The SWBB "ANNUAL BLUEBIRD QUARTZSITE RALLY" Homepage | SOUTHWEST BLUEBIRDS and friends | Phil Corpus

2009 Q RALLY ATTENDEES

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 14:52:01 -0700

THIS IS A LIST OF THOSE WHO PLAN TO ATTEND THE 2009 ANNUAL QUARTZSITE RALLY.

This list is current through the date and time at the bottom of this page.

IF YOUR NAME IS NOT ON THIS LIST, OR YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Corrections, additions, deletions? Click on this <LINK>, or go to the <EMAIL PAGE> and let me know.

ARNOLD ED PENNY

CORPUS PHIL CHRISTINA

MacDONALD BRETT DONNA

ROBINSON ROB SUE

SPRENGER CURT BETTY

THOMPSON DAVID JANET

2008: THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:19:05 -0800

Our 2008 ANNUAL BLUEBIRD QUARTZSITE RALLY is now a part of history.

Traditionally, "SOUTHWEST BLUEBIRDS and friends" rallies are three-day, weekend affairs. After the 2007 'Q' Rally, Curt and I began planning for another three-day weekend rally in 2008.

We began receiving sign ups from people all over the country, including as far away as New Hampshire; several from Canada; and one who joined us from his summer nest in Mexico. This past November and December, when I asked for and received ETA's, it became apparent that our three-day rally had become a week long event -- almost half the total attendees were arriving by Sunday, January 20, a week before our scheduled three-day event. As a result, Curt and I both arrived on Friday, January 18.

By the time of our 'Main Event' weekend, we had a total of 57 units, including 50 Bluebird built motorhomes. Jim and Denise Benson's 74FC31, and Ross MacKillop's 06LXi450, represented the age range of BB coaches parked in the nest.

This year's rally not only brought together a great bunch of people, but also included visits by several RV related companies that shared some technical expertise, and several members who volunteered to organize and conduct various activities during the rally.

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On the technical side --

Complete Coach Works sent its Service Manager, Jason Reiter and a crew of service personnel to do minor repairs, and consult with coach owners about those nagging little (and maybe not so little) problems we all have on our coaches. They also brought a selection of parts to distribute.

CCW's participation was a learning experience for Jason and his crew, and for rally attendees. Jason's people got some hands on experience with different 'birds that will help them in the future as they see more BB's in their shop. They were quite impressed with the solid construction of our machines, and somewhat in awe of the complexity of them (as we all are).

Also, on the technical side, Peter Schuck, President of SMI Manufacturing and Robert Henderson, of Henderson Line Up visited. Peter discussed SMI's Air Force One auxiliary brake system for towed vehicles; and Robert discussed brake and suspension issues.

These were 'last minute' additions to our usually informal rally event schedule. In the future, we'll work on planning, and including, activities like them further in advance to give rally attendees a better opportunity to participate.

Thanks to Jason, Peter, and Robert for taking the time to join us. We look forward to seeing you in the future.

I'm sure Macy played a role in assuring Jason had the support he needed to bring his crew to Quartzsite. A BIG thanks to Macy, also.

And, thanks to Stephen Birtles, who send some giveaway items -- Treatzall Holding Tank Treatment, holding tank dump valves, and paddles. These items were handed out free to several attendees.

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On the volunteer side --

Rick Archie, led the Texas Convoy to Quartzsite, and acted as our 'parking sherpa' this year, measuring and laying out the parking in our nest.

Rick and his wife, Rosie, also organized several of the week's other activities, including the men's and women's tech-talks; margarita night; wine tasting night; a coach tour session; and led an excursion into town for first timers to Quartzsite.

Shane Fedeli, traveled from Hershey, PA with his smoker and 90 pounds of brisket. For two days, he prepared a mouth watering treat served to rally attendees at the "BYOB, and Bring Your Best Hearty Hors D'oeuvres to Share Social" on Friday night. He also made some of the best BBQ sauce you will ever taste.

Adrienne Bodhaine (Barrett), organized a Silent Gift Basket Auction. Gift baskets provided by attendees were auctioned, with the winning bid being donated to the winning bidder's favorite charity or organization. Word spread about Dick and Joyce Hayden's son, Brian, who is fighting cancer. Those who heard about it, chose to direct their winning bid amounts to be paid to Brian.

Kent Barrett, organized a Chili Cook-off contest. There were half a dozen entries. The winner, Marvin Kemel, won bragging rights.

Ron Marabito, organized, and led, a convoy of four wheelers into the desert to explore some of the out of the way areas of the Arizona desert, and an abandoned mine shaft.

Thanks to Don Bradner ("Blue Thunder") for providing WiFi access to our bird's nest.

