2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 103

 Monday, January 31, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 52

My next door neighbors left this morning. Only 2 of us left in this "island". 

After breakfast I drove out to the Dome Rock area to see if anyone was set up early for the gathering. While there are a couple of trailers there, none are in the flat area where we usually built the communal campfire, so I still can't drop off the load of firewood. I'll check again Wednesday. On the way I passed a truck hauling an empty roll off parked next to the full one. Evidently, he didn't like the look of the piles of trash around the full roll off. When I got back from Dome Rock the full roll off was still there & the empty one never got dropped off. 

Thin clouds, but 67°F so I spent the rest of the morning sitting outside. After lunch I did the same.

Dinner was left over Chinese.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 102

 Sunday, January 30, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 51

A quiet night, although my closest neighbor had a bit of excitement when the water pump started dumping water in one of his storage bays. Today is the last day of the Big Tent Show - it closes at 3:00. There are still streams of folks walking across the wash to get to the tent and a bunch of trucks parked on the BLM land at the corner of the wash & US 95. Most drive in the main entrance, although there is an ATV trail right next to the wash that a few full sized trucks manage to get through.

I spent most of the afternoon outside reading & getting sunburned. I did watch a small blimp go by and took a few hummingbird photos.  More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.

The Small Blimp

A Hummingbird

Around 4:30 I headed to the Chinese restaurant to pick up dinner. Not sure why, but I guess I wanted to try it one more time before I headed to Dome Rock. For what ever reason, the best as to freshness & taste of my 3 visits.

Normally, I'd take a walk to the dumpster with my grocery bag of trash - I usually make one per day and do the walk to help settle dinner. I'll skip the trip tonight - there is a mountian of trash bags overflowing the roll off & piles of bags along side. Hopefully, they will exchange roll offs tomorrow.

The Very Full Roll Off

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 101

 Saturday, January 29, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 50

The New Arrivals

A little after I posted yesterday's journal a pair of RVs moved in next door, and I mean NEXT DOOR. This area is large enough that they could have found space a bit further away, but they are within the rules - more than 15'. The large Class A likes to run his diesel engine - it ran for 20 minutes after he arrived, shut off for a half hour, then started up at quarter to six. Maybe he doesn't have a generator? The guy in the Class C mentioned that this was their first time here. The Class A shut his engine down at 6:15. I'm being a grouchy old man, but the diesel exhaust is aimed directly at the front of my trailer, is loud & stinks!

Now that I'm done whining, the notes for today. 

Around 42°F and light clouds for the walk for coffee. No one left the area, but we are still not too crowded other than my near neighbors. Rudy, a Canadian that has been here every year that I've been here packed up his 5th wheel and left the area across the wash to the north heading back to Canada. It took about 10 minutes for someone to pull into his space.

So far only one new arrival that stayed here, a Class C parked near the entrance to the "island". Many more drive in & circle around, discovering that there isn't much in the way of level space left even though it looks empty. Lots more arrivals on the other side of the northern wash.

While it is fine at 70°F sitting outside when the sun is out from behind the clouds, when it is covered the wind is enough to make it uncomfortable. Eventually, I got tired of sitting inside & went for a walk. Watched a couple Class As pulling large trailers drive in & out.

Dinner was a Eating Well Chicken & Wild Rice Stroganoff.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 100

 Friday, January 28, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 49

A warmer night, only down to 43°F. I almost got hit by an idiot on an ATV while walking to coffee this morning. Seems they don't believe pedestrians have the right of way crossing a driveway. He waved as I jumped out of his way.

Telemed was a bust. First, they moved it up while I was out looking at the gem & rock show. My AT&T data connection is poor enough that I knew I had to get back to the trailer & Verizon before there was any chance of making a connection. I made it back in time, but three different browsers insisted that they were not compatible with Telemed, as well as both phones. I suspect it was the slow internet connection since the browsers I was using were all listed as approved.

Anyhow, I called the office using my cell phone, got to talk with my doctor voice only, and the prescriptions were sent to Blythe. There was a bit of confusion at the office since I mentioned the 66°F temperature here in Arizona to my doctor, and when he went to OK the prescriptions, saw that they were for a pharmacy in California. The nurse called & I explained that Rite-Aid in Blythe, California was the closest drug store to Quartzsite, AZ. 

I did manage to get my 5 pound tank filled - 1.2 gallons of propane at the Mobil station. They are still at $3.80 per gallon. I also made a final trip to one of the RV sales tents outside the Big Tent. I picked up a 6' X 9' plastic mat for times when I don't need my usual 9' X 12'. It had to be a plain red one - no Kokopelli themed mats in the smaller size. 

An uneventful drive to Blythe to pick up my prescriptions, While our part of La Posa West is clearing out - there are 3 RVs in our "island", the area on the other side of Old Yuma Road is crammed with Class As. We have had clear skies for the last couple of days, but this afternoon fairly heavy clouds moved in. 

Dinner was an Impossible Burger & fruit salad.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 99

 Thursday, January 27, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 48

The Vixens and Friends

A December like night - down to 34°F by morning. I still managed to be comfortable in a sweatshirt for the walk to coffee - love that Arizona winter sun! By the way, for those interested, the price of propane at the 76 station went up from $2.80 to $2.95 with a new delivery of propane yesterday. 

My closest neighbors in a travel trailer RV pulled out this morning. No more yappy dog & loud ATV. At least they did a good job of cleaning up their area before they left. At this point there is only one other RV (Lou & Judy's 5th wheel) here that was in the area in December.

I called in new prescriptions to my doctor's office and now have to sit around the trailer waiting for one of the nurses to call back. It usually only takes a couple of minutes, but it has been an hour.

