Received some preliminary information from Kenny Lemon by way of Harvey Nelson regarding Quartzsite this year.
It is that time of the year when we hear Quartzsite calling - do you hear it?
I have gone on line and the dates for Quartzsite are January 21st thru the 29th. Would you believe this will be our 11th YEAR? We should be at the usual location.
This year the charge will be $30.00 per couple or $15.00 for individuals and this will pay for the food that is brought in. We need to know how many of you plan to attend, and if you know at this time, please advise us. If you don't know - come anytime.
Kalemon2@aol.com
Our Home Phone No. 303.423.9809
Kenney's Cell No. 303.921.3843
Ann's Cell No. 720.626.4046
I will try to get another mailing out around the first part of January, 2012.
Kenney and I really look forward to seeing all of you and spending time with you. We also look forward to meeting old/and making new friends.
Kenney & Ann Lemon
p.s. Please Cc me Harvey Nelson <nelsonah@ieee.org>when you email Ann so I can help her with the list of attendees.
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.
Last years thread
Quartzite (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11285.msg55466#msg55466)
Slideshow of event
Ken Lemon's 2010 Quartzsite AZ. Rally (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II7bijErNm4#)
Excellent!! I have just emailed the 2 addresses and let them know that the Savournin / Speers party of 4 (plus Trip) will be there. I also offered our services as lackeys for setting up / breaking down, or hauling anything in that would be helpful. See you there!
Kathleen and I plan on attending by Jan 21.
best, paul
Audrey & I will be attending. Looking forward to meeting more folks from the forum.
If you let me know that you're a member of the forum when you call or email the Lemons I'll compile a list of us so we can find each other easier. For this list, I'm also noting those who said they are coming from this and the previous thread.
Tys & I want to go in the worst way, but it depends on my bulkhead/subframe/etc. repair... here's hoping!
Don
Don, and others that are not ready to commit, please send me an e-mail so I can add you to the Lemon Rally e-mail list. I'll be sending out updates from the Lemons to this list.
We'll be there! (Harvey - just sent you and Ann a confirmation)
Hope to see lots of Forum folks there!
George and I are planning to attend - just sent emails to Ann & Ken, and Harvey. We're looking forward to our first Quartzsite (ok, we did spend 2 hours there last year!). ^.^d
Hope to meet lots of Foreforums folks there!
Rita and I plan on being there for at least a couple of days. Not sure which days they will be at this point. But were looking forward to it.
We are, and looking forward to it. Just emailed Ken and Ann to let them know we well be there.
Happy Holidays to all.
Karl and Madelyn Brenneman-
sorry to say Ruth and I cannot make it as we are too far south and too many commitments and then we have to go to Xtreme for a repair. It is going to be cold there too!!!!
John
Hi we will try and Make it .Will keep in touch
Love to all
Merry Christmas
Lynn and Al Miller :)
We won't be able to make it this year as waiting for warmer weather. We wanted to head to Puerto Penasco afterward but January too cold for the beach. Hope to make an event later towards springtime in the southwest.
Merry Christmas to everyone :)
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
Yep... almost time for the gathering in the desert! 8)
Who all from the Forum will be at the "Lemon Rally"? I'll start the list:
1. George and Pat Hatfield - 2003 U295 36' - MC 16837 - hoping to arrive early (Wed, 1/18)
- Paul and Kathleen Smith 1999 U320 40' hoping to arrive early Wed 1/18
[/list]
best, paul
:( Unfortunately, our needed bulkhead/subframe repairs will not be done in time, so Tys and I will not be able to attend this time around. We so wanted to, for so many reasons, not the least of which was to meet up with other Foreforum members. We were on the maybe list, but now we are on the "hopefully next year" list.
Don
It looks like 49 coaches have signed up so far.
We might surpass last years 59 coaches. :o
Should be another great event.
Should arrive the 19th. So looking foreward to meeting all the fantastic people that have helped us learn about our coaches...3 Foretravels in 4 years; sure has been an adventure...
We are headed that way as soon as FOT finishes our coach . Have to replace an awning motor, it burned up for whatever,so warrenty will do it . Brad & Phyllis Metzger will be there with Molly . My cell 434 298 7067
We really wanted to show up and meet some of you, but it was not in the cards...
oldMattB
Jim Donivan, Cathy Thompson, and Xin Loi, (our side car ridding standard poodle) will be there around the 19th or so. Can't wait to meet new friends and have a good time with everyone.
