RVing Quartzsite

Inferme in Quartzsite? Where You Gonna Go?

2008-04-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Quartzsite sits on the crossroads. Interstate 10 and Highway 95 more or less bisect the town, and force the age old decision: If I get really sick do I go west on I-10 to Blythe or north on 95 to Parker? Is it an eenee-meenee-minee-mo issue? Clutch no longer at your chest in indecision, one of these two is now in the top 100 list for the nation's best "small" hospitals.

If you've spent much time around Quartzsite you probably already know the vox populi: Avoid Blythe at all costs. So should it surprise you that Thomson Healthcare, a sort of "Guinness Book" of health care organizations says Parker's La Paz Regional Hospital ranks highly on the national scale of good places to be sick.

The criteria used for selecting hospitals for the list was four-fold: Clinical process and outcomes; patient safety; operational efficiency; and financial stability. Apparently the quality of food isn't measured.

Photo: Ma1974 on flickr.com

More Eagles on the Sonora?

2008-03-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

In an off-again, on-again move, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has once again relisted the Bald Eagle as an endangered species on Arizona's Sonora Desert.

Back in 1978, the bird species was listed as endangered throughout 43 states, including Arizona. With protection and management, in 2007 agency determined the protection order could be lifted. But a group filed a petition with the Fish and Wildlife folks that indicated their concern that the population on Arizona's Sonora Desert was a distinct and isolated population of birds, hence in need of special protection.

After reviewing the petition, the government agency said it couldn't agree with the findings, and overruled the request. What followed was a court battle, and to make the bird's story short, earlier this month the U.S. District Court for Arizona ordered that wildlife agency review the matter, and for now, central Arizona bald eagles are back on the list.

Does that mean you'll soon see these majestic raptors hanging out around Quartzsite? Since Arizona has only about 50 nesting pairs of these birds, don't imagine one will pop up in a Saguaro next to your fifth wheel--but then, you can always hope.

Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service

Walmart Serving Quartzsite Down the Tubes (Editorial)

2008-03-18T14:25:00.001-07:00

Back in 2004 when Walmart stores announced its intention of building a super center in Blythe, California, it met with mixed reviews. Many regular and snowbird Quartzsite folks rejoiced--no long drives to Yuma or Lake Havasu City to buy groceries and other necessities. No longer would some suffer would they described as the "highway robbery" of some notable Blythe merchants.

At the same time, not everyone rejoiced. This scribe was in line at the local Albertson's store when the man ahead of me in line told the clerk he was looking forward to the time when old Joe's store would have some competition from Sam's folks. The immediate red-faced reaction of the clerk was plainly obvious--he would have tossed the customer out on his ear, had he the chance.

Blythe town fathers soon found themselves the target of two lawsuits from organizations whose members were kept anonymous. Both groups were determined to keep "Wally" from coming to town. Walmart agreed to handle the cost of litigation, and kept moving forward on its plans to build. One local government employee kept us posted on progress, and assurances were given that despite the opposition, Walmart was determined to be a part of the Blythe community. That is, until last month.

In February word was out that Walmart management had decided to pull the plug on the Blythe project. We were able do interview Walmart spokesman John Mendez to ask about the corporation's decision to wipe the Blythe project off the slate. How did management feel about the work of local government officials in helping Walmart get a foothold? What about the "opposition" that manifested itself so vigorously?

Regarding Blythe town officials, Mendez had nothing but praise. "Blythe has been a very good city to work with," he told us. "The staff has been very professional and helpful though the process." Lest any think that somehow the town was 'down on Walmart,' he added, "No way is our decision based on what the city has done."

So what was the problem? "The fact is, the economy is changing--the whole landscape is changing. It just doesn't make sense for us--at this time--to go forward with a new store there." Mendez said the company had not ruled out Blythe for a store in the future.

And as to opposition--both known and 'cloaked in the anonymity of a lawsuit--Mendez had this to say, "[Walmart's] focus is on finding where it makes sense that we can better serve our customers. What happens out of our sphere of influence we don't spend much time worrying about."

