The wife and I are thinking about checking out Quartzite this year and we are looking for recommendations as to the best time to go and the best location to camp. We are thinking about going for 4-5 days and hoping to meet some of you all.
There is an annual gathering of Foretravelers in Quartzsite every January hosted by Ken Lemon .
Last year it was Jan 16 - 24. He has not given us dates for this year but I will post it when he does.
Directions to where he sets up every year.
Hwy. 95 — 7 Miles South of Quartzsite at Mile Marker 99.
There is a black topped road (LasPaz) going to the West.
Take his road about l/2 mile and look for the Yellow Lemon signs.
Hope you can make it.
My slideshow of the event from this year is at:
http://tinyurl.com/32lbem4 (http://tinyurl.com/32lbem4)
We are also interested in going to quartzite for about a week in january if installation of factory rebuilt aquathot system is completed in time. Our appointment at MOT is Jan. 3. It appears we have a leaking tank.
We'll be at Ken Lemon's rally also. See you there!
We are excited and looking forward to meeting everyone. Another question, can we bring a SOB friend without throwing the poor guy under the bus?
If one is going to Quartzsite for the first time and you don't have some experience dry camping in the desert, I would make my RV park reservations now as things fill up fast . If you are an experienced dry camper be aware that the dump and fills are now $20 or more this year according to recent reports.
I suggest that you arrive in the area prior to January 18th (4days before the Big Tent opens) to avoid a lot of traffic and confusion. Early arrival will allow yourself some time to familiarize yourself with the area. There will be tons of things going on in the area for a minimum of TWO WEEKS and you might be real disappointed if you have to leave early due to poorly informed planning. There is something there for everyone but, it takes some work to find it.
Type Quartzsite into Google and start exploring all of the things that make Quartzsite unique.
I suggest that you contact the BLM (Bureau of Land Management-Dept. of Interior) for information on the Long Term Visitor Areas and Dispersed Camping in 14 Day Areas for your future reference. If you drive through all of these various locations it will enlighten you as to what a LOT of people are doing in Quartzsite all winter.
During the TWO WEEK period, many RVing groups camp up at various locations for "meet & greet" activities and jam sessions. Some of the RVing organizations that you belong to will probably be present.
If you want to get your mail while you are in the Quartzsite area you might want to think about having it sent to either Bouse, Ehrenberg, or Blythe for ease of pickup as the Quartzsite post office becomes insane. It will give you an excuse to explore the area further out.
You may want to stock up on vittles before you arrive in the area as supermarkets are somewhat limited in their selections. I believe the closest Wal-Mart is in Parker.
Many, many things to see and do while in Quartzsite such as the 50 armed Saguaro and Hi Jolly memorial to say the least. If you bring your ATV you will have a blast. I hope you all enjoy it.
Regards,
Good place to start for information on Quartzsite.
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=barrybeam#p/u/8/II7bijErNm4 (http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=barrybeam#p/u/8/II7bijErNm4)
If thinking about attending the Lemon rally in Quartzsite, it is put on by Kenney & Ann Lemon (Kalemon2@aol.com).
They should be the one to be asked as it is their show.
After talking to Ken Lemon today he said I could post his message regarding the Quartzsite gathering.
If you are planning on going PLEASE notify him at the number or email below as he is concerned about not having enough spaces for everyone.
It is US, the Lemons, beginning to start planning for the "Gathering In The Desert". The dates will be Friday, January 21st, to Sunday, January 30th, 2011.
We have a few changes in our "Gathering" this year. Because our attendance has grown in number so much, we would like to collect $10.00 per person to help defray the expenses of the food, LP, and other related expenses. We appreciate your contributions to the pot lucks and so on but all the ingredients that go into breakfasts, stew, potatoes, etc. are steadily going up because of the quantities. We hope that you will feel that $10.00 per person for the "Gathering" is worth all the fellowship we share at this special event.
Anyone wishing to prepare a breakfast or some other meal, will have to clear it with Ann and the food will be paid for out of the contributions.
When we started this "Gathering", 10 years ago, we only had 4 coaches - last year we had 40 coaches at one time or another. We feel this shows the friendships that we all have formed and look forward to continuing.
The directions are the same and in the same general area - Hwy. 95 - 7 miles South of Quartzsite at Mile Marker 99. There is a black-topped road (LasPaz), going to the West. Take this road about 1/2 mile and look for the yellow Lemon signs.
