Bill and I had decided we wanted to see some of the stuff to see around Quartzsite. We hadn’t done a lot of that our first week here b/c we were so busy visiting with friends and they had all already seen most of the area. Since it was Gene & Eileen’s first time and also Berts, we figured (correctly) that they would also like to see some sights!
Our first adventure was taking Gene & Eileen to Mexico. We had been twice already, but enjoyed it a lot, so another trip was not a problem at all. They wanted to go to the dentist, so our first stop was Prestige Dental, which is where Tracy & Lee went. They had a good experience, said it was one of the best cleanings they’ve ever had! And they loved the $25 p/person price! Gene also had a crown recemented! He was happy not to need a new one!
After the dentist, we walked around some so they could see some of the shops and just experience Los Algodones. We also HAD to stop at Purple Liquors! Bill and I brought back more tequila, while Gene & Eileen got themselves some vodka and Kahlua. Can’t beat the prices! We also stopped for lunch at the same place we ate at near the border crossing, Pueblo Viejo. After our delish lunch, we got on the VERY long line to go home. We were surprised at how long the line was, but thankfully it moved quickly and in about 45 mins, we were on the road heading back to Q.
Another day we went out to Palm Canyon to see the palm trees that grow in the side of the canyon wall. It was a fairly easy trail out to see the Palm Trees – very cool!
We also visited Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Our friends had gone there back in January and saw a lot of different birds and took some great pics, but sadly, all but the ducks had moved on. We walked the trail and saw evidence of other wildlife, deer and probably raccoon tracks, and poop, but no animals. We were on our way driving out when Bill spotted the highlight of the day – Burrowing Owls! Gene stopped the car and slowly backed up so we could see and Eileen snapped a few pics. The refuge has built them these really cool “alternate” homes, made from flexible piping and 5 gallon buckets. The owl homes were created in this area for them b/c they were moved from someplace else to the refuge. Anyway, the Owls were just hanging out and didn’t seem bothered by us at all. On the way out – we stopped at the visitor center, which had been closed for lunch when we arrived. That’s when we learned, from the very young ranger, that the migratory birds had left and that’s why we couldn’t find them. Oh well! It was a nice day and we enjoyed the walk and time together.
On the way home from Cibola, we were all hungry so we decided to stop for pizza at Silly Al’s. We split a large pie, half meat lovers/half Mediterranean. YUMMY! And the company couldn’t be beat!
I didn’t get any pics, but one evening, we had dinner at Gene & Eileen’s. Yummy ravioli, salad and left-over chocolate lava cake!
Bill thought it would be fun to have a movie under the stars again – it was such a hit in Yuma and other times we’ve done it! We watched American Sniper, which some had seen already, but not me. Loved it – until the last minute – what an ending! No spoilers, but be ready for the unexpected!
Bill and I decided we needed a day to ourselves and found our way to Lake Havasu City one afternoon. I had heard about it and wanted to check it out. The drive was nice, with great views! Of course, we saw the famous London Bridge, which is a bridge that was originally in London, England, but was bought and taken apart and shipped to Lake Havasu, where it was put back together. I guess it is now Lake Havasu City’s claim to fame. We had lunch at the #1 spot in town (according to trusty TripAdvisor), Barley Brothers Brewery. We had a great lunch overlooking the bridge and Bill came prepared with his growler, which he filled with one of their IPA’s.
Our last full day in Q – we all decided to head to the locally famous Desert Bar – Nellies Saloon. Having heard about the road out to it – we volunteered to drive. The drive to the turn-off isn’t bad, but the last 5 miles out to the actual location of the bar is pretty rough – maybe I should say VERY rough! It was a very unique place once we got there! Totally solar powered! They have a bar with limited drinks (Bill was not excited about the Bud, Bud Light or Coors Light). The burgers we ate were good and the garlic fries were very good! They had a live band that was playing really great tunes! It was an awesome way to spend our last day!
This place was one of the most unique we’ve been to so far and worth going to once. My friend, Tracy, likes to talk about going out to eat from the perspective of just getting fuel b/c you are hungry vs having an experience, and this place falls into the latter category for sure!
Later that night, the wind had died down enough to have a fire. Bill had found some dead tree branches and they burned long and hot!
We were up, packed up and dumping our tanks by about 10am. You will have to wait til next time to hear about TwentyNine Palms, CA!
fUn times for sure❤️
very fun times indeed!
Looks like you guys have been busy. You found our favourite watering hole in Havasu. Safe travels!
Bill LOVED their IPA! Safe travels to you as well!
Kelly I love the post and the pictures. The London Bridge site looks beautiful. Looked like a great day together. I have to ask about Mexico. I assume you can’t drive in you have to park and walk in? I had read in Tracy’s post about the dentist and eye doctor. My question is does the dentist seem like a clean place? The cost sounds great and I know you said the other people said it was a great cleaning. Great information for when we hit the road. As always, thanks for the information. You know it makes my day to read your story. 🙂
Lake Havasu was very pretty, I guess in part b/c of the water.
Re Mexico: Yes, you park on the USA side of the border and walk over. You can take your car, but there really isn’t a reason. I didn’t go into the back area of the dentist office, but the waiting area and the bathroom attached to it were both clean and looked good. The optical place was also clean and while they didn’t have the latest equipment, my new glasses are good.
Thanks again for reading, I love that you are finding the info I share helpful!
Great article and pictures! I’m with Bill the Desert Bar should have had better beer and more locations to purchase it. Sitting in the dentist chair I felt everything was sterile. I think you caught the essence of our time in Q. The only thing I would add is how beautiful the night sky is.
You are so right Gene! The night sky is amazing – the sunsets are spectacular! What makes the whole thing the BEST is sharing the time with good friends!