Your Quartsite Questions

[caseyc]

It only takes one time too many for overextended use. Then bam...a dead battery. That's never happened to me either, but then again, I always run the engine periodically every so often just to make sure the house battery doesn't completely drain. It's also dependent on the condition of the battery and even the quality of the battery. My house battery is the top of the line Sears Diehard Platinum series and is relatively new, so it would theoretically be in better condition than a lesser battery that is older. Again, it's all theoretical. Even if my house battery were to die, I have multiple portable car jumper batteries to revive my house battery, so I would never need to rely on anyone else for asking for a jump. Better to be safe is the only thing I'm trying to say.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

True, gotta take care of those batteries and they won't let you down. Deep cycles will take more abuse than a starting battery, but why push it too much.
We have a 400w inverter that's rarely used. The little 75w inverter only sips only a bit of power and charges electronics just fine. With a pair of house batteries we've always had plenty of power to suit our needs.
After 7 months on the road with solar I have to admit its nice to be hooked up to electric and all in a park. Even nicer is the fact that our space and utilities are a free perk with the part time hosting gig.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We had a hoot at Silly All's last night. The pizza was pretty good, Margie picked her fave, pineapple and Canadian bacon (still looks like ham to me, LOL). The place has a funky decor with old signs, tins and other old stuff. Lots of tables for large groups and small. A full bar and good cold brew. The staff is friendly and nice, even as busy as they were.

Karaoke was fun, tho we weren't about to get up there. There were the usual ones who didn't know their song and mumbled their way thru it, but there were some really good ones who really put on a show. One young girl, a slender little thing, belted out a very good "Bobby Mcgee". I think she was best of all. The host and another guy with a deep voice did a really fun "Elvira".

 

[AltTransBikes]

I've read the Wiki page on Q but something I'm curious about and haven't yet come across is what is the winter population estimated to peak at there?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

There have been past years when there were as many as 500,000 RVs here. There were mass traffic jams and vendors on every foot of space along the road. It was like a huge circus.
This year the numbers are down for this period, and they don't expect the great masses that once arrived.
Right now its not crowded, but we see new arrivals daily. The shows in Jan will bring lots of people. Many wait till after Christmas so they can do the family thing.
I can't give an educated guess as to what this season will hold, but I'm thinking there will be enough to do and see on bikes that it will keep us interested for a while. (we sorta like just kicking back most of the time...think they call that "lazy", LOL). Its not too crowded, but Silly Al's was rockin' last night...met some fun folks.
Its a good place to hang for the winter, for us anyway.
So, let's say that even if 100,000 RVs show up, most with 2 people, you can imagine how a town of 3500 can explode to a sort of a boomtown.

Do you plan to come to Q??

 

[AltTransBikes]

Wow, I had no idea, even at the lower estimates that is one big turnaround for a small town. Thanks

Do you plan to come to Q??

My plans are not set, too much turmoil and drama playing out in my life atm, but in reality there's not much holding me back (except myself).
I have a rig that's convertible and presently have the resources.

I'm definitely intrigued, especially with all the mention Q gets as a winter mecca, it is one of the areas in the US that has a passable winter. I know the climate type, spent quite a few years in Socal, Coachella Valley (near Palm Desert)

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Not to take away from Q's unique allure, but many are going to Yuma (about 75 moles south). Many of the newly retired (new generation) like the more city-like aspect of Yuma. It has grown over the years and has lots of chain store shopping, lots of eats places and bars. Maybe a couple degrees warmer. Right across the border with access to Algodones, Mex where medical & dental is cheap.
Personally, I'll stay in Q, but might drive down to Yuma for a couple days later.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Check out Bob's blog today...
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/

 

[blueberry]

I'm coming to Q in the next few days -- is there any place where I can have my mail forwarded?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

That's something I need to check on. I'll get on that in the morning and post the info here.
I've heard some people use General Delivery or mailing services in their home state.

 

[cyndi]

If you decide to go the general delivery route I would suggest using the Ehrenburg post office as the quartzite post office's general delivery pick up times are limited and the lines are pretty long.

Quiet Times, Stationery, Office Supply, Printing store is a great alternative and one Bob uses.

Barbara does a great blog post, complete with maps, here
http://dewelldesigns.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-get-mail-at-quartzsite.html

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks Cindi, appreciate the info.
I've heard the post office can get quite crowded. Quiet Times is easy to find...on Main, just east of 95 on the north side. They also have a nice selection of cards to send friends and family.

Also, found this one that looks reasonable...
http://www.bcmmailandship.com/Pricing.php
At this one you have a regular box/address like a resident and they will forward to you as you travel.
They have a Snowbird special if you just want a short term deal.

 

[blueberry]

Thanks so much! I'll be camping with Bob, so whatever he does works for me.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Sounds like a plan...Bob knows Q inside out.

 

[caseyc]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to Quartszite in January, probably for 2 weeks, maybe a little longer. It will be my first real roadtrip! Can't wait. Are we all gonna gather around a giant bonfire every night and sing kum-ba-yah?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I think you'll like it around Q. Lots of flea market type vendors and stuff to see. A very relaxed place.
Don't count on giant bonfires. Firewood is at a premium and the desert is dry. I'm sure there will be a fire ring, so if you bring your guitar and singing voice you can provide the entertainment sometimes.
Most of all, you'll see a new place and meet some cool people.

 

[Patrick46]

*note to self....

BRING FIREWOOD!!


Got it!!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Yup, there's a guy selling wood around the corner. I'll try to remember to get his prices. Someone mentioned it ain't cheap...we'll see what that means.

 

[wagoneer]

No Casey more like "all my ex's live in texas"( Merryl Haggard) and " If drinkin don't kill me her memory will" (George Jones) or perhaps a resounding "Ring of fire" Mr. Cash. I'll call John and see if he is available.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Commander Cody, "I Got Stoned And Missed It" ^_^