Quartzsite-AZ is known throughout the States (and even into Canada, which is British territory) for being the preferred migration magnet for snowbird winter nesters - but Quartzsite is also rich in Historical timelines, little known outside of Quartzsite.
The transformation of Quartzsite from a small mining town to a winter RV haven is a remarkable story of stubborn adaptation and growth; currently, reflecting the changing face of American tourism and leisure.
Quartzsite is centered of the intersection of Interstate #10 and US Route #95, in AZ; and has always been a strategic location for travelers. The town’s history is richly associated with the spirit of adventure … early settlers including miners and prospectors, as well as this century's historical intrigues.
In Old West Days, Wyatt Earp - one of the Old West's famous lawmen, apply to secure a job as Sheriff in Quartzsite: he was turned down because he was too young for the job! He was 19 years old, at that time. Wyatt Earp later became Marshall of Tombstone-AZ, and became a legend when he and his two brothers was - along with his friend Doc Holliday, shot it out with the Clanton Gang at the famed Gunfight at The Okay Corral. The Clanton brothers were killed, and Wyatt's brothers and Doc were wounded … but Wyatt himself, was never wounded in any of the gunfights he was party to.
When the days of gunslingers and rouge lawmen ended, Wyatt Earp who had achieved iconic status in the History of the American West because of his famous gunfights - and the last of the surviving participants of the Tombstone shootout, became a consultant on Hollywood silent westerns, and was friends with many directors and actors. Tom Mix, a successful cowboy-star in silent western movies, was one of the pallbearers for Earp's coffin, when he died; Wyatt had a common-law wife for 4 decades, but he had no children.
In more recent history - like the late 1980's - Quartzsite was again at the center of historical importance, when Richard Ramirez (known as the Night Stalker) passed through Quartzsite, on his way to Los Angeles; where he was finally captured and imprisoned for several demonically-inspired serials killings. I'm not even going to post a link because I remember when all this was actually going down and being reported on national news channels: the killings were horrific and it serves no purpose to post the details - it was an spree of pure evilness.
Currently, Quartzsite-AZ, transforms into a bustling RV hub during the Winter RV Extravaganza every January. What began as a gathering place for rock hounds and mineral enthusiasts has evolved into a magnetic pull for RV enthusiasts from across the nation, who are drawn here by the appeal of easy mobile living, and the sense of friendly community cultivated among those returning here year after year.
The transformation of Quartzsite from a small mining town to a winter RV haven is a remarkable story of adaptation and growth, reflecting the changing face of American tourism and leisure.
And I, for one, am glad to be part of the current stubborn growth :-D
I woke up this morning … stretched the kinks out, and promptly went for a walkabout before having my morning coffee: while researchers say drinking coffee can improve skin elasticity and delay some signs of aging (such as hydrating wrinkles); coffee causes the bladder to go into overdrive - not good when walking in areas where pit stops are non-existent, away from home ;-)
I dressed and quietly left Independence; Holland was up most of the night, and I didn't want to disturb what little rest he manages to get.
The weather was perfect.
The walk was low impact, peaceful, and enjoyable.
I met strangers, and struck up friendly convo's in passing.
First left, after leaving Independence - Sunset Grill; #335 N Central Blvd, Quartzsite, AZ
Turned left & headed down street towards those yellow arrows, in the distance …
Beautiful blue sky, above Quartzite-AZ
Found the 'wash' behind our current location; I don't think I'll use it; there's the RV directly across from our Independence.
A right turn here, took me straight to where I was aiming for ;-)
A quartz designed star - there were several along this street's parking spaces.
Horse-drawn Amish-style Spring Wagon; lariats & a saddle.
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Steel-crafted Quartzsite mascots ;-)
I'll have to check this out when they are open … Holland says there is an Exercise Gym, here.
I met 2 people here; 1 male I exchanged 'good morning' with, & 1 female from Vermont, who was a speed walker.
Evergreen 'Microburst' Violet Silverleaf (Leucophyllum Candidum).
Fairy Duster.
Oleander.
Ocotillo fashioned metalwork.
Good heart stats …
Green Epidote Boulder, threaded with Quartz.
Dehydrated Agave plant.
