fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Dec 20, 2015 13:57:26 GMT -5
I have looked over the board to see what has been written about the big show at Quartzsite and I am interested in going there. However being I am in South Dakota, I expect the trip would be a little expensive considering the cost of gas and lodging. However I also know that the best way to buy good rough is to look at it in the round and make the buying decision right there. Do those of you that go to Quartzsite find the quality of rough you buy at the show off sets the travel cost versus just ordering some unseen over the internet?
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Post by captbob on Dec 20, 2015 14:46:18 GMT -5
How much rough are you talking about?
Figure at some point the saving on tonnage would out weigh the travel expenses.
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fireforged
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 215
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Post by fireforged on Dec 20, 2015 15:52:08 GMT -5
Captbob thanks for the reply. Yes I have considered that. I am pretty sure that the savings on shipping will not outweigh my travel expenses. I am buying only the rock that I can cut and use. I figure ten good pounds of any one type rough is probably about a lifetimes supply for me. I think I need to be able to say that the quality I will get by attending Quartzsite will pay off in the long run. Or that the experience is a must do (bucket list) type thing. Or that I need to network with kindred souls. Rod
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,581
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Post by Mark K on Dec 20, 2015 16:07:41 GMT -5
You can do other stuff too you know. You can go on day trips and find your own stuff. You can go out with people who know where there are cool places to dig. You can drive to places to see scenery you will never see again. You don't just have to shop. Most vacations are not about money. They are about the experience.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 20, 2015 16:33:22 GMT -5
Or that the experience is a must do (bucket list) type thing. Or that I need to network with kindred souls. Rod Yes, yes, yes! Quartzsite is a must do. Not only for regular type kindred souls, but for meeting fellow RTH members at the BBQ @ Tony's booth on January 23.
We normally go for ten days, and always take in the PowWow (1/20 - 24/16) and other shows. But as we are only going for a long weekend next time, we will have to forego the shows and swap meets this year. I already have plenty of rocks, anyways. Yes, captbob, you CAN reach a point where you have enough rocks, lol. Will save money I don't have, too. Just buying gas to get there and back is almost a deal breaker. (That's what credit cards are for, right? Right?)
This year, we hope to do a fieldtrip on Friday the 22nd, with either other RTH members, or go with the Quartzsite Roadrunners on one of theirs. (Free to their members, or nonimal $2 or $3 charge for non-members. Went hunting online for the fieldtrip schedule, did not find it yet. Will look harder. Maybe do just a short one on the day of the BBQ, as I will need to heat up my potluck contribution before the feast happens. Sunday, we have to drive home.
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Post by captbob on Dec 20, 2015 17:38:54 GMT -5
Yes, captbob , you CAN reach a point where you have enough rocks, lol. Heretic!! Burn her!"enough" for what? Guess it depends on what your definition of "is" is. I have, however, found that it is possible to run out of space for more rocks. But, where there is a will, there is a way. The milk crate phase has morphed into the 55 gal barrel era. Back behind the shed where the wife never goes. I keep telling her I see snakes back there! Might buy me another year.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Dec 20, 2015 17:50:51 GMT -5
"enough" for what? Guess it depends on what your definition of "is" is. I have, however, found that it is possible to run out of space for more rocks. Yeah, there is that... I think I am rapidly approaching that point.
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Post by DirtCleaner on Dec 20, 2015 19:27:59 GMT -5
If you can take enough time to be there for at least 3 or 4 days I would go. Took my first trip there last year (Was there Jan. 2 -4) and it was a bit too early and at least a few days too short. No, you won't make up in savings in buying rough to offset all your costs. But the education you get there is priceless. If not more educated at least you may become more enthusiastic. I had some severe time constraints so flying from Mpls. was my only option. That bites as far as bringing material home but we brought home some smaller stuff and some slabs. Also took time to go in the desert to look for geodes just outside of Blythe California. Would be back this year but have been called to jury duty for the month of January.
