Quartzsite January 2006

[Gypsy]

Who will be there and when? I suggest we post our dates here so we can find a day to get together for lunch or campfire or whatever.

My dates are Jan 9-Feb 4, with Jan 26 busy with Escapees Solos.

[vickster]

Awh Gypsy - Looks like we will miss you again -- we will be in area the end of February as we head from Phoenix/Tucson to Bullhead City. Continued safe travels to you.

[adelmoll]

We will be there from mid Jan to Feb ?. Will be staying with the Escapees newest BOF Full timing Class of '05 from Jan 21-29 but should be able to get together most any time.

[FireTruckerWife]

We'll be there too. Just don't have exact dates yet.

[DHenry]

Sharon and I plan to be there from Jan. 18-30? after that we will be going to Tombstone.

[HamRad]

Gypsy,
Our current plans calls of us to arrive about the 18th. We'll be there for about a week to 10 days. Then head home. Will be available for get together just about any time during that period of time.

Dennis and Mary Kay

[Lstierw]

We should be in that area in late January or early February. We are still working our travel........but hope to meet up with you guys somewhere...........Les and Sue:):)

[Gypsy]

Vickster, so sorry to miss you. But it looks like everyone else will be there in late January.

[Trailer Trash 2]

TT2 will be there on the day of Jan 26th 2006, untill the 31st. maybe a week but not less than that. we usually camp behind Rice Ranch in that new area that has the resteraunt, live music and great service. the name is Snowbird Base Camp it was a new company with a good Idea. but the talk was to put lines on the ground and pack them in there, :( But if that happins I dont think we will go there it might be Rice Ranch like 3 years ago.

[Dave Anderson]

We plan on being in Q about the 15th of jan. thru about the 5th of Feb. or so then on to toumbstone. Hope we can all connect--------Dave

[jrjones]

My wife and I will be there 1/26-29th. Would like to meet some of you and say hi.

[HamRad]

The link below may be of interest if you're going to Quartzsite.
HamRad

Quartzsite Weather (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/index.php?wfo=psr&zone=azz021&fire=azz132&county=azc012)

[Gypsy]

It looks like everyone might be there on Jan. 28, Saturday. Would this work for a get-together?

Next question: do you want to meet at someone's camping area (there might be at least 3 in one place: HamRad, DHenry and Gofnuts) OR do you want to meet at a restaurant?

I propose that we find the trio and meet for happy hour, BYOB and a snack, around 4:00 pm, then if people also want to go out to dinner they can do so.

If anyone has a better idea, please post it. Tell us what you'd like to do - I'm not trying to orchestrate, just want to make sure we find each other!

[DHenry]

Sounds good to me. PM me and I will give you my cell number. I will bring your tee shirt along also.

[Dave Anderson]

sharon,sounds great to us!!!! If we dont see you befor that, we will be monitoring chanel 13 and walkabout ch 7 code 1 . I think we will be out in Skadan wash ,but may connect with Hamrad and Golfnuts along the way. Are you still going out to Boomerville??? At any rate, want to get together on the 28th-------------- Dave & Kelly

[Gypsy]

Thanks, Doug & Sharon - I sent you a PM. It will be great to have the T-shirt early! I hope I don't wear it out before the rally in May.

Dave & Kelly - I'll be dividing my time between Escapee SOLOs and Boomers, but I won't be far from you in either case. I don't know if my Cobra walkie-talkie will pick up your signal, but I'll try.

See y'all soon!

[Dave Anderson]

Dennis, A R#EALLY ROTTEN POST!!!!!!!!! IT has been hovering at 10 to 12 degrees here for 18 days!!!!!We are suppose to get into the high 20's tomarrow!!!May rain for Christmas, but that will mean my diesel wont freeze so we can get the heck outerhere!!!!Will be heading YOUR way soon , will try to contact you as we get nearer Have A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!--- DAVE& KELLY

[Gypsy]

Well, Dave & Kelly, you're really going to hate this: I'm in the Palm Springs/Indio area, and our high today was 75 with overnight low predicted to be 48. Tomorrow it's predicted to hit 81!! Point those wheels south and make 'em roll!

[HamRad]

If you're going to Quartzsite this January here are the GPS co-ordinates for the Plomosa Rd. area where we usually stay. It is north of Q about 5 or 6 miles. North 33.45.328 and West 114.11.813. These numbers will be close but not exact. They should be within about a quarter mile or so.

