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Post by aDave on Jan 17, 2018 15:36:28 GMT -5
Dave, you can back right up to Tony's booth. Just park regular, then find his booth (just look for the closest one to that big building you'll see, with lots of big saws out front - or just ask somebody where Tony is, they all know each other), then move your truck over there. Yes, you might want a chair for the BBQ. Just bring chips for the BBQ. Or cookies or something unhealthy from the central aisles of the grocery store. The drive from Blythe is about 20 minutes. I'd drop off the saw then, since Tony won't be awake yet if you want to drop it before going to pow wow in the morning. And, that will help get you oriented. Sounds great, thanks. I've looked at the maps, satellite photos, and some photos on Tony's Facebook. I think I know what I'll be looking for as it relates to his booth. Based on what I've seen, is he on the west side of the building?
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Jan 17, 2018 15:43:03 GMT -5
Yes, he's just west of the building.
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Post by aDave on Jan 23, 2018 1:51:44 GMT -5
I thought I'd do a follow up being a newb to Q and just returning home a couple of days ago. I'm adding this for other newbs in the event this thread stays stickied. The information contained herein is a great resource and a great help. Granted, some of the posts were specific to the BBQ this year, but the overall tone/information is extremely helpful.
For those that didn't keep track, this was my first time to Quartzsite (Q). I really didn't know what to expect, other than knowing it is pretty big. I went the week when Pow Wow was running which is a great show to see. Keep in mind this particular show only runs 5 days, so if you want to maximize your time, go when this show is running.
In the end, we stayed at the Super 8 Motel in Blythe. Many folks end up dry camping in the desert near Q, but we don't have a trailer or RV. Our motel was reasonably priced, clean, and quiet while we stayed there. Yep, we had to commute to Q, but it is only a 20 minute drive or so. Very easy to do so.
Based on traffic concerns and such, we went to Pow Wow on Friday morning. We wanted to avoid the weekend traffic, and this was a good move for us. We arrived just before the posted opening hours, and we were able to get a spot in one of the parking lots. We planned on spending the day in the show without having to return to our truck. We hauled a wagon with drinks and food, and this served us well for the entire day. There is food service in the show, but we didn't have to use it.
For our food, we ended up bringing in Subway sandwiches that were purchased right next to our motel. This was a great convenience and another plus for the Super 8. We picked up breakfast sandwiches for the morning, and our lunch sandwiches were put in the ice chest. Very convenient...if you like Subway.
Saturday was our day for Desert Gardens. We planned things this way, as we wanted to stay out of town to avoid traffic, and we knew we were going to spend time there for the evening BBQ. Again, this was a good move for us. We arrived around 1000 hours, and we were able to get a parking spot close by. Due to proximity of the parking lots, we didn't drag the wagon, but we did the same food thing as the day before. It worked out well.
So, what are the differences in the two shows? In my view, it's hard to say. Pow Wow seems to have much more finished product like jewelry and such...Desert Gardens seems to be geared more toward rough rock, though there's plenty of cabs and jewelry there too. Both shows have plenty of slabs, but DG seems to have more lapidary equipment. Some might say that Pow Wow is a bit more "high end" when compared to DG, but it really depends on what you're looking for. Don't get me wrong...one is not necessarily better than another...they're just different. There is plenty to see at each show, and each should be visited.
We ended up spending two days in Q for the shows. I wish we had another to burn. I would have liked to go to the Tyson Wells show, but that wasn't in the mix for us this trip. If you're just into rocks, and you want to maximize your time, go when Pow Wow and Desert Gardens are running. Plan on spending at least one day at each.
I've since learned that going early in the month may provide the best chance at material since it's early in the show. I may have to do this next year and then hit Q again when Pow Wow is running. Yep, this means two trips, but if you're close, you might want to consider it.
Keep in mind that our one day minimum at each show worked for us. I know of another who spent three days just at Pow Wow perusing just about every slab in the place. YMMV. Hope this helps a bit.
Good luck.
Dave
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 557
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Post by vwfence on Jan 23, 2018 16:38:40 GMT -5
TO add to what Dave posted I was down on the 2nd of Jan and went to Desert Gardens to see Tony and a couple other dealers that I but from on occasion . I didn't buy on the 2nd and when we went back on Friday the 19th 2 or 3 types of rock I was going to buy were all sold out and the guys didn't have any for the Tucson show either so I'm out of luck for this yr . Wayne
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Post by melhill1659 on Jan 26, 2018 6:29:07 GMT -5
Great report aDave . Chris an I always found great parking as well. Getting up before the chickens helps I'm sure. We stayed in Blythe at Motel 8 like ya'll and found it to be very adequate. It's clean, they are friendly and helpful. One thing to keep in mind. If you rockhound, ask for a room on the first floor. They do not have an elevator. Carrying up 100lbs up rock to inspect and get ready for their journey home, only to have to lug them back down stairs, can get even the best rockhounder a little pissy. I think coming in during the week if anyway possible is the key. We always found excellent parking, traffic wasn't ever an issue unless you wanted to hit the Goodwill on a Saturday. Let me say though it was WELL WORTH IT! I'm also a seamstress with an extensive Vintage Pattern collection. I managed to score 5 new vintage patterns (circa 1950's or earlier) in like new condition for 25cents each. They sell on ebay for $7 to $12 a pattern. I'm also a hoarder of patterns so no I won't be selling them. Our next trip to Q we'll be boondocking. I am looking forward to making this an annual trip.
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