The California Vixen group is getting smaller. At one time there were 12 of them here for the Big Tent show; today there are three plus some former owners driving other RVs. I chatted with them for a bit & got a photo. The Vixen is a 21' fiberglass motorhome built between 1986 & 1989. Some photos from 2016.

I finally heard back from a nurse at my doctor's office. Seems there are changes in NY prescription rules, or the office started following them - even for non scheduled drugs you must see your doctor within 6 months of a prescription fill. Since the last time I saw my doctor was for my physical on June 18th, I'm 40 days over the 6 month limit. Couldn't talk nurse Ratchet into letting me slip by, so I now have a Telemed visit with my doctor tomorrow. I hope the local internet is up to it - it froze on the "How to do a Telemed visit" page.

That was about it for the day. It did warm up - 65°F by 3:30, and not a cloud in the sky.

Dinner was a Barber Cordon Bleu meal with left over creamed spinach & mac & Cheese.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 98

 Wednesday, January 26, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 47

I checked the trailer propane & one of the tanks was emptied over night. I ran out of propane in my 5 pound, one gallon grill tank while cooking my chicken leg last night, so I threw both of them in the truck, planning to fill them on the way back from Parker.

Three RVs left out area this morning, but when I got back from Parker a different 3 moved in.

I made it to Parker Family Dentistry on time even though the traffic in Quartzsite was a zoo. I now have a permanent crown on tooth 32. 

I stopped by a bank in Parker to get some cash from my bank. I miss the Capital One checking account that they dumped - they paid the bank fee where you took out the money & didn't charge a withdrawal fee. As I said, they dropped that account & started another one that charges, and doesn't pay interest. I don't use it any more - it is now the same price as my home town bank.

I also hit Walmart & Safeway. Lines at Walmart were the best I've seen in Parker - only a 10 minute wait to check out. 

At the 76 station I had no problem filling the 20 pound tank, but the small one would not take any propane. I had that problem with it once before & shutting off the pump & starting from scratch worked. It didn't this time. I'll try it at a different dealer. For now the grill is connected to the spare 20 pound tank I carry to power the generator I never use.

Dinner was a chicken pot pie.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 97

 Tuesday, January 25, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 46 - 0 Miles, 3,765.5 Miles for the Trip

The area is thinning out. Dave & Pam left this morning while I was on my walk for coffee. The Casita & van across the wash also left. 

Escape owners Peter & Nancy from NY stopped by without the trailer to visit & head for the Big Tent show. 

Verizon is having a bad day. While mail sneaks through, reading web pages is very slow if you can connect; most of the time you can't. I tried my usual Speakeasy speed test, and while the site comes up, the test doesn't. 

I wandered over to the Big Tent for a last look through, then on to a booth at the Tyson Wells area to pick up some Anasazi Beans. They are a favorite dried bean that I generally buy here in the southwest. While they are available through Amazon (like anything else), the cost is more than the the $3.00 per pound they are here. A 10 pound bag is $23.00, but that is more than I'd use in a couple of years. I could do better buying bulk at a grocery store, but I rarely find them.

Peter & Nancy stopped back after their Big Tent adventure with some stuff, but as usual, a couple of items they were looking for were out of stock and and "would be here tomorrow" (but they won't be). We chatted for a bit & they headed back to Yuma. They plan to arrive at Dome Rock for the trailer rally on the 7th.

Dinner was a grilled chicken leg quarter, baked potato & creamed spinach.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 96

 Monday, January 24, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 45

Airstream Basecamp 16

A bit cooler overnight at 39°F this morning, but with the cloudless day, it warmed up quickly. Verizon was good to me last night - I was able to listen to the entire hour of one of my favorites, Hearts of Space on WXXI in Rochester, NY without any dropouts. Strange music for a classical station, but they do both Hearts of Space and 2 days of Echoes on the weekends. 

During my trip to the dumpster las night I saw an unusual Airstream - a Basecamp 16. I believe they have stopped making them - they are advertising the Basecamp 20 & 20X, both single axle trailers, but bigger.

I changed the sheets on the bed & decided it would be a good day to do laundry since everyone would be at the Big Tent. Well, the laundromat had about the usual sized crowd with no wait for washers or dryers, but getting there was "interesting". Traffic was backed up from well south of the entrance to the North & West LTVAs to the traffic light on Kuehn street (well over a mile). That was around 11:00AM. Not so bad on the way back around 1:00.

After putting away the laundry I sat around reading. The convoy from California didn't come back, and on my walk to the dumpster I didn't see them anywhere in La Posa West. If they were smart, they headed to either of the two southern LTVAs - much more room, although a bit of a walk to the Big Tent.  The huge crowd of Class B Vans across the wash all disappeared.

I spent part of the afternoon chatting with the folks in the 5th wheel from Missouri. We sat around a campfire (even though it was in the 70's and bright sun) talking about life. 

Dinner was beans, fried potatoes & cornbread supplied by the folks in the 5th Wheel. Dave & Pam are both good cooks. Thanks!

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 95

 Sunday, January 23, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 44

The Vans

Another beautiful day in Quartzsite. A bit windy, but 68°F. My closest next door neighbor pulled out late this morning. I stopped by the "Van Mass" across the west side of the wash from my area & there are even more than when I took the last photo. We only have one of the Travatos left here.

I sat outside & read for most of the day. I'm currently reading a series by C. J. Adrien - The Saga of Hastings The Avenger. Three books so far; current is Kings of the Sea. A fictionalized story of some of the real Vikings. Interesting stuff. 

 Lots of folks walking by on their way to the Big Tent Show, but not as many ATVs parked all over the place as usual. I thought about heading to the laundromat, but will probably go tomorrow. 

