We stopped at the Quartzsite BLM for a couple of nights to check out the gem sale that takes place every winter and do some hiking in the area.
First, the sale.
We walked down the many dusty aisles and bought some craft supplies.
To our delight we found a rock tumbler, that due to supply chain issues, was impossible to find. We can now tumble rocks to our heart’s content!
This trip’s theme is “eat out” and usually Mexican, but today we samples the local cuisine. It was delicious although harmfully fried.
They did have some healthy rules to live by if you survive the shrinking arteries.
Then we walked.
To offset the greasy food we set out for a walk to the hills that surround Quartzsite.
To get there we needed to cross several dry river beds, known in these parts as washes. This one, called French Creek, looked like a wash to us.
There are tons of ATV (or ORV as they call them here) trails criss-crossing the landscape. They have a lot of impact on the fragile desert landscape, but we have to admit that they look like a lot of fun.
Being on foot, we were able to see some details that would escape us if we were motoring through.
A dry saguaro cactus rib. Those were used as building material in a wood scarce environment. They are also good as fire material.
There were animal burrows everywhere. We had to be careful where we step or a condo could collapse.
There is a book “A Field Guide to Desert Holes,“ we should look for a copy!
We finally made it to the hill we were aiming for. At the top of the hill we found the obvious views of the surrounding area,
and also many types of cacti.
Some, comical,
others, appear to be dead.
Some clustered and pink
While some clustered in green hues.
Some solitaire
And others solitaire in pink.
There were a few other types of flora clinging to life in the desert.
As we started heading back to our campsite, the hills caught the last rays of sunshine,
and we were presented with another beautiful sunset.
Tomorrow we will go to see more petroglyphs and grinding holes, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, if you want to read about our previous trip to Quartzsite, you can read about it here. Not many people read it at the time…
Lovely area..I liked the ‘condo’ photo 🙂
It is, and thank you!
I am enjoying your trek around Arizona. Safe travels, and congratulations on finding the rock tumbler!
Thank you and yes, that was exciting!
Somehow it doesn’t seem like Quartzsite without seeing thousands of RVs. Nice hike!
Yeah, we did make an effort to stay out of the way!
I love outdoor markets. That looks like a good one! The sun on the hills is beautiful. I went back to read about your first visit. It’s surprising how much time has passed.
❤️Dear Emma❤️
Aww, I know! Everytime I see old posts with her in it…
I’ve been looking for a tumbler for my granddaughter but – supply chain????? Absolutely loved the last of the sunshine on the mountains.
Oh, I hope you find one. There were some issues getting motors for the tumblers. I think they all come from China.
If I still had my tools I would make one myself. But I sold everything when I sold my house.
The National Geographic one are somewhat reasonably priced. Do you get them in Australia?
Yes, I have looked at that one but then Covid and Christmas sort of got in the way. I will look into it again.
like!
Love!
A rough, rugged and unforgiving landscape. Thanks for sharing. Allan
I love the desert in all it’s roughness!
Love the Porch Rules and the beautiful sunset.
It was a fun outing!
Great post – loved your Arizona photos.
Thank you!
A few miles south of Quartzite is the Kofa wildlife refuge and Palm Canyon Road. It runs east to the canyon and the only indigenous palm trees found naturally in the Sonoran desert. It is a bit of a hike from the parking area at the end of the road but not too difficult. All those big palms you see everywhere are native to and from the Middle East! These ones are the native variety.
Use your own judgement about driving Palm Canyon road with your rv but we drove it in a car.
Love the desert!
Thank you! We were there a few years ago. It is such an interesting little oasis! We did drive in with the van…
Looks like a beautiful outing, including the greasy local cuisine. I’m starving now! Love the sunset and the variety of beautiful cacti too!
Thank you! I hope you got something good to eat 🙂
Lovely!
Thank you!
Liked that reference to “condo.” Certainly understandable there might be housing issues for some if you don’t watch where you are going. The sunsets there do look amazing. (Loved the images and info on that previous visit post as well…!)
Haha, thank you!
That’s awesome that you found a rock tumbler. I love the different types of cacti that you found along your walk.
I think we have enough tumblers now 🙂
Cacti are among the most fascinating plants ever!
They really are!
Wonderful photos as always. What does a ‘rock tumbler’ do? (That’s how much I know.) Cheers, Muriel
Ah! A rock tumbler takes rough rocks and polishes them so that they are smooth and shiny. It’s kind of fun!
This cacti definitely caught my.
They are cool!
We were in Quartzite a long time ago, completely by accident. My wife loved it, since she loves stones. The desert terrain is fascinating.
That’s exactly what we love in the Sonoran Desert! There is so much to discover in what seems to desolate and barren.
That is a very comical cactus pic!
I was surprised how comical cacti can be sometimes 🙂