Rita and I will be there for the last weekend, arriving the evening of the 27th. Were looking forward to meet more Foretravel people.
We look like this. I just wanted to show off my new jeep, it's all set up and ready to be towed.
Peggy and Kent Speers will be there. We are almost there now setting in Yuma anxiously awaiting to met you all. We may head up to Havasu in the interim. Anybody else in that area now?
I'm envious, Dave. That's the Jeep Unlimited I asked Santa for Xmas...I guess I was not all that good last year.
Rig looks great!
Kent where in Yuma are you? We are sitting west of Yuma at the sand dunes right off hwy 8. (Buttercup) We will be here for a few more weeks. Had to order a new converter and will not get here until next Thursday. Then we might head up to Quartzsite. not for sure yet. Met lots of great friends here in the dunes.
Dave & Cris
We are at the Quechan Casino in the parking lot right next to Jeff and Carol Savournin's 2002 U320. We had planned to head north but with this wind we will be here a day or two more. Stop by if you have a chance. There are two more Foretravels boondocking near the Shell Station west of us. We met them the other day. Nice folks.
Sorry to hear about the converter.
Thanks Peter,
I had been driving the same almost 15 year old SUV for the last 10 years. Santa said that if I could sell the ski boat and the old SUV/Chevy Blazer, I could get a new car. For the first time ever I got the car/Jeep I wanted, as opposed to what I needed. Life is good.
Rolled out of the shop here at FOT , new awning motor installed , works properly and smiling . So in the AM this machine will head to Quartzsite . I am looking forward to this event and being a part of it .
Can't make the rally with the coach. It is currently without HWH leveling system. Sent controller to HWH today for repair.
Considering (dreaming) of riding the Goldwing out and meeting folk for a couple of days. So many of you people have helped me and I really want to meet you in person. I probably won't make it this year, but I'm still thinking about it.
It looks like Blythe may be the closest place for hotels/motels. Have you any recommendations? Also considering flying Southwest Airlines to Phoenix. That's probably the fastest/cheapest way to get there, but every time I fly, I think, "Gee, in only two (three, four) more days I could have driven and it would have been so much more fun."
THE LEMON "GATHERING IN THE DESERT" IS FAST APPROACHING!!!
We are really looking forward to seeing all of you again. Following is our tentative schedule - CHANGE IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE.
Sat. 1/21 3:30 PM Reacquainted Party - Bring Hors d' oeuvres
Sun. 1/22 8:30 AM Biscuits & Gravy - by Kenney & Ann Lemon and Pablo & Mary Montano
4:00 PM A real Italian Dinner - by Darlene & Barry Brideau
Mon. 1/23 8:30 AM Pancakes - by Kenney & Ann
4:00 PM Hot Dogs & Brats - by Dennis & Donna McGrail and Kenney & Ann
Tues. 1/24 8:30 AM Oatmeal (surprise) - by Kenney & Ann
4:00 PM Baked Potato Bar - by Marv & Gertie Permann
Wed. 1/25 8:30 AM Eggs in a Bag - Kenney & Ann
4:00 PM Probably Beef Stroganoff - by Laurel & Wayne McCauley
Thurs. 1/26 8:30 AM French Toast - by Kenney & Ann
4:00 PM "Desert Stew" - by Kenney & Ann and Jerry & Joanne Galliart
Fri. 1/27 8:30 AM Pancakes - by Kenney & Ann
3:45 PM Gather to go out for Dinner at Black Rock Cafe - Brenda, AZ
Sat. 1/28 8:30 AM Eggs in a Bag - by Kenney and Ann
4:00 PM Pot Luck hosted by Kenney & Ann
Sun. 1/29 "So Long" - see you around. Travel SAFELY!!!
**Bring your own dishes and flatware - napkins will be provided.
Kenney and Ann will be in Quartzsite on January 19th. Some of our friends will be there early, so look for them. We will be in the same location as always. 7 Miles South of Quartzsite on Hwy. 95 (at Mile Marker
99) and look for LasPaz (black topped road - going West). Look for the "Lemon signs" and go West about 1/2 mile. We will be on the Northside of the road.
We will be leaving Denver by January 16th (or sooner if our old house inspection has been done) and can be reached on our Cell Phones:
Kenney - 303.921.3843 Ann - 720.626.4046
See you in Quartzsite!
