Quartzsite And No Crowds

Thursday: (03/12) We arose around 6am and took a walk down to the boat landing. We wanted to see if it was in the water when it was low. We also wanted to see what the water was like in a cove where, at high water, water was spilling over a road to a picnic area. The answer is the boat dock was in about 1 foot of water at the deep end. The water was not spilling over the road. Since the road to the picnic area was now dry, we walked out and explored it. We found a huge marsh with a trail through it that we hadn't realized was there. We hiked throughout the marsh and around the campground and returned to the RV a couple of hours later.
We had pretty much prepared to leave last night so we headed over to the Riverview Cafe in the Riverside Casino for Breakfast. We shared a ham steak, about a 12" diameter steak, with eggs and hashbrowns and a short stack.

We then returned, hooked up the car and went to the Walmart for groceries, got gas ($2.09) and were off. We stopped in Needles thinking we might get the RV smogged so we can re-register it but there is only one smog station in Needles and it hasn't been open long enough to be rated so we decided to just forget the test until we get home a month from now. We can then have the test done at our local competent test station. We've had enough trouble with bad tests before.


We went down Highway 95 on the California side of the Colorado River to Blythe then over to Quartzsite. We thought we'd see what remained there. Not much. Everything is gone or closed but we were surprised how many RV snowbirds were still there. We had dinner at the Mountain Quail cafe sharing a slice of coconut cream pie, a Lasagna dinner special and a chili fries.
We enjoyed sitting outside the RV watching traffic pass on I10 while we are camped in the free BLM camp just East of town on Kuehn Rd.

Davis Camp, High Water

Friday: (03/06) We  settled into a campsite by 10:30 and then headed over to the Riverside for lunch at the buffet. It was fun watching the window washers clean the windows of the restaurant. Two on the scaffold dangling by cables from the rooftop and three men below watching them. Seems rather labor intensive?

After lunch, we drove out to Katherine's Landing in the Lake Mead NRA just North of Bullhead City. We haven't been there before and may visit there next. The campground looks nice. We also drove around looking at everything else that needed to be driven to, to be seen, in the NRA.

Lou's out shopping, visiting her thrift stores and hobby store, or at least starting the route while I relax at camp.

The river in front of camp here is much higher than on our visit here last month. Probably 2 feet higher and right to the edge of the campsites.

I have grown to like energy drinks for an afternoon pick-me-up, especially when driving. But I'm also a cheapskate with some taste as well. Both of those qualities rule out much use of Redbull (at $2+ea) as the drink of choice. After sampling many, I have found that I like the "Ace' energy drink (.60/ea) found at Big Lots. Unfortunately, Big Lots is an overstock distributor and doesn't always have the drink. In her rounds this evening, Lou checked and found that the Bullhead City store did have some and restocked my supply. Quite thoughtful!

Lou came home with some Rice Crispies cereal to feed the ducks but they'll have none of it. They want their Frosted Flakes. Children!

Saturday: (03/07) We got up around 7:30 and the river was down to its old low level, about 6 feet below highwater per the depth marker on the bridge. By 10:00 it was back up to 2 feet below highwater. By noon it was 1 foot below highwater, about where it was yesterday.

Breakfast was Don McMuffins again after which we moved the RV to an adjacent site. Our neighbors on one side had left and our other neighbors run their generator regularly. We put a little more space beteen us which might have been difficult if our neighbors hadn't left since the place was full last night.

Lou spread some bird seed on the now wide beach but the ducks wouldn't eat that either nor the birds. Actually, as I was policing the campsite of all the thoughtless debris cigarette butts, bottle caps and charcoal bricketts the water continued to rise and I looked over and there were lots of ducks, pigeons, and seagulls enjoying breakfast of Lou seeds as the water lapped higher and higher. I guess timing is everything.

We may just stay here, right on the waters edge even though it is $15/night here and only $5 just upstream at Katherine's Landing. Up there the campsite is nice but quite a ways away from the water.

Lou was off continuing the search of the thrift stores. She came home just before noon and we walked down the river to catch the boat across the river to the Riverside Casino. We shared a combination lunch at the Casa Serrano restaurant in the casino. We then bought tickets for a Smothers Brothers Show for tomorrow evening so we be here a couple of more days.