A bit of excitement - around 3:00 a group of 4 RVs (3 good sized Class As and a tow behind) decided to set up in an area on the north side of the wash next to us and one of the local people decided the area was too small for them. Yelling ensued, and eventually, they pulled out. One of the group on a scouting mission stopped by and asked if it was a problem for them to set up on the edge of the area behind my trailer. I told them as long as they didn't block my solar panels & stayed the required 15' from me I wouldn't complain. I did mention that the area was used as a road, and was fairly sloped, and I guess they eventually decided to look elsewhere - I watched them pull through & out of our section of La Posa West. That made a lot of sense - there is no way all four of them would have fit in the area.

Dinner was a Impossible Burger, mac & Cheese & peaches.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 94

 Saturday, January 22, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 43

My idea of going to the dump station during the opening hours of the Big Tent Show wasn't too bad. Only 5 RVs ahead of me, but two of them were very slow, and, of course, one was each of the two dumps. Total time waiting in line - 45 minutes for the dump station and 15 minutes to get water. Back at the site I ended up almost lined up with the mat and spent 15 minutes getting everything set up. I'll wait to tilt the solar panels until I have no choice.

I walked over to the Big Tent - about 1 in 1000 are wearing masks, including those running booths. I didn't do the entire insides - too crowded, but did do a loop around the outside. I was hoping to find the Progressive booth. Although they are a sponsor and have their name all over the place, I couldn't find their booth. The usual path to cut across the wash from our area is covered with brush by someone who didn't want people cutting through, but a bit further west is an opening that appears to be the new cut through. 

While it started out sunny, it is cooling off during the afternoon with fairly heavy clouds. At 64°F I can't complain - back home in Oswego it is all the way up to 20°F from an overnight low of -4°F. Can't wait to see my National Grid bill this month!

I sat outside reading for a bit, but without the sun and the decreasing temperature, I gave up and headed into the trailer around 3:00. Glad I moved inside - around 3:20 it started to pour; the hardest rain we have had since I've been here. Only for a short time, but I bet it put a damper on the outside booths at the tent. 

We got a short break, even a burst of sunshine, but by 4:00 a steady, light rain was falling and it was down to 61°F. At least the ATVs coming back from the show are not raising clouds of dust. Still not enough water to have runoff in the washes.

The plan was to have a Beyond Burger & left over mac & cheese for dinner, however with the rain I'll save that for tomorrow & have a salad tonight.

Until Tomorrow -

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 93

 Friday, January 21, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 42

Can You See The Difference?

While our area is getting a bit tight, we still have folks driving through looking for a spot. I'm glad the area around me is fairly sloped - many try, but can't get level enough to stay.

One of the Travato ladies (the one that went to Oswego) is back in the space she had before they all left. She went through the trials & tribulations of a warranty repair on her generator. She had to go all the way to Phoenix to find an "authorized" repair facility, given all kinds of grief dealing with rules, ie if they pull the generator & find it needs parts, the warranty only covers pulling the generator once & they probably don't have the parts, so she might need to come back in a couple of weeks & pay to pull the generator again. Ended up having a ground wire replaced & she only paid for the oil for an oil change, but it wasn't easy. 

Around 11:30 another Travato showed up. It will be crowded it they all come back, but so far those already here have been able to chase away non Travato group arrivals to keep the space available for the 2-3 that are planning to arrive tomorrow.

While my new neighbors are a bit closer than I'd like, they are nice enough people. Quiet generators, but a yappy dog. So far there is still enough room in front of the trailer to hook up, and behind the trailer to pull back in. It looks like I'll make it until tomorrow morning to head to the dump station.

Verizon, which was close to dead at 4:00PM yesterday, is working OK today, at least at noon. While a speed test shows a slow 2.2 Mbps down & 1.5Mbps up, the larger image below loaded without a problem. We will see how it fairs around dinner time.

What looks different? Yes, I folded the solar panels back to flat. While the aluminum arms I added to tilt them are strong enough, I am not sure about Escape's bolting of the panel mounts to the roof. If they are only bolted through the fiberglass roof, going down the road at 50MPH with the panels at almost 45° with the high end towards the front of the trailer could be a problem. Each year I say to myself why not try it, and each time I fold them down. It only takes about 20 minutes, and we are getting to the point where the arc of the sun is high enough that the flat panels, combined with the portable should provide enough amp hours to keep the batteries near full. Since I'm heading to Dome Rock in a little over a week, I'd just as soon leave them down. Worst case, I'll have to climb back up & tilt them.

Dinner was a grilled chicken leg quarter & mac & cheese. Macaroni & cheese is another one of those meals I don't make unless I know I have room in the gray tank and enough fresh water to clean a messy pot. Since I plan to dump tomorrow and the gray tank still shows 1/2 full, it will work. I'll also have half a slice of blueberry pie & ice cream for desert - the piece I had for yesterday was larger than I thought.

Until Tomorrow - 

2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 92

 Thursday, January 20, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 41

Well, the Big Tent Madness has hit Verizon. It was usable up until this morning, but listening to the Phoenix NPR station KJZZ dropped out repeatedly after 7:00AM. Reading forums was very slow, and anything with images near dead.

I managed to upload the thumbnails of today's photos, but still waiting for the larger images to reach my ISP. I tried switching to AT&T but that wouldn't even connect to the ISP. I'll probably be doing text entries for a bit. Eventually, loading the larger images one at a time worked.

Since it won't let me add a photo here at Blogger, to see today's photos go to today's LakeshoreImages page.

Lots of new neighbors. A Casita moved in across the road, as well as a bunch of Class B vans. Two 5th wheels moved in next to me, one a bit closer than I'd like, but outside the 15' limit. Both of the new neighbors have Razor ATVs & generators. My quiet location is no more! They have a 3rd trailer arriving soon - just so I have enough room to hook up & tow the trailer to the dump station. I can't wait to see what the line looks like during the weekend. Actually, on Saturday, opening day, everyone might be at the Big Tent so the line might be short. Then Again...