Kenney & Ann Lemon
Hey You'all, WERE HERE.
We and Jeff and Carol Savournin arrived at 33.596334N - 114.342443W (or N33 34.950 - W114 13.737 depending upon whether you believe my iPhone or my Gramin respectively), MM 99 on US Highway 95 at about noon yesterday. I trust we are in the right place but so far no other Foretravels are in sight. There is an FMCA group in this general vicinity but no other FT's. If there is anyone already here, please let us know. Cell Phone is 405-six four one- 2034.
We are looking forward to meeting our Forum Friends in person. See Ya Soon!!!
Hey, Kent... Google Maps/Earth says your Garmin nailed it... your iPhone has it almost 8 miles west of your Garmin.
FYI, Kenney's directions note about 0.5 miles west of US95 on La Paz Valley Road - from memory (ie, a brief 2-hour visit two years ago), I attempted to find it on Google Maps/Earth (together with Kenney's directions). Interestingly, your Garmin lat/lon shows it to be within 200 feet of my guesstimate! Call me Columbus! :D
We'll see you all on Wednesday - we're caravaning from Tucson with the Brennemans.
It's kind of interesting. I have the iPhone MotionX GPS, a Garmin Nuvi 225W car GPS, a very old Garmin GPS12 for hiking and a Rand McNally RVND 5510. The only two of the four that gave me the same Lat/Lon were the iPhone and the Garmin GPS12. These two were identical. The Rand McNally RVND 5510 and the Nuvi 225W were somewhat close to each other but not the same.
The bottom line is Mile Marker 99 then 1/2 mile west on La Paz Rd and about 1/4 mile north you will find us hiding behind the bushes.
We're over in LaPosa South - just got in - hanging with an Escapees group @N 33.61622 W114.20216 (Garmin), or maybe N33.61618 W114.20219 (iPhone). Will be heading over to the Lemon Rally Thurs or Fri. We might try earlier to find the bushes that the Speers and Savournins are hiding behind...
C'mon over!!! There is a group of Escapees from Oregon that are adjacent to us (closer to the road) but they are winding down and pulling out soon. We are really pretty much all by our lonesome. Come off the La Paz road where the Cuatro Estados sign is and follow your nose.
Dave, I think you can find us. Those bushes we are hiding in are just like the rest of the desert. Its hard to hide real good behind bushes that are only 4 feet tall.
Sharon and I will be there tues afternoon....in Lake Havasu now,,,,Dr appt Monday...
A testimonial email from a CC Owner.
We have been trying to figure out a way to get to Quartzsite on the 21st. You may remember Carol and me as the County Coacher's two years ago. We met you all while Roger Berke was fixing our Hydro-Hot.
The Lemon camp is one of the more amazing experiences we've had while motorhoming. You welcomed up with open arms and included us in all your activities. Before that, we had wondered why anyone would ever want to dry-camp in the desert. Now, we wonder why anyone would not want to dry-camp in the desert.
We still chuckle about this story. You'll remember the 60+ mph wind and rain storm that blew in. We quickly pulled the slides in. I hadn't caught the fact the Hydro-Hot bay door was open. The slide ripped it off and, after the blowing stopped, we found the bay door on the ground, next to the motorhome. Several of the guys in the group stopped by and offered advice on how to fix it. Everyone had the same general ideas. Then one person brought some tools over, and then two more guys did the same. We had more tools than any well-stocked repair shop. The crew started reattaching the bay door. Long story short, I've never needed to have another thing done to the door. It fits and works perfectly. If you didn't know this story, you'd never know the door had been damaged. Now, how can you not like a group of people like this, not-with-standing the great hospitality we were shown?
Please give our best to the Lemons, and all the rest of the group. If you like, please feel free to share this e-mail. We look forward to joining you next year.
With kind regards,
Paul Onerheim
I count 29 out of 54 rigs that I know about that are coming to Quartzsite are foreforum members.
Who said we could not get a Foreforum rally started ???
This may be a good start. 8)
We'll need a recount afterwards to see how many of the 25 current non-FoFums are successfully assimilated :D
Michelle
As I found out in a previous rally, computer literacy is a terrible thing (to waste) ::) ???