We looked at some of the cars in the Riverside auto museum and also saw Pamela Andersen's LoveStream party trailer. It was given to her by Hugh Hefner. An interesting RV which includes a mirrored ceiling, not too unusual, and a strippers pole, a little more unusual.

We then took a walk along the river walk by the casinos, stopped at the Tropicana to ride the train and looked around the shopping mall across from the casinos. That was all topped off with a look at some RV's at Paul Evert's just as they started to close the place up. We then caught the boat back and watched the sun set over the river.

Lou fixed shrimps and noodles for dinner.


Above Is the highwater of late afternoon.

Sunday: (03/08) We went over to the Pioneer Casino for breakfast. We noticed they had a 6 Shooter breakfast special, 2 eggs, 2 sausage, 2 bacon, with hash browns and biscuits. It was very good and cost only $3.50. Some bargains are well worth the lower cost. We can't fix breakfast at home for $7. One key is to forget the drinks, they double the cost and for cheapskates like us, enjoying tea at home is OK.

We relaxed at home all day. Lou worked on doll clothes bringing her sewing machine out on the veranda while I worked on the blog adding pictures for the past two weeks travels. Lunch was ham, cheese and red pepper sandwiches.

About 6:30 we headed over to the Riverside for the Smothers Brothers Show. The show was excellent. They haven't changed noticeably in their 51 years in show business, still a good act. We also appreciate them for their insight into reality. Seeing them, it's hard to believe they were doing their act and folk music before most of the other famous names began.

Monday: (03/09) Today is a work day. laundry, tank duty, and other tasks around home. By 2pm the important things, laundry and tank duty were complete and it was lunch time. We went over to the Pioneer Casino's Boarding House Cafe for lunch. Lou wanted some fish and sweet potato fries. I had flapjacks.

We stopped by Paul Evert's to look at the remaining RV's we hadn't seen the other day. A couple of nice ones but though many are 2008 and 2009 most are junk.

We then went to see the movie Slumdog Millionaire at the Riverside Casino theaters. It was a good movie but if it won the Oscar there evidently weren't any outstanding movies made this past year. An outstanding move is one you have to see multiple times and though Slumdogs was a well made interesting moveie better than most movies i don't think we need to see it again.

When we returned home, Lou fixed dinner, hot dogs, cabbage, and onions with mustard.

Tuesday: (03/10) We went back to the Pioneer for breakfast again this morning. After breakfast we worked at home most of the day until about 2pm.

We then drove over to Christmas Tree Road a few miles West of Laughlin on Highway 163. It's a dirt road that makes it's way over to the Cal-Neva on Highway 95. But only two miles in, there is a turnoff to Grapevine Canyon where we took a nice hike.


There are many flowers both in the wash leading to the canyon and in the canyon.


It must be spring because the variety of flowers is increasing.


Even the cacti are trying to bloom.


The mouth of the canyon has lot of petroglyths that are in quite good shape with little or no vandalism.


There is a trail that leads up the canyon where there is a spring and there are actually wild grapevines growing in abundance. A nice interesting short walk.

We returned to the RV for the evening watching NCIS and the Mentalist on TV.

Wednesday: (03/11) We had cereal with bananas for breakfast. It was a slow day but we did eventually get moving and headed over to Oatman, and old gold mining ghost like town Southeast of Bullhead City about 25 miles.


Oatman is famous for the burros that wander the street. There were a half dozen or so adults burros.

And several young burros. People by carrots to feed the burros but the young burros can't eat the carrots and may choke on them hence the warning label on their foreheads.


The burros have the run of town and visit the shops for treats. The cat on the right looked a little the worse for wear but still looks distinguished in his tuxedo.

It's always an interesting place to stop for an hour or so. We returned toward home stopping at the Riverside parking lot in Bullhead City and riding the boat over to the casino for dinner. Their cafe had a rack of ribs for $10 which Lou enjoyed and I had their $5 stuffed bell peppers. We also shared a hot fudge sundae. We escaped for less than $20.

We now may have accomplished our goals for Bullhead City so will depart in the morning.

