Quartzite this winter?

[agesilaus]

How many are planning on going. We are probably headed that way for the first time. I want visit a mexico dental clinic and that puts us in the general area. Plus we want to visit the RV show and the Rockhound show too.

I got the impression that SKP folks get together in Quartzite. Are there certain areas that people head for?

Hopefully a vaccine will be available by then to tamp down the hysteria.

[Jim & Alice]

27 minutes ago, agesilaus said:

I want visit a mexico dental clinic and that puts us in the general area.

Check ahead for the mexico dental clinic.   We went by the Los Algodones parking lot today (Quechan Reservation), and it was locked mid-afternoon.   The appearance is that the border is still closed to pedestrian traffic.   We hope things reopen soon, as we need exams & cleaning.   We have good successes with dental work there over the last 5 years. 

[Chad Heiser]

We will be heading to Quartzite in January, but only for 10 days or so (we both still work full time).  We went last year for the first time and had a blast hanging out with some of our friends, especially being able to take off on the RZR's right from camp.  It will most likely become an annual thing with us.  We are looking forward to retirement so we can spend more time at places like that in the future.

[hemsteadc]

Quartzsite

 

[agesilaus]

21 minutes ago, hemsteadc said:

Quartzsite

 

I suspected I was misspelling it...heh. As for the other lets stick to Quartzsite the other subject will get us nowhere.

[agesilaus]

9 hours ago, Jim & Alice said:

Check ahead for the mexico dental clinic.   We went by the Los Algodones parking lot today (Quechan Reservation), and it was locked mid-afternoon.   The appearance is that the border is still closed to pedestrian traffic.   We hope things reopen soon, as we need exams & cleaning.   We have good successes with dental work there over the last 5 years. 

I hadn't even considered the boarder crossing. This is the first I recall seeing about it, all the chatter has been about Canada.

I searched the web and filtered it to the last 30 days and I got the impression that the pedestrian crossings are open, some crossing points better than others (San Diego bad for example, Yuma seems to be walk right across with no delay). Molar City is advertising that they are open for one. But I found no definitive official statement saying that the crossings were open. I did find an official page saying that the closings are set to end Sept 21st.But that could be extended obviously.

But thanks for the warning, I'll certainly check before going.

 

[Jim & Alice]

2 hours ago, agesilaus said:

But thanks for the warning, I'll certainly check before going.

You bet, agesilaus.   If you find any definitive info about los Algodones, many people would appreciate hearing.   I will do the same.   For us, it is a 70 mile round trip there, and the only practical pedestrian parking is the Quechan Lot (on border, American side)... and when it's closed, wasted trip. 

[2gypsies]

Dental in Mexico is considered a necessity and you are allowed to cross to have it done.

https://sanidentalgroup.com/

https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/

All you have to do is to give them a call.  Most of the dentists have a U.S. ph. # so no charge to do so.

Edited September 18, 2020 by 2gypsies

[Scampers]

We are heading to Quartzsite with our new MH.  Last time in the area with a 19' TT we stayed in a commercial slot just north of town.  Now Plumosa Road is beckoning...100 gal fresh water tanks and on board generator with the new ~35' rig.

 

 

[Jim & Alice]

2 hours ago, 2gypsies said:

Dental in Mexico is considered a necessity and you are allowed to cross to have it done.

https://sanidentalgroup.com/

https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/

All you have to do is to give them a call.  Most of the dentists have a U.S. ph. # so no charge to do so.

Good to know - Any recommendation on how to physically cross?   Currently, the parking lot is closed, and the only way I can see is drive across the border, or park way  back on the highway and walk.

 

[2gypsies]

1 hour ago, Jim & Alice said:

Good to know - Any recommendation on how to physically cross?   Currently, the parking lot is closed, and the only way I can see is drive across the border, or park way  back on the highway and walk.

 

Sorry, I'm not in the area right now so don't know the circumstances.  Perhaps call an agency?  We've gone in prime time and always had to walk a good distance.

[Jim & Alice]

7 hours ago, 2gypsies said:

Sorry, I'm not in the area right now so don't know the circumstances.  Perhaps call an agency?  We've gone in prime time and always had to walk a good distance.

No problem, 2gypsies.   I have had dental work at Sani Dental, and I believe I still have a card with their numbers on it.   But Thanks for the good pointer!

[Kirk W]

On the TV news last night it was reported that the US/Mexico border crossings are open for all essential crossings and they stated that medical and dental appointments are considered to be essential and are allowed to cross. The story didn't say anything about how you get there but it did show people walking over the bridge at Algodones. You might consider staying at one of the RV parks in Winterhaven so that you would be able to walk to the crossing. 

[LindaH]

1 hour ago, Kirk W said:

You might consider staying at one of the RV parks in Winterhaven so that you would be able to walk to the crossing. 

All of those RV parks are a L-O-N-G way from the U.S./Algodones border.  Sleepy Hollow, the only RV park within walking distance has been closed for at least a couple of years.  From looking at the map, you might think that Cocopah RV & Golf Resort or Lucky Park Del Sur might be close enough, but you can't walk west from there to get to Algodones Road (SR-186) because of the Colorado River.  

You could park at the casino, but that's still an awfully long way to walk.

[agesilaus]

When I was researching Mexican dentists I saw that the ones in Nogales have a cross border shuttle service. Is there one in Yuma?