But we keep selling one at a time 8)
Your words suggest "Resistance is not futile...." ;o
But we are packing up and Kathleen and I will be there tomorrow.
best, paul
Might be fun to have small signs available to put in front window (or behind windshield wipers - if exterior sunshades are in place) with FoFums handle/name and FoFums logo... we did this at Airstream rallies - was nice to match face/forum name! Just something simple. Perhaps Michelle could create a quick Word template (8.5x11) and Barry could supply FoFums names. I've got sheet protectors and a laser printer in the coach... just saying... ::)
Pat,
I had already printed up the logo sheets for the front dash and will be bringing them with me.
Like minds. ;) I printed my name on mine but the others will have to use Felt pens. 8)
Anyone wanting one, just come by the coach and pick one up.
Cool! Thanks, Barry - karma to you! :D
+1 ^.^d
Now make sure you hang onto them after Q - they'll probably come in handy for visits to Nac as well.
-M
My current count has 23 ForeForums Members coming of 54 total.
Oops! The correct number is 29 ForeForums Members coming of 54 total.
Apparently my wet-ware doesn't count very well in the AM :-[. Thanks to Barry Beam for catching my goof.
You people are driving me nuts. Wannago wannago wannago!!!!
oldMattB
my current computer screen:
There were 17 of us for a wonderful dinner of big, juicy burgers w/ cheese and Hatch chiles, potato salad, baked beans and other assorted sides. Dessert of Carrot cake, cherry pie, French Apple and regular Apple pie ... When the sun went down we lit a great fire and then let it die down to look at the astonishing night sky with George Hatfield's "Sky Window". It doesn't get much better than this!
Wow! That sounds like a great gathering. We wanted to join you, but a few things went awry this year.
We are at home in Texas enjoying beautiful weather. The controller for the leveling system from the coach arrived at HWH in Iowa, yesterday. I didn't place the frame jacks before pulling the controller, and the coach is listing to passenger side. ::) We expect to return to a more level status in a couple of weeks.
Enjoy the party and continue to provide vicarious entertainment for us wanna-be-theres.
We are reading all the news from "Lemon Q" with memories of our first and only visit to "Q" in Jan. 2007. We would have liked to make our last one with you guys, but it was not to be. Between ForeForums Classifieds and Escapees Discussion Classifieds, we have had 450 views of our "For Sale" ad. . .but no hits so far. Have fun. . .we'll be thinking beautiful sunsets for you.
I should add the disclaimer that we are only an unofficial "pre-rally" ... we won't know where the actual Lemon site is until they arrive and begin to give us direction! We just know that we are in the right vicinity, based on input from others (mostly non-Foretravels!) that have seen the Lemon group in years past. It's a BIG desert ... and there are no numbered spaces! VERY fun.
Ok, for all you folks at the "Q", how about posting a few pictures now and then? So that we will a:) feel like we are there, b:) wish we were there! And how about those juicy burgers? photos please! YUM
Hi All,
We are newbies and 1st timers at Quartzsite. Looking forward to meeting all of you. will be arriving on Monday the 23rd.
Ralph and Mary Jo Winchester
I was informed this morning by Tys, that I should have said plus 2! I tried to save myself by saying we are as "one", but I am not sure she bought it ;D
Sunrises and sunsets are wonderful. I have never seen so many RVs of every shape, size and state of repair as there are in this extended desert area. My husband, Mr. Wonderful, took me 4 wheeling yesterday in our GMC Terrain. I know, I know ... it is not a 4WD vehicle. But he has caught the Jeep "bug" so badly that he was MENTALLY driving a Jeep, so he therefore thought that the GMC would handle the terrain because it is named Terrain. The tires are still intact, and we did get back to our group ... but he has shaved yet a few more months off of my life span. We are renting ATVs this afternoon to go scoot around in the desert. This is because Brad Metzger pulled in yesterday with his 4WD pickup carrying his ATV in the back. Now Mr. Wonderful is totally torn between a Jeep Sahara and this alternate way to Disturb the Peace. I despair. My quiet, orderly life is doomed. I just keep gazing at the mountains and searching for tranquility.
The Lemons arrived yesterday and many hands made what seems quick work of setting a bunch of stuff in place. We are supposed to be close to 60? coaches ... although several folks (including us) have to leave early. We will certainly come back again ... this is SO fun!!
Oh lordy, I just have visions of this!
Get the jeep. Works great to take on the beach too. Have fun, it was 23 this morning. Can I say I wish I was there any louder.
FOR SALE>>>2011 GMC TERRAIN> !0K miles. roadmaster base plate. Air Force one braking system.