Cottonwood Cove CG, Lake Mojave, Nv

Wednesday: (03/04) We broke camp early and headed back to the Walmart by Sunset Station. I needed to pick up our mail package at General Delivery downtown.

That went quickly though the Post Office always seems to provide a demonstration of a gross lack of customer service. Somehow I was supposed to intuitively know where to go to get General Delivery mail when there were no signs indicating where and in the past it has been at the normal service windows though now they are limited to specific hours. The Post Office employees make the Department Of Motor Vehicle folks look good.

While I was gone, Lou visited Walmart and picked up a few items that we needed. We also dropped by Lowes for a couple of things and then hit the road.

Our destination today was Cottonwood Cove by Lake Mojave 14 miles East of Searchlight, Nevada. The wind has been blowing all day but not too bad to move on down.

We'll be here a couple of days. We took a walk around the place after arrival. There are only 7 other campers here in the Lower Campground. Not many at the upper campground either. This place is fairly isolated but they do have a cafe, a store, a laundry and gas so an extended stay would be possibly. But, we don't have any cell phone signal, we lost it about 7 miles back on th road. That we could live with. However there is another thing that may hasten or departure. They have a lot of insects here that have gotten inside the RV apparently through the screens.

I found some flowers on the side of the hill behind our campsite.

Thursday: (03/05) A nice day. The sun is out, there is only a comfortable light breeze, not the gusty breeze of yesterday. The days here seem to be bug free with some nice bird songs. Last nights bug intrusion though was quite unpleasant. We'll try to be vigilant tonight and prevent the entrance. Our best guess is around our screen door so tonight the door stays closed.

We took a short walk this morning but we are both limping now. Lou's left leg was feeling bad after our walk two days ago. I managed to bother mine scrambling up the hill behind our camp here last night. So, we're working at home today. No hikes planned.

Breakfast was leftover biscuits and gravy. Lunch was a fruit salad and leftover roasted chicken.

We did take a walk on the South side of the cove. There is an easy walk up to a low bluff overlooking the marina and lake. Unfortunately, there is no cell phone connection anywhere near camp. We lost the signal about 5 miles up the road.

Just before sunset Lou noticed a flock of buzzards over camp. 13 buzzards. Must have followed us from Las Vegas Bay or do they flock in 13s just to add to the worry?

We just watched some recorded TV in the evening and didn't have too many pests either due to keeping the lights down or the door closed.

Friday: (03/06) When I looked at the side window this morning I saw a swarm of the pesky insects caught between the screen and the window. The screens are on the inside of the windows. At least those didn't make their way in. I released them in the morning. I wouldn't want to deprive the next campers.

We were off toward Bullhead City by 0930.

A view of our campsite from higher up the hillside. This is how i hurt my knee. A view of the marina at Cottonwood Cove with our campground behind in the distance.

Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead NRA

Thursday: (02/26) It was a grueling drive over the hill eight miles from the Sunset Casino to the campground here by Lake Mead. These long driving days have got to stop! The campground isn't very full and is quite nice. This may be a multi-day stop. We took  short walk around camp and then returned for dinner. Lou cleaned out the fridge making a stale cornchip casserole. I wasn't feeling well. Must be withdrawal from Las Vegas.

Friday: (02/27) Lou got me up early, fixed breakfast burritos and we were off on a hike. We hiked down the hill from our campsite to the river. It's about a 100' descent. The brush is quite thick near the river but we persevered and made it to the rivers edge. The river is probably 2 feet deep and 50' across. It was probably twice as deep yesterday or at least recently by the flow signs and the mud. We certainly didn't expect a river but th recent rains must still be running off. We'll have to see it this river has a name, most likely the Las Vegas Wash since everything near hear has the name. I got some pictures of some flowers on the bushes near the river. (to be posted).

Now that the engine work is complete, Lou is busy cleaning the carpet today. I'm also very busy relaxing and enjoying the view.

The winds picked up some later in the day so Lou worked on her sewing and I worked at the computer most of the rest of the day.

Lou fixed some Thai rice noodles, asparagus and steak for dinner.

