You have arrived!

As time to part was of little concern on Saturday, Kevin and Theresa discussed the need for a mandatory gem stop, to secure yet some more local memorabilia. However the first priority was a Breakfast stop to experience additional local color. Once Breakfast was consumed they headed out to secure some of the Gems and Rocks that are the attractions of Quartzite.

Quartzite still has an active gold mine. Rock Hounds still roam the hills to unearth other gems and petrified wood. They then sell these to tourists. Some of the rocks are polished and some are left in their natural state. Still others are cut and set into jewelry.

The team drove up and down both sides of Quartzite to find the best ROCK/Gem site to visit. They quickly discovered that there are no/limited Shops. All the vendors are located in the dozens of roadside Flee markets that line the side roads. The Morning was still early and the prior evenings rain storm had all the flee markets tables still covered in tarps. Beside each tent and table was an old RV, Trailer, 5th wheel that clearly had not moved for years. This is were old RVs go to rest and provide shelter for the Flee Market vendors.

Eventually after several loops around Quartzite the team landed at a local Gem shop were the owner was a long time resident and well known rock hound and jeweler. He even had a rock museum were his most important finds were displayed but not for sale.

Kevin and Theresa spent more than an hour with the Rock Hound learning all about the various rocks of the area and how they are prepared for jewelry or polished as individual stones that may later be set into jewelry. A couple of eye catching pieces were purchased and happy holiday was wished to owner upon leaving. It was now time to prep for departure.

In preparation for the trip, the Jeep was lined up with the tow bars. Simultaneously as this
procedure was being performed, connections were made with the friendly neighbors. They were Canadian's (as it seems most of the Rvers were all Canadian's). He was a retired Fire Chief. He and Kevin hit it off as if they were long lost friends. Both Kevin and Ron (the Canadian) were equally concerned about the Patio Awning and the concern that it still may deploy at highway speeds even with the bungee cords attempting to hold it in place. Ron the Fire Chief confirmed that if the gut says something is not solidly correct you must deal with it before it creates yet a more disastrous end. This is the same training that Kevin has come to appreciate as a technical SCUBA diver. You MUST address each potential problem and resolve it completely before it compounds into a life threatening situation. With the confirmation that more is required to secure the Patio Awning, Kevin sent Theresa up the ladder to Lash the Patio awning down with rope to lash it down. Theresa is the best for this challenge as she is far more steady on the ladder and she understands how to tie a proper lashing. Kevin has failed in every attempt to learn the art of knots and lashings. He always ends up with a slip knot no matter his attempt to do a bowline or other type of lashing. As thew neighbors continued to chat is was discovered that Ron and his wife will also be at GVP in Hemet in Feb. A Pickleball challenge was made as safe travels were wished. Small world! RVers are just so friendly!

A convenient Pilot gas station was just before the entrance to 1-10 so that was the first stop. Filler 'er up!

As I-10 was entered only 11 miles from the CA border, there was a large industrial plant to the north west near Blythe. Theresa google-wikipedia-idiot-ed-it to discover it was an experimental solar farm! CA needs all the energy it can get so this was an amazing structure.

At mile marker 1 of Arizona Kevin and Theresa spied a road sign they remembered from the prior years trip. It announced the names of a couple of their best friends from the college days at Iowa State. The sign was Erenburg - Parker. This immediately reminded Kevin and Theresa of Dave Parker and Bob Ehrenburger, two individuals that Kevin and Theresa spent a lot of time together during the college years.

Once into California , even more renewable energy was observed as the team approached Palm Springs. There were wind farms that stretched in the valleys as well the hilltops! These massive structures had expanded in population since the last year! They seemed to multiply and stretch far into the distance.

As the route threaded into Beaumont, the Idlewild and Big Bear mountains were unveiled with a bit of snow frosting on the very peaks. The previous days/nights storms had left Snow at the highest elevations and very green pastures beneath and very clear blue skies far above. This was most dramatic as the Smitanic made it's final decent into the Hemet Valley!

One more right turn and “Destination is on your right!” was announced by the GPS as the entery in to GVP (Golden Village Palms) was made. 

Just like meeting an old friend, it seemed like everything was as it was left! This place was full of excitement and energy that will be leveraged for the stay. It was an immediate reassurance that this is such a good fit for the winter's stay!

Zin required immediate relief so that was a priority. On the return to the RV some new folks were greeted and introductions were made. More RV tips were gathered as well as pending pickleball challenges.

Dinner was with Theresa's mom at her rehab Facility along with sisters Dorothy, Carol and Bob. Theresa's Mom is doing great moving along without a wheel chair ,just a walker. Her speech is still not completely understandable, but every now and then there will be a phrase that makes it all make sense.

The hope is to meet up with Kiehl and Madz on Thursday :) As well as line up RV repairs for drawer, awning, satellite TV and a wash and wax for the RV.

The bikes have been extracted from the Jeep where they have rested for the last 6 weeks, and are in need of much attention as well.

There may not be any posts until after the holidays so Kevin and Theresa wish every one a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!