Quartzsite public art makes for ironic political statement

Every year to honor the snowbirds (and encourage their return) the community organizations of Quartzsite put on their best efforts. Sometimes these efforts have unintended consequences. Witness if your will, the current round-town art show called Rockin' in Quartzsite. Since the town is prominent for its pebbles, why not get local artisans to paint pictures on slabs and then distribute the art around town, a sort of earthy easter egg hunt, if you will.

To our twisted thinking, the jewel this year is posted just outside the door of town hall. Mary Jo Gilder must have spent considerable effort recording an image of the entrance to a mine, nicely laid out on a brownish slab. However, a close look at the title Mary Jo selected for her masterpiece just seems to some--well--somehow just suitable to its location.


Some just don't get it. Local political pundits will tell you the whole town gets it. You be the judge.

No relief in sight for Quartzsite postal follies

A "quick trip to the post office," isn't in Quartzsite. As we mentioned in our last post, lines at the post office had gotten pretty long with the arrival of the snowbirds. We thought it had reached the pinnacle with 30 minute long queues. We were wrong.

On Monday the lines stretched from the service counter, into the lobby, around the corner into the farthest post box bay, down the full length, across the back, and halfway back to the main lobby. By conservative estimates there were 50 to 60 folks patiently (more or less) waiting to be served. Why stalwart postal employee Reuben hasn't had a heart attack is anyone's guess.

So what's the deal? We asked US Postal Service spokesman Peter Hass why the lines. Hass told RVing Quartzsite that the local post office is currently down in its compliment of counter staffers. "We are going through the process," of hiring more workers. How does that translate in terms of relief for the footsore and weary, yearning to be free of long ques and "call for mail" cards? That, says Hass, is impossible to say. All Postal Peter could promise was, "We are diligently working on it."

We also popped the worrisome question: Since the posted policy at the post office is that nobody can use "general delivery" for more than 30 days, and since there are no available post office boxes to rent, what happens when your 30 days are up? Hass said he checked with the local postmistress, and the word is, "Nobody is being told they can't receive general delivery mail after 30 days, so long as there are no boxes available for rent."

While we don't expect Santa to bring a new posty to Quartzsite, it may be that once the seasonal mailing rush is past, things will settle down. Meantime, it may be faster to drive down to Ehrenberg and buy your stamps. Remember, it's only 20 miles west.

'toon courtesy liddellgrainger.org.uk

Quartzsite measuring standards: The 'birds' are back

If lines at the post office and at some popular eateries are the measure of the return of the species, wintrus-snowbirdus then the town is seeing the signs of the annual influx.

Down at the post office, in all its essential wisdom management has left poor Reuben all by himself to handle the crowds that throng in, signing up for new mailboxes, sending out seasonal packages, and generally cooling their heels in the typical 35 minute lines that come each winter. If you weren't facing a monopoly, it's likely you'd take your business elsewhere. To a degree you can: If you're just looking to buy stamps--and since there are no stamp dispensing machines in the lobby--take yourself down to the General Store about a half-mile east on Main Street (B-10) and you can get them quickly.

An unseasonable cold snap settled down over the area, and looks to be with us for a few days. Line ups at the propane retailers are common. In the past we had touted the folks at the RV Pit Stop. Trouble is, the proprietor of many years, Charlie, was forced to sell out when his health gave him problems. Seems like the friendliness of service and low prices went right along with him. We've found better prices and really nice folks a few blocks closer to the B-10 at The Jerky Store and More. LP prices are typically a dime a gallon less, and they take credit and debit cards, unlike the Pit Stop. Bob and Alice are cheerful, caring folks, who not only serve up fast gas, they have some excellent grub in their deli. I'm particularly fond of their teriyaki beef sticks.

If good food can be measured by the number of cars in the parking lot, then bypass Sweet Darlene's on Main Street and drop in next door to The Jerky Store and grab your meal at La Casa Mi Rancho. Yes, Mexi-food headlines the menu, but there's plenty of "American" food on the menu. But there's still no substitute for The Big Fish Fry up the block at the Grubstake Bar and Social Club. Just a single order of the gigantic proportions served up at the 'stake fills up our two hungry souls, and the fish is NEVER fishy. Big crowds do you in? Give 'em a phone call and make it "to go."

The Quartzsite season is just around the corner

Is it too early to start thinking about Quartzsite? Some RVers head down as early as October and November when the weather is still hot. Though, this year, the daytime temperatures are in the mid 70s. Pretty comfortable.

But most RVers hit Quartzsite after Thanksgiving or Christmas, just in time for the big Annual Sports, Vacation and RV Show, this year in its 29th season.

 This is the big the big show among many, with 20 acres of RVs on display and 69,000 fully carpeted square feet under the big top filled with booths and displays of everything you, as an RVer, could ever want, need, or desire.

The expected attendance should reach almost to 150,000 in the nine days of the show which in 2012 will run Jan. 21st thru 29th from 9 AM to 5 PM.

One of the wonderful aspects of Quartzsite is that you can pick and choose what you want your Quartzsite experience to be. Surrounded by BLM land (and unlimited Long Term Visitor Areas--LTVA) you never have to worry about getting a campsite reservation--unless you want to stay at a full hookup campground in town.

You can squeeze in close to the entrance of the LTVA, work you way back to town to get within steps of the big top--and the crowds (don't expect to get a big space all to yourself), or head further away from the entrance and th big top and find an isolated spot all to yourself under a desert willow on the banks of a dry wash where your only neighbors will be jack rabbits and coyotes.

