Further Down the Road

The time had come for us to move a bit further north.  Our friend, Gary, was nicely recovering so we said good-bye (for this year) and headed north to Quartzsite.  Now Quartzsite is known as the boondocking capital as there are acres and acres and acres covered by RV's that spend some time (and sometimes the winter) in this area.  The local mascot is the camel.  This started in the 1800's when the military decided to use camels to transport materials across the desert.  That project was short-lived but the camel theme stuck.  At each entrance there is a sign of camel silhouettes. 

There are some water tanks that are decorated to look like a camel I think (somehow the ears and water hose make me think of an elephant). 

Even the local transit depicts the camel history.

The week started out quite pleasant and ended with some wind and periods of rain over several days.  In town there was a celebration - the Buck Connor days which pays tribute to the southwestern heritage.  Unfortunately, the rains came in the afternoon which would have put a real "damper" on things.  The mornings were lovely so it wasn't a total washout.  There was a chili cookoff, live bands, and a number of vendors. 

A view of the clouds

There was also metal detecting although I have no idea what they were hoping to find.

There are many vendors set up all over town selling their wares - some new, some old, lots of rocks.  We were checking some of them out when the rain hit  - wow, did it come down.  Since many of the vendors are housed in large tents,

the one we were in was abruptly closing.  I am not sure why - was the owner afraid as to the strength of the roof, or was how 6 inches of water quickly pooled and it was only going to get deeper.  Well, there was nowhere to go except to make a run for it - got wet but we didn't shrink or melt, so all was well.

And with the rain, we made a discovery - a leak so that will be our next task.  We are being promised some nice sunny weather so that may be a bit difficult - at least for now.

From time to time, we see an unusual vehicle or setup.  We are not sure how this works but when we first saw it, a car was coming down the ramp.  When we walked behind it, there was nowhere for the car other than the ramp lifted up and it stuck out the back.  Rather interesting I must say!

Next week should find us somewhere else.  We are being promised some great weather.  I hope everyone has a great week!!