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Prospecting in Quartzsite

Back in the last 90s, we were boondocking on BLM land in Quartzsite around this time of year. My late husband, Bill, and a friend Bob started snooping around Quartzsite for gold claims. We found one and soon became the proud owners of a claim we named the Double Nugget, after a nugget of gold Bob found while drywashing in the stream bed on our claim.

Our claim has been heavily worked in the past. Our main goal was to clean it up plus have some fun searching for gold. It was a place we could boondock while working and restoring the claim as well. Bill, with his metal detector, found mostly pull tabs, bullet casings and nails. Bob found flakes of gold by drywashing, then panning out the remaining black sand for hidden gold. While we haven't found much gold, we have fun and do have a heavy crop of chollas and barrel cacti!

 

 

Each year when we are in Quartzsite, we park with the Boomer BOF of the Escapees RV Club and invite anyone interested out to the claim with the lure of "any gold you find is yours to keep!" This year we had 28 people caravan out to the claim with us. Most people headed to the wash- the most likely place to find gold. Others enjoyed the sunshine. One woman read and took a nap!

Five of us hiked up the mountain behind the claim. Here is a view of the claim and one looking out towards Quartzsite. The white in the distance is hundreds of RVs parked in the desert,

Over this hill and then down the other side, we found a cabin with a geocache located inside. The sign threatened us with being shot if found here, though people obviously respected the cabin. No sign of vandalism. Prospectors take their claims seriously!

This is a new claim owner from when I last checked out this cabin. He/she must have a sense of humor. A few graves decorate the slope and a homemade toilet sits in full view of passerbys.
The claim is about four miles beyond the 14-day BLM parking. We have boondocked out here and enjoyed the mountains. I've seen desert big horn sheep sunning themselves on the tops of the mountains near the claim. Other than a few passing ATVs and occasional vehicles, it is very peaceful. If we get another rain, these hills will be covered with wild flowers in a few weeks. We may not have a lot of gold, but we've struck it rich in other ways! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

 

 

 

Two Starbucks & mystery figures in the desert

We're out in the desert at Quartzsite but today, looking for intaglios - mystery figures of the desert - we managed not just one but two Starbucks coffees today!

We headed to Blythe with the intention of visiting the Blythe intaglios then going to Albertson's for a few groceries. The intaglios were 15 miles north of Blythe off CA Hwy 95, with access one exit before Albertson's so we swung by for a decaf Americano for me and a soy latte for George before picking up the highway.

As we drove north on 5, we caught glimpses of the Colorado River and passed by a number of "resorts" with access to the river. A resort along that way is a mobile home park with residences within spitting distance of each other. However, they do provide a place to stay for those wanting to play in the river. To our left were the colorful Big Maria Mountains with a combination of dark and light soil and rock. Much more scenic than resorts.

 

The intaglios are giant figures, constructed through the removal of a surface layer of darkened rock, exposing a lighter soil underneath. They are best viewed from the air. The largest is 165 feet in length. The photos below are of the most visible figure, which is 105.6 feet from head to toe and 91`.8 feet across. I rotated the photo because the best view with the angle of the sun being what it was was from the head end. Compared to the figure on the sign, it is distorted a bit and looks more like E.T.!

 

The figures are now enclosed in chain link fences to protect from human foot and ATV traffic. Archaeologists believe that there were lines coming out of the head (hair?) and fingers on the hands of the human figure above that are no longer visible. They can be seen in older photographs.

The intaglios north of Blythe were first discovered in 1930 by pilot George Palmer, who reported seeing a giant horse’s tracks leading from the Colorado River to the mountains where the figures are located. Author Eric von Danagen, in his A Chariot of the Gods, theorized that the natives received measurements and directions for constructing the giant figures from extraterrestrial beings from outer space. Whatever the truth, it sold a lot of books!