Leaving Quartzsite next week. Tucson then heading to Big Bend. WIll be in Nac end of Feb for a week to 10 days.
Pictures upon request..
I've never seen so many gol durn Foretravels in my life.
And more are coming!
best, paul
My z71 Tahoe will get you there in comfort. You can sit in the rear bucket seat with the overhead dual air and watch a DVD with the wireless headphones.
I have both a tahoe and a jeep wrangler and there is no competition. The Wrangler rules off road especially rocks but the mud and stuff we get on the east coast the tahoe with the big V8 will pull thru the stuff. I have a tahoe with off road mods including a winch and bumper increasing the approach angle and a small lift too.
Glad to here all the Jeep talk. I won't be there until next weekend but I have a book tells me there are some good off road trails near Quartzite, I would love to get out and do some exploring.
Rita and I have too much going on this weekend to make it, I hope most of you are still around by the time we can get there. I can't wait!
Well ... Mr. Wonderful is trying' to play me like a violin. He saw Brad Metzger pull in with his 4WD pickup and his beefy ATV. Eyes got real big. Then nothing would do but we rent ATVs for a half day to go exploring in the BLM trails around Q. OK. We picked them up at noonish ... rode back the 7+ miles on rough trails under the power lines to the Lemon Rally site. Met up with Metzger and Phyllis on their ATV and took off into the back of beyond. This is the 2nd time I have ever been on one of these things, but I am not gonna let Mr. Wonderful down. It was mostly wonderful. Great fun and great scenery ... a bit hairy going through the washes on loose gravel and very rough terrain, but the machines can handle it if I do not freak out. Then Metzger takes us down a ravine that is 15 feet of straight down and a diagonal up the other side. I let out my first real squeal, but I make it. A short time later we are faced with a 50 ft climb that appears to me to be straight up. I politely decline to even attempt it ... even after he explains that the only real danger is if I hesitate and stop halfway up and then try to restart, when I will probably flip the thing over backwards. Otherwise, it is all good. I remain firm in my decision to stay put, but after I watch Phyllis hauled up behind her husband, and then MY husband climb the hill, I reconsider. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I gird my loins and up I go. Phyllis greets me with praise at the top, where she has wisely let her husband and mine continue without her as it is really hairy. They turn back and tell us it was a good thing I didn't go any farther. Then I realize that I have to go DOWN the same incline that I just risked life and limb to go up. I am here to tell the tale ... but much more than squealing and language that my mother would have disapproved of took place. After that, it was just pure enjoyment, including the 7+ miles back to Quartzite to return the Honda ATVs that carried us allover the place. All this by 5 PM.
Now ... Mr. Wonderful THINKS that I will say,"Get the Jeep ... we are NOT going to buy ATVs and a truck." because he thinks I will settle for the lesser of two rambunctious things. HA!! He is so foolish.
"Mr. Wonderful is trying' to play me like a violin"
Dear Wife is so easy....trust me, the jeep is a done deal....
Well played, Jeff...
Peter
I am taking notes!
I so wish we could be there, but then you would have to put up with little kiddos running around bugging everyone with their endless curiosity. Plan on suffering though it for a couple days next year!
We are parked right next door to a large group of "FMCA 4 Wheelers". That is making the Jeep thing WAAAAY too enticing for Mr. Wonderful. Men are like magpies. Things strike their fancy, and they MUST have them ... no rational thought involved!
Here we are in Quartzsite . Sand and gravel size rock every where . When there is wind and someone drives by we get dust. Unloaded my ATV , put 60 or so miles on it , checked out the trails between camp site and the mountains which is in the range of 8 miles .Good smooth fun and fast if you like .At the base of the mountain it gets rough and rocky ,with climbs off camber .All trails so far only go up a quarter mile or less , then turn around and decend .Wanted to get up to top ,but so far no way. These mountains are all rock , not a single tree anywhere ,and very very steep , so it has to be a trail or no go .Had a fun ride with Carol and Jeff yesterday . Today I'll explore more south then work my way north looking for a trail that will go to the top of these mountains .So far we were able to get high enough that we could see maybe 25 0r so miles where we observed RVs by the thousands, as far as you can see from left to right .This is a good event the Lemons do .I will plan to do it again in 2013 . More later .
