We drove past the Arizona Proving Grounds where a nice big explosion took place early in the morning. I heard the big BOOM, but it didn't compute until we drove by here.
This new section of highway made the drive a breeze. Jonathan was very happy to have a smooth ride. He didn't make much noise this time at all, saving my throat from the return screeches.
In no time at all, we were at the Border Inspection Station. I saw the gentleman wave Dan on as the dog did a quick sweep of the back of his vehicle. For some reason, he stopped me cold and asked several questions. A quick glimpse at my rear camera showed the dog making a full circle of my car. I must look pretty suspicious!!!
Outside of Quartzsite a few miles, we pulled into our usual BLM parking lot. With the check-in process VERY slow compared to year's past, a line quickly built. For the last two weeks, we have heard that there is no one in Q. The numbers are down something terrible. Where did everyone go?? Well that's definitely not the case where we stay. This place is packed to the brim!! Our usual spots were taken, so Dan found us another great place to park.
In about 15 minutes, we were set up. Let's go to the BIG TENT!!! Parking there was worse than ever too. We finally ended up in the wash out back. Our first attack was at Phat Dogs hot dog stand for a really great dog. As we walked around the circle, there seemed to be a LOT more food vendors and places to sit, as well as vendors selling everything RV you could ever want.
Inside, the tent was jam packed too. You really have to watch your footing so you don't step on a puppy or someone's toes. There was the usual bedding, the last pillow you will ever buy, my favorite stretchy pants (the ones no one over 17 should own), many MANY booths of pain solutions (do any of these really work?), along with work camping opportunities, like the sugar beet bonanza! Do you have any idea how hard it is to harvest sugar beets?? Smart farmer though ... free labor!!
There were purses, jewelry, clothing ... but nothing that really caught my eye. Except for those cookies!! Okay, I bought some cookies!!
Most of the booths had snacks for the puppies, this one making a royal mess of things!!
Finally shopped out for the day, we arrived back at our rigs and to my DISMAY ... these two guys parked right next to me. That's my Jeep that was parked just outside my door ... and he's about six feet from it!! How RUDE is THAT!! I was beside myself!! I mean really, why would you park so close to someone you don't know when there's the entire desert to park in???
You KNOW what happened ..... I moved!! In ten minutes, I parked myself on the other side of the Chance rig. Then I parked my car even further over so no one could park on my left. Woe to anyone who tries to park between us!!! I mean really ... what were they thinking???
Mr. Chance barbecued a most delicious steak, I made mashed potatoes and Patty whipped up some delicious zucchini which was also barbecued. A meal fit for a King!! After a little trouble getting the local channels, I finally settled in to watch the last of the Steelers/Broncos game.
It should have been nice quiet night, but the guy behind me ran his generator until 2:00 am. Despite all the pillows on my head, I hardly slept at all. I'm sure it will get better with a little sleeping pill ... I'm just a little cranky this morning!! Maybe a cookie or three will help!!!
We may be in the desert at the Montana Circling of the Wagons but we still have generator hours. If you have a loud generator you're asked to leave the circle and park outside of it.
ReplyDeleteI imagine if you are a respectful person, you don't run your generator all night. It appears in the area we are camped however, that respect for your neighbors went out the window. Just south of me one has been going since 6 am. LOL
DeleteThe sugar beet gig is not free. I believe it is $15/hr. You just don't know how many hours you will get. Also you only work when the processing plant is open. If it rains the plant might not open till 11pm and then you are expected to put in a 12 hour shift that starts at 11pm. They also say it is hard work. My recollection is that the season is only two to three weeks long. All the plants seen to be in North and South Dakota. Aren't you glad you can walk past that booth and not have to sign up. Jim
ReplyDeleteOh that's interesting Jim!! They DO pay you!! I actually went back to ask about it, but couldn't find the vendor. I suppose it's a moneymaker, but that is truly hard work. I live in sugar beet country and yes, I'm surely glad I don't have to do that. I think I've rather be a gate guard!!
Delete2 am!!! Hang him from the nearest tree....or saguaro!
ReplyDeleteYa, 2 am is way too late, I thought they had time limits there. We were at Devil's Tower with our first RV and I thought the time limit was 9 pm, but the ranger came a knocking and told me it was 8 pm. That RV had no solar except for a small panel to keep battery charged when everything was turned off.
Exactly!!!! But since we're on BLM land, I should expect long generator hours and inconsiderate neighbors. It hasn't been that way in the past, but this year seems to be different.
DeletePeople who are used to RV parks don't realize they don't have to crowd into the desert? They are newbies who want to have someone close in case they need help? I bet I could make more excuses for them if I tried. But generator until 2 am is a no no. If you need electricity that late go to an RV park, please, and plug in for your electricity.
ReplyDeleteThat's true Linda ... there are any number of reasons they parked ten feet from my door. I should expect it, I suppose ... it's BLM land and there are no rules, but it's definitely something I wouldn't do.
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