Saturday: (02/28) Today we explored. We drove North around the lake. Our first stop was at a trailhead near Las Vegas Lake where the Las Vegas River crosses the highway. we hiked down to the river and looked around. We then headed on taking a dirt road out to Gypsum Point and a look at our camp from the other side of the river/lake. We then headed on to Government Wash to explore. Government Wash is a free BLM camping area. All the "campsites" are beside the dirt roads fingering off toward the lake. The best spots would be the ones at the end of the roads because the others would be eating dust as each vehicle passed.

We returned to the RV for lunch and a nap. This exploring is tough work.

We returned to the hunt heading South to see what the Boulder Beach Campground was like. It's only about 10 miles South along the lake. It's nice but our current site at Las Vegas Wash is much nicer than anything we saw at Boulder Beach. Boulder Beach campsites are much closer together and there are more taller trees. Picking a site there would be more difficult to find where the sun got through to the solar panels and the dish saw the satellite. We'll hang out here for a while longer.


We then headed on down to the Hacienda Casino near Boulder Dam then went over to look a the dam and how the construction of the new highway is going. Looking at the water level at the dam really shows how low the lake level has fallen. As if the long walks to the waters edge near camp weren't enough of an indicator.


Boulder Bay as viewed from above Boulder Dam at the overlook.

We returned to the Casino for dinner. Lou needed her prime rib dinner which we shared then we started toward home. Only started though. We found the right rear tire flat on the car in the lot. The auto service was there in 15 minutes and aired it up. The Pressure Pro sensor cap on the tire was loose and leaked the tire flat. That is a problem with any of the screw on sensor systems. It's the second time we've had such a flat in the year or so we've had the system. It wouldn't have been much of a problem if I'd had the air compressor in the car. It was with the bikes in the RV. Got to get one that stays in the car. It was probably left loose by the oil change folks at Walmart when they checked the tires a few days ago. I should have checked them. Something else for the list.

The drive home was uneventful The tire remained inflated. We did manage to pass our camp road exit on the way back. Didn't seem to be a sign coming North and it is dark out.

Sunday: (0301) For some unexplainable reason we're getting up awfully early recently. Lou usually does but I'm normally a night person. What's wrong with me, getting up so early?

Last night we heard what sounded like a large owl outside near our RV and some coyote way off. Always interesting.

We enjoyed cereal for breakfast then a walk around camp. Lou worked on her dolls and their clothes. I worked at the computer. It's a beautiful day today. No wind and sunny.

I fixed some Thai stir fry rice noodles with carrots, onions, red pepper, and pork for lunch. Very good. We topped that with an ice cream sandwich. Our dining entertainment was watching our neighbors try to stuff their large 5th wheel trailer into a site about 3 feet too short. Their friends have been in adjacent camps since before we arrived. They are all from Quebec so we couldn't really tell if they were cussing or not. It's all French to us. They did get it mostly in, eventually. Better than a reality TV show!

The meal caused a need for a nap or an energy drink or as I decided, both. i then worked at the computer the rest of the evening. Lou continued preparing some doll parts to fire in the morning and then some sewing.

On our just before dark walk around camp we found heard some coyote near camp.

Monday: (03/02) We got up about 7am and Lou got out her kiln and fired up the generator to fire the dolls. The firing only takes about 30 minutes after which we ran the generator another 20 minutes to put some juice back in the batteries. It will be cloudy this afternoon per the weather report so we knocked the top off our discharged batteries so that what solar power we get today will finish the job. We left it with about 60 ampere hours of discharge which turned out to be just right as the batteries were almost fully recharged when we returned home in the afternoon.

About 8:30 we were off to Las Vegas for the day. We went by the Sunset Station for breakfast. I had their $5 eggs, bacon and sausage with all you can eat pancakes. Lou had their $5 steak and eggs with hash browns and toast. No additional pancakes needed but nice cheap and excellent breakfasts.

We then went hunting for an air compressor for the car. After the flat tire again day before yesterday, the second time it's happened due to loose PressurePro sensor caps, we'll keep an air compressor in the car and the RV at all times. The existing roving compressor will not be counted upon. WalMart had a couple of little compressors but the best seemed to be the cheapest, $10 compressor. It won't take up much room and can remain in the tool compartment in the car. Likewise one will remain in the RV tool compartment. But first we needed to find two good ones. The first WalMart store by Sunset Station only had two that looked like they were kicked to the store. We went by another WalMart's and found two good ones. $10 each. Definitely not worth another wait for the tow truck.