First event at the Lemon gathering was yesterday's "Meet & Greet" with "Bring H'ors D'oevres". By snacks, they really mean "you won't need to cook dinner"!! Jimminy! What a spread! I will let Harvey Nelson speak to the attendance so far ... but there are a lot of folks here. If we did not have vital appts at the VA in Tucson, we would certainly stay longer. More folks will be coming and going as the week progresses ... this is a very fluid gathering. It is SO great to put faces with names!! This morning is Biscuits & Gravy (which probably means that we will not need to eat until the 4PM feeding). We went yesterday to the Opening of the "Big Tent" at the RV & Vacation Show ... one of the several "events" that are continually running in town. Got there around 8AM and found parking nicely. Ate a tasty and substantial Breakfast Hoagie at one of the vendor's and got in line to enter the Big Tent. There were already 200 people lined up ... and it was shortly a mob scene. (Aside ... WHY people seem to feel that they must bring their DOGS to these events is just beyond me. The dogs look terrified. These folks are trying to shop, maneuver and holler at each other, and little Fifi is in a pouch, purse, chest pack on Dad's front OR ... MOST annoyingly ... in a stupid Dog Stroller!! LEAVE FIFI AT HOME!! She doesn't have a watch ... she doesn't know how long you have been gone. Rant over. I thank you for your attention.)
Some good vendors with some good stuff ... lots stuff I don't need and never will. Great "people watching" ... I still have to find the bookstore farther up in town where the guy only wears a hat and a sock ... Madelyn Brenneman (who knows this place like the back of her hand) told me all about THAT guy!! It is fun and dusty and windy and cold and sunny and warm and beautiful and calm. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Great campfire conversations. Bring lots of wine if you come, because it is important to conserve water. More later ... gotta get ready for Biscuits & Gravy.
BOY OH BOY, what a gathering !
story line:
while laying under my pickup, with little pain in present position, my thought was " OH S--T, I am going to miss the Q gathering again this year".
Have enjoyed this thread as almost being there.
Bill "the gimp" chaplin
Today ,Jim Donivan and I rode my bike back to the mountain . We checked out some trails that I didn't know were there before .Did some neat exploring around and ran across a new trail that took us up and up to a narrow ridge trail and straight down at the edges :) and all rocks .Came to an old man made tunnel / mine ,about 6ft tall ,5ft wide into solid rock .Were going back tomorrow with flash lights and have a look see how deep it goes . It is just plain fun to see whats around the next curve or over the next rise . Without my ATV this would not happen . Too many miles and too steep . This thing makes me feel young . Having my Foretravel waiting with a hot shower and some good chow makes for a good day . Brad Metzger :) :) :)
Well I am sad to say we are not going to make this trip once again. Business is interupting my vacation schedule. We had hoped to join you all, but will have to wait for next year. Hope everyone has a blast and enjoys the beautiful Arizona scenary.
Brad: Can you get pictures of your ATV and your running buddies? DAN
Stats as of this (Monday) morning:
44 coaches on site
5 coaches in town sucking juice from the grid
1 has already gone. (this is typical, maybe about half will be here the whole time)
For a grand total of attendees = 50.
Several are leaving and arriving today with planned arrivals as late as Thursday and Friday.
We are expecting about 71 between those that signed up and those that are here. However, some that signed up are not here yet and folks are arriving that didn't sign up. So 70 still looks like a good guess for the total.
Harvey,
Small correction.
In addition to our departure (sob, sob) one other coach that we know of left on Friday morning. They were parked over in the Project, as were/are others. Their rig was next to ours. Carol Savournin probably knows their names. (Sadly, we can't remember).
Missing the gathering, but grateful we were able to be there the short time we were. See you all next year - for the entire experience! :)
Kathleen Smith
1999 U320
"ATK"
That coach belonged to Gary & Sharon Carnes, who left to head for Daytona and the races! They are so great. They stayed long enough to help with the work of set up, but not long enough for Gary to get into trouble. And their pretty dog "Shelby" managed to turn another color from the dust ... but so did we all! Almost in their spot is a coach from Alaska ... then one from Illinois.