But if you've never been to Quartzsite--make this your year. And even though you can live here as cheap as anywhere ($140 in a LTVA for the whole season!), you will be tempted by the stuff in the big top, at one of the smaller shows, at one of the gem and mineral shows, or at the hundreds of opportunities at the world's biggest flea market/swap meet.

Are you ATVing legally?

Quartzsite is an ATVers dream-come-true. Lots of open spaces, hills to climb, and beauty everywhere. But every year, some ATV visitors have run-ins with law enforcement, usually over something they didn't know about. Here's the run-down on local and state law as it applies to ATV use.

ATV Operational Law:

ATVs used on public roads (streets and highways) must be registered and insured. The latter can be a major headache for some, as not everybody's insurance company will provide coverage. What constitutes streets and highways? Some BLM and Forest Service roads constitute a public road. A rule of thumb is, if a passenger car can run on it, your ATV should be registered and insured to be there, and you should have a valid operator's license.

Drivers must obey all traffic laws.

Those with Arizona driver licenses must have an "M" endorsement to operate a 3-wheeler, and for four-wheelers, a simple "D" or regular driver license is required. However, to obtain a "D" license, you'll have to 18-years or older. Out of state license holders need a motorcycle endorsement to operate a three-wheeler.

Anyone under 18 must where a helmet while on an ATV; EVERYONE on an ATV must where eye protection.

Passengers can be carried on an ATV ONLY if the rig is manufacturer-designed for passengers.

Operating an ATV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal ANYWHERE in Arizona. You can be cited/arrested even on a back country trail for violation of the law.

Each agency that manages public land has its own rules, regulations and laws to enforce. Rules and laws change. Before using public lands, you're wise to check with the local land management agency office about rules and requirements. Keep current about changes in OHV regulations.

Most areas restrict OHV use to established roads and trails. Some areas have seasonal closures because of wet roads or wildlife breeding or nesting areas.

Getting an ATV registered in Arizona requires this equipment:

A minimum or one hand or foot operated brake.

A brake light.

A minimum of two headlights which must shine at least 500 feet forward.

At least one tail light visible a minimum of 500 feet to the rear.

A rear mounted license plate, which must be illuminated.

A horn audible to a minimum of 200 feet.

A continuously operating muffler in good working order. Cutouts and bypasses are illegal.

A rear view mirror.

Seat and footrests for the operator.

A cap on the fuel tank.

Be aware: The "Off-Road" plate on your ATV is only an indication that the ATV has been titled in the State of Arizona. It is NOT a registration plate and does not allow you to ride on roads that require your vehicle to be registered.

Want to Learn More?

The ATV RiderCourse
Developed by the ATV Safety Institute, the ATV RiderCourse provides hands-on training in the basic techniques for riding an all-terrain vehicle. The course also covers protective gear, local laws, finding places to ride, and environmental concerns. If you bought your ATV after December 30,1986, you may be eligible for free training. Those not eligible for the free training may take the course for a small fee. The ATV RiderCourse is available nationwide. To sign up call: 1-800-887-2887

Off-Highway Motorcycle Training
T.E.A.M. Arizona (480) 998-9888
T.E.A.M. Arizona conducts basic rider training for dirt bikes.

Four-Wheel Drive
Arizona State Association of Four-Wheel Drive Clubs (602)-258-4BY4
The ASA4WDC sponsors safety clinics that teach the basics of 4WD.

photo: alfonso beneyas on flickr.com

Quartzsite LTVAs established for RV boondockers

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) would like you to come visit them in the desert this winter, to see just how pleasant the Southwest can be when the rest of the nation is shivering.

The Arizona Sonora Desert, as well as Southeastern California's Mojave Desert, are among the most popular winter destinations for RVers from the Western and mid-Western states, with the Coachella Valley area (Palm Springs) in California and Arizona's Yuma, Tucson, and the greater Phoenix area among the most popular.

For boondockers, however, Quartzsite, Arizona is the reigning king of boondocking and a "must see" for RVers at least once before hanging up their wheels. You can visit Quartzsite and stay at one of the town's hook-up campgrounds, but to really get the flavor of the place, head to one of the BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVA) instead--established especially for boondocking RVers.

The BLM has authorized LTVAs as designated camping areas for seasonal visitors with rates of $180 for the entire season of September 15 through April 15, with the added perk that you can move around between LTVAs for the one seasonal fee. This is a great deal for new visitors to the desert who do not want to stay in one place but would rather see other parts of the desert as well. You can also buy a 14 day permits for $40 if you do not intend to stay for the season.

The LTVAs offer no hookups, but do have onsite trash containers, a water station, camp host, ranger patrols, central restroom area, and dump station. It is a good way to learn and practice boondocking, since the services you normally need are nearby. You will also find that LTVAs are near enough to supply centers--groceries, restaurants, RV repair, etc.--to make life easy.

There will be plenty of experienced boondockers around you also to help out if you have problems or questions. And as you know, RVers are quick and eager to offer advice and help when you need it. You might even end up invited to a potluck, music jam session, or campfire gathering of RVers--especially at one of the Quartzsite LTVAs where more than half a million RVers pass through during the winter.

So looking at the bottom line, if you decide to stay at an LTVA for the season instead of at a medium to hi-line RV resort, you could save enough in camping fees in one season to pay for a roof full of solar panels, a Blue Boy portable waste tank, and a water bladder--three of the serious boondocker's additions to his rig--and by the end of the season you would be a member of the boondocker's fraternity. And that's a pretty neat--and independent--place to be.