Thanks to Tony Eng who made the SOB buttons that were given to our SOB friends. Tony is a friend of Rob Robinson and planned to attend the rally. However, he got ill and had to cancel for this year. Rob informed me that Tony plans to attend next year.

Thanks to Monte Haberman, and his son, Derek, for helping bring Jason and the CCW crew to the rally; and to Tom McCarthy for helping bring SMI Manufacturing and Henderson Line Up to share their technical expertise.

Thanks to all rally attendees who prepared their special dishes to share during our Friday and Saturday evening "BYOB, and Bring Your Best Hearty Hors D'oeuvres to Share Socials". These socials are regular highlights of all our rallies because they bring everyone together to share food and to socialize.

We also want to thank those attendees who conducted impromptu events that added to the rally's fun and success -- such as Dale and Carol Blemel's peach pancake and REAL maple syrup breakfast around the morning campfire; and Jim and Linda Marsh's rainy Sunday morning pancake, eggs, bacon, and sausage breakfast under their awning.

Of course, we can't forget those who participated in, and prepared their chili for the Chili Cook-off. Like the Bluebird coach, there are no two alike.

Nor can we forget all who donated a gift basket for the Silent Auction. You made Adrienne very happy.

And thanks to all who opened their coaches for the "Coach Tour Event". This is a great way to share ideas and learn. I'm planning some modifications in my coach and saw what they will look like in Shane's coach.

Finally, I believe I speak for Dick and Joyce Hayden when I express a heart felt "THANK YOU" to all who chose to have their winning bids donated to their son, Brian, who is battling cancer. This was a spur of the moment happening and not all winning bidders knew about it, but close to $1000.00 is on its way to Brian.

PLEASE READ DICK AND JOYCE'S THANK YOU MESSAGE BY CLICKING ON THE THE BLUE "THANK YOU FROM DICK & JOYCE HAYDEN" TOPIC AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

Thanks to each of you for your volunteer efforts in helping make this rally a success. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by Curt and myself.

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CURT AND I THANK EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THE RALLY FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT. WE ENJOYED STEPPING BACK AND WATCHING EVERYONE HAVING FUN.

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We look forward to seeing all of you back next year doing the same thing :-) .

Phil & Curt

SIGN UP FOR THE 2009 SWBB "ANNUAL BLUEBIRD QUARTZSITE RALLY" HERE

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 12:55:00 -0700

2008 AERIAL CD INFORMATION

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 18:29:02 -0700

PHOTO SHOOT UPDATE:

The 2008 aerial photo shoot was done and there are some fantastic photos.

The cost for a souvenir copy of the aerial photo CD is $15.00 each, including packaging and postage.

Whether or not you attended the rally, if you want to buy a copy of the aerial photo CD, please use the form to the right to place your order.

If you are a registered member of our group, you received an email that contains my mailing address where you can send your check. You can speed the process up a bit by hitting the 'Reply' button on the email message to place your order.

FRESH WATER RESUPPLY and HOLDING TANK DUMPS

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:21:20 -0700

In La Posa South, there is a dump site on the main road into the camping area. Fresh water is available at the location, also. Both are included with your BLM camping fee and is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

TIP: - - plan on dumping and resupply in the late afternoon to avoid the morning lineup.

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"HONEY WAGON" SERVICE: Information regarding this service will be posted here, later, if I can arrange it.

2009 and Beyond Quartzsite Show Schedule

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:44:45 -0700

http://www.quartzsitervshow.com/future_dates.htm

Lists the Quartzsite show dates in 2009 and beyond.

SWBB's Annual Quartzsite Rally will be held during the weeks that the "RV Show and Main Event" is scheduled.

EARLY 'Q' ARRIVALS--Please Read!!

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 07:51:13 -0700

EARLY 'Q' RALLY ARRIVALS:

If you are arriving early in Quartzsite, and choose to camp in LaPosa South, call or send us a report of any good locations you see, and how crowded it is.

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.

HOW TO LOCATE OUR NESTING AREA

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:52:16 -0700

There are two offramps in Quartzsite -- one west of US95 (Quartzsite Blvd/Ave.24E), and one east of US95 (Riggles Ave./E Main St.-Bus10) . There is NO offramp at US95.

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THIS LINK WILL TAKE YOU TO THE MAPQUEST PAGE OF THE QUARTZSITE AREA.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adpsearchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popfla=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=&city=quartzsite+&state=az&zipcode=#east

USE THE ZOOM CONTROL IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER TO ZOOM INTO STREET LEVEL.

SWITCH TO AERIAL VIEW TO SEE SATELLITE IMAGES OF THE AREA.

USE THE COMPASS SCROLL ARROWS IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER TO MOVE THE VIEW EAST/WEST/NORTH/SOUTH. Center US95 on the screen and scroll south to find LaPosa South.

