It has been a while since our last post and a lot has happened! The day we arrived in Quartzsite, we celebrated by going out for breakfast. We came out of the little restaurant to discover we had three flat tires. It was a Sunday(three weeks ago today, actually), and nothing was open in this little town. So Michael patched all the tires, but by that time there was no way to make it out to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge 15 miles away. So we biked around looking for someplace to stay that night. Ended up on some BLM land slightly east of town, where we met a curious and friendly fellow bike tourist, Jim, age:61, energy level:very high, birthday: Jan 20th. This interesting character had biked down from Sisters, OR, doing his yearly migration south for the winter. He invited us to camp next to him, and the next morning proceeded to talk our ears off, ply us with useful information, and take us around town and introduce us to venders and show us the best deals in town. We got supplies, and headed out to Kofa, where we stayed for almost two weeks. Kofa is very lovely and remote, and Crystal Hill, where we stayed, has _beejillions_ of tiny crystals to be found in its dirt and rocks. When we first arrived there was a group of lively, longer lived couples(2 Canadian couples,Ramsees & Gloria, & Ed & Mary, & 1 Minnesota couple, Dale & Kathy) camped nearby, who we heard laughing and howling at the coyotes at night, and saw hiking around during the day. We arrived Monday, and on Wednesday Michael was noble & biked into town to get more water & food. While he was gone, our neighbors noticed I was by myself, and said if I got lonely, I should come hang out. Well, I'd been hearing them having a good time for days, so I thought I would go investigate! I'm glad I did, because they're a delightful group of people and I had a blast! They shared their lunch with me and then taught me how to play Wizard, a highly entertaining card game, at least when played with them! Michael returned and I reluctantly returned back to camp. Mary came over later and invited us to dinner. We went and had a wonderful time. Went back over the next morning; it was the day they were going to leave...sadness! But as parting gifts they gave us 10 gallons of H2O and a bunch of firewood, paper, matches, a lighter. They were super sweet, and I hope I have as much fun as they do when I've lived as long as they have, and that I still camp in a tent! We eventually returned to Quartzsite, saw the most amazing double rainbow ever, and got showers...oh the glories of indoor plumbing! My long lost best friend from childhood, Holly, had found me on facebook and it was awesome to catch up on things that have gone on in the years since we've talked! Then we headed back out into the desert to some BLM land a hair north of town. Jason, thank you for the suggestion to head to Tuscon, we are going to take you up on it after my mom comes out to visit in early January(and meow meow bok, and happy early birthday!:). What else? We've been howling at the coyotes a lot, and last night we saw a desert kit fox in our camp! It was pretty cute, but too fast for Michael to get a picture. I guess that's most of the excitement for now. Happy early x-mas everyone! Hope you are surviving the holiday season, and maybe even enjoying it a bit here and there! Miss and love you all very much!
2 comments:
Good to hear you two are well. We were a little worried about you after we left there, with the cold and high winds. We really enjoyed spending time with and meeting you. Hope our paths cross again. Will you be in Quartisite for the gem and mineral show? bye for now. Kathy with a "K"
Thank you for including us in your journal. We are happy to hear that you two survived the cold weather. You will enjoy Tucson and if you get a chance, visit Tombstone and Bisbee. Very interesting places. All the best for 2010 and good luck in your travels.
Gloria & Ramsay
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