Quartzsite

QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA

QUARTSITE

ARIZONA ADVENTURES

GRAND CANYON

PICTURES OF QUARTSITE

Quartzsite is the self-proclaimed RV center of the southwest and just maybe of the entire country. The small town grows from a modest 2,000 people to over 300,000 in the snowbird months of winter. Most of the people take up residence in the desert dry camping. Getting a permit from the US BLM is very inexpensive when compared to the cost of full-hookup camp grounds. The main highway the old US 60, US 70 through town is very congested during the winter months and is classic of Phoenix during rush hour but in this town its pretty congested all day. The major RV dealers, clubs and the world famous rock and mineral show are here. The RV dealerships are temporary just like the RVers who reside here. People seem to live off each other with the flea markets, the honey dippers, and anything for RV's for sale. Quartzsite has long been a way stop for the long haul trucker. Both Pilot and Love's are present here and on our recent trip on 31 Jan 2004 while waiting in line for a hour at the Subway sandwich shop at the Pilot truck stop we had a chance to converse with several truck drivers of all ages. We are reminded of the important job these people do in all weather conditions and the lonely existence of this profession. After lunch we went across the street to the flea market and mineral show. If your a rock hound this is a place to be as they sell rocks by the pound. I got a kick out of the common desert rocks that one vendor collected and was trying to sell by the pound. In the picture I posted above this vendor has a wonderful assortment of minerals from around the world. The flea market is very large and sells everything from item people are casting off to fine arts and crafts. We even visited the grave of Hi Jolly a pyramid tomb. Very similar to the 1st Governor of Arizona who is also is entombed in a pyramid above the Phoenix Zoo. It is interesting to see how this town exists with few admenties and a rugged life style. However this just may be the alure of Quartzsite.