Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Making Connections

 Long day yesterday, but I slept okay last night.  Woke up this morning and I didn't see Saddleback Mountain but instead it was Q Mountain staring into my bedroom window.

City life

Q Mountain
In all the years coming to Quartzsite, it was always for the big RV event and then out of here.  Kind of nice to be parked right on Main Street in a free parking lot.  Lots of activity going on in this little town.

Took Yuma for a walk and stumbled onto the Hi Jolly Cemetery.  I knew it was here in Quartzsite, but never knew where it was.  Hi Jolly was an Ottoman subject of Syrian and Greek parentage, and in 1856 became one of the first camel drivers ever hired by the US Army to lead the camel driver experiment in the Southwest. Hi Jolly became a living legend until his death in Arizona.  You can do a Google search to learn more.  It is a fairly large and well kept cemetery named in his memory.








After our short walk, I started thinking of what I should do about the White Lion's future.  This is the list of the great ideas going through my head:

  • Call the junk man and take whatever is offered and skip town.
  • Buy 5 acres of desert land with pretty mountain views and have it towed there.
  • Rent an RV lot that is fairly spacious and have it towed there.
  • Do what I did last year and have it towed to Kay's home in Mesa, Arizona and try again to have it fixed over the summer.
I bounced from one to the other.  Actually, went online and found a nice 5 acre piece of desert land near Salome, Arizona.  It is about 35 minutes from here to the east.  We stopped at Don's Cactus Bar for lunch last Friday, and I really like the beauty of that area.  Then reality set in.  I can't leave the WL in them middle of the desert vacant for 6-7 months of the year.  

As for the RV lot, it would have protection while I'm gone, but I can't get myself to want to live in a park with crowds of people, so that is out.  Plus, I hate to say it, the WL, being over 10 years old and with a few dents would not measure up to the standards of any nice RV Park.  Hope the White Lion doesn't read this.  I will be walking home for sure.

The junk man is a last resort.  I think I would rather give it to someone to live in that needs a home rather than have it gutted for its useful parts.

Kay reads my blog daily and as soon as she read my predicament, she called offering a helping hand as last year.  We talked at length today and texted back and forth.  I won't get into the details, but it sounds like this may work even better the second time around.  I did get 5 months of winter boondocking, so I can't complain about my decision last year.

This time we know, the WL needs major surgery and we have someone that could do this over the summer months.  Plus, if it is determined the cost is prohibitive, I can just stop and make another decision.

I spent a lot of today trying to get a commitment out of State Farm as to how much of the towing bill would be covered by them, so I go into this knowing my towing costs.  Should know tomorrow.  My agent is in a convention and couldn't get back to me today.

I was so happy when the Desert Gang, Deb and Riley, On a long and lonesome highway...., and Tom and Deb, Celebrating the Dance , stopped by and asked me to go to lunch with them.  I certainly needed the break as I was wound up pretty good.

Now you have it.  I'm too old for this brain strain, but it must be done.  I may just buy a Lotto ticket and then buy a brand new motorhome with my winnings to drive home in.😁
Saw this beautiful vacant southern mansion on one of my walks today with Yuma.  Just maybe!
Thanks for stopping by.

25 comments:





  1. It sounds like you did a lot of thinking today and actually got a lot done. I wish we could help but I know this area isn't what you need. I like the direction you seem to be taking. Praying....

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    1. Thanks Elva. Just pushing decisions on down the line. More I know, better the result. Would like to take a peek in the engine before throwing in the towel.

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  2. Only you can make your decision that is the right one for you. Seems like you are sorting thru the options in a relaxed and realistic manner.
    Have you ever enjoyed the Winer's Honkytonk Piano music in Quartzite? I'll offer Celia's Garden as another walk you an Yuma.
    We're all wishing ou and Yuma the best!

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    1. No, but sounds like my friends just might. Thanks for the tip.

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  3. Always wondered about that place, spotted it last year while driving around town.

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    1. Let me know what you think. Tom and Deb are interested too.

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  4. Your attitude is right on. No rush. You have options.

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    1. Thanks Gaelyn. No reason to make final decisions yet.

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  5. Nice you get a chance to explore a bit more of Quartzsite. Celia Garden is interesting. Need attention but still nice to see.
    A day of thinking for sure, you have time.

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    1. Thanks, Patsy. When you look deeper into Quartzsite, you can see the town is struggling. Too bad.

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  6. I still say the WL is NOT ready for retirement. It doesn't want the cold, and it doesn't want to stop the winter boondocking, so the only way WL gets its way is to make you take it back to its summer spot, my place! The gate is open and Buddy was told Yuma would be arriving tomorrow, he wagged his tail. I take it that was a good sign the boys will be exploring all the corners and the fence line too. Hang in there Doug, as you told me last fall... life will get better and happiness will come in due time. Now, I am giving you the same line back! Hang in there... good times are coming. See you tomorrow.

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    1. Thanks, Kay. Hopefully, the second time around is the charm.

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  7. Thank goodness for Kay! Such a kind and generous woman. Hopefully, you'll find out something over the summer months - one way or another. Only time will tell.

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    1. Yes, if it wasn't for Kay, things would have ended last year, but we're still hanging on.

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  8. Well two things I'm sure of one, you'll make the right decision for you and the White Lion. Two, the White Lion won't read your blog. 😂

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  9. It was good to see you, I think we all enjoyed the time. The decision is yours to make and only you know which one is right. Good luck!

    Deb

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  10. I KNOW you have an "in" with State Farm!! Sounds like a good plan to me, especially if you have someone who can work on it. It's a challenge, right? This time maybe you don't have to haul everything back to Illinois. I'm rooting for you!

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    1. There's no "n" in State Farm. You are right. I plan to leave most everything here. No trailer this time.

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  11. Just a far off thought. If you have to tow it to Phoenix, inquire about a low boy used for moving heavy construction equipment, it might be less than a $250K tow truck, and they can get a back haul maybe. A truck broker might be able to help. You have the time to shop around. Phil

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    1. Maybe next time I tow it, it will be all the way to Illinois. Thanks for the thought.

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  12. Kristienne GibbonsMarch 1, 2023 at 9:25 PM

    The WL will come thru for you! I like the 5 acres idea ❤️

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    1. Thanks for the confidence boost, Kristi ❤️. I have another great idea. Evan comes out and fixes the WL for me. 😀

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