It is looking more and more like a mini rally! See you all there.

Sharon if we end up with a little group everyone is certainly more than welcome to gather at our place. We sort of did that last year with some friends of ours and it turned out great! Of course dinner at a restaurant is good too. Whatever works. Doesn't really matter as long as Dave is there to pay for everything! :)

See everyone soon.

Dennis and Mary Kay

[rlwhit]

Sharon,what is this a reunion of the Shasta gang? We will be in Quartsitz. I do not know if we can stay until the 28th. HamRad I am sending you a PM.

[adelmoll]

The 28th sure works for us. Glad to see we will be able to meet some of you that are going to Shasta since we won't be able to make that one:(. Dennis, thanks for the GPS #'s. We are driving up today just to take a look and will be able to put our new gps to work:D:D. There are several MOC'ers here in Yuma that may drive up just for the day.

Helen

[Gypsy]

HamRad, I just assumed you'd be willing to have the group gather at your site, so I'm glad you confirmed that. Thanks also for the coordinates. They show up in the wrong place on my MS Streets & Trips, but they're correct in Street Atlas. I'll be parked nearby with the Escapees Solos group.

Dick & Toni, it will be both a reunion and a gathering of new friends. Hope you can stay.

Helen, it's great that you'll be able to be there.

I wouldn't be surprised if Dave avoids eating in restaurants with MOCers after what happened in Mt. Shasta last May!

[adelmoll]

We just got back to Yuma after having lunch in Quartzite and checking the place out. Vender's are arriving daily and so are the RV'S but not nearly as many as last year yet. A couple of the workers at LaPosa told us they get about 1,000,000 people here. Wow.

We will be staying at La Posa North (I think) with the Escapee's full timing class of '05 but thanks to our new GPS and Dennis's instructions , we know exactly the area to meet up with everyone on the 28th:D:D

By the way, the temperature was 78 degree's. NOT BAD for the first day of winter.;)

[Montana Sky]

Oh how 78 degrees would be nice about now. We have finally broke the 28 degree mark yesterday and hit 37 degrees and today we got to 44 degrees. We have been in such a deep freeze up here for the past 25 days. Sure nice to see that ice and snow melt, almost makes me want to THINK SPRING!

[HamRad]

Adelmoll,
Glad you had a good trip up to Quartzsite. So how crowded was it up at Plomosa Rd.? Did you make it up into the foothills? There's a nice little town just over the mountain called Bouse. They have a nice little campground there just on the west side of town. They have a very nice bathroom. I think you also get some electric and water. But no sewer. I think they do have a dump station.

HamRad

[adelmoll]

Dennis, we only went as far as we set the gps for. It was empty there but there is already a lot of activity when you first turn onto the road. Do you know if there is a post office in Bouse?. I heard that it's real bad having your mail forwarded to Q and we're looking for an alternative. This is right about the time that all the income tax stuff gets mailed and we need a reliable source.

[FireTruckerWife]

28th works for us too.

[Gypsy]

Helen, I just called the Bouse P.O. (because I'll need the same service next month) and they said their crowds are definitely smaller than those at the Quartzsite P.O. in January. Use the following address:

Your Name
General Delivery
Bouse, AZ 85325

Bouse is less than 20 miles from the Plomosa Road area we'll be in. Another option is Ehrenberg, AZ 85328, which is just under 30 miles away.

[adelmoll]

Thanks so much Gypsy. Can't wait to meet you. Stop by the the Escapee's fulltimers area on LaPosa North Road too and say hi. I know of at least 2 Montana 3475RL's that will be there plus some other Monty's as well. We are a new BOF with Escapee's and welcome all. We are close to 200 units now but not sure how many are going to be able to make it to Q. So much planning the past year and then all of a sudden ..... Happens. God willing we will be there with bells on. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone again. Didn't Parrothead say she was going to try it this year? What happened, or am I confused? Renee, are you guys going to bring the palm trees? Someone should have the flamingos too. I can hardly wait to meet Dave. I love a big spender. :) :). Helen

[Parrothead]

Helen
After planning to come, we realized we had other comittments, family, that would not make it possible. Our daughter is being installed (1/27) as State President of a trade group she and her husband are very active in and I also belong to and we had promised her we would be there. Then Feb. 4 our second granddaughter is getting married and I need to work on her dress and make her veil. So we will make it next time. Sounds like you all will have a great time and we are sorry we are missing it.
Happy trails.......................

