I arrived yesterday in Blythe, CA near Quartzsite for the 2013 show. The RV park has filled up considerably though there are still plenty of spaces available. Today I drove over to Quartzsite and can tell you it is in full swing already. There are lots of vendors and plenty of sales going on though they tell me sales are down from previous years and some vendors may need to go to additional shows or work to make up for it. I already saw something new  there to consider buying. If you need insurance or want to shop for a better deal, stop by the GMAC booth on “P” row in Tyson Wells and chat with Chris and Charles Yust. They are great agents that offer true personal service. Next to the west parking lot is the key guy who is the only one who could make a key for my trailer right. Don’t get caught without a good spare key. On the south side of Tyson wells is KB Tools again with lots of things for your RV and the homemade ice cream booth is cranking out ice cream as fast as they can. If getting a concealed carry permit that is good in 37 states is something you are thinking about, stop by their booth on that side to sign up for their 2.5 hr. class and get your Arizona issued permit that any US citizen can get.

Traffic is building and parking is filling up early in the day. I had no problem finding a space over at Rice Ranch but Tyson Wells was full on the main drag. You may need to use their parking lot to the west or park at Rice Ranch and walk over.

There are new and used RVs for sale everywhere this year in Quartzsite. I have never seen so many of them on display before. This looks like the year to jump into the RV life or upgrade with so many choices available.

Lots of open space out on the BLM lands right now but plenty of boondockers are already there. Parks are filling slowly.

Weather in Quartzsite is cool and very windy at times but sunny. Highs are in the 50s during the day and low 30s at night so bring warm clothes and a jacket. There is a freeze warning for this weekend. It hasn’t dampened the spirits of the visitors though. Everyone is smiling and waving with excitement.

Y’all come on out to Quartzsite and join us!

If park occupancy is any kind of barometer, next year’s attendance may not be as good as previously. A report in from one of the nearby RV parks shows the park only one third full at this time. Normally the park would be half to two thirds full already. The continued bad economy may be keeping them away or perhaps folks are shortening their time spent there to just include the main show dates. Time will tell. For those of you who are planning to go to Quartzsite for the RV show in January, the good news may be less crowding and road congestion.