I drove to the Coyote Market for a chicken leg quarter, but they didn't have any. The truck would be in in an hour or so with the chicken, so the butcher suggested I stop back. I went back around 3:00, and while the truck arrived, no chicken quarters & nothing had been unloaded. This is the difference between a small store butcher and a chain. The butcher went out to the truck, selected a whole chicken, and cut me a leg quarter. A bit smaller than what one got with a normal quarter, but fine for one person. I wonder how he will sell 3/4 of a chicken? 

I spent most of the day sitting outside listening to Mike Chen's Hear & Now. An interesting time travel "book" with a twist.

Dinner was a salad and the remainder of the blueberry pie & Tillamook Old Fashion Vanilla ice cream, one of my favorite ice creams. In the past I had to wait until I hit the west, or at least west of the Mississippi, before I could get it, but out local (Oswego) Price Chopper now sells it. Speaking of Oswego, while it hit a high of 32°F today, the prediction for tonight is -1°F with a Friday high of 12°F. Most of next week in in the single digits overnight and below freezing during the days. I don't miss it!

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 91

 Wednesday, January 19, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 40

After breakfast I baked a blueberry pie. I'm not all that pleased with the fresh blueberries I picked up at Safeway. While the price was OK, a fair percentage of the blueberries were well past their prime. Had to hand pick through 2 18 ounce packages to get 6 cups of usable berries. Still, the pie is in the oven. 

Another beautiful day at Quartzsite. 69°F outside and clear skies. No new arrivals in our area, but a converted school bus with an interesting paint job pulled in across the west wash, and the Casita is gone.

The Converted Bus

Dan, one of the early arrivals must have left yesterday or this morning. The 5th wheel next door prevents me from seeing his trailer & when I went to offer a piece of pie it looks like he packed up & left. There are now two RVs in his location.

I finished This Weightless World by Adam Soto, did a quick read of Lee Goldburg's True Fiction, and started the latest Chinle Miller's Bud Shumway series The Temple Mountain Cafe. I've read the first 14 of the series, and while a long way from "high quality fiction", I have enjoyed the descriptions of the parts of the country that I enjoy.

I handed out plates of blueberry pie, and, of course, kept some for me.

Dinner was a Saffron Road Chicken Pad Thai, a new one of their meals, at least for me. I like it!

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 90

 Tuesday, January 18, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 39 

Sorry this is a bit late - I got busy enough to forget to post yesterday's entry.

Today is dump station runs for the two 5th wheels in our section. I'm close - 3 lights on the readout; 4 is full. The better check is to shut off the water & look down the toilet (I know, too much information!). Looks like I can go a couple more days. The problem is every day I wait will be longer lines at the dump station. The next two weeks will be the most crowded the Long Term Visitor Areas get with the Big Tent Show starting Saturday. The length of the line doesn't really matter to me - I either listen to my recorded book or read my Kindle while waiting. 

I talked with one of the 5th wheel owners & he said it was about an hour wait.

I headed to Parker to do some shopping. All at Safeway. I did go into Walmart, but the lines were even longer than the last time I was there, so I left. I'll look for a full sized blanket somewhere else. Fairly heavy traffic coming back to Quartzsite. 

I picked up the supplies to make a blueberry pie. I have enough neighbors that I won't have to eat all of it!

On the way back from Parker I saw a Bigfoot Class C in great condition (a rare vehicle that is made the same way fiberglass trailers are made) and 8 Winnebago Views all signing in at the entrance station to La  Posa North. Must be a tour group - I've never seen a long line waiting to sign in. Glad they are all heading to La Posa North.

A Bigfoot Class C RV

8 Winnebago Views

I took a shower in the trailer. I usually use the pay showers here at Quartzsite to save both fresh water and space in the gray tank, but since my black tank is almost full, I still have over 1/2 a tank of fresh water, and the gray tank is still sitting on 1/3rd full, I can afford the water use. It doesn't hurt that it is 77°F in the trailer & 73°F outside so I don't need to blast the furnace to make it warm enough for showering!

Dinner was an Amy's Mushroom Risotto.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 89

 Monday, January 17, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 38

I often wake up far earlier than I want to climb out of bed, and today was no exception. At 3:00AM I was awake. Lucky, the Verizon coverage is still good enough for internet radio. While at home Morning Edition doesn't start until 5:00AM, the 2 hour time difference has it starting at 3:00AM at KJZZ in Phoenix. I usually listen while nodding on & off until my usual wakeup time of 8:30.

Not much sun during the walk for coffee, and at 45°F it felt a bit cold. By the time I got back to the trailer the sun was out and my sweatshirt was too warm. That's Quartzsite!

After breakfast (by the way, while I enjoy most of the strange combinations put together by Langers Juice, their Cucumber Lime with Mint will be a one time venture) I did a bit of cleaning in the trailer & some forum reading.

I spent most of the rest of the day sitting outside reading. I ran out the awning for the first time here at Quartzsite. The arc of the sun is still low enough that it didn't help all that much, one of the reasons I prefer the non powered awning. The power awning is all that was available when I bought the Escape 21 in 2017, and, unlike the non power awning, it cannot be tilted to provide shade with low angle sun. I admit it is much easier to deploy & put away, but not being able to tilt presents a couple of problems - shade for low angle sun is one, and the other is rain puddles in the awning, making it useless in anything but the lightest rain. Because of the automatic retraction in heavy wind, you can't use poles on the outside ends to tie it down. All in all, I'd prefer the manual awning (which is now an available option). I even switched to shorts - it was 73°F at late afternoon.

It is getting crowded here at La Posa West. Not so much here in this section; we have lots of "lookers" but they wander around then leave. Much of this section is not very level. In the section to the north across a small wash it is packed. While the official rule is at least 15' between RVs, this time of year that is often ignored, particularly between friends. 