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Post by catmandewe on Dec 20, 2015 19:28:06 GMT -5
Time to buy more property if you are running out of room for rocks.
Yes, it is a bucket list thing. Come hang out with us on Sat evening Jan 23rd, free hamburgers and hot dogs, bring any dish you are good at making it is kind of potluck style. Lots of rockhounds to swap tales with and make new lifelong friends. Lots of places nearby to go rock hunting, just need to get a trip together.
Hope to see you there! Desert Gardens spaces A22B22, right next to the Diamond Pacific building. Tony
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Post by orrum on Dec 21, 2015 0:46:14 GMT -5
Been here a month! Luv that warm balmy blue sky southern Az!
Frosting n freezing every nite! Yuck this ain't supposed to hsppen!
Let's see, if you buy enough rock here the savings begin to approach free rough! LOL
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Post by drocknut on Dec 21, 2015 15:51:07 GMT -5
I agree, it is a definite bucket list trip.
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micellular
has rocks in the head
Rock fever is curable with more rocks.
Member since September 2015
Posts: 640
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Post by micellular on Dec 21, 2015 18:57:26 GMT -5
I agree, it is a definite bucket list trip. As in, don't forget to bring the buckets on your trip list!
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RockIt2Me
has rocks in the head
Sometimes I have to tell myself, "It's not worth the jail time."
Member since December 2009
Posts: 668
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Post by RockIt2Me on Dec 22, 2015 8:59:01 GMT -5
I plan on stopping by Quartzsite on my way home from the Shot Show in Vegas. I can only afford acouple of days but plan to come back in the next couple of years to stay longer.
Should be there Jan 22-23...very excited!
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 22, 2015 11:53:50 GMT -5
Economics never work out unless you are buying huge quantities (like barrels or trailer full of barrels). Much like rock hounding in general. Burn up gas going to collect, buy an rv, equipment, etc. Bring home $20 worth of rocks. It is the fun you pay for. Quartzsite is an amazing experience.
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markymark
Cave Dweller
Member since November 2015
Posts: 349
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Post by markymark on Dec 24, 2015 0:14:55 GMT -5
Hey everyone,I have been out to Quartzsite many times, so my advice would be to go there when the Pow Wow show is open. I know many vendors that will only do that show. Just a question though, Why not just go to the Tucson show? More accommodations and 20 times the size.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,581
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Post by Mark K on Dec 24, 2015 8:53:56 GMT -5
Because you don't have predatory towing companies out in Q looking to tow your car because you could not find legal parking within 5 miles of the show you want to go to.
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Intheswamp
Cave Dweller
Member since September 2015
Posts: 1,910
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Post by Intheswamp on Dec 24, 2015 10:25:35 GMT -5
I doubt I'll ever be fortunate to experience Quartzite, but from reading peoples posts, etc., I believe the difference between Quartzite and Tuscon is that Q is a "gathering" and T is a "show". Q being more personable and more like a reunion but with quality vendors and exhibits.
Rembrandt remarked, "“Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.”
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 24, 2015 11:37:56 GMT -5
Just one question. Why no pics coming in from Q ?
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Post by DirtCleaner on Dec 24, 2015 12:34:05 GMT -5
Just one question. Why no pics coming in from Q ? Hasn't really started yet. Was there last year on Jan 2-5 and it was just starting to get ramped up. Still plenty to see but just a small percentage of what happens there.
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Post by catmandewe on Dec 24, 2015 15:18:58 GMT -5
Hey everyone,I have been out to Quartzsite many times, so my advice would be to go there when the Pow Wow show is open. I know many vendors that will only do that show. Just a question though, Why not just go to the Tucson show? More accommodations and 20 times the size. Vendor space is triple the cost so the price must go up, the shows are scattered through out the whole town so it makes it harder to find what you are looking for. It is also a bucket list thing to do, but in my opinion but if you are looking for rough Quartzsite is a much better deal. Tony
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