is Wednesday, Jan. 23 thru Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 this year. Jo
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jun 18, 2012 18:23:51 GMT -5
I'll be driving from LA, but others would be flying I assume. Ok, so we've narrowed it down to the "PowWow / QIA show weekend". And the PowWow is 1/23-1/27, Wednesday through Sunday. Desert Gardens's show seems to run for all of January and February, according to this: www.desertgardensrvpark.net/Desert_Gardens_Rock_Gem_and_Mineral_Show.htmlAlthough that looks like last year's page, not updated yet. So to summarize so far: one could go during the dates of the PowWow (1/23-1/27), and also go to Desert Gardens as time and energy allowed since it runs concurrently. If one is RVing or camping, stay at Desert Gardens to be near the action, as that's where all the cool RTH'ers stay and the fun times will probably be. If motelling, stay in Blythe. So far so good? Possible hiccup: Desert Gardens doesn't seem to take reservations. ??
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Post by johnjsgems on Jun 18, 2012 18:31:33 GMT -5
You got it, Susan. We used to RV camp behind what was the Texas Bar-B Que (bt Silly Al's). It was dry camp for $5 per night but they had a dump station and water. Also showers and rest rooms. From there you could walk under the freeway to Tyson Wells or across the street to the Pow Wow. Desert Gardens was a new show back then and has grown a lot.
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 18, 2012 19:33:13 GMT -5
There are showers at the Laundromat in town on Main Street right near QIA (where the Pow Wow is). Desert Gardens runs Jan and Feb and a few are there even longer. Spots at Desert Gardens are first come, first served but last year they didn't fill up. As far as we know, Sunsetters and 88 Shades RV Parks take reservations. Sunsetters is right next to the Pow Wow.
Dry camping on BLM land is popular, usually less than $5 a night.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jun 18, 2012 19:44:54 GMT -5
If I camped, I'd want cushy style camping: picnic table, fire pit, water spigot, nice bathroom facilities. However, unless someone tells me that there are raucous evening activities involving adult beverages at DG which I just shouldn't miss then I think the "motel in Blythe" route is probably the plan.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Jun 18, 2012 20:07:10 GMT -5
You definitely want to go while the Pow Wow is happening, that is first and foremost. During the Pow Wow, the Roadrunners (local rock club) has field trips to different locations to get more rocks. You can join their club, or non-members can pay $2 for each field trip they attend, to help defray insurance costs. What a deal! We were only able to go one of the trips last January (Bird's-eye Rhyolite), but we had a blast, and brought home a bunch of rocks. Check out their (tentative) 2013 field trip schedule here: www.qiaaz.org/ You can camp in one of the 14-day BLM areas for free (for up to 14 days). That's what we always do. No RV dump, no fresh water, you must be self contained. But the price is right! You are supposed to check in with the camp host, provide your vehicle info and license number, and how long you are planning on staying, and you'll get a copy to stick somewhere on your trailer. Some friends of ours slept in their vehicle for a couple of nights last time. I don't recall seeing tents there, but I don't think it is prohibited. But if I was tent camping, I'd probably stay closer to or in town. There are five 14-day areas: Plomosa Rd, Hi Jolly, Scaddon Wash, Road Runner and Dome Rock. Here's a link for map and info: www.rv-camping.org/QuartzsiteAZ.html We stay at Road Runner, it's about five miles south of town on AZ95. It's good to plan in advance! Some of the websites already have info for next season, but not all. Jean
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jun 18, 2012 20:46:11 GMT -5
Just a note to y'all considering going, that a lot of hotels/motels in Blythe are already sold out. I reserved a room at the Blythe Motel 6 for now, y'all might want to do the same if you have any thought of maybe motelling it. Can always cancel later.
Jean, thanks for the confirmation. Camping definitely would be a lot more cost effective, but I am so totally not equipped for it. All I have is a little backpacking tent, ugh. No stove, no lantern, no cushy air mattress or cot.
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 18, 2012 20:57:17 GMT -5
Lee (Lparker) tented camped at Desert Gardens last year. He can tell you how it was. I think you made the best choice with the Blythe motel.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jun 18, 2012 21:13:06 GMT -5
As I understand it, you can tent camp at Desert Gardens and use the RV park showers. Desert Gardens is a show but also a regular RV and trailer park community. As long as you don't go wild with "adult beverages" the drive to Blythe is not bad. We make the trip for groceries quite often while at the show.
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Post by christopherl1234 on Jun 18, 2012 23:07:24 GMT -5
I have camped and done the motel thing at Quartzsite. Last year was the first year I stayed at a motel. I stayed at the Super 8. They had a decent breakfast each day. The 3 years prior I camped out. The first two I camped on the BLM controlled areas. Not bad but I had to take my own shower bag and haul water. The year before I camped out at Desert Gardens. If I remember right it was like $50-$60 for a week. They have coin operated laundry, showers ($0.25 for 15 minutes) and restroom facilities. Camping out behind DG was okay. I really liked the hot showers and sinks plus there were other RTH members out there too. But a hot breakfast, private shower, clean sheets and internet is really hard to beat when you can fit it into your budget.
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Post by catmandewe on Jun 18, 2012 23:20:39 GMT -5
RTH BBQ will be on Sat evening the 26th, same weekend of the pow-wow, at our booth at Desert Gardens, spot A22/ B22, right next to the Diamond Pacific building. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.
Tony
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 18, 2012 23:58:03 GMT -5
Can we make a date for the rockhounding trip? (for planning purposes?) For those trying to make flight reservations, I'd keep Saturday and Sunday during the day free for possible rockhounding. Go home Sunday night or Monday.
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Jun 19, 2012 6:05:32 GMT -5
At the DG campground last Jan, I also had access to a stove and sink at the office...cooked my breakfast maybe 3x the week I was there. Walked to the truck stop for the rest of the week for breakfast (and ATM so I could buy freakin' rocks )
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 19, 2012 7:47:56 GMT -5
FYI... don't drink the water in Quartzsite so bring plenty of bottled water. There is salt and a tiny percentage of arsenic in it. There are drinking water stations at the Burger King and the Laundromat that cost a quarter a gallon to refill your water jugs. 5 gallons for a buck. Plenty of places to buy water but the grocery stores are a bit pricey in town. We usually go to the Acme and Walmart in Blythe, like John said.
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Post by helens on Jun 19, 2012 14:08:22 GMT -5
What a great thread! I'm not sure I can make it in January... but would still like more info...
So you can rent an RV in Phoenix... but is that better for rockhounding than renting a more easy to drive rent a car (perhaps a 4 wheel drive) and staying in motels? Are RV's less mobile as far as rockhounding goes?
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 19, 2012 14:31:13 GMT -5
I guess you would have to weigh all the choices and decide what works best for you. It may be possible to hitch a ride with another member if you don't want to drive the desert roads. A vehicle can get pretty beat up and it may not be wise to take a rental vehicle and be responsible for paying for the desert pinstriping.
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