Looking North From My Trailer At La Posa West

Our Side of the Wash

Around 3:00 my neighbor brought over a bowl of chili - I guess that will be dinner. 

I called my brother David to wish him a happy birthday. Nantucket got lots of rain from the storm moving up the east coast.

More sitting outside, mostly finishing listening to Ian K. Smith's The Ancient Nine, and starting Mike Chen's Here And Now. 

Dinner was donated chili & soda crackers plus a small salad. While I warned that the chili had a "bit of a kick" to it, I thought it was excellent!

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 88

 Sunday, January 16, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 37

Quail

Another day with driving for coffee - I found an empty tank of propane. You can tell that this is a colder than normal winter. I usually get 10 - 14 days on a tank; this year  is 7 - 10 days. I had to wait for the guy that pumps the propane to finish emptying all the stations trash bins before he started doing propane.

Our area is getting crowded. 2 more RVs showed up, including a Dutch Star that was here in this area in 2019. We chatted a bit, then I went for a walk to make up for the missing walk for coffee. I tried to find a full sized blanket. My extra blanket is actually a queen size, and too much blanket gets stuffed in the sides of the bed. No luck here in Quartzsite, at least the places I looked. I'll be making a run to Parker next week so I'll look at Walmart.

During the walk I saw a flock of quail. I only had the iPhone, so it is a rough image:

Back at the trailer I sat outside and read. A good day for sitting - at 68°F and fairly heavy clouds to shade the sun, and a light breeze; it was comfortable. 

Dinner was an Impossible Burger & a salad.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 87

 Saturday, January 15, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 36

During yesterday evening a Casita 17 (another fiberglass trailer) moved into an area outside my back window. They are across a wash & road, so not in the same "neighborhood", but the first I've seen in La Posa West.

The Casita

I stopped by this morning - they are new owners, tent campers making their first trip with the trailer. Mom is in the trailer & the couple are in the tent. They are thinking about adding solar, but for now are depending on a contractor generator - I can hear it from my trailer. Other than that, nice enough folks from South Dakota.

A cloudy morning, but reasonable at 50°F, and 60°F by noon. 

On the way back from a trash run to the dumpster I took a photo of Dan's trailer.

Dan's Trailer

Not much else going on today. A bit cool for sitting outside. If there was sun it would be OK, but with the heavy clouds and even a bit of wind, I'd rather be in the trailer if I'm just sitting. I am listening to Ian K. Smith's The Ancient Nine, and reading Zodiac by Neal Stephenson, a 1980's pollution concerning novel that I can't quite get into.

Dinner was a Saffron Road Chicken Biryani meal.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 86

 Friday, January 14, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 35

A warm night - the furnace came on twice around 7:00AM, but that was it. Heavy clouds during the walk for coffee, but it was warm enough that the sun wasn't missed. I tried to check the individual panels of my portable solar panel since it has blown over a couple of times and I wanted to make sure each of the 4 individual panels was still connected. The problem is the sunlight was so diffused by the clouds that I couldn't make a shadow on the panels. A shadow, even a small one on a panel makes a dramatic cut the output. I have to make the check in the morning while the solar controller is still in the bulk stage to be able to see the difference a shadow makes.

A sad memory for the day - it would have been my wife Carol's 77th birthday today. She died from emphysema & lung cancer 12 years ago. She came from a family where almost everyone lived to close to 100 years old - smoking is a terrible disease.

It was nice enough by the time I got back from my coffee walk that I cooked bacon & eggs outdoors. I use a cheap single burner butane stove for cooking outside. In the past I used a Coleman Grill/Stove, which I loved for the convenience of having both a grill & a stove in one package, but the low cover prevented closing it to melt cheese on a burger or covering just about anything on the grill. I traded it in on a Giantex Grill, which I liked because of the high dome & dual burners, but found was impossible to clean. Eventually, I gave it away and went with a Weber Q1200. A great grill. I should have started with the Weber - love my Weber EP310 home grill. The Q1200 takes a bit of time to warm up because the grills themselves are cast iron, but it grills well, and in a pinch, a pot can be put on the grill to cook vegetables, etc. The griddle I still have from the Coleman Grill/Stove will fit on it if you remove both cast iron grills. Weber makes a griddle that replaces one of the grills, but so far I haven't needed it. The only problem with the butane stove is the wind blows out the flame fairly easily, and the flame is almost impossible to see in the sunlight.

Around 9:30 it was clear enough to check - all panels are working! Just a few clouds in the sky - the Victron 100/50 Solar Controller went through the Absorption stage & into Float around 11:45AM, meaning the batteries are full. 

I have a new neighbor that arrived yesterday. Dan is a solo (other than 2 dogs & a cat) full timer from Michigan that has been following my blog for a few years. New to Quartzsite, and he is going to have to move - a nice, flat site for his trailer, but unfortunately in a wash. While it is a small one that is barely noticeable, I've seen a foot of water in it during a storm. Fortunately, no rain predicted for a week or so. He would like to wait to move until he needs to dump his tanks in a day or two. 

I guess pointing out the wash made Dan nervous - he moved this morning to a much better location on higher ground.

On the walk back from dropping off my trash I saw a Kodiak K22+2 5th Wheel, a fiberglass trailer I haven't seen before. While not a 2 shell fiberglass trailer, it has a one piece fiberglass roof with fiberglass sides & was built in western Canada by Peak Manufacturing who went bankrupt in 2003. Current Kodiak trailers are built by Thor in the US and have nothing in common but the name.

Kodiak K22+2 5th Wheel

Around 3:00 a new neighbor pulled in. They are retired & from from Missouri. We talked for a bit then he went back to setting up.