[Gypsy]

Helen, Looking forward to meeting you too! I'll see if I can find you when I arrive.

Sue & Ed, we'll miss you, but I understand that family events come first - in all our lives. Congrats and good luck with all the festivities. See you at Lake Siskiyou.

[HamRad]

Helen,
Gypsy has already answered your question. Bouse is a nice little drive. And if you don't want to just double back after you've picked up your mail head south on Hwy 72. Take the Vicksburg cutoff and at the intersection of 72 and 60 there is a great little restaurant. I think it is the only one there. Huge dirt parking lot so even if you have your trailer with you there is plenty of room to park. It can get crowed so avoid the usual busy hours. When finished just take 60 on into Quartzsite. Sixty connects to 10 and takes you to Q. Just west of the 60/72 intersection you will see some RV parks. I hear tell they are very nice parks. Full hookups of course.

Parker is the nearest "big" town other than Blythe but unless you just have to or want to go there it is probably best to avoid. It gets really crowded this time of year. Helen I know I should not mention this but there is a very nice Casino just north of Parker. It is very new and very nice. Right on the river on the AZ side. Of course there are CGs in this area too. Most of them are full up a long time in advance.

Dennis and Mary Kay

[adelmoll]

Now Hamrad, you do know what I like. Good food, scenic routes and casinos. Nice combination.:D

Sue, we are sorry we won't be able to see you and Ed this time. :( We will be driving through CA on our way to Alaska this spring so who knows who we might meet on the way. ;)

Helen

[Gypsy]

I just read a couple of interesting articles on Quartzsite in the Fulltime RVer newsletter. Here's a link: http://www.fulltimerver.com/publish/issue15.shtml#top

[Gypsy]

Here's another good link to info on Quartzsite: http://www.quartzsitervshow.com/
In fact, if you search the word on Yahoo search or Google, you'll get lots of sites.

[adelmoll]

We just drove there again on Monday. Let me tell you, Montana is very well represented everywhere we went. In fact I would venture a guess and say 4-1 over other brands. I don't know what that means but I could make a guess or I could just let everyone else try to figure it out.

Helen

[GOFNUTS]

Hi Everyone!!! Bet you thought we disappeared, well, with Christmas and 3 weeks of the dreaded cold, time has gone by quickly. Hope all had a great Christmas. Looking forward to starting 2006 with fellow MOCer's and friends. We will be there the 18th thru ??. The 28th sounds great and of course the palm trees will be there!! This will be our initiation into boondocking and we can't wait!!![:p]
See you at Quartzite.
Renee & Michael

[Montana_2753]

I'm here right now. Moved permanently on Oct. 6th. Would like to try and meet other MOCers. Will go to other posting as well and check it out. The largest restaurant in town is "Sweet Darlene's" on the extreme east part of town and food is pretty good.

Bruce

[Dave Anderson]

Well, it finally warmed up enough to snow!!!!! been in tyhe 20,s now hit 33 and we got about a foot of that beautiful white stuff!! sure hope my 4+4 will pull our little old Monty on to the hiway. we will probably try to head southwest about the 7th of Jan. ,hit Needles about the10th or so then cruise into Q on the 12th. I'll see if my little GPS will work,and seek out Hamrqad and Micheal (the palm tree ought to be fairly easy to spot!!!) at any rate we will be ready to get together with ALL you great MOC's (as long as we dont go anyplace expensive for dinner!!!!!)---------Dave

[Les and Julie]

Hi Everyone -- We are staying at Cocopah in Yuma for the winter and will definitely be attending the Quartzite show -- looking forward to meeting up with other MOC'ers. Has a time & meeting place been set yet? Julie

[adelmoll]

Yes Julie, I think it is about 4PM on the 28th at Hamrad's location. I'll show you on our Q map when we see you next.

Helen

[smc]

If any of you are golfers, there is a beautiful course just north of Parker. Emerald Canyon Golf Course. It is set in the canyons beside the Colorado River. It is a bit intimidating, but at the end of the day our scores weren't bad. Beautiful scenery, and Quail, Rabbits, Ground Squirrels of some sort and Birds. Well worth the trip. There are some pictures on my site.

[DHenry]

smc, thanks for the information. We may get to sneak out for a round while down there.

[adelmoll]

Sue, isn't that the area where they play sand golf too? I seem to remember seeing that a few years ago when we went through Parker.