Net result? Walmart continues to work on a new project--this one in nearby Parker, Arizona. While it may be an additional 15 mile drive for Quartzsiters to get to Parker than to Blythe, you can be sure the money will flow there. If the "big city merchants" of Blythe figure they've 'cut a fat hog' by saying "Adios" to Walmart, then their calculators need new batteries. When the Parker Walmart opens its doors, its a sure bet that hundreds of folks from Quartzsite will make the trip to Parker. While Walmart may have "stolen" business from some merchants in Blythe, others who fill a niche that Walmart doesn't serve will likely see their business head north, too. Walmart's pullout is a loss for Blythe all the way around.

Photo: In part, Brave New Films on flickr.com

A High Center at Hi Jolly

2008-03-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Here's one of those things that'll ruin your whole RV day. This motorhomer decided he needed to make a U-turn just north of Quartzsite on Highway 95. We can almost hear the conversation:

Him: "No problem, we'll just pull off on the shoulder here . . . "

Her: "Are you sure there's enough room to turn around though?"

Him: "Room? Room? I can turn this thing on a dime!"

Motorhome: "Crunch!"

Him: "Now, where was that tow insurance card?

Photo courtesy Shirley Shook

"Off Season" at Quartzsite May Be A Good Bet

2008-02-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

The vendor tents are coming down. The long lines at the post office are non existent. Yep, it must be the end of February in Quartzsite--the longest lines are the RVs rolling north. Is it time to go elsewhere?

Late "winter" in Quartzsite is actually an ideal time to RV. The weather is typically in the 70s (and occasionally the lower 80s) by day, and the nights don't even get close to the freeze point. And with the rain that fell earlier this season, you can anticipate a profusion of desert flowers. Already the verbena is carpeting portions of the desert floor with a riot of purple fit to make a king envious.

Need elbow room? Now's the time to find it. The huge "show crowds" have passed along, and the die-hard desert lovers are here, but there's lots of space on the desert. The sunsets are just as "purty" as any time of the year. Yeah, to us, this is the Quartzsite time of year.

Mexico Travel? Passport Card Cheaper Than Passport

2008-02-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

The US government announces they've finally made less expensive "Passport Cards" available to the American public. Check out the full story on our sister blog, RVing Mexico.

Snow? At Quartzsite?

2008-02-06T08:54:00.001-08:00

Ah, well, viewable from Quartzsite anyway.

Those who awoke Monday morning and gazed out toward the Kofa Mountains may have had a bit of a start. Yes, Sir, that is snow in them thar hills.

While temperatures on the desert camping areas like LaPosa South LTVA (where this photo was taken) were in the 40's, in the nearby "mountains" the overnight temps had evidently been a wee bit cooler. That rain you heard pattering on the overhead at the Quartzsite level must have been quieter in the higher ups.

Hope you looked quick, for while this is not an unheard of phenomena, it's one that never lasts too long. Just another Quirk of Quartzsite.

How Big Was the Big RV Show?

2008-02-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

According to published reports, this year's Quartzsite "Sports, Vacation, and RV Show" was better than many expected. Promoter Kenny King says somewhere between 100,000 and 125,000 folks tooled through the show's 69,000 square feet of tented exhibited space.

If you "never done" the show, you may wonder what the draw is. Well, it's one of those, "If you need it for your RV and it ain't here, it just don't exist." In addition to products and wares for your RV, quite a number of RV "head hunters" were on site, looking to hire RVers to fill temporary "workamper" positions from theme parks to national parks and beyond.

The big tent is still up, hosting other shows. Running on through the 3rd of February you can catch the Rock & Roll Classic Car Show Big Tent Event or the Hobby, Gem, & Craft Show Big Tent Event.

Wanta Get Away? Try Joshua

2008-01-30T14:39:00.001-08:00

Been shuffling along with the Quartzsite crowds? A long about this time of year, some RVers who like a bit of solitude have just had about enough of the big flocks.

