January 2002

On 6 Jan took 2 day bus trip 45 each to AVI casino in desert, buffet and night in hotel, could not believe room was great, bathroom was bigger than our van, next morning bus took us to Colorado Belle Laughlin and another buffet, then 48m back to Quartzsite. Excellent value, as we are non-gamblers.

On 8 Jan we set off again. By now street was busy, we only went 8 miles south into desert. On this BLM land 14 days is allowed free camping, but not having generator or sun panel 3 days is all we can do. 105 miles south we stayed in desert on BLM and walked over border into Algadonis Mexico for us one trip was enough, though dentistry, opticians and prescription medicines are 1/4 price for USA and Canadians. Lots of cheap "tat" on sale.

On 12 January decided to have a week's "holiday" so booked into Sunisands Resort RV camping, about $90 for week. Swim pool and jaccuzi card games and bingo. I enjoyed playing scrabble every day with 2 women.

Met some nice people and enjoyed break, but on 19th Jan were pleased to be in desert again. Desert is different in different areas, cactus, sand dunes, rocks, mountains, and beautiful sunsets.

On 21st Jan we crossed into California and up to Nyland. Slab City it is where hippy type goes. Free parking. Nothing much there, though one man has painted "Saviour Mountain", a public church. Had heard of it, pleased we saw it.

23rd January, we went onto state park camping $12 Good value and beautiful setting Salton Sea. Pelicans and lots of sea birds. Pleasant sun, but cool at night.

25 Jan, returned to Quartzsite like coming home, though place was much busier. Balloon and hang gliders more like a fair in January.

After 2 nights on BLM land we paid $5 on site behind post office, water, could have had electrics. Pleasant to sit around camp fire talking to locals.

29 Jan back to Havasu city. Had arranged for mail to be sent to Peggy's, had service to van.