We would like anyone planning to come to Quartzsite, and know by January 5th, to notify Ann, at the following:
Home Phone: 303.423.9809
E-Mail kalemon2@aol.com
We will be leaving about January 10th so after that date we can be reached on our Cell Phone -- 303.921.3843 or on E--Mail.
We are anxiously looking forward to getting together with our family of friends.
Safe Travels and God Bless,
KENNEY and ANN LEMON
Is this a dry camping area, BLM land? If so are we permitted to run generators?
Yes it is dry camping and we can use our generators.
Barry, thanks for getting the info together for us on the Lemon event. We look forward to attending for 3 or 4 days durring the scheduled time. It is always appreciated for us Newbie's the wealth of information provided on this forum for new adventures. Hope to see you all there.
There is a Bluegrass Festival in Blythe the week before,
http://www.blythebluegrass.com/ (http://www.blythebluegrass.com/)
We are planning on attending.
Barry;
how about Lat/lon of campsite @ quartzite (la Pas)
Barry
Pardon me for butting in. I made this map up and had not yet had chance to post it.
Location is approximate, based on location from past years. I will post exact location when Ken picks a spot.
Linda and I plan to arrive in Quartzsite January 15th and stay until at least February 5th. We will be in the same general location. Anyone is welcome to join us.
- Roger Berke and Linda Whigam -
[11/29/2010 - Corrected GPS coordinates on map]
This was last years Coordinates:
It should be close
N33 34.8793
W114 13.7146
Rogers map should give you a good visual.
Looking forward to seeing you there Roger.
I assume you will be available for Aquahot repairs 8)
One more photo that may help.
This is the sign that you are looking for to identify the turn off on Highway 95 (about 7 miles south of Business 10 (Main Street)) as you drive south of Quartzsite. Identified on sign as La Paz Road. Also listed on some maps as N 53rd Street. You would turn right to the west. About .7 miles to where the gathering has been held in the past.
Linda and I have attended the Lemon Gathering for 2 of the last 3 years and have had a GREAT time. I would encourage everyone to attend. Don't forget to contact Ken or Ann Lemon for invitation.
I will be available if anyone needs parts / service. Contact me directly Roger (dot) Berke (at) gmail (dot) com
- Roger -
The Google map does not represent the area very well. The Old Yuma RD and the Pipeline RD are a dirt roads that are only suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles. Highway 95 is a two lane state highway. La Paz RD is a paved road.
Ken has picked a very good location that is very close to the paved road and is accessible by any coach.
- Roger Berke -
Here is the schedule for Quartzsite.
December 16, 2010
2011 IS UPON US AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT QUARTZSITE !!
Following is a tentative schedule for our "Gathering In The Desert".
I have always said, "My life is in pencil - and I have a good eraser".
Quartzsite scheduling falls into that catagory. JANUARY 21st - 30th.
Fri. - Jan 21st 3:30 PM Reunited with Old and New Friends - bring Hors e' Oeuvres or Finger Food
Sat.- Jan 22nd 8:30 AM Pancake Breakfast - Linda Whigam & Roger Berke
3:30 PM Baked Potato Bar - Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes will be supplied
(pick out your own) and bake in your microwave.
Potato fixins' will be furnished. Bring a salad or dessert.
Sun. - Jan 23rd 8:30 AM "Eggs In A Bag" - Kenney & Ann Lemon
Any time - by 10:00 AM "Red's Stew" - Lemon's to provide meat. Each coach to bring some-
thing for the pot (Veggies cut into 1" pieces). Bring bread or dessert.
3:30 PM Enjoy the "Stew"
Mon. - Jan 24th 8:30 AM Special Oatmeal - Kenney
3:30 PM Ham & Beans - Ann & Kenney - Bring bread/corn bread or dessert.
Tues. - Jan 25th 8:30 AM French Toast - Kenney & Ann
3:30 PM Sloppy Joes with Beans, Chips, Dessert - Kenney & Ann
Wed. - Jan 26th 8:30 AM Breakfast - Jerry & Jan Hessenflow
3:45 PM Out for Dinner - Black Rock Cafe - In Brenda, AZ
Thur. - Jan 27th 8:30 AM Breakfast - Possible Biscuit & Gravy
3:30 PM Pot Luck
Fri. - Jan 28th 8:30 AM Ham & Egg Burittos - Kenney & Ann
3:30 PM Spaghetti & Meatballs - Kenney & Ann - Bring bread or dessert.