Here's a hint: A little over an hour west of Quartzsite is a mysterious place that begs to be visited--and this time of year, it's pretty well crowd free. Make a day trip or take the rig with you, either way you'll be glad you visited Joshua Tree National Park. Visit our sister blog, RV Boondocking for more information.

By the way, if you see this guy on your visit, give our regards.

Parking: Cause and Effect

2008-01-30T12:19:00.000-08:00

Every year Quartzsite town revenue is increased, not just by the endearing quality of a high local sales tax rate, but by the 'Highway 95 Cause and Effect" principle. To sum it up, we'll quote from the official town website:

"This problem crops up every year and everyone who receives a parking ticket is extremely upset. You need to remember there is no parking in the right-of-ways along Main Street (B-10) and Central Blvd. (Hwy 95). The state closed these right-of-ways to parking to eliminate the congestion and chance of an injury along these roads. Because these areas are in the limits of the Town, the Police Department is responsible for enforcement. These "No Parking" areas and other "No Parking" areas in the Town are enforced so that people will comply with the law and it will make it safer for all."

"Extremely upset" is an official understatement. But hey, let's be fair. Our story photo says it all. If you can't read a "no parking" sign, then best you shouldn't park at all. The statement, "But everybody else was parking there," doesn't hold any weight with the local court magistrate, and your ticket stickets.

Support you local town government! Park on the shoulder of Highway 95!

Buzzed by a Copter? Now You Know Why

2008-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

If you were camped out on BLM land near Quartzsite on Saturday the 19th, you may have noticed a low flying helicopter circling the area. In fact, you may have been with your buddies around the campfire and had an opportunity to wave at the chopper. Maybe you wondered what was up.

Turns out a French photographer wanted to get some special shots of Quartzsite at the high season. Over a month ago he contacted an Arizona helicopter pilot to negotiate the flight--and finally, last Saturday, out of the blue, he made final contact, asking to go up.

Planning a helicopter flight over Quartzsite isn't the easiest thing to do, especially if you come in from some distance away. Maria Langer, the pilot who took the Phrench Photog up for his odyssey reflects on the matter in her blog, An Eclectic Mind. It makes for an interesting read.

How Do You Move the Wheels of Government? Embarrassment!

2008-01-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

Quartzsite town government is a lot like government elsewhere (well, depends on who you ask), it's a s-l-o-w process. Glacier watchers, this may be just the place to set a spell.

A local business owner operates on the corner of Plymouth and Main Street ("The B-10"), and not far from his place are the homes of the local magistrate court and the county district court. Invariably, his business days are broken up--not with sales--but with folks looking to pay a call on one of the courts.

Asking town fathers to put up a sign pointing the way to the courts just seemed to fall on ears in need of Belltones. Finally, inspiration hit: If you can't get them to do it nicely, must embarrass the daylights out of them. A cardboard sign soon appeared on the businessman's property:

One of your intrepid reporters stopped in the other week, asking to purchase a map to the courthouse. He was met with an incredulous look, a bit of a 'hem and a haw,' and finally informed that if he simply continued north on Plymouth Street three blocks he could save himself a buck. 'After all,' he was told, 'we were simply trying to make a point with the town.'

Making a point finally worked. The other day the advert for courthouse maps came down, just after local government put up a new sign on the B-10, pointing lost souls in the proper direction.

RVer Alert: Border Crossings Tougher By Month's End

2008-01-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Despite Congressional action last month, it appears tightened restrictions on US land border crossings will go into effect by month's end. Don't get caught without the proper documentation, see the full story on our sister blog, RVing Canada.

Police Blunder Frightens Snowbirds

2008-01-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

A large explosion north of Quartzsite last Friday reportedly sent some war veterans scrambling for cover, visions of "Incoming!" dancing in their heads. But according to the Palo Verde Times the explosion was not a Kamikaze throwback, but rather an apparent blunder on the part of local law enforcement.

