My Side of the Adventure

I returned to Quartzsite to camp with the women’s caravan again and to attend the annual WRTR and RTR events hosted by the “Homes on Wheels Alliance” (HOWA).  I’ve not talked much, up to now, about the nomad life but I will now because these events brought me sort of “full circle”. 

NOMAD LIFE

The president of HOWA, Bob Wells, via his YouTube channel and website, introduced me to the nomad life many months ago.  After a long thought process and extensive research, and then a whole lot of decision-making and work, I came out on the road with a rig–a “home on wheels”–to explore our beautiful country.  I’ve wanted to travel the U.S. since I was a teenager, with a particular interest in national parks and other scenic destinations.  Because of this (plus a toxic workplace with some unethical, toxic co-workers) it was the right time to leave my current life and fulfill this dream.

RTRs

The two RTR events, held every January, are the annual gatherings hosted by HOWA, which is a non-profit organization.  (RTR stands for “Rubber Tramp Rendezvous”; rubber meaning tires. WRTR is for women only).  They are held each year, for free, to teach nomads about various aspects of living on the road and to provide an opportunity for nomads to meet one another, in addition to other things.  My goal this year, among others, had been to attend these events that I’d been hearing about for so long.

HOWA

HOWA, founded by Bob Wells and Suanne Carlson (Executive Director), states its purpose as: “… a charitable 