With the primary mission accomplished, we filled our drinking water bottles and got a few groceries as will as a visit to Joann's for some thread and sewing machine needles. We also noticed that gas prices had dropped a nickle so we filled up, that and the fact the gas tank was nearing empty.

We returned home and the sky was fully overcast and it was quite warm. I fixed some spagetti while Lou fixed some Mandarin orange and shredded brocolli slaw. All quite good, especially the slaw.

We took a walk around the camp and watched the vultures, 13 of them hanging around the same tree they seem to visit each evening. After dark we also heard something we haven't heard here before, and it was only near our RV, nowhere else in the camp, cicada bug(s).

Tuesday: (03/03) We were up early had cereal for breakfast and hit the trail.


There is a trail that leads out of camp along the crest of the hill following the river upstream. We walked out a mile or two until it sort of petered out then we scampered down a wash toward the river. We couldn't get to the river due to brush and sheer drops but had fun exploring. There are lots of interesting rocks to see. Unfortunately some of them had to be added to the collection. The wash we scamper down ended at the top of a dry waterfall of about 80 feet. Above left is the view from above. A view from below on the right above. We thought we'd find an alternate route down.


Above left lou on the trail. On our way home we stopped and watched the dirt falls across the river (above right.) The wind was quite strong and parts of the side of the river fell off into the water below.
For a couple of old fogies we did a pretty good job making our way back to the top via a different wash.
The rest of the day was spent in camp, me at th keyboard and Lou working on dolls.

Dinner was Thai stir fry again but different than last time. The base of each was kits but they were different. In addition to the usual carrots, onions and red peppers, I added some shredded broccoli left over from the slaw Lou fixed yesterday.

Las Vegas Bay, Lake Mead NRA

Thursday: (02/26) It was a grueling drive over the hill eight miles from the Sunset Casino to the campground here by Lake Mead. These long driving days have got to stop! The campground isn't very full and is quite nice. This may be a multi-day stop. We took a short walk around camp and then returned for dinner. Lou cleaned out the fridge making a stale cornchip casserole. I wasn't feeling well. Must be withdrawal from Las Vegas.


Friday: (02/27) Lou got me up early, fixed breakfast burritos and we were off on a hike. We hiked down the hill from our campsite to the river. It's about a 100' descent. The brush is quite thick near the river but we persevered and made it to the rivers edge. The river is probably 2 feet deep and 50' across. It was probably twice as deep yesterday or at least recently by the flow signs and the mud. We certainly didn't expect a river but th recent rains must still be running off. We'll have to see it this river has a name, most likely the Las Vegas Wash since everything near hear has the name.


The view from the back of our campsite.


Sunrise over Lake Mead. A view of las Vegas Wash.


The river is pretty big, for the desert. I got some pictures of some flowers on the bushes near the river.


More views od Las Vegas Wash.

Now that the engine work is complete, Lou is busy cleaning the carpet today. I'm also very busy relaxing and enjoying the view.

The winds picked up some later in the day so Lou worked on her sewing and I worked at the computer most of the rest of the day.

Lou fixed some Thai rice noodles, asparagus and steak for dinner.

Saturday: (02/28) Today we explored. We drove North around the lake. Our first stop was at a trailhead near Las Vegas Lake where the Las Vegas River crosses the highway. we hiked down to the river and looked around.


We then headed on taking a dirt road out to Gypsum Point and a look at our camp from the other side of the river/lake (Above left). We then headed on to Government Wash to explore. Government Wash is a free BLM camping area. All the "campsites" are beside the dirt roads fingering off toward the lake. The best spots would be the ones at the end of the roads because the others would be eating dust as each vehicle passed.

We returned to the RV for luch and a nap. This exploring is tough work.