Your local reporters joined the ranks of many on Friday by scrambling out his RV to determine just who'd blown up a propane tank. The noise of the explosion was indeed a major surprise. But one can only imagine the surprise of the responsible party. A local sheriff's deputy had found a bit of dynamite in the desert north of town. Rather than call in demolitions experts, in a Barney Fife move, the deputy decided it would be somehow safer to detonate himself. A little bit of TNT makes a big noise, Deputy.

Crowds Make Mad Rush For QZ

2008-01-21T06:17:00.000-08:00

It appears the RV pundits have been proved wrong, again.

The rumor had it that Quartzsite wouldn't see the big crowds this year. And for a while it looked as though they might be right--even after Christmas the numbers of folks rolling through town just wasn't up to the usual standard. But look out! When the first of the shows in the big tent opened, they were here.

Traffic in beautiful downtown Quartzsite is back to its usual "slow and go" status. Want to cross over I-10 via the Highway 95 bridge? If you're going south, add about 15 minutes to your normal drive time. Got a mailing to send out of the post office? Be sure to take a copy of War and Peace ti keep you company. Gonna meet somebody for lunch at Burger King? Take the freeway rather than the B-10.

Vendors are hoping you'll bring your money. And they hope you'll stay awhile. Yep, it's high season in Quartzsite.

Quartzsite RVers Gas Up at Chili Cookoff

2008-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for a free fill up: February 23 marks the date of the big Arizona State Chili Championship. This year Quartzsite has the honor of hosting, and as is typical of earlier chili-meets, this one will be held at Tyson Wells Showgrounds.

This year the competition will be--well, hot--between the menfolk and the womenfolk, as the competition will pit men v men and women v women. And to stir things up a bit, there will be "official" competition where the chili is meat and sauce, while "The Peoples' Choice" awards will include chili with rice and other fillers.

Howz yer chili, mister? If you think you're a hot shot in a chili contest, you too, can enter this year's contest. Contact the official promoter and sponsor, the Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce at (928) 927-9321.

photo: dkpto on flickr

New Christy Minstrels to Play QZ

2008-01-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, ain't none of us gettin' any younger. If you remember the New Christy Minstrels, well, you're remembering back to the early 60's. The folk group was probably made famous by its Green Green, and its top 40 rendition of This Land is Your Land.

There's an interesting connection to the Christies and Quartzsite. Back a long time ago, the Christies sang about what some consider the essence of Quartzsite: Hi Jolly, the camel driver. You can be sure that they'll be singing about him again come January 16 when the group (OK, the present group) blows into town to do a concert at the QIA.

Tickets are on sale now at the town hall, cost $10 a pop, and who knows how fast they'll go. Just to keep you interested, here are the lyrics of that tune we mentioned.

HI JOLLY, THE CAMEL DRIVER
(Randy Sparks)

The New Christy Minstrels - 1962

Hi Jolly was a camel driver, long time ago
He followed Mr. Beale way out west
Didn't mind the burning sand in that God-forsaken land
But he didn't mind the pretty gals the best

Hi Jolly, hey Jolly, twenty miles a day, by golly
Twenty more before the morning light
Hi Jolly, hey, I gotta get on my way
I told my gal I'd be home Sunday night

There's pretty girls in Albuquerque, 'least that's what I've heard
There's pretty gals in Tumcumcari too
Now honey, I ain't blind, but I don't pay them any mind
'Cause I'm savin' all my lovin' just for you

Hi Jolly, hey Jolly, twenty miles a day, by golly
Twenty more before the morning light
Hi Jolly, hey, I gotta get on my way
I told my gal I'd be home Sunday night

Old timers down in Arizona tell you that it's true
That you can see Hi Jolly's ghost a-ridin' still
When the desert moon is bright, he comes ridin' into sight
Drivin' four and twenty camels over the hill

Hi Jolly, hey Jolly, twenty miles a day, by golly
Twenty more before the mornin' light
Hi Jolly, hey, I gotta get on my way
I told my gal I'd be home Sunday night

Lyrics: lyricsplayground.com
Photo: TheNewChristyMinstrels.com

Wanna Buy an RV Park?