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Because there is heavy traffic in the area of the Main Event/RV Show, it is suggested you avoid using the Quartzsite Blvd./East 24th St. exit. Instead, follow these directions to access US-95 South, and our proposed nesting area in LaPosa South:

EASTBOUND I-10 FROM CALIFORNIA: Travel through Quartzsite to the Riggles Ave./E Main St. (Exit 19) offramp. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Riggles Ave. Proceed to Kuehn St. Turn right onto Kuehn St. and proceed to the intersection of Kuehn and US-95/S. Central Blvd. Turn left onto US-95 and proceed south about 4 miles to the LaPosa South entrance. Turn left into the LaPosa South LTVA. Stop at the ranger kiosk to pay your fees.

WESTBOUND I-10 FROM PHOENIX and POINTS EAST OF QUARTZSITE: Exit at Riggles Ave./E Main St./Bus-10 (Exit 19) offramp. Turn left at end of ramp, over the freeway to Kuehn St. Turn right onto Kuehn St. and proceed to US-95/S. Central Blvd. Turn left onto US-95 and proceed to LaPosa South.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, or as an alternate Southern Orange County route: Take I-8 East to Yuma, AZ. Take the Fortuna Rd. (Exit 12) offramp. Turn left at end of ramp and proceed to US-95 North. Turn right and proceed to Quartzsite. Watch for the signs directing you into LaPosa South and turn right into the entrance.

ALTERNATE ROUTE IF YOU ARE TRAVELING WEST I-10 from points east: After passing through Tucson, transition to the I-8 West (Exit 199) and proceed west on I-8 to Fortuna Rd (Exit 12) in Yuma, AZ. Turn right at end of the ramp onto Fortuna Rd. to US-95. Turn right onto US-95 and proceed to Quartzsite. This route avoids the metropolitan Phoenix area of the I-10 (lots of traffic).

IF YOU ARE TRAVELING IN ON US-95 FROM THE YUMA, AZ AREA, BE SURE TO WATCH FOR THE LAPOSA SOUTH LTVA ENTRANCE!! If you miss the entrance, turning around will be difficult.

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If you have a GPS unit, here are the approximate coordinates for our 2008 nesting area:

N 33 degrees 36.696'

W 114 degrees 11.992'

These are coordinates reported by my cell phone as I stood in the middle of our nesting area, and are accurate within 15 feet.

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We have some early 'birders arriving in Quartzsite during the week prior to the launch of the Main Event. I'll be asking them to make some preliminary scouting reports to me, and will pass further information on to you via email and the website. Stay tuned.

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If anyone attending our rally arrives earlier, and can do some scouting for us, let us know. Your help will be appreciated.

I'll post the chosen location on this page along with directions, GPS coordinates, etc.

I will also be providing our cell phone numbers to those who are attending. If you are definitely attending the rally, please let me know so I can include your email address on my list.

At the nesting spot, Christina and I will have our Stars and Stripes flying along with our SWBB group flag, and a Bluebird logo flag. The Bluebird flag is white with the Bluebird logo. Your copilot should be able to spot it with binoculars.

FEES

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:49:23 -0700

BLM fees for 2008 were $40.00 for a 14 day, short term camping permit.

A seven month, long term permit was $180.00. IF THESE FEES CHANGE FOR 2009, I'LL POST THEM HERE.

Fees are payable in cash, or by check drawn on a US bank. No credit cards are accepted. IF PAYING BY CASH, HAVE EXACT AMOUNT, AS NO CHANGE IF GIVEN!

Fees are paid at the BLM kiosks located at the entrances to the camping areas. More information will be posted later.

The fee includes one RV and one towed vehicle.

If we choose a nesting area in one of the BLM free areas, there is no permit fee to pay. However, dump stations and fresh water supply are NOT available in the free areas.

If we nest at LaPosa South, your fee will allow you to park your towed vehicle in LaPosa North, close to the RV Show and vendor areas. It is then a very short walk to the vendor area. Those with all wheel drive can drive up the washes to the vendor area.

WHAT TO BRING and PLANNING YOUR STAY

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:54:19 -0700

FIREWOOD TO SHARE: As we did at our last rally, all attendees are asked to bring at least two bundles of firewood, like those purchased at supermarkets, etc., so we can build a bonfire during the Friday and Saturday socials. If someone has access to a truckload of firewood, let us know.

YOU WILL BE BOONDOCKING: Arrive with full propane and fresh water tanks; and empty gray and black tanks. Be sure to have adequate diesel fuel for generator use. You'll use your generator primarily to recharge your batteries. If we are nested in LaPosa South, there is a dump station and fresh water resupply area available.

CLOTHING: You will be camping in the desert. During January, the days can be very sunny, warm and/or windy; cloudy; and thunderstorms are possible. Nights can be warm or very cool. Come prepared with shorts, tees, jackets, and sweats.

