Quartzfest 2012

Here we are again in the middle of the desert at the annual gathering of Hams south of Quartzsite, AZ.

We finally got away from Mesa on Saturday morning. Normally we are here on Tuesday or Wednesday and have our choice of parking places. This year we had to take what we could get, so this year we are in the 3rd row of handicapped parking instead of the front row.

We were delayed waiting on a new power chair, which came in a week or so ago, but the cushion came in wrong size two times and the correct one did not come until Friday afternoon. We did not want to leave until we had everything as it would be some time before we would be back in the area.

The hamfest is going well, doing a little bit of work, other than what comes on the fax, but parking is all free except what fuel we burn running the generator. When the sun is out it is plenty warm, so we use the 1000w Honda, which powers most everything except the electric heaters and the microwave. It uses about 3/4 gallon of fuel a day. It also powers the engraver and vacuum when needed, so all works well.


Gordon West, WB6NOA is always here, last year he had to leave early due to Forrest fires near his home and he heads up a rescue group and was needed back home. This year he will be here all week, if all goes well back in CA.

We have not been given a count on the number of units here, but it is much larger than last year when there was over 200 registered hams.

Our photos are of some of the units and antennas. Gordon West travels in his van conversion which is parked close to the headquarters trailer/california room. In the distance you can see the multitude of units parked in the desert. This is looking north towards I10 which is about 7 miles away. There are literally thousands of RV's parked everywhere in this area.

The big RV tent is set up with lots of vendors as well as many dealers selling new and pre-owned units. Nothing is "used" these days, all pre-owned, if that makes a difference. Either way, they are not new. The following week will be the Rock & Gem show that will take over the area. Many of the RV's that are here are for both shows, of maybe just spending the winter. You can get a permit for $180.00 good from September to April for camping on BLM property, so a good deal if you like to boon dock that long, or even shorter period of time. It is good for any BLM area in the country.