Strolling Amok

Pops goes on tour.

Archive for the tag “Quartzsite AZ”

25 Dec 2014
7 Comments

A Rail De La Sand

Strapped in and ready to make noise, Delmont is signaling either "Go for it!" or "Call me!" I'm not up on such things.

Strapped in and ready to make noise, Delmont is signaling either “Go for it!” or “Call me!” I’m not up on such things.

I was recently given a very special opportunity in the form of what’s called a sand rail, and I took it! Delmont Day, a long-time Strolling Amok reader (“Papa”), invited me to tour the BLM land around Quartzsite with him. Long a fan of all things Volkswagen, Delmont had picked up his sand rail last Fall in order to be able to enjoy the extensive off-road opportunities in the Quartzsite, Arizona area.

The start of the run was the deep sand track I tackled on my e-bike, but the rail's big tires made it float over easily.

The start of the run was the deep sand track I tackled on my e-bike, but the rail’s big tires made it float over easily.

And what a sand rail it is! Sand rails are similar to what most folks would call dune buggies, but they have the familiar shortened VW Bug floorpan/chassis replaced with a Read more…

Posted in Daily Life, Tourista! and tagged , , ,
21 Dec 2014
7 Comments

Unique Fixer-Uppers

Located right along the main drag in Quartzsite, one suspects this is of some historic value. Left unmarked, it is merely part of a large lot for sale.

Located right along the main drag in Quartzsite, one suspects this is of some historic value. Left unmarked, it is merely part of a large lot for sale.

Along the same street is what's left of The Camel Stop Auto Repair, and old service station. And it's for sale!

Along the same street is what’s left of The Camel Stop Auto Repair, and old service station. And it’s for sale!

But look a little closer and you can see all the signs that the building is leaning heavily to the left, and that the facade was the only part worth saving. Was.

But look a little closer and you can see all the signs that the building is leaning heavily to the left, and that the facade was the only part worth saving. Was.

The building next to it is presumably part of the same listing, and is in better shape.

The building next to it is presumably part of the same listing, and is in better shape. Maybe.

And just for a change of pace, this is neither real estate nor for sale. It's just one of my barber's motorcycles. A lifelong motorcycle rider, she hales from Rockford, Illinois and moved to this area early. So, she doesn't mind the summer heat, and puts on a light jacket when it's 70 degrees.

And just for a change of pace, this is neither real estate nor for sale. It’s just one of my barber’s motorcycles. A lifelong motorcycle rider, she hales from Rockford, Illinois and moved to this area early. So, she doesn’t mind the summer heat, and puts on a light jacket when it’s 70 degrees. This ’57 Harley was her father’s.

Posted in Tourista! and tagged ,
06 Nov 2014
7 Comments

Parker to Quartzsite

A rest stop on 95, alongside the Pahranagat National Wildlife Reserve.

A rest stop on 95, alongside the Pahranagat National Wildlife Reserve.

I made it to Quartzsite, Arizona from Wendover, Utah. The photo above is what was missing from an earlier post about Pahranagat, but I figured it was worth posting now since most roadside rest stops are flat, denuded affairs that have no charm. This one has very usable picnic tables, shade trees, decent views, and a break from winds.

Wendover to Parker was originally scheduled to be four short days of driving, but the first day had to be doubled because of the combination of high altitude and a cold front about to move into it. It was a good thing that the Pahranagat rest stop was available then, because sunset was approaching and Pahranagat’s Upper Lake camping area was chock full. This compound is very nice, but its designated sites are very limited in number with specific vehicle types in mind, and the now-55′ Defiant could wedge into only one or possibly two of the choices anyway. Those with much less majestic rigs will fair better but, given Pahranagat’s popularity, I’m told it’s best to arrive before 4 PM to avoid disappointment. I suggest 3 PM if staying there is important to you. A 14-day facility, I would imagine that Read more…

Posted in Campsites, Travelin' Man and tagged , ,

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