After seeing the three intaglios here, we decided to shop in Parker instead of returning to Blythe. We had a Safeway salad for lunch then we got our second Starbucks- smaller Americanos- and then headed back on AZ Hwy 95 to Quartzsite. At Plamosa Road, at the north end of Quartzsite, we took Highway 72 towards Bouse. No sign tells you where the Bouse intaglio is, but drive 7.7 miles where you'll see a pull off marked scenic view. Hike up to the top of the hill on the dirt road and you'll see the enclosure. You can go through the gate- just be sure to close it again.

The fisherman intaglio is not as easy to see as the human figure at Blythe, but there is a drawing on the sign near the entrance so you can see what it looks like. Archaeologists think this may be a representation of the mythical god, Kumastamo thrusting a spear into the ground to make the mighty Colorado River. Below is the drawing of the figure. In our photo, you can see the spear point (white) and the upper part of the figure.

 

 

 Both of these intaglio groupings are within easy driving of Quartzsite if you want something to do besides the RV show or fighting RV, truck and other traffic in town. You can take your RV to both sites, though at the Blythe site, you might want to park by the road and hike up if you have a longer RV. The pull off at Bouse will accommodate a large RV.

We didn't solve the mystery but enjoyed the drive. And, if you are hankering for a Starbucks and your gold card is loaded, both Blythe and Parker can fix you right up. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Fun way to see New Orleans

For a different way to see New Orleans, consider a multimedia tour that takes passengers to locations where famous movie scenes were filmed and shows them a clip from the film on-site. It also takes you by the New Orleans homes of actors Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock and John Goodman.

To even see New Orleans, you need to park your RV - ideally out of the city - and then walk around. There are plenty of walking tours, including a free walking tour at the French Quarter Visitor Center of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. On the movie tour, you not only ride, but you get to see more of the city than the French Quarter. The tour takes you into lesser-known neighborhoods like Treme and the Faubourg Marigny.

The tour is about two hours long and includes popcorn and location stops and clips from about 30 films shot in New Orleans. If something is filming the day of your tour, they try to include it. In addition to tour schedules, their website includes a list of movie locations on the tour and what is currently filming in New Orleans.

If you're a movie fan, this tour is for you! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Inspiring story: specially equipped RV

In RV Daily Report today, there is an inspiring story. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig's disease, causes a progressive loss of movement. Bill Yattaw was stricken a number of years ago but his wife was able to take care of him. When she died, he lost the will to live. However, when his son-in-law, Joe, found out he still had dreams to see the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore, he and his wife bought a specially equipped RV so Bill could still travel. Their first trip was to Ocala, Florida, where Bill and his wife had wintered for eight years. The three of them plan to visit the Grand Canyon this spring.

The RV is equipped with a hospital bed and lift, enabling Bill to travel. RVs can be outfitted with a number of devices to help those with disabilities. While the number of manufacturers willing and able to do this work is diminishing, it can be done. You can find manufacturers, equipment vendors and companies that customize RVs at the HandicappedTravelClub. Pictured above, is a motorhome with a Braun Lift.

While Bill Yattaw is fortunate to have a son-in-law and daughter to help, the fact that RVs can be modified offers great hope to people who have health issues or disabilities yet want to travel or RVers who develop issues on the road. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Tucson gas- under $3

We bought gas in Tucson at $2.95/gal yesterday. One place off Irvington was supposed to be $2.93. I didn't notice diesel prices.

Let's hope it stays below $3.00/gal! RVers can travel more miles for their travel dollar. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

AZ state parks- upping their fees. Speak out!

The Arizona State Parks Board is proposing a large fee increase to take effect in April. Among other fees, non-electric camping would be increased to $15-25, electric $25-50 and day-use entrance fees would range from $2-10. Sounds like they might price themselves out of customers.

You can read the press release here. On that page is a link to the place where you can leave your comments. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Photo of the Superstition Mountains from Lost Dutchmen State Park, one of the state parks with RV sites.

12/29- corrected link. If it doesn't work, see below in the comments.