New Neighbors From Missouri

Dinner was the rest of the Supreme Vegetation pizza from Silly Al's.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022Trip To The Southwest, Day 85

 Thursday, January 13, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 34

Anna's Hummingbird

The Ford van left this morning. I wonder how many folks stop in for a day or two without bothering to get permit. I've met many that are proud that they have managed to go more than 14 days at the 14 day BLM areas. So far this year I've only seen one ranger drive through the La Posa West LTV area checking stickers. 

After breakfast I headed to Quiet Times to pick up an Amazon package. A 12" X 6" X 6" box holding a 2" long keychain flashlight. 

I got the 2022 RMD amount the IRS demands from my retirement account whether I want to take it out or not - up 8% from last year. They want to make sure I don't leave anything for the kids, at least without paying income tax on it!

I ordered a Silly Al's Supreme Vegetarian pizza for lunch (and late enough that it will also be dinner). The only pizza I've ever had that includes cashews. Very good, as usual. The place is busy - there was a 10 minute wait at the check out counter to pick it up. No masks on patrons or most of the employees. As long as I was at Silly Al's, I also stopped across the road to buy a bag of Kettle Corn. While it still isn't as good as I remember it, it is better than any I've had anywhere else, with the exception of a batch I had at the La Paz County Park in Parker where they scooped it out of the kettle, bagged it and handed it to me. I don't know where they find pop corn that pops to 3/4" kernels.

After lunch I sat outside with the camera & a 70 - 200 zoom lens & took more hummingbird photos. All Anna's Hummingbirds. probably the same one - they look different with different angles. More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.

I talked with Lou when he was walking the dogs this afternoon & he mentioned that a BLM ranger came by and chased the guy in the Ford van out at 8:00AM this morning. Evidently, he got a bunch of others that didn't have permits. 

Dinner was some cheese & crackers since I had the pizza for lunch.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 84

 Wednesday, January 12, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 33

Another quiet day. A cooler night at 35°F than earlier in the week - I caused this by leaving one of my blankets off the bed when I changed the sheets. Of course, if I put it back on, it will warm up. Right now it is rolled up at the bottom side of the bed & I can drag it out if necessary. 

I refilled the hummingbird feeder. I know the hummingbirds didn't drink it all - the wind rocks the feeder so small amounts end up dripping on the ground. While empty of sugar water, it was filled with ants. I got rid of most of them before bringing it into the trailer, and the rest washed down the sink into the gray tank. 

The La Posa West (where I am) section of the LTVA is still fairly empty a week & a half before the Big Tent opens. I don't know if the crew from California will show up - I haven't heard from them. It did warm up during the day. At 2:30 it was 66°F outside and partially cloudy. Light wind, and enough sun to refill the batteries.

I started doing my 2021 taxes on line. I won't get the 1099s until at least the end of the month, but there are parts of the paperwork that I can do now. At least I no longer have to drive to Blythe and wait 3 hours at the Social Security office for a copy of my SSA 1099. They now have them available on line in early February.

A van camper moved into the area this afternoon. Not one of the Travato ladies, but a modified Ford van. 

Dinner was a Barber Broccoli & Cheese meal, along with creamed spinach and mashed potatoes.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 83

Tuesday, January 11, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 32

A relaxing day. After breakfast I read for a bit then gathered together the laundry & changed the sheets. The laundromat wasn't all that busy. About 1/3 the folks wearing masks. 

Back at the trailer I packed the laundry away, then read a bit more. Current Kindle book is Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe, and still listening to Joseph Finder's House of Fire audio book.  Currently 6°F in Oswego, NY; 65°F here in Quartzsite.

Dinner was the remainder of the tacos.

Until Tomorrow -  

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 82

 Monday, January 10, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 31

Since I was down one propane tank this morning, I drove for coffee (even when I was much younger I wouldn't have wanted to lug 30 pounds of propane & tank 2 miles even if the tank was empty on the way to the station). 

I never saw any sign of life from the Coachman Starflyte Class C motorhome that parked next door yesterday, other than to watch it pull out and leave during breakfast.

After breakfast I did some reading during which I finished both the audio book of Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone & the last of 4 books of Jeff Wheeler's First Argentines series. They were close enough stories that reading & listening to both at the same time got a bit confusing. Now I'm listening to Joseph Finder's House on Fire and reading The Blackbird Papers by Ian Smith who, evidently is not the Ian K. Smith that I've read & enjoyed before, and thought whose book I borrowed from the NY Public Library. While they are both mystery novels, they are different enough that there is no confusion, at least so far.

Eventually, I headed to town looking for vitamin B complex and paper plates. There is a run on both vitamins and paper plates in Quartzsite. Empty sections of shelves in both dollar stores & grocery stores with piles of Styrofoam plates and kids chewy vitamins next to empty spaces. Eventually, I found a small pile of paper plates at the back of Dollar General as well as the B complex vitamins. I also stopped by the Roadrunner Market for taco supplies.

Back at the trailer I spent time both inside & outside reading. Partial clouds & wind made the 65°F feel cool outside, but when the sun broke through, it was OK. 

Dinner was beef tacos.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 81

 Sunday, January 9, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 30

Hummingbird

Not quite as warm as Friday with the low around 43°F, and a bit cooler at 67°F at 2:30, but in Oswego, it is 26°F and a predicted 4°F and 30" of snow by Tuesday night. The 76 station is back to being opened at 8:30, so I walked for coffee this morning.

I have a new neighbor, a Coachman Starflyte Class C motorhome. haven't seen the owners, but they have a Colorado plate. I finished the reservations for the Guidos & I to head back from the Townsend gathering. We will make a three day stop near my daughter's at Patapsco Valley State Park in MD, with the rest one night stands at Hungry Mother & Lake Anne SPs in Virginia & the Jonestown KOA in PA.

Not much else is going on. I talked with my brother in Nantucket and all is well on the island, the Guidos in Binghamton where freezing rain is falling, and they are recovering from Covid, and my son in Oswego, where it is cold, but still not enough snow to run the snowblower. Of course, I suspect he is willing to drive over snow in the driveway until it blows over the windshield, and I would get out & shovel once more than a dusting landed. In any case, it has been a cold, but dry winter there.

I went for a short walk around 3:00 to drop off a bag of garbage & a brand new pair of 9 1/2 shoes that, even though are my size, don't fit. 

I wasn't all that happy with the quality of the iPhone video of the hummingbird I did the other day, so I shot one with the Nikon D850. The quality is much better, but my editing ability is very limited. Anyhow, a link to it.

I did manage a still image.

Dinner was Devour Creamy Alfredo Ravioli.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 80

 Saturday, January 8, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 29

Last Night's Sunset

Another warm night that started out with a pretty sunset. The only time the furnace came on was a couple of times between 7:00AM & 8:00AM. Partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the high 70's for the rest of the day.

After breakfast I went for a walk down Old Yuma Road. Lots of traffic, but most of them slowed down to keep the dust down, both for me walking, and for the RVs camped along the road.

I spent most of the day sitting outside reading. I did add the small solar panel for the rooftop camera. Not quite aimed at the south, but hopefully close enough to keep it charged.

Karen of the Travato crowd stopped by to say hello, and a class C moved into the space where the Stealth was located. Still lots of space in our neck of the woods (well, piece of the desert would be a better term).

Dinner was a Boston Market Chicken Parmesan dinner.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 79

 Friday, January 7, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 28

A warm night - the furnace didn't come on until 11:30, and the lowest overnight temperature was 45°F, 65°F by 11:30, and 75°F by late afternoon. 

I made coffee in the trailer rather than wait until the 76 station opened at 10:30. Making a pot of drip coffee & toasting a bagel used about 10 amp hours, so I was down to 85% after breakfast. At 11:30, the solar panels are putting out 400 watts, and the batteries are back up to 95%. I could get another 100 watts or so by going to the longer legs on the portable panel, but as long as the short ones work, I'll stick with them rather than fighting the wind. Besides, even with the short legs, the batteries were full by noon.

The weather was beautiful. Since I didn't do a walk for coffee, I walked to the KB store to purchase some 5 amp fuses, large washers & a cool white string of solar powered LEDs. Got back to the trailer, charged up the LEDs and they were three color, even though the box said cool white. I went back & traded them in for the right ones. On the walk back I took a photo of the tent:

The Big Tent

I sat outside doing some listening to Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone and reading the third book of the Argentines series, Lady's Ransom. Since I had the phone, I decided to do a video of a hummingbird. Of course as soon as I held up the phone the hummingbirds stopped showing up. Eventually, one did so I uploaded the video to YouTube. I'll do a link to the posting rather than adding it here - no idea if that would kill downloads - I don't do much video.

Dinner was a Bubba Burger, fruit salad and a Cheesecake Crumble for dessert.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 78

 Thursday, January 6, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 27 - 0 Miles, 3,765.5 Miles for the Trip

Another somewhat cool morning at 37°F, although as long as the furnace keeps working I can deal with it. I arrived at the 76 station and a sign announcing that it was closed until 10:30AM for the next 3 days. I walked to the Mexican restaurant an got my coffee there. More expensive at $2.19, but good.

Back at the trailer I ate breakfast, then headed to the barber shop for a haircut & a shower to remove the hair clippings. Back at the trailer I read for a bit, Facetimed with Guido - he is surviving Covid with headaches & a stuffy nose, then headed to Parker Family Dentistry. As expected, they could not remount the broken crown - the build up below the crown is what failed. So, another crown on the way, this one porcelain rather than the gold one it replaced. I have a temporary & will get the final crown on the 26th. The entire crew at the dentist stayed late so they could finish the job before I left Arizona.

I noticed when I got back that the Big Tent was up, but it was too late to get a picture.

Dinner was a grilled peanut butter & cheese sandwich & the rest of the beans.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 77

 Wednesday, January 5, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 26

I didn't mention in yesterday's post that it did get up to 65°F and stayed warm enough to enjoy sitting outdoors & grilling dinner. 

At today's LakeshoreImages page I have an image taken a couple days age from the Zimimall Camera mounted on the roof of the trailer. As you can see, the image quality isn't all that hot, and it doesn't always catch a vehicle driving by the front of the trailer. 

I took a photo of the Big Tent poles - I suspect they will hoist the tent itself soon.

The Big Tent Poles Are Up

After the walk for coffee I made breakfast, read for a bit & called the folks at Micro-Air. They suggested doing an update to the thermostat since others have had the same problem with the software version I'm running. Only problem with that is I have to hook up the thermostat to update it & I'm not going to do that until I end up in a site that has electricity so I can run an electric heater. If it gets really hot here I might take a chance and try it without a backup, but the thing has a 2 year warranty and it is less than a year old.

After that I headed to Blythe, CA to pick up a prescription. I use the Rite-Aid there even though I usually shop in Parker because both the CVS & Walmart in Parker usually have at least a half hour wait at the prescription counter. The last straw was when I waited 2 hours at CVS. Only 15 minutes at Rite-Aid, and I get to visit a different grocery store - Blythe has an Albertsons, although as far as I know, Albertsons owns Safeway.

A nice day. While only 58°F at 2:00, with the strong sun it was comfortable sitting outside. I read for a bit.

Dinner was a Turkey Bubba Burger so I could finish off the heirloom tomato I found at Safeway, beans, and a large fruit cup.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 76

 Tuesday, January 4, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 25

A bit warmer at 34°F this morning, and comfortable to walk for coffee wearing my sweatshirt rather than the quilted jacket. 