We were enjoying a fire the other night, when a big coach (don't know brand, but it had a "crown" emblem on the back) pulled in with a toad. It was full dark, and they ran all the way to the dead end here in the "Projects" (as we call ourselves) and stopped. Then there was a feint to the left until the driver realized that they were blocked by a small ravine and could go no farther. Their headlights were almost shining in the windows of the one coach that was parked at that end, so they decide to BACK UP about 15 ft!!! There is a good bit of noise and crunching of gravel as we watch the car jackknife against the motor home. Our mouths are hanging open and we are on the edge of our chairs ... waiting for a driver to erupt from said motor home, or at least stick his head out the window. Instead, nothing ... crickets ... and then the engine shuts down and the Wineguard Traveler goes up! They are set for the night. At some point, our curiosity get the better of our good manners and we sneak down with the dogs on leashes (our excuse) and flashlights to inspect the damage. The tow bar looks bent, we imagine some damage to the vehicle and there is a crack in the fiberglass of the motor home. Yikes. The next day, we wait and wait and wait for the folks to emerge. Finally, Kent Speers has reached his limit and he goes down around 2PM and taps on the door. "Yes?", says the misses. Kent introduces himself and explains that we had seen them arrive last evening and were wondering if they needed any help. Blank look. "No ... why would we need help?", she asks. "Well, you DO know that you jackknifed your car last night until it hit the motor home, don't you?", he says. "NO, really?", she says in surprise, "I had no idea! I only backed up a little bit so our lights wouldn't shine in that other coach."
Now, this lady is still in her bathrobe at 2 in the afternoon. She goes on to explain that she had been driving, they had been fighting like cats and dogs for the last hour of the trip, they were exhausted, lost and they had been unable to find any bar big enough to get their rig off of the road. "We really needed a Rum & Coke." (I am glad that they only hit themselves and not any of us who were parked in this circle!) When they came out to inspect the damage, there were guys ready to help. Her husband kept the car from moving while Dave Katsuki got him unhitched. Astonishingly, there appeared to be no damage to the car ... the Roadmaster All Terrain tow bar was not bent(!!) and they only suffered a 12" crack in the fiberglass on the driver's rear of the motor home where it hit the car bumper. They drove off unhitched ... presumably to find their group of friends ... and maybe that Rum & Coke they were needing. Vaya con Dios, mi amigos! They were very entertaining.
End of Monday Count:
49 on-site
5 in town
2 left
Total Coaches Participating 56
I asked the DW for permission to go to Quartzite without her (she had to work) and she told me, "Sure, but you have to take the money out of your allowance not the travel fund." I got out my calculator and had a go at that. Yikes! No allowance for months!!! :(
So instead I got to experience the joys of snow, freezing rain, more snow and temperatures in the 20s.
I need a bigger allowance. :P
Glad everyone had a good time, though. :)
Craig
EVERYONE needs to go to Quartzsite at least once. There is much to experience. Dry camping in the desert is not ever gonna be one of my favorite things, ladies. Let's just get that fact out in the open. I admire the skill and technical know-how displayed by all the guys with solar panels out the wazoo, and how they know to the .ooo1 of an amp what every little thing uses. But I have a somewhat larger carbon footprint, I guess. And I don't have a problem conserving water. It is sort of fun to see how many ways you can "recycle" water and what you can save in the shower(i used a funnel and a jug) while you are waiting for it to get warm, to then be used to wash the dishes, and then be used in the commode. I am good with that and it is a challenge to one's ingenuity and makes you conscious of how you are living. I really am not a fan of the dust and it makes me sneeze and bothers my eyes ... but I can dust and vacuum.
However ..... at 15 days I was done. Done. I wanted amenities like an electric plug. I wanted a VERY long shower in water that was not salty. We were just there a tad too long, I think. 7 to 10 days would not be an issue for me ... 15 was just a bit over my limit. That being made very clear ... the town takes on a festival atmosphere that starts at 7AM and goes till the camp fire finally dies down. The stars are amazing. People are concentrating on having a good time and are there by choice. The vendors have every kind of flotsam and jetsam you can imagine ... it would take me at least 5 visits to feel that I have covered them all. (I never got to see the Naked Bookstore guy ... need to make another trip.) The greatest thing was all the fine and friendly folks we met at the Lemon gathering ... many that we had been chatting with on this Forum and finally were able to hug and laugh with face to face. There may be some new members here, as we handed out ForeForum cards with abandon. It was really a VERY good time.
Hey Carol, I am here (or there), parked just past where you were parked and where Kent was parked, but, but, you dudes left before I got a chance to meet you.
I am a little sad today.
I forgive you because there are still a lot of other good folks here.
Hope to meet you next time.
