Tuesday, January 17 to Monday, January 23, 2023 (La Posa South LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ)

After the big storm we had last night, on our walk Tuesday (Jan. 17) morning we found lots of puddles and evidence of water flows. It certainly will keep the dust down for awhile.

We had both old and new friends join us on the desert...yesterday, Dave and Cheryl (from Alberta) arrived and today, Dave's brother, Brian and his wife, Debbie (that makes 4 "Debbie's" here now) pulled in. They are from Manitoba. So our group is growing!

We all gathered at Ray and Deb's for happy hour and enjoyed great conversation as everyone got to know each other. Left to right, around the circle (okay, oval LOL)...Brian, Debbie (#4), Cheryl, Dave, Steve, Jerry, Debbie (#3), Jim (with Buddy), Deb (#1), Ray, Debbie (#2), and Greg...

Deb, Ray, Debbie, Greg, Marilyn and Colan...and that completes our "gang"...

Our sunset tonight...

Wednesday (Jan. 18) was a cool day with temperatures in the upper 50's F/mid teens Celsius but it was sunny with a light breeze from the northwest.

Deb made one of Steve's favourites, "Monkey Bread". She had a couple of failed attempts because of the difference between her microwave in the motorhome compared to the one at home, but after lunch, she had success and invited us, and those that were home, over for a taste...delicious! A teaser pic for Mr. Roche cause he loves it too, and he's not here! 😋

We decided to gather at 3:30 today for Core Crash. Our group of 12...the only one missing is Deb (#1) as her foot has been giving her some grief, so she decided to stay home with it up. Debbie #4 was up!

Thursday (Jan. 19) morning there was virtually no wind so Steve decided to go "out back" and fly his RC plane. For a change, I thought I would join him and get some pictures and videos...

Ready for take off...

A short 1:32 minute video...

It was good he got out flying when he did because by late morning the wind had come up again.

At 4:00 we headed over to Ray and Deb's for happy hour and dinner...

She cooked a pork roast on the barbeque...

I helped with the side dishes. Deb had everything prepped, and I followed her instructions...stir!

Our host and hostess...dinner is ready!

Fried rice and stir-fry veggies along with the pork roast...Delicious!!

Not the best selfie...

Friday (Jan. 20) was another cool day but still sunny! Today we went with Greg and Debbie on a tour through the Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) an area they've never been, then Yuma. Before touring the camping area we took a drive along the Senator Wash Reservoir to a rest area... 

Then we continued on Senator Wash Road...

...to T.K. Jones Campground on Squaw Lake...

Then headed towards the LTVA area... 

The best camping areas appear to be on the other side of the reservoir but the roads are rough....

We find this LTVA rather baron looking unless you have a view of the reservoir or a waterfront site...

One bonus though is you are only about 35 minutes from Yuma for shopping and restaurants...

We headed down Imperial Dam Road passing by Laguna Dam...

Fish and Chips for all at Lute's Casino in Yuma...one of our favourite spots and a first for Greg and Debbie...

Too funny...

After lunch we went to the Arizona Market and wandered around there for a good hour or so. Then it was onto Martha's Garden...Debbie wanted to buy some dates, and of course, we had to have date shakes...another first for Greg and Debbie!

After a quick stop at Fry's to pick up a couple of things, we completed the "circle tour" and were back home just before 5:30. A great day! Thanks for driving, Greg!

Saturday (Jan. 21) morning was the start of the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show. Debbie and I were at the laundromat at about 9:30 and figured that everyone had gone to the Show because it wasn't too busy. Mind you, the owner had told me that Saturday is one of their slower days...so it could be that too. All I know is that the laundromat is usually an absolute "zoo" with the influx of people here to attend the Show. (They claim between 750,000 to a million people arrive here in the winter!) So we were pleasantly surprised...especially since we wanted to use the dryers too. It's just been too cold and windy to trust putting the clothes on the line.

I snapped some pictures on our way home...yup, its busy! This is approaching Kuehn Road. On the left is "The Big Tent" where the Show is (on the southside of Kuehn Road)...on the right (or northside of Kuehn Road) is Tyson Wells, filled with vendors...

Traffic gets really backed up...mainly because of drivers turning onto Kuehn Road blocking the road once the light turns red...

Motorhomes for sale...

Folks parking along the edge of La Posa West LTVA along the highway...

Traffic backed up passed La Posa North LTVA and half-way to La Posa South!

Deb and Ray hosted a potluck tonight. To take advantage of the sun, we all gathered at 3:00 for an early dinner. Debbie (#3) with Deb arranging the food dishes on the table. Jerry sitting to the right, Ray behind and Steve (behind the bush), Debbie (#2), Greg and Cheryl on the left. Colan and Marilyn are away on a cruise for a week so missed this gathering.

After our tummies were full, we brought out Core Crash...Jerry was up...

Deb bundled up...yes, it was a little chilly!

Sunday (Jan. 22) and another cold start to the day at 34F/1C. A hard freeze warning was issued for this morning, and tomorrow. The daytime temperatures have been and will remain for the next week in the 50's/mid teens Celsius. However, if you are in the direct sun, out of the wind, it really isn't bad out. This seems to be the the coldest winter we've ever had here!

Debbie, Greg, Steve and I went to the "PowWow" being held at the QIA. In all of the years that Steve and I have been coming to Q, this is the first time at the PowWow. It is a huge gathering with vendors from all over the world selling just about everything imaginable made with rocks, gems and minerals. The vendors are setup inside and outside the QIA building,

We decided to try out the Horney Toade Saloon for lunch. Last year they were located on the east side of Kuehn Road but this year have moved to Main Street. The service was slow but our meals were good. 

Since there is a wind warning for tomorrow, the gang got together for Core Crash and happy hour this afternoon at our place. More great fun but we had to cut the last game short because it was just getting too cold and windy! The wind was to start at 5:00...I think it was a little early!

Monday (Jan. 23) started out cold...and windy! The wind had actually been howling all night with gust apparently up to 58 mph. We don't have a weather station to monitor wind speed but it was definitely windy...and it continued all day.

Consequently, it was an inside day. We did battle the wind and cold just after 10:00 to go over to Deb and Ray's for freshly baked banana/chocolate chip muffins and coffee...thanks Deb!

Other than that we were inside...Steve edited pictures while I did some knitting. Once he was finished that, he turned on the TV (thank goodness for the sunshine keeping our batteries charged!) and I worked on this blog update.

As we were sitting here, the fridge started beeping...out of propane! So off Steve went into town to fill the tank. When he got back, he pumped the black tank, ready for dumping first thing in the morning at day break. With it being so busy here now you have to be early or wait to dump in very long lineups, and Steve has two trips to make.

Just after 4:00 we joined Deb and Ray outside against their rig, out of the wind for happy hour. We enjoyed an hour in the sunshine before calling it evening. 

And that's it...we are all caught up again!