2008-01-03T11:07:00.001-08:00

The infamous "Rocking H" RV Park, a long-time Quartzsite problem child, is up for sale. A good sized park on Highway 95 on Quartzsite's north end has figured predominately in town affairs for some time. The situation here has centered for a long time on sewage disposal--there was at one time (and may still be) an on-site disposal system, but quarrels between the park's owner and local government eventually resulted in park dwellers having their waste pumped out by truck. Town father's attempted to shut the park down on numerous occasions, but never quite succeeded.

Where the town failed, money finally prevailed. The Rocking H has gone into bankruptcy the banko court has asked for outside help in attempting to liquidate the park as an asset. RV Park Consulting responded to the job, and wrote this interesting squib on the park's condition:

"The Rocking H is permitted for 150 RV sites on city sewer and city utilities. Some sites are narrow. Most of all, the park has been let go. First impression is to bring in a bulldozer. The pool is drained (it leaked) paint peeling, 2400 square foot clubhouse needs re-roofing. It has been used for “storage”. There are piles of junk on site. There is a single wide mobile home with two doors which is used as two rental units. The other rental cabins on site need to be renovated or replaced. There are older mobile homes on site also. The existing park doesn’t entice modern RVers to stay. "

We know from first-hand experience some of the "conditions" at the "H." Some years back we had a group that rented the "clubhouse" on a weekly basis for meetings. The lighting was almost non-existent, heat was non-existent, and we'd tell everybody to be sure to visit their own bathroom before they came, because the toilets were closed and padlocked.

Why would anyone want to buy the Rocking H? RV Park Consulting thinks the "H" would be an ideal "project" to pick up for a song, invest a few more dollars in, then turn around and sold as "condo units." How much of a song are they singing? The firm figures an investment of a little over two and a quarter million to buy out the old park, another couple million for improvements, and then sell out 94 "condos" at anywhere between $70,000 and $125,000 each.

We propose a much better idea: How about a new Escapees park? With volunteer labor that $2 million in improvement costs could certainly be reduced substantially. And with as popular an area for RVing as Quartzsite is, this fulltiming RV group could hardly do better for a new location. The big fight over sewage disposal is over--according to the consultants, the park is now hooked up to city sewer. With that major hurdle out of the way, this could be an ideal opportunity for SKPs to make more moves into Arizona. We'll get a few photos and post a followup shortly.

Los Algadones Report: Prepare for Long Lines

2007-12-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

Your roving reporters returned yesterday night (late) from a Mexi-Trip to Los Algadones, the favorite Mexico stopping spot for Quartzsite visitors. If there was a question as to whether the seeming low-turnout of snowbirds would have an impact on Mexico visitation, here's the short answer: Nope!

A couple of days after Christmas and Los Algadones crawls with touristas and gringo dollars. And getting back out has become a bit of a nightmare. We're used to the little frontier town looking like a ghost town at 4:30 in the afternoon. When we walked up to the border crossing at a 5:00, the pedestrian crossing line was would around the corner and out of sight. We took refuge in a nearby cantina to "wait it out," and finally gave in at about 6:00. Our crossing took nearly an hour and a half.

To say this was uncomfortable is high comedy. Norte Americanos wearing shorts a t-shirts stood shivering like huddled masses yearning to be free. Mexican blanket vendors did a bang-up business with folks in the long line until the tourist police came and ran them all back to the town center--apparently it's illegal to "vend" too close to the frontier.

At the end of January it could get worse. At that time, U.S. Homeland Security reminds border crossers that returnees will need to show proof of citizenship. That is, bring a passport, or a birth certificate and government issued photo ID. If the border guards scrutinize birth certs, you can bet the wait will get much longer. Bring your long-johns, folding chairs, maybe a pillow would be in order.