HIKING or RIDING IN THE DESERT: If you plan to do any hiking or riding in the desert, come prepared with a backpack to carry adequate water and food, a first aid kit that includes a snake bite kit, hiking shoes, and some warm clothing in case there is a weather change.

FEES: (I'll update this later in the year when I have final confirmation of BLM fees)

Fees are payable in cash, or by check drawn on a US bank. No credit cards are accepted. IF PAYING BY CASH, HAVE EXACT AMOUNT, AS NO CHANGE IF GIVEN!

Fees are paid at the BLM kiosks located at the entrances to the camping areas. More information will be posted later.

The fee includes one RV and one towed vehicle.

If we choose a nesting area in one of the BLM free areas, there is no permit fee to pay. However, there are no dump stations and fresh water supply available in the free areas.

DRIVING TO THE VENDOR/SHOW AREAS: Traffic is heavy on the highway, and in the vendor/Big Tent area. If we nest in LaPosa South, your fee will allow you to park your towed vehicle in LaPosa North, close to the RV Show and vendor areas. It is then a very short walk to the vendor area. Those with all wheel drive can drive up the washes to the vendor area.

LINK TO THE 2008 QUARTZSITE SHOW SCHEDULE:

http://www.rvtravel.com/blog/quartzsite/2007/03/next-show-season-schedule-already-in.html

Lists the various events and shows in Quartzsite, November 1, 2007 through February 23, 2008. For those arriving early, a good planning guide.

WHEN and WHERE?

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 13:13:51 -0700

As our plans progress, information on this page will change. To receive email notification when changes occur, submit your sign up information on the "Sign Up for the Quartzsite Rally Here" page that is on the topic list.

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WHEN:

January 17-25, 2009. Our 'Main Event' weekend will be January 23-25, although activities will be scheduled throughout the week for those who arrive early.

EARLY ARRIVALS:

LOCATION OF RALLY:

LaPosa South LTVA worked well for our group in 2008, and everyone I talked to preferred it to being in town. Plan on returning to the same approximate location.

http://www.blm.gov/az/outrec/camping/laposa.htm

LaPosa South has plenty of room, has a dump station, and has fresh water resupply. Important, as many of us will be boondocking for a week or more.

A secondary choice is one of the free areas (Roadrunner or Scaddan Wash). While large, these areas don't have dump/refill facilities. This would require mobile pumping and resupply service, or drive your rig several miles to find a dump. Also, I scouted them and they were very crowded.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:38:47 -0700

SWBB KactusKitchunChiliCook-Off
SWBB-SILENT GIFT BASKET BENEFIT AUCTION

RICK ARCHIE'S "TEXAS to QUARTZSITE CONVOY"

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:01:39 -0700

Rick is gathering his flock at his nursery/garden center in Fort Worth, TX for the trip to Quartzsite. Those who are already signed up with him will gather on Friday, Jan. 18, and hit the road on Saturday, Jan. 19.

The convoy will layover Hacienda RV Resort, in Las Cruces, NM on Saturday night, and will arrive at our nesting area on Sunday evening, Jan. 20.

Anyone who is traveling through is welcome to join Rick's convoy, if your trip plans allow it.

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Use the form to the right to contact Rick.

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Here are directions to his nursery:

I-30 West

-> Green Oaks Rd. offramp (Exit 8A) to signal light.

-> At signal (Green Oaks Rd.), turn left.

-> Go over the bridge, Green Oaks Rd. becomes Lackland Rd.

-> Continue south on Lackland Rd. to Z Boaz Place. Z Boaz Pl. is the next left AFTER you cross W. Elizabeth Lane.

-> Turn left on Z Boaz Place and go 1/2 block to Archie's Gardenland on the left. You will be behind the 'Town West Shopping Center'.

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Here is a Mapquest link to a map of the area:

<http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=6700%20Camp%20Bowie%20Blvd&city=Fort%20Worth&state=TX&zipcode=76116%2d7113&country=US&geodiff=1#north>

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PLEASE NOTE: You'll have to make your own reservation at Hacienda RV Resort.

Here is a link to their website:

                <http://www.haciendarv.com/>

You can do an online reservation or call 1.888.686.9090.

Advise them you are with Rick Archies's group. Be sure to advise them if you are a member of FMCA, or Good Sam, for a 10% discount.

LEGAL STUFF

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:03:35 -0800

SHOPPING FOR ESSENTIALS

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:25:31 -0700

ALBERTSON'S SUPERMARKET, Blythe, CA

ARNOLD	ED	PENNY
CORPUS	PHIL	CHRISTINA
MacDONALD	BRETT	DONNA
ROBINSON	ROB	SUE
SPRENGER	CURT	BETTY
THOMPSON	DAVID	JANET