Sat. - Jan 29th 8:30 AM Pancakes - Kenney & Ann
3:30 PM Left-over Pot Luck
Sun. - Jan 30th TRAVEL SAFELY AND THANKS FOR COMING
* Bring your own eating utensils and beverages.
** Games for anyone who wants to play in the afternoons.
We plan to be in Quartzsite Jan. 19th. Look for us in the same area as last year. Easy to find.
DIRECTIONS; Hwy. 95 South of Quartzsite to just past Mile Marker 99 (about 7 miles) to 53rd Street
North toward LasPaz and turn West on the paved road. Go about 1/2 mile and look for
the yellow Lemon signs. We wil be on the North side of the road. Use Channel 4 on CB.
If you know that you are coming - please contact us at 303.423.9808 before Jan. 5th or on our e-mail:
KALEMON2@AOL.COM -- Cell phone: 303.921.3843 - or just SHOW UP !
Looks like we have over 42 coaches signed up for the Quartzsite Rally.
How many have pre-registered for the "Intro to ForeForums" class you're teaching? :D
Michelle
Since many are coming after hearing about it here on Foreforums, it will be a small class.
But we won't miss an opportunity to spread the infection. ???
I might have spoken to soon. ???
The class may be a little bigger as we have hit the magical number of 50 that are coming thanks to Pierce & Gaylie Stewart.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Glad you decided to come. 8)
Dang, that's a big Pourtravel Happy Hour! :D
Looking forward to the photos I know you'll be taking of the rally-ers.
Michelle
Hello,
If my schedule doesn't change too much, it looks as if I'll have the opportunity to attend the Lemon's gathering in Quartzsite. Hopefully, I'll be leaving Colorado on Wednesday afternoon, and staying at Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station starting this Friday. Jennifer and I stayed there this past December for 10 days, and absolutely loved the park..and the price; $27 per night with full hook-ups and free laundry facilities. Looking forwarding to meeting everybody in the desert.
Cheers,
The location of the Lemon Gathering at Quartzsite 2011 is as follows:
33° 34'58.86"N 114° 13'52.44"W
About 1/8 mile west northwest of last years location.
- Roger Berke -
2000 Fortravel U320 42ft
We're over at Boomerville in Quartzsite, and will move down to the Lemon Rally when it starts on Fri. Hope to see lots of us there!
Dave & Nancy,
Lemon group is setup and a bunch of us are hanging out. We are a little further west on the same dirt road, this year. Barry & Cindy
Were in Goodyear, AZ. see you tomorrow
Safe travels to all who were at the Lemon Rally. I'm looking forward to photos and video to put more faces with forum names (hint, hint :)) )
Michelle
I finally took the hint. Here are the photos of Quartzsite.
Quartzsite 2011 Attendees (http://beamalarm.com/travel/2011/quartzsite_2011_attendees/Quartzsite_2011_Attendees.html)
Quartzsite_2011- (http://beamalarm.com/travel/2011/Quartzsite_2011/Quartzsite_2011.html)
WOW!
Barry, thanks for posting the Quartzsite pictures. It's wonderful to see folks living large. I wish I could have been there to share in all the great times and meeting all the wonderful folks.
Happy Travels
Barry
Great photos on the ground and aerial shots. You were busy taking photos, cooking, flying, and parking Foretravels. :D
The last couple of years we have been 2 weeks early, maybe next year we will be on time.
Thanks Barry
I agree! Love putting more faces with names and seeing folks in their "native habitat".
Anyone else think next year they should all park so they spell "Foretravel" or "ForeForums.com" when viewed from the air? :))
Michelle
We were in the process of doing that but then we had so many coaches crowded in that you could not read it from the air : ) Better planning next year.
Barry, great pictures and we had a great time and food was great too.
Barry, I too am grateful for the photos. I wish it was because I like seeing the fun of all of those Foretravelers getting together, but the truth is we were setting in deep south Texas where we thought it would be warm but instead were freezing our little or maybe not so little tushies off and thinking how warm we would have been if we could have been in Quartzsite with you. Now I know from the photos that it was pretty cool out there as well. Thanks for easing my pain. Will this Global Warming never stop???
I think you read those photos wrong. The weather was fantastic the whole time. Very warm & better than last year when we had 60mph winds & rain.
We all were thinking of you in Texas "freezing your little" & wishing we were not there : ) We had enough Foreforum members to call it our first unofficial gathering. Put it on your calendar for next year.
Our intension is to be there. And I'm still gonna believe it was cold out there just for my own sanity.