Oh, and by the way, when President Bush signed the budget bill earlier this week, he also signed off on yet another extension of passport (or passcard) requirements for Mexico/Canada/Caribbean travel. It appears you'll have until the summer of 2009 before you'll need the latter to make crossings back into the US from these areas.

Haves and the Don't Have So Muches--All Meet on the Desert

2007-12-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

It was one of the things that most amazed us when we first came to the Quartzsite desert. No matter how much money you have--or don't have--the desert is big attraction. Million dollar rigs can--and as you can see--do park right next to the neighbor who has a whole lot less.

One thing we found too. There is a great equalizer between the humble 1980s trailer and the brand-spankin-new Prevost coach: Each of us has got to go down to the dumpstation every once in a while and take care of business.

Happy trails.

Mexi Bound? Bring Papers!

2007-12-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's inevitable: If you come to Quartzsite, sooner or later you've got to go to Mexico. Whether it's the lure of the low-cost prescription drugs, the twang of a sore tooth, or the growling of a stomach thinking of fish tacos off the cart, there's a certain draw of Los Algadones.

Traveler beware: The US Border Patrol folks will be happy to see you when you return. But at the end of December, they'll want documentation: No, you don't need a passport or a passcard--not until summer--but you will need documentation of your US citizenship. What passes? A birth certificate or certificate of naturalization. And you'll need valid, government-issued, photo identification. For most of us a driver license will meet that requirement.

Vat vill happen if you turn up vithout zee pay-pairs? Expect that it will take you a while longer to get back across into the U.S. while you'll be flooded with questions and thoroughly run the computer. And oh yes, they will probably ask you about your prescriptions and your liquor. It may not be such a bad idea to carry a U.S. doctor's prescription for what you bring home. They don't often ask to see one, but if they do and you don't have those papers, your drugs go back to Mexico.

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Quartzsite Vending Wonders: Keep Your Ion the Salt Lamp

2007-12-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt the axiom: 'If an RVer wants it, he'll find it in Quartzsite' is certainly true. You'll also find a lot of things you didn't know you wanted, but in the end, maybe you will.

Case in point: How about a "natural air purifying salt crystal lamp." A what? Plenty of RV folks have found the air inside their rigs is better served by having some kind of air purifier. There are plenty of those on the market--and they're usually pretty expensive, require plenty of maintenance, and ain't much to look at. Where else but in Quartzsite can you walk down the street and buy a low cost, nearly maintenance free, and actually somewhat artistic air purifier?

Dave and Shirley Shook of Earthwise Enterprises have a tent down at Rice Ranch. In the quiet, and darkened back corner there live (OK, maybe they don't live, but they'll out last you and me) strange lumps of salt crystals, over 250-million years ago. With varying shapes, sizes, and colors (our favorites are deep peachy-orange) these little (and not so little) chunks of hardened salt have been formed into lamps. Turn the lamp on, a soft gentle glow emanates visible to the human eye. But what emanates that's invisible to the human eye, a flow of negative ions that cling to particulates in the air, make 'em heavy, and knock 'em down to the ground so those naughty little particulates (like dust, soot, pollen, et al) can't float up your nose.

We've got one of these lamps, and sure as shootin' they do seem to work. The light is a nice touch, and it adds just enough heat to the crystal to make convection currents carry the negative ions off and away into the surrounding air. Other than wiping the dust off the lamp, and changing out a bulb now and then, these air purifiers are maintenance free. And costs? They start out at around $12.

Earthwise Enterprises, on the south row along Kuhen Street, east of The Gambler.

Free Quartzsite Wifi Service

2007-11-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

It may be one of the area's 'best kept secrets:' You can connect to a pretty good speed internet connection for free at the Quartzsite Public Library. Yep, it is free, but you will need to go inside with your laptop (and battery) and request the logon code.

The library is open Monday through Saturday. To get there, take the B-10 (Main Street) to Plymouth. Take Plymouth north to Quail Trail--town hall (and the library) on your right (the east side of the street).