Napa Valley decked out

I remember..... when nearly every house and business had Christmas lights. Then came the energy crisis and few places put up lights anymore. Christmas lights have made somewhat of a comeback, but are still more scattered than I remember them.

Before traveling to visit my son and family in Santa Rosa, I spotted an article about the Christmas lights in Yountville located right off Highway 29 that runs up the Napa Valley between Napa and Calistoga. A few wineries also decorate. My last day, Jenn, my daughter-in-law) and I did a mud bath at Golden Haven in Calistoga, then Jim and grandson Chris met us and we drove down Highway 29 to Yountville. We were not disappointed. As the sun went down, the lights came on until the whole main street was lit up.

After eating, we walked down the street, enjoying the display. Then, we drove back up Highwqy 29. While a couple of wineries had been mentioned as having lights when we stopped at the visitor center in Calistoga, only Peju was decked out. The entrance was lined with skinny trees wrapped in red lights that led towards the buildings. The tasting tower was the focal point of the display. Peju has a nice lot that will accommodate RVs.

Nothing like lights to get me in the spirit of the season! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Merry Christmas, happy holidays!

Merry Christmas! Or, if you celebrate another holiday - happy holidays! If you haven't read our latest RV Lifestyle Ezine, you can read it here. HIghlights include:

• Jose and Jill Ferrer's new ebook on Europe by RV (a must-have if you are considering such a trip.
• Tom and Nancy leave their RV for another kind of travel
• New poll: When RVing do you stop at Costco stores or other warehouse type stores?
• Two more apps for your smart phone and more......

We at RV Lifestyle Ezine hope your 2011 was wonderful and that your 2012 will be even better! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Salton Sea - two views

"'Slab City' a desert haven for recession's victims" was featured on CBS news. The picture it paints of Slab City is interesting. People who have lost jobs and homes gravitate there as a place of last resort.

Bobbie Chapman, of Chappy Tails, writes of her impressions at Slab City. as an RVer, even though they visited for only a day. There are people squatting there along with expensive Class A motorhomes- a place of contrasts. The two viewpoints are different.

The news seems to pick sensational angles and then pick out things that back up that point of view. Bobby's impressions are mixed but she overall enjoyed her visit. She does mention that other RV friends declined to even come with them so it is not for everyone. George stayed there six weeks one winter and found it quite an adventure. He enjoyed his stay.

We each probably have our own truths about the Slabs, depending on where we are coming from and what we are expecting. It can be a different place for each visitor. The news can't capture that and doesn't want to- but they do give an impression that may be much different than that of people who spend extended time there.

Visiting the Slabs is on my list, so I can't speak from direct experience. However, I imagine it is like many places including Quartzsite, AZ. Some people go once and hate it. Others return year after year. I'm glad all RVers don't want to be in the same place. There is variety enough for everyone! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Half-price camping clubs- changes

Camp Club USA, the Good Sam, half-price camping club, is no more. They are shutting down and memberships have been transferred to Passport America. Members will get an extra month of membership, three if they extend their membership. And, anyone who was a member of both, will have the number of months remaining on their Camp Club USA membership added to their existing Passport America membership.

Are these memberships worth it? It does depend on your travel patterns and how much you will plan to stay where there is a park in the system. In some cases, you pay not only quite a bit of money to join, but then have yearly fees. Often, you owe those yearly maintenance fees and dues until and unless you can talk someone else into purchasing your membership.

The half-price clubs like Passport America or Happy Camper require a yearly membership dues, which you can drop at anytime. The member parks decide when campers will get the discount and what restrictions there are. In looking at all the options, the half-price one has the potential to save you money for the least cost. For less than $50/year, you can stay at many RV parks and campgrounds across the country.

Alice Zyetz wrote an informative article on membership RV parks. Read it if you are considering purchasing one. Picking the right one(s) can make a difference for your RV retirement and save you money in your RV travels. The wrong one could cost you hundreds of dollars that you never recoup. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak