Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Topic: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going? (Read 4215 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #75 – January 22, 2012, 12:57:30 pm

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

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #76 – January 22, 2012, 10:44:18 pm

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

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #77 – January 23, 2012, 12:32:29 am

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #78 – January 23, 2012, 09:35:20 am

Brad: Can you get pictures of your ATV and your running buddies? DAN

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #79 – January 23, 2012, 10:26:59 am

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #80 – January 23, 2012, 10:59:45 am

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"

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #81 – January 23, 2012, 12:59:05 pm

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #82 – January 24, 2012, 10:26:04 am

End of Monday Count:
49 on-site
5 in town
2 left
Total Coaches Participating 56

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #83 – January 24, 2012, 11:18:20 am

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.

Glad everyone had a good time, though.

Craig

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #84 – January 25, 2012, 09:32:17 am

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #85 – January 25, 2012, 04:29:45 pm

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #86 – January 25, 2012, 10:46:15 pm

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #87 – January 25, 2012, 10:52:35 pm

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

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #88 – January 26, 2012, 09:10:06 am

As promised, Here is the Pasta Recipe my wife made at the Lemon Quartzsite Rally
SPEEDY ITALIAN SAUCE

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #89 – January 26, 2012, 11:01:25 am

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

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #90 – January 26, 2012, 11:35:57 am

Quote

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.

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #91 – January 26, 2012, 12:31:02 pm

Quote from: Chad and Judy – January 26, 2012, 11:35:57 am

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #92 – January 26, 2012, 12:48:19 pm

Quote from: John Haygarth – January 25, 2012, 10:52:35 pm

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.

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.

Craig

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #93 – January 30, 2012, 10:07:41 am

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

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #94 – January 30, 2012, 10:51:15 am

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.

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #95 – January 30, 2012, 04:48:45 pm

Quote from: Barry Beam – January 30, 2012, 10:07:41 am

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

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

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #96 – February 05, 2012, 11:09:32 am

Quote from: Jeff Savournin – January 30, 2012, 10:51:15 am

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.

Proof is in the video

For those who missed this years event, here is a little taste of the goings on

Start planning for next year. Never too early.

2012 Quartzsite- Kennys Gathering in the Desert.m4v

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #97 – February 05, 2012, 11:16:02 am

WELL DONE, Barry! Sorry we missed seeing you this year; we arrived just after you departed. There's always next year!

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #98 – February 05, 2012, 11:38:20 am

...............badda bing.......badda boom!

Re: Quartzsite AZ. 2012 - who is going?

Reply #99 – February 05, 2012, 12:29:58 pm

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.

Affiliate Notice