OH!! I am totally sad, too! I KNOW that there has to be some connection between the Sabourins and the Savournins. Some guy on Ellis Island who didn't want to spell the name correctly, or something. We will catch up at some point, I hope. Meanwhile, enjoy your stay in "The Projects" in Quartzsite!! We had a super time.
having travelled thru quartzite many times on the way to home in Phx and onward to Mexico I know what you mean. It is definitly a thing you have to like and we do not, but having said that IT WOULD have been nice to meet all the Forum friends etc. The dust etc we do not need and as we are solar savvy we would have no problem with hot water etc, but, there are only so many times you can go visit the vendors there. It is very like mexico in that regards!!!
i am sure many long time frienshipe were made and hope to be part of that in the future but maybe in a GREEN grass space.
John
As promised, Here is the Pasta Recipe my wife made at the Lemon Quartzsite Rally
SPEEDY ITALIAN SAUCE (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=14630.new#new)
I know a many of those at Quartzsite are feeling like things are winding down, but I'm getting excited to get there for the last couple of days. Rita and I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon and hope to arrive before dark. Rita has plans to make a dish for the Pot Luck on Saturday, something she calls Yummy Potatoes, and yes they are yummy.
I've been following this thread and it seem everyone has been enjoying the camaraderie of the Foretravel group. I only wish I could have been there all week.
See you all, or those still there soon.
David
David;
You're not alone in arriving late; we'll get there this afternoon, as will another couple we know. Like you, we wish we could have spent all week with the group, but life gets in the way occasionally.
I know what ya mean. I keep telling my wife that we should sell everything and just full time it, but she thinks we don't have enough money. I'd vote for any politician that proposes free diesel to all Foretravel full timers......Others are asking ridiculous things from our government, why can't I?
Okay, not trying to start a political discussion here. Just being silly.
I've also driven through Quartzite many times but always when it was all but deserted... also on my way to and from Mexico or southern AZ. When no one is there it's not exactly inviting... but, like many places, it's the community that makes a place feel comfortable. I may have to squirrel some money into a safe place for fuel for next year. :D
Craig
Thanks to Harvey Nelsons tireless work daily to keep track of the comings and goings of everyone we have a totals matrix. Notice how many party animals came early :o
Barry, I resemble that remark. Along with quite a few others....PARTY forever!!!! Seriously, thanks to everyone for making our first visit to Quartzsite so enjoyable. Will thank you personally, as it is a very long list.
Wow! A total of 72 coaches with as many as 50 on-site!! That is truly impressive. Next year I hope to make it myself. I don't want to go down without a Jeep Wrangler or at least an ATV though. All those stories about 60 miles of exploring make it sound like so much fun!
Craig
Proof is in the video ;)
For those who missed this years event, here is a little taste of the goings on :o
Start planning for next year. Never too early.
2012 Quartzsite- Kennys Gathering in the Desert.m4v (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypB8_BUw6Go#)
WELL DONE, Barry! Sorry we missed seeing you this year; we arrived just after you departed. There's always next year!
...............badda bing.......badda boom!
Barry ... that photo collage is just GREAT!! I had such fun searching out all the faces and coaches. Now ... I want to assure folks who did not attend ... (all evidence to the contrary) we did a great deal more than just shove food in our faces! We DID eat very, very well (and I am now a huge fan of putting ice cream in your morning oatmeal,who knew??!!) ... but the fun of being in the company of so many new friends and all the "coach talk" and corny jokes and swap of information was just a delight. Meeting so many Forum members face-to-face was really exciting. Meeting folks from all over and getting travel ideas from their experiences was wonderful. I can't say enough about the Lemons and their gift for hospitality. The affection that they have inspired is evidenced by the joyful convergence of friends who were eager to lend a hand and raise the canopies and set up tables and cook stations. I would say that the "Lemon Rally" is in no danger of fading away, and should they decide to someday pass the torch, there will be many hands to take it up.
Barry ..... Great video, sure makes thoughs that were not there wish we were.
This just make's me all the more ready for a FT and all that go's with owning one.
Thanks to all who have posted lettting some of us live vicariously through your experiences.
Barry & Donna
Thats the idea. 8)
The more the merrier.
Another Barry is going to add to the confusion here.
There is 2 Barry's (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=7269.msg31460#msg31460)
Any chance you want to change your name? :o
I did not think so. ;D
Barry ,
I did notice that there were two already. Not too common for sure.
I will do my best not to mar the reputations of those before me. :)
Barry & Donna
Welcome from all the Barry's on the Forum.
Barry & Cindy