Other internet services are available in town: rvlogon.com provides fair coverage over much of the town; the Love's Truck Stop at Exit 17 also has fee-for-service wifi available. Other little operations have been known to "pop up" during the season. We'll try and keep you posted on them as they come and go.

It's a far cry from when we "rented" space on a telephone pole from a property owner in town, had the phone company drop a wire to us, and hook up on that snail paced stuff the phone company offers. I can still recall rolling down the truck window, sticking the phone plug out the window, and settling in for a long session with the steering wheel propping up my old IBM "ThinkPad." Ah, the good old days....

The First Big Migration Is Nigh!

2007-11-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

In Quartzsite, the arrival of the mysterious snowbird is a predictable thing. As soon as the chill begins to even warn of its arrival in the northern climes, the trickle begins. You can count that as early as mid-September, a few rigs will dribble into town. By October, the feeding stations are put out--the 'seasonal' restaurants begin to open.

By November, things are springing up all over. Most of the vendors are popping up canopies or dragging in merchandise trailers. And late November? Ah, "Día del Pavo" arrives, which means when translated, Day of the Turkey. Yes, Thanksgiving Day marks the first major milestone for the Quartzsite Season--you can be assured on the weekend following Thanksgiving the Snowbirds will come in droves, just as sure as shoppers have already flocked to Black Friday events in stores.

Planning to strut your own stuff in Quartzsite, but never done it before? Fear not, if you cannot be here with the first major migration, there'll still be room for you. Although there will be a steady stream between the Thanksgiving Migration and the next major "fly in" (right after Christmas) there's still plenty of room here for folks to roost. We may not be able to predict fuel prices, but down here, everything else is pretty predictable.

Learn the details of where to camp in and around Quartzsite for free or pennies a day. Order from RVbookstore.com and be reading the eBook in two or three minutes (delivered to your email inbox). Only $4.95!

Photo copyright R & T DeMaris, all rights reserved.

Where Ya Gonna Eat: Parker

2007-11-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

Not far north up Highway 95 from Quartzsite lies the county seat: Parker. A wee bit bigger than Quartzsite --depending on how you look at it, Parker does boast two big grocery stores (Bashas and Safeway) and a casino. Parker also has one of the few affordable chiropractors in the area--those down in Blythe are priced for rich Californians. Some folks trundle there way up there from QZ to take advantage of these outfits, but where to eat?

First, let us strongly recommend avoiding the food at the casino. Yes, we know there'll be a few boos and hisses at our "non-endorsement." We've tried eating at the Blue Water several times, and sad to say, it ain't getting any better. In one humble opinion, the quality of the food is rated as "good" only by those who have lost their sense of taste. Into Chinese? OK, lots of folks swear by Parker's one Chinese joint, and while it did beat the Chinese food served in Quartzsite, it's still way less than stellar. Call it, "No amount of MSG will make the flavor reveal itself."

Having kicked up as much dirt as we can, the flesh-eater of the family can make one endorsement for a Parker purveyor of palatable provisions: Ruperto's Mexican Restaurant on Highway 95.

Ruperto's isn't long on ambiance, but simply food: The food's durn good. The combo plates offered here run the usual Mexican fare that could be found in any mexi-joint. But when you notice the huge packs of construction crew trucks and RVs piled up outside Ruperto's the question is: What are they eating? The specialty must be the special burritos and tortas.

This carnivore highly recommends the Arizona Burrito: A big old humongous giant sized tortilla, rolled up and stuffed with carne asada, spuds, and cheese. Or try the Texano: Pollo (translates "chicken" to the uninitiated), sour cream, cheese, and potatoes. How about the "Veggie" (Am I really talking about this?) Rice, beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, salsa....oh my! It's almost enough to make even me think twice about my meat-eatin' ways.

And the prices? Hey, the exchange rate is good! Combos start at less than $5, the special burritos run from $2.75 to $3.15. Wash it all down with your favorite Norte Americano soda pop, or go native and buy a true Mexican fountain drink. Ruperto's is even worth making a special trip just for lunch.

Ruperto's is on Riverside Drive and Hopi Street.