January 24, Quartzite

Sunday, January 24

Went to the local McDonald’s this morning for coffee, sandwiches and to charge up the computer.  As in many small towns, McDonald’s is quite a social meeting place at breakfast time. 

We then head to the RV show at The Big Tent. 

The tent actually has about a hundred venders, all selling things related to RVs.   There are many clubs and organizations that set-up trips and caravans.  We looked briefly at a few that do overseas RV trips but they are pretty pricey - $8K each for 3 weeks in Greece, for example (not including air fare!).  Various people offer solar panels, back-up cameras, cleaning equipment, bedding, cooking utensils, flagpoles, clothing, etc. 

We peeked in a few of the fifth-wheels and motorhomes outside.  Some are quite luxurious!  Wouldn’t be bad to live in, but a real pain to travel with! 

Went across the street to another “show” going on, a collection of vendors with gems and rocks, metal artwork, clothes, Indian art, you name it and it was probably there somewhere. 

Shared an ice-cream .  We had talked to a National Parks ranger who recommended going to see Palm Canyon, which is in the Kofa National Wildlife Reserve, about 15 miles south, so we set out to do that.

The Canyon is about 8 miles back a dirt road through scrubby desert.  Cold and windy, but we bundle up and walk on.  This is part of the Sonora Desert.  A surprising number of hikers for such a remote area!  Rocky, hilly, windy trail till we get sight of the palms. They are tucked into a steep canyon above us, though there are a few here and there in the area as well.

Only site of Arizona fan palms.  Greg continues up the trail a bit to try to get closer, but has to turn back.

We bounce back out the road which has a dozen or so campers along the way.

Heading back to Quartzite, we decide to see if we can watch some of the football playoff games.  After a few phone calls, we head to Silly Al’s Pizza and manage to snag two seats with pretty good views of the game.  

Denver is ahead late in the first half when we sit down.  Pretty big crowd, most but not all cheering for Denver.  We sit next to a man who is from Boulder, CO.  Enjoy some very good pizza as Denver seals the win.  Lots arriving for the next game as we leave and look for a spot to spend tonight,  back to the open desert.