We stopped by to see you yesterday but no one was home. We'll try again another time.

Helen

[HamRad]

smc,
You're correct! That is a very nice looking golf course. Very close to the Casino if I remember correctly. And of course if you want to drive on up the river there are some more courses near Lake Havasu.

HamRad

[Montana_2753]

There is a desert "golf course" in Q'site as well. It's on W. Tyson about 1 mile west of Hwy. 95. As you are heading North on 95 toward Parker, Tyson is the road the Fire Dept. is on. Turn Left (West) and it's at the corner of Tyson and I believe Moon Mountain (NE corner).

It's been pretty windy here during the day the last couple of days into the early evenings. The vendors have their sites pretty well staked...haven't seen any going through the desert. No rain from the storms in California and the temps have been nice. This morning @ 7AM it was in the low 50s and right now at noon it's 68. Probably get to very low 70s.

Looking forward to meeting as many MOCers as I can while you're here.

Travel safe on your way here!

Bruce

[HamRad]

Bruce,
I'd forgotten about the "Q International Golf Resort"! Some friends of ours played that last year. I think they are still looking for their lost golf balls! :)

We definitely need to put this on a list of "Must Do" items. Michael and Doug I'll leave this up to you "gofnuts".

Appreciate the info Bruce. We're getting excited about the upcoming trip.

Bruce do you know about the road construction in Parker? Should we avoid going that way?

Thanks,

HamRad

[smc]

The road construction in Parker is not too bad if you aren't there during "rush hour" They have narrowed down the lanes, but on 2 trips through in the last week, we saw quite a few trailers and they didn't seem to be having any trouble. Coming down the California side might be less traffic, but that road is a bit rough.

[Dave Anderson]

Dennis; Is Plomosa road on the Blythe side or the Parker side? We ccant make up our minds which way to come....I read your querry about road constuction. I thought I remembered Plomosa rd. up north of the fire dept.....Dave

[adelmoll]

My name's not Dennis, but after just coming from there, I can tell you it's on the Parker side.

Helen

[DHenry]

So, I do not know about the rest of you but I am looking forward to the Q visit from the MOC members. How many of you will be at the BYOB and snack at HamRads? I for one will be there as we will be parked close by. I am just trying to get a head count for Dave as he needs to budget for dinner. :).

[Sweetfire]

We've played Emerald Canyon, it is a beautiful course but play can be terribly slow at times. I really like the hole with the lay up shot just short of the cliff. First time was an eye openner.

[HamRad]

Hi Dave,
Helen has already answered your question. Plomosa Rd. is about 5 or 6 miles north of town.

And Doug I'm glad to see you have Dave's best interest at heart! It would be a good idea for Dave to have a good estimate so he can begin making out the check!

Dennis

[Montana_2753]

Here's my 2cents on queries:

On Monday, Hwy 95 out of Parker was down to a narrow one lane in each direction from the major intersection to around the Chevrolet dealership. At that time they had second "undercoat" of asphalt on and looked ready to put down top layer. I would think that it should be completed fairly soon as the weather has been really nice and I haven't noticed an abundance of "sidewalk" superintendants around to slow the progress.

Plomoso Road is North of the Q'site fire station 4-5 miles(?) It is the "connector" between Q'site and Bouse. It's 2 lanes of "rollercoaster" road and takes about 30-35 minutes to traverse in a "standard" vehicle. Could be a real thrill towing a Monty going 65-70, maybe even an "E" ticket, for those of you that remember such things!

For those of us "nerds w/o GPS", will we get better directions or will there be a Goodyear blimp overhead because of all the golf pros present?

Bruce

[adelmoll]

Doug, if you're looking for a head count, We wouldn't miss it for anything.

Helen

[FireTruckerWife]

Doug: Bob and I will be there, for sure. We're parking close by also.

[dannyl]

We are new to camping and expect to go full-time or at least long-time later this year.

Can someone explain what and where is Quartzsite.

I've heard about alot of people going there but haven't researched it.

[Montana_2753]

dannyl:

Quartzsite is in the southwest corner on Arizona, about 35 miles south of Parker, AZ and 91 miles north of Yuma, AZ on State Hwy. 95 and 22 miles east of Blythe, California on Interstate 10. Here is the link to the official website:

http://www.ci.quartzsite.az.us/

From about the middle of October to March between 250,000-300,000 snowbirds will stay here to escape the cold north country. It is estimated that around 2.5 million people at least pass through Quartzsite during this time. There are various RV parks that offer dry camping (no hookups) for $5.00/night, to full hookups, charging anywhere from $12.00-$25.00/night. Most end up on Bureau of Land Management land, where one can drycamp for $14.00 for two weeks or buy year passes, I think for around $140.00. Here is the BLM link:

http://www.blm.gov/nhp/index.htm

Besides the weather (last night it got down to 40Fs and right now it's 76F at 2:06PM. Supposed to get up to around 80F today), Quartzsite has one of the world's largest swapmeets and rock and gem shows from about December to February. There is also an RV show and a Classic Car Show. For more information go to this link:

http://quartzsitervshow.com/

Hope this helps. It's truly a unique experience.

Bruce

[GOFNUTS]

Doug, you know we'll be there, probably right next door or close by, with of course the glow of the palm trees!!! We are so looking forward to seeing everyone.

And yes Dennis, I'm sure the gofnuts will find time for a round or two!!

Dave, is that wallet getting heavier, or perhaps lighter with anticipation???

[adelmoll]

Renee, What are we going to do for the Flamingo's??? It won't be the same without them.

Helen

[GOFNUTS]

Helen,
Maybe we can get one or more to fly in for the event!! See you soon!
Renee[8D]

[HamRad]

Bigskyguy,
Is there a pharmacy in Blythe? If so do you know what company? Will need some meds while at Q. I know there are a couple in the Parker area.

Thanks,

HamRad

[Gypsy]

I just realized I said I'd be in Q on Jan. 9. I'm not there yet. Revised date of arrival: Jan. 19. Dave, count me in on that dinner. Sure hope your bank account got a big boost from Santa!

[Parrothead]

Did all of you in Quartzsite know Dave's birthday is tomorrow? Maybe you will have to buy him dinner! Have fun everyone, we sure wish we were there too.
Happy trails..........................

[adelmoll]

Happy Birthday Dave. Have a great day but don't go shopping. You're gonna need every penny. :)

[adelmoll]

WE arrived in Quartzite yesterday. Staying way out in the LTVA South with the Escapees Fulltiming class of 05. We have to go right past the nudist area on our way in. They invited us in on our way here. LOL. We passed this time. Too cold. Grin.

Things are really hopping now. Montanas are everywhere. I have been inviting everyone to join the MOC site.

Are any of you Montana's here yet?

Helen

[HamRad]

Hello Everyone,
Well the California Convoy made it to Quartzsite. Doug and Sharon, Michael and Renee, and Dennis and Mary Kay arrived at Quartzsite. Had a good trip over. We found a nice spot at 33.45 latitude and 114.12 longitude. (info added 1/20/06) >>>This info was taken from my onboard GPS system. Interestingly the position shown on the FINDU website is a bit different. It is shown as 33.75 and 114.20. So perhaps we are somewhere between these numbers!

To get to our site go north to Plomosa Rd and head east. We are about one mile on the north side of the road. You make about a 160 or 170 degree turn as you exit the road. Then just head west on the little dirt road. We're about half a mile back west. Currently just the 3 or us but tomorrow Dick and Toni are coming up from Yuma and Bob and Sharon should be arriving from Minden.

Adelmoll,
We ate lunch up at the Blue Water Casino and guess who we met? Ed and Shirley! They said you had talked with them just this morning about joining us. What a small world. And we have GOT to come by and see their rig! Something about a moose?!

Hope to see a bunch of MOCERs while here at Q.

Happy traveling everyone.

Dennis and Mary Kay

[adelmoll]

What a small world Dennis. The moose are so cute and they seem like nice people.

We got to see Dick and Toni dailey in Yuma as they were only about 4 spots down from us. WE haven't met a MOC'er yet that we haven't liked.

We look forward to seeing all of you again.

Helen

[FireTruckerWife]

Thanks for the GPS coordinates. Can you be seen from Plomosa Road? or are you hidden? We still have one day of business, and then we'll be on down the road. Looking forward to it.

[jrgwdenner]

This reminds me of the Reno Rally. Makes me lonesome for all you good people. Have a great time!

[HamRad]

I drove the route today and have the exact distances. From Hwy 95 go 9 tenths of a mile. You will see the 1 mile marker on the right side of the road. Turn left (north) onto the little dirt road. From Plomosa Rd. it is 4 tenths of a mile to our camp.

Dick and Toni joined us today. Plus another couple drove up to say hello. Carl and Suzanne. They are staying in closer to town but will be joining us for the get together on the 28th.

Gypsy (Sharon McKay) is staying just up the road about a half mile. Haven't heard from Dave yet and am starting to worry about who will pay if he doesn't show up!

Judy wish you and everyone else were out here with us OR wish we were back there with you guys. Have fun. We are having a grand time meeting everyone and sightseeing.

Take care and keep having fun and safe travels.

FireTruckerWife,
I forgot to answer your question. Yes you can see us from the road but it is difficult. As far as I know we are the only large group of Montanas out this direction. We are just west of a couple of Saguaro cacti that are very close to a couple of class A rigs that are flying large U.S. flags. I'll try to remember to get on 146.520 and talk you in. Any idea what time?

HamRad

[Les and Julie]

Les & I are planning on coming up to the RV show on Saturday --- will not be bringing the Monty though - just making a day trip from Yuma. What time is everyone getting together -- we would love to meet up. Julie

[HamRad]

Les and Julie,
We will probably be at "home" most of the day. I have no desire to fight the crowds on Saturday and Sunday. So you're most welcome to come by our campsite anytime. Just follow the directions posted previously. Have a good trip up and hope you can make it by to see everyone.

The official "get together" is on Saturday the 28TH. Perhaps you can make it up for that too. We'll start gathering about 3pm. Bring drinks. Also an appetizer to share.

HamRad

[Gypsy]

HamRad, As we discussed I noticed you mentioned the time of the get-together at 3 pm instead of 4 - I just wanted to repeat that so maybe everyone will notice. Good idea, since the sun sets not too long after 5 pm, and it gets downright chilly when that happens!

Also, are you counting noses to call in a reservation so we can get a big table at the restaurant? If so, count 1 more for me. My niece Donna Douglas, from Concord, NH, will be arriving the day before and I'll have to subject her to our crazy group!

LMK if you need more info on the restaurant.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Sharon

[adelmoll]

Talk about great minds thinking alike. We went to get our mail today and stopped by the Montana spot. Everyone was gone. Low and behold, after we returned to the dusty, dirty, bumpy, windy area that we are at with the group we are with, along came HamRad, Firetrucker, Golfnuts, D.Henry and Dick and Toni. It was so good to see them. They really came to the boonies to see us. Thanks guys. Can't wait til Saturday. [:X]

We had an interesting morning. You might want to click on the blog to see who we met today. The Bookstore owner has been here for 18 years and is a legend. [:0][:0][:I]

Bill and Helen

[HamRad]

Sorry we missed you Helen but we did get your note. Thanks for stopping.

It was nice catching up with you and meeting your friends. We hope to see everyone on Saturday.

Here is a list of attendees:
Donna Douglas
Sharon McKay
Ray and Pam Howard
Ed and Shirley Fisher
Carl and Suzanne
Mary Kay and Dennis Hill
Sharon and Doug Henry
Bob and Sharon Grissom
Renee and Michael Brown
Dick and Toni Whitfield
Dave and Kelly Anderson
Bill and Helen Moll
Don and Georgia Reily

I'm sure I've missed some folks and or gotten the names wrong. Please let us know if you are planning on coming to the Saturday get together and your name is not listed. After drinks and appetizers we will go into Q for dinner. We need a count so we can find a place that has room for us. So get your info in ASAP! Thanks.

HamRad

[jrgwdenner]

Can somebody beam us up from south Texas? I love a MOC gathering. Of course, you'd have to beam us back home after dinner and some relaxing moments under the palm trees.

[Gypsy]

Judy, Wish we could beam you up! Sorry you'll miss the gathering. Same goes for anyone else wishing you could be here with us. We'll tip a glass in your honor at happy hour!

For others in the area, I ran into Dave and Kelly yesterday, and they had a problem finding the turnoff from Plomosa Rd to the MOC gathering. Just in case anyone else has a problem, I thought I'd add to the directions Dennis provided. I know others have successfully found the place, but I must admit I turned at the wrong place the first time, and found lots of other friendly folks, but had to circle through some other areas before I found the right place. We especially need for Dave to find us, as we're counting on him to cover the dinner tab! :-)

SO...here's the scoop: when you turn off Hwy 95 onto Plomosa Rd, look for the turnoff JUST BEFORE mile marker 1. It's marked by a MOC bumper sticker on a wooden sign close to the ground, and there's also a cardboard handwritten sign reading "ELK" and the road turns abruptly back to the west. If you pass the MM1 sign, you've gone too far.

Hope this helps. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

[HamRad]

Thank you Sharon,
As Sharon said.... if you pass the mile maker 1 you need to turn around. And it is a very hard left turn. You almost double back on yourself. But it is an easy enough turn if you see it in time. Just DON'T GO PAST the Mile Marker 1..... For anyone who does not know what a mile marker sign is ..... in AZ it is a long green sign sticking up about 3 feet and is about 10 or 12 inches wide. It lists the miles the road has gone from it's beginning. So from hwy 95 go 9 tenths of a mile on Plomosa Rd. and turn left. You'll see the MM 1 sign BUT you will NOT go past it.

We're re-thinking the dinner in Q idea. Seems we underestimated the restaurant capability in town. We're thinking either potluck or pizza. Provided the Pizza place is open and any good. Ideas and suggestions will be appreciated.

Remember the drinks and appetizers start at 3 PM on Saturday. Dinner is yet to be nailed down.

See you all then.

HamRad

[Gypsy]

You're right, Dennis. Almost all the restaurants I've been to are severely strained by all the people in town, and service is lousy and food isn't much better (sometimes worse). The best food I've had is at the Parker Elks, but it's 35 miles away and I don't think they serve on Sat. night. (Great Mexican on Thurs and superb prime rib on Fri, however! And you don't have to belong to Elks to eat at this lodge.)

Silly Al's pizza is great, but it's also very popular and the place is really smoky and loud. Any chance of ordering pizza (either delivered or for someone to pick up) and having it around MOC-ville? We could all visit with each other easier. If we do this, we should bring some folding tables or TV-trays to eat on. And pray that the wind doesn't blow.

[HamRad]

Hello Folks,
I think I should have said we OVERESTIMATED the capability of the Quartzsite restaurants! But today Renee and Michael found a possible site somewhere in one of the flea market areas..... We won't know until tomorrow sometime. Will post if we get lucky. The pizza idea is still there and we're looking for good places to get them.

Thanks Gypsy for the suggestions. Seems like a tough year for the customers of the various cafés in town. See everyone soon.

HamRad

[adelmoll]

We are now in Brenda. This is a little town about 15 miles from Q. There is a restaurant at our campground called Black Rock Cafe that serves Prime Rib Buffet on Sat. Nite. It has been really busy whenever we have been there but thought I would throw it by you. I love the idea a pizza but also know how cold it gets as soon as the sun goes down which might make it uncomfortable.

Helen

[PERetired]

The plan for Tomorrow has been finalized. Happy hour at 3:00 (bring drinks and an appetizer to share). Pizza has been ordered and will be served about 4:30. Campfire at sunset. Hope you can join us. Also bring your own chair and any folding table you can easily bring. Donations will be asked for to pay for the pizzas. Can't wait for all of us to get together.

[adelmoll]

It was so nice being with you all last evening. You sure know how to host a great party.:D It was great meeting so many more MOC'ers too.;) I know we will be meeting many of you on the road. Congradulations Gypsy on your new job with the Escapees BOF. I look forward to seeing you in Chico in April.

I missed Julie and Les and Mickey and Patti.:( Wish you could have made it but we'll look you up on our way to San Diego in a few weeks.[^]

I will be posting pictures of last night sometime during the day today on our website. It will be in The Brenda section.

Again, a special thanks to Mary Kay and Dennis and all who helped put it together and to Renee and Michael for sharing with us so Bill didn't have to return home and get the things I forgot sitting on the counter. I seem to be doing that more and more lately. Scarey.[:I]:(

[Gypsy]

DITTO on everything adelmoll said! What a fun evening, with great food, perfect weather and one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. Good thing we had our cameras handy.

It was great meeting all the new folks, putting faces to names from the MOC Forum, and renewing ties with fellow MOCers from past events. Thanks again to Mary Kay and Dennis for hosting, and all the others who helped make the gathering successful. And Dave didn't even have to pay the bill!

Looking forward to seeing everyone who can attend Escapade in Chico in April, and the Lake Siskiyou MOC Rally in May.

Big Hugs!

P.S. Thanks for the congratulations, Helen. I hope the job as Prez of Escapees SOLOs doesn't consume so much time that I can't continue to enjoy my Montana 'family.' I'm hopeful it will turn into fun once I get over the transition hurdles.