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Obviously an intelligent person lives here ;-)
Tom MacDonald ft. Nova Rockafeller - "Goodbye Joe" song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQOqExemZvk)
Quartz runs through every rock, here.
Back home … and I didn't even break a sweat the entire walk ;-)
When I got back to Independence, Holland was up - and had done some internet surfing … he asked if I was interested in another adventure: I said I was, and off we went ;-)
First we checked out an ancient stubborn growth: that this tree could still be pumping life into it's limbs for as long as it has been doing so in such a place as hot, windy, dry Quartzsite-AZ, intrigued me. Holland waited in Betsy while I walked my way to the gnarled methuselah Arizonian giant.
And I petitioned Elohim for the funds to get Holland an electric bike, so he could share these types of adventures with me.
Freedom Garden Park; #Plymouth Rd, Quartzsite, AZ
The ancient tree's marker - directly across the street from the Park.
#555 Plymouth Rd, Quartzsite, AZ
Follow the outlined path …
And there it is, across the 'wash'; magnificent in all it's ancient glory.
Olneya tesota~Desert Ironwood:
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olneya)
Fresh, clean green growth.
Blood Red Hermatoid Quartz; always reminds me of a chunky piece of fatty beef roast ;-)
Looking at the ancient tree, I thought of the World History being made as this tree had sprouted, sunk deep roots, and stubbornly survived against all odds in this Mojave Desert environment (the smallest and driest, of AZ's regional deserts); I thought of all the timeline histories (I love History, and I wove a lot of historical moments into the Home Education studies I put together for my children, while they were still under my roof) being made during this tree's lifetime.
Key points about the world 1,050 years ago:
Europe: The process of Christianization was actively happening in Scandinavia.
The feudal system was becoming established across Europe, with lords and vassals forming complex relationships.
The Byzantine Empire in Constantinople was still a major political and cultural force.
Middle East: The Islamic Caliphate was on the rise.
The Silk Road remained a vital trade route connecting East and West.
Asia: The Chinese Song Dynasty was in power, marked by significant cultural and economic development.
The Japanese Nara period was taking place, characterized by strong Chinese influence.
The Korean Goryeo Dynasty was established, unifying the Korean peninsula.
When I got back to Betsy, I showed Holland the pictures I had taken.
He asked if I had eaten anything yet; and I said I hadn't - he suggested we stop at the red restaurant near The Pit Stop.
So, we did.
We … like that gnarled tree … are stubbornly hanging on, sinking deep marital roots, and stubbornly thriving with dogged determination. New growth is sprouting in both of us, as well as in the building of US; and we are encouraged.
Lunch today, location; Holland wants to sample every foodie establishment, while here.
Sunset Grill Chuck Wagon.
Reading the posted sarcasm, I knew we were in the right place ;-)
Tater Tot Casserole with Veg's.
I had been hungering for Tater Tot Casserole, and the added veggies were something new to experience (I like the original made with dry onion soup better); I don't think Holland liked it, at all. We had a nice long chat with the owner, and she was very informative as well as very friendly. She also says she handmakes her hamburgers and fresh cuts her fries: next time we will order an old-fashioned hamburger with fries ;-)
Tonight, I dug out my fancy fanny pack to use tomorrow - and I may push the walkabout a bit further afield; It's impossible to get lost IN Quartzsite because all the roads loop back to Main Street, and we are located just 2 blocks up from Main Street's traffic light. I'd really like to do a 3-mile hike daily - and I'd like my skin to start highlighting that I live in the land of constant sunshine.
Ready for tomorrow's walkabout.
Quartzsite-AZ, is also where the freestyle filming of the "Nomadland" movie of stubborn tenacity in the face of stubborn adversity, was filmed - which I am going to watch as soon as this post, is posted.
Speaking of freestyle movie ventures … Holland has been listening to this YouTuber since we started our road gypsy adventuring - and he spotted Independence in a recent posting: the "Hey! That's us!" shows in frame 18:45 (just our home, not our vehicle; we must have been doing a little Daytripping of our own, that particular day) ;-)
Here is the link:
RVrTV video~Quartzsite New Visitor Center For Tourism 2024: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70uuCEJM070)
It's been a good day of good times and good vibes.
It's been a good week of good change.