We returned to the hunt heading South to see what the Boulder Beach Campground was like. It's only about 10 miles South along the lake. It's nice but our current site at Las Vegas Wash is much nicer than anything we saw at Boulder Beach. Boulder Beach campsites are much clser together and there are more taller trees. Picking a site there whould be more difficult to find where the sun got through to the solar panels and the dish saw the satellite. We'll hang out here for a while longer.

We then headed on down to the Hacienda Casino near Boulder Dam then went over to look a the dam and how the construction of the new highway is going. Looking at the water level at the dam really shows how low the lake level has fallen. As if the long walks to the waters edge near camp weren't enough of an indicator.

We returned to the Casino for dinner. Lou needed her prime rib dinner which we shared then we started toward home. Only started though. We found the right rear tire flat on the car in the lot. The auto service was there in 15 minutes and aired it up. The Pressure Pro sensor cap on the tire was loose and leaked the tire flat. That is a problem with any of the screw on sensor systems. It's the second time we've had such a flat in the year or so we've had the system. It wouldn't have been much of a problem if I'd had the air compressor in the car. It was with the bikes in the RV. Got to get one that stays in the car. It was probably left loose by the oil change folks at Walmart when they checked the tires a few days ago. I should have checked them. Something else for the list.

The drive home was uneventful The tire remained inflated. We did manage to pass our camp road exit on the way back. Didn't seem to be a sign coming North and it is dark out.

Sunday: (0301) For some unexplainable reason we're getting up awfully early recently. Lou usually does but I'm normally a night person. What's wrong with me, getting up so early?

We enjoyed cereal for breakfast then a walk around camp. Lou worked on her dolls and their clothes. I worked at the computer. It's a beautiful day today. No wind and sunny.

I fixed some Thai stir fry rice noodles with carrots, onions, red pepper, and pork for lunch. Very good. We topped that with an ice cream sandwich. Our dining entertainment was watching our neighbors try to stuff their large 5th wheel trailer into a site about 3 feet too short. Their friends have been in adjacent camps since before we arrived. They are all from Quebec so we couldn't really tell if they were cussing or not. It's all French to us. They did get it mostly in, eventually. Better than a reality TV show!

The meal caused a need for a nap or an energy drink or as I decided, both. i then worked at the computer the rest of the evening. Lou continued preparing some doll parts to fire in the morning and then some sewing.

Monday: (03/02) We got up about 7am and Lou got out her kiln and fired up the generator to fire the dolls. The firing only takes about 30 minutes after which we ran the generator another 20 minutes to put some juice back in the batteries. It will be cloudy this afternoon per the weather report so we knocked to top off our discharged batteries so that what solar power we get today will finish the job. We left it with about 60 amperehours of discharge which turned out to be just right. as the batteries were almost fully recharged when we returned home in the afternoon.

About 8:30 we were off to Las Vegas for the day. We went by the Sunset Station for breakfast. I had their $5 eggs, bacon and sausage with all you can eat pancakes. Lou had their $5 steak and eggs with hashbrowns and toast. Not additiona pancakes needed but nice cheap and excellent breakfasts. We then went hunting for an air compressor for the car. After the flat tire again day before yesterday, the second time it's happened due to loose PressurePro sensor caps, we'll keep an air compressor in the car and the RV at all times. The existing roving compressor will not be counted upon. WalMart had a couple of little compressors but the best seemed to be the cheapest, $10 compressor. it won't take up much room and can remain in the tool compartment in the car. Likewise one will remain in the RV tool compartment. But first we needed to find two good ones. The first store by Sunset Station only had two that looked like they were kicked to the store. We went by another WalMart's and found two good ones. $10 each. Definitely not worth another wait for the tow truck.
With the primary mission accomplished, we filled our drinking water bottles and got a few groceries as will as a visit to Joann's for some thread and sewing machine needles. we also noticed that gas prices had dropped a nickle so we filled up, that and the fact the gas tank was nearing empty.

We returned home and the sky was fully overcast and it was quite warm. I fixed some spagetti while Lou fixed some Mandarin orange and shredded broccoli slaw. All quite good, especially the slaw.


We took a walk around the camp and watched the vultures, 13 of them hanging around the same tree they seem to visit each evening. After dark we also heard something we haven't heard here before, and it was only near our RV, nowhere else in the camp, cicada bug(s).