Last days of Yuma and first of Quartzite

January 30 - February 1 (Tuesday to Thursday)

It had been mid-October when I last had the oil changed in the truck. The Oil Life reading was down to 17% (and about 5500 miles/9000 KM) and that meant it was due to be changed before we started some significant driving through February and March. I phoned the Chevrolet dealership a week or so ago knowing they had a drive through oil change bay. I called to get an appointment to avoid a long wait at the drive-through. I was surprised to hear the gal tell me they were taking oil change reservations two weeks out! For an oil change! Nope, I wasn't going to do that and besides we were leaving Yuma on Thursday. So I decided to give one of the fast lube places a try. There was one down the street from us and I was pleasantly surprised. There were three guys working on the truck. They vacuumed the floor mats, topped up all fluids. Used Mobil 15W-40 oil and were done in about 20 minutes. I even got a free car wash coupon. Al for $90 USD. I didn't think that was too bad. Mind you I was still eligible for free oil changes under the two year 40,000Km  deal from GM…..but to wait two weeks for an oil change just wasn't going to work.

So with fresh oil we headed out to Imperial Dates to pick up a fresh batch of dates and a couple of their date loaves. One last look at the vegetable harvest and then back home. We managed to get a decent sunset tonight (Tuesday).

Wednesday I headed next door to Ameri-Gas propane to top off the tanks. One of the 30 pounders was just about dry and the 20 pound barbeque tank was about half. With heading to the desert and reliant on propane I wanted to be sure we had plenty. Interesting the difference in filling technique between Canada and the US. In Canada they dutifully check for expiry dates and carefully weigh the tank then only put in the correct amount of propane (I think it is filled to 80%). At Ameri-gas, the guy didn't check any dated, he opened up the overflow valve and filed the tank until it started to spit propane out the overflow. The tanks were FULL to say the least.

With that chore done we headed over to a farmers market that had dried gourds for sale. I bought one a week ago and wanted to buy a couple more. They are hard to find and it may be my last chance before we go home. We ended up buy about six for $20 which is pretty reasonable. I'll work on burning some designs into them at some point.

It was a full moon tonight and I tried to redeem myself for missing the Blood Moon (the eclipse) by trying to get some pictures of it rising. It was beautiful and the pictures don't do it justice.

Moonrise over the Gila Mountains east of Yuma.

In all her glory

Thursday we pulled up stakes and headed down the road to Quartzite. We had spent two months in Yuma and we left with mixed feelings. We had settled in and really enjoyed out time in Yuma, but at the same time we really wanted to head somewhere new and some new adventures.

We arrived at Quartzite about noon and found a decent spot. Many less RV's here now than were here a week or so ago for the 'big show'. We are here at LaPosa South for two weeks (14 days is $40). Lots to see in the area and we have quite a list. At the same time our first evening here was so relaxing we better plan on spending some days or partial days just absorbing the peace and quiet of the desert.

Our 'home dirt' for a couple of weeks.

Hmmm, I think I recognize some of the rigs behind us.

....and the one down the road. Thousands of acres to choose from and you park next to folks you know.

For our first night we were treated to a wonderful sunset, and an equally impressive moonrise. Thanks for the welcome!

…….and that was Our View From Here!