RockingRuralMo
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2022
Posts: 138
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Post by RockingRuralMo on Oct 5, 2024 9:53:34 GMT -5
Hello all!
I've been dabbling in the lapidary world for almost 3 years now, and the spectre of the Quartzsite show looms large in my mind. I can get a few days off in January to go visit the show, but looking at the logistics it's honestly a little daunting. I would like to buy about 1000 lbs of assorted rough to come home and play with.
I'm definitely not above sleeping in my car and living on bottled water and granola bars for a couple of days. But is that what I need to plan for? Are there easier ways? How do you pros manage this trip?
I'm also debating whether I should drive my truck the whole 1700 miles or fly into Phoenix and rent a car. If I fly I'll have to freight my rocks - is that something any of you have done and can/will recommend?
Which shows are a must see for buying big rough?
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,198
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Post by rockbrain on Oct 5, 2024 10:09:11 GMT -5
I went to Quartzite for the first time this year. One thing I think you're doing right is planning early. I went with a bit of a plan but spent so much time on side trips that I barely saw any of Quartzite. I don't know if that's necessarily a bad thing. It turned into much more of a hounding trip. I never made it past Desert Garden and I was only there in the evening and early morning when only a few vendors were open. I did get to go to Tony's BBQ and meet a lot of forum members and that was one of my goals. The good thing is I came home with lots of rocks and spent very little money. Sleeping in your car is definitely doable. I was on a cot in a camper shell in the Desert Garden parking lot. I know several members here drive in from a ways away and several fly and rent so hopefully you'll get some good info coming in.
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AzRockGeek
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2016
Posts: 704
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Post by AzRockGeek on Oct 5, 2024 12:34:29 GMT -5
With so many people moving to Az lately, there maybe some deals to pick up a UHaul type truck in Phx and drive it back home. As far as buying rough at Quartzite, the best show is Desert Gardens and the Pow Wow if it is going while you are there.
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rockinrenn
starting to shine!
Member since December 2023
Posts: 41
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Post by rockinrenn on Oct 5, 2024 14:44:30 GMT -5
My friend Dave and I go every year. We usually stay in Blyth, California which is about 20 miles from Quartzite. However there are also places to stay in Parker Arizona. The Powwow has the most vendors and a great variety of material. Desert Gardens is the place where vendors stay for most of January. Tyson Wells also has may semi-permanent vendors in buildings. If you are buying bulk material, Desert Gardens is the place for that. Have fun.
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Post by Pat on Oct 5, 2024 15:41:23 GMT -5
We’ve been twice.
Blythe is a good place to stay.
One year, we decided to stay on the main drag in Quartzite. We stayed at the Quartzite Yacht Club. I liked their sense of humor.
HA!!! Yes, on the main drag. AWFUL place.
Ancient trailer homes divided in half.
Noisy. No privacy. Bed bugs. FLEAS!!
Don’t stay there.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,821 
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Post by Mark K on Oct 5, 2024 19:37:06 GMT -5
There is camping just outside of town and it is free and easy. I do it every year.
I don't think I will go to the traditional spot any more as with the loss of Jean, there is zero chance of the group going back there.
I think I will have to find a closer spot.
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 5, 2024 20:30:03 GMT -5
This year I rolled over for a day at the PowWow and the RTH get together at Tonys, slept in the back of my van a couple spots over from rockbrain, and discovered the absolute brutal strength of turkish coffee from the food vendor in the morning. Went through desert garden in the morning and lots of vendors were gone to the powwow or just packing up. I did finally get to meet Larry Ridley, but I'm pretty sure the only person I bought rocks from was Tony. After the show we're doing next weekend I need to reserve a RV space somewhere nearby and start my stay earlier next year. Maybe the 9th through the 19th for us, so we can catch DG, Tyson and the little spots around town before the powwow, and perhaps a side trip or 2 for hounding. We're less than 2 hours away so I hope to stop in sometime in December as well, but just for a day. As far as shipping, if you have understanding friends and neighbors you can send yourself flat rate boxes, if you reinforce the corners from the inside they survive pretty well. |
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