After breakfast I read for awhile, then headed to Parker. Walmart was a zoo. The wait time in the check out line was 45 minutes. They only had about 1/2 the registers running - I don't know if it was the way they do things in Parker or if, like the rest of the country, are having trouble finding workers. In any case, a long wait. It didn't help that 2 women in front of me had carts piled so high that thinks kept falling off as they moved forward. I thought it was still a good move to get behind them since it was the only line that had two checkout clerks, and all the lines were long, but after I had a long line behind me one of the 2 check out clerks went on a break & never came back. I should have warned the person behind me - I always choose the longest wait for a checkout. 

I also stopped across the street at Safeway for a couple more things - the line there moved quickly, and I found one of my favorite breakfast snacks - Entennmann's Minis Crumb Cake. I haven't seen them since Oswego, and the replacements I've tried have been way too sweet.

I had what I hope was a crown (not a filling) come loose in the back of my mouth. It floats off & on the tooth. Called the Parker Dental Center where I went a couple of years ago & no answer after a couple of tries. So, I now have an appointment at Parker Family Dental on Thursday. 

Back at the trailer I relaxed after putting all the groceries away. I didn't even fill the freezer - I could have bought that tub of ice cream, although it would have melted before I got checked out if I bought it at Walmart!

Dinner was a Bubba Burger & salad.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 75

 Monday, January 3, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 24

Another 28°F night, but according to my weather app, the last for awhile. By the time I went for coffee at 9:00, it was all the way up to 32°F. Still, with the sun, on the way back my coat & knit hat felt overdressed.

After breakfast I gathered together the laundry and headed for the laundromat. Very busy, although I was able to find a couple of washers, and didn't have a wait for the dryer. I stopped by the post office on the way back to La Posa West to drop off a couple of birthday cards for my brother & sister in law.

I considered driving to Parker to do some shopping, but decided to wait until tomorrow; don't want to get too much activity in one day!

Back at the trailer it was almost warm enough to sit outside. Almost, but not quite. I read some forums, listened to Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone for a bit and started the second book of The First Argentines Series by Jeff Wheeler. I've read a number of his historic fantasy books and enjoyed most of them. I also made a reservation for the last open section of my drive back to Townsend, TN. I sure wish the record sales of RVs over this & the previous year didn't happen. Sure makes traveling without reservations difficult. Escape Trailer Industries (the folks that made my trailer) probably don't mind - they are currently booking deliveries for 2024.

Dinner was a Saffron Road Chicken Tikka Masala dinner.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 74

 Sunday, January 2, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 23

The coldest night of the trip - 28°F at 7:00AM. Even with a cloudless day, the best the afternoon could do was 54°F. I wore a coat and knit cap for the walk for coffee. 

After breakfast I took down the Clam. While I probably could have gone for stronger stakes that would help hold it down in the wind, I decided not to subject it to another Quartzsite windstorm. When sitting outside, at least for the next month or so, I want the sun, not shade, and while it offers some protection from the wind, it rattles around enough that sitting inside during wind is a bit unnerving.

I called the 76 station & they said no one was doing propane today. I put the empty tank in the truck & headed out and as I drove by, they were pumping propane at the station. Stopped in and filled the tank (4.7 gallons) for $2.80 per gallon plus tax (bringing it to $3.08 per gallon). After that I decided it was time for a shower. I headed to the barber shop & paid $5.00. Other than very little heat in the bathroom, a better deal than across the street. They even have a showerhead that has flashing multicolor LEDs!

All the Travatos left throughout the day, most around 8:30. They are going to do shopping, laundry, and spend some time at Hi Jolly (a 14 day area about 3 miles north of Quartzsite on AZ 95). So, it is back to the two of us, me & Lou & Judy the 5th wheel. By the way, AZ 95 & US 95 are basically the same road sort of. South of Quartzsite it is US 95, while at Quartzsite US 95 heads west on I 10 then turns north on the other side of the Colorado river all the way to the Canadian Border. AZ 95 is physically the same road as US 95 south of Quartzsite, and continues north from Quartzsite to Parker, Lake Havasu City and north to I 40 on the east side of the Colorado river where it heads west, then north to Bullhead City & Laughlin, NV. A bit confusing...

Dinner was a Bubba Burger & the rest of the Knoor's Chicken & Rice.

Until Tomorrow - 

2021 - 2022 Trip To The Southwest, Day 73

 Saturday, January 1, 2022, La Posa West LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ, Day 22

Fireworks!

Happy New Year! While we did have a few fireworks go off in the area to the west of the BLM LTVA, they were not very impressive & they did it at 9:00. Of course by midnight, all of us were probably asleep. This image is one from the 2019 SARA Rodeo Grounds Western Winter Blast.

A very windy night, with peak wind at 35MPH. I looked out this morning & the Clam was still up, although bouncing around quite a bit, but the portable solar panel was face down 5' from its original position. I set it back up before I headed to the 76 station for coffee & it was still up when I got back. Still windy with a recent peak of 21MPH. Clear skies and a bit cool at 54°F, and it seems to be getting cooler as the day goes on. The batteries were full by 10:00AM.

I spent much of the morning finishing up new spreadsheets for bank accounts, transferring 2021 balances to the new 2022 sheets, and checking the year end returns on my retirement accounts. I won't know for a couple of weeks what the IRS will insist on me withdrawing because of the minimum distribution rules from my retirement accounts, but even with the required withdrawals for 2021, I made money during the year.

I'm going to need propane on Monday. I asked when I stopped for coffee this morning and the guy who does propane is off today & tomorrow. I could drive over to the Mobil station or one of the other suppliers, but one tank just emptied last night so I'm good for at least 10 days.

That was about it for the day. Not the kind of day to gather around outside, although I did run into a small group of "us" on my was to drop off my garbage at the dumpster. Most of the group has dogs (or a cat) so they do have to get out during the day to let them do their thing. 

Dinner was a grilled pork chop and Knoor's Creamy Chicken Rice.

Until Tomorrow -