[bobsallyh]

Jim and Alice, it is no problem crossing at Algodones for meds and dental work. The crossing is only open 6 AM to 2 PM. That may be the reason the parking lot was closed if later in the afternoon.  If doing dental work make sure the dentist knows you need to get back across. Walking at this time is no problem other than high temps. But a big warning if driving in, 2 PM means 2 PM, not 2ish. Just like the slammer, your in the cell. If you are in line driving to get out and the 2 PM deadline falls, you have two choices, drive west to Mexicali or east San Luis. Their hours are longer but wait time may be long at San Luis due to it being a huge commercial crossing. If you are caught in the walking line, maybe you can bunk in at the auto body shop or upholstery shop.

Best to call your dentist to make sure they are open, most are. Pharmacies and dental are open, trinket shops and restaurants are shut down. Please mask up!

Agesilaus, I don't know of a shuttle service that comes into Yuma, although there could be one. Many dentists have a shuttle service that will pick you up at the crossing, take you to the office, then return you to the crossover.  

[Lou Schneider]

On 9/22/2020 at 3:45 PM, bobsallyh said:

 If you are caught in the walking line, maybe you can bunk in at the auto body shop or upholstery shop.

Or book a room at one of the three hotels in Los Algodones.   Check tripadviser.com

[Jim & Alice]

On 9/22/2020 at 3:45 PM, bobsallyh said:

Jim and Alice, it is no problem crossing at Algodones for meds and dental work. T

bobsallyh, thanks for the information.   May be heading there soon.   And... You have been such helpful folks over the last couple years that my wife and I have been coming to Wellton... I just want to note such, and say to you, "Thank You".

 

[richfaa]

Quartzsite is a long haul for us being from Northern ,Ohio. We have however been to Quartzsite twice as we happened to be traveling in the area. We  prefer to get our meds and medical , dental work done in the USA. We are not fans of boondocking such as it is in "Q" or camping in the dessert .It is however a experience and should  be on the RVers bucket list

[docj]

37 minutes ago, richfaa said:

We are not fans of boondocking such as it is in "Q" or camping in the dessert .It is however a experience and should  be on the RVers bucket list

No offense intended, but we also aren't fans of boondocking and desert camping and have had no interest in going to "Q" in the 10 years we've been fulltiming.  We've never been fond of crowds even before COVID-19.

At one time it might have been helpful to be able to buy RV "stuff" under the big tent, but in today's world, pretty much anything you want is no more than a "click" away.  JMO

[mptjelgin]

23 minutes ago, docj said:

No offense intended, but we also aren't fans of boondocking and desert camping and have had no interest in going to "Q" in the 10 years we've been fulltiming.  We've never been fond of crowds even before COVID-19.

At one time it might have been helpful to be able to buy RV "stuff" under the big tent, but in today's world, pretty much anything you want is no more than a "click" away.  JMO

I agree 100%. We've had zero desire to "experience" Quartzsite and question the idea of any one thing needing to be on every RV'ers "bucket list".  

[Kirk W]

While we have never spent long there and have always spent our nights in one of the RV parks, I can see why it is attractive to many and we are happy to have seen it. We never made a trip there for that purpose but stopped when passing that way. It was quite a spectacle and for those who like dry camping in the desert, it is also quite a social event. Rather like attending a major RV rally, but usually even bigger. 

[sandsys]

We went to Quartzsite every year for several years but never went to the big tent. We didn't go for shopping; we went to see friends--mostly SKP Classes of '08 & '09 but other groups as well who find that a convenient time and place to meet. We boondocked but you don't have to do so; there are RV parks in Quartzsite.

Linda

[fpmtngal]

Desert dry camping isn’t for everyone. I happen to like it. And yes, it can be like a big RV rally at times and in some places. But it doesn’t have to be.

Up until this past winter, I would meet up with a bunch of camping friends for the RV show, enjoy the company and see the event, then move on. Last year I did the same thing, but got sick at one point. I had an LTVA permit and found myself a nice, quiet spot away from everyone else where I could ignore the world until I felt better.

At the moment I’m planning on heading back to that spot and hopefully it will be as isolated as it was from February-April. 

[Lou Schneider]

7 hours ago, docj said:

At one time it might have been helpful to be able to buy RV "stuff" under the big tent, but in today's world, pretty much anything you want is no more than a "click" away.  JMO

Buying stuff in Quartzsite stopped being a bargain when the Town Council raised their sales tax to 10.1%.  That plus the business  fees, space rent, etc. make it hard for vendors to offer the kinds of deals they had 20 years ago.

I go to Quartzsite in January to meet up with online friends I haven't seen for a while.  Plus make at least a cursory trip through the swapmeets.

IFor example, there are a couple of miscellaneous tool vendors in Tyson Wells that show up every year and have good prices on things like cheap flashlights, individual wrenches and sockets, gloves, etc.

One thing the Big Tent is good for is meeting up with workcamper recruiters.  Amazon, Adventureland Resort in Iowa, the Sugar Beet harvest and national and state park campground concessionaires have representatives there and hiring for their seasons.  It's a good opportunity to meet with them face to face.

Another plus is like most major rallies,. accessory manufacturers set up service and installation shops out back for the week the tent is open.  Several years ago I broke an arm latch on my Roadmaster towbar and the company repaired it at no charge.  Although the shop manager did suggest I tip the factory worker who did the repair $20 or so since they were there on their own time.

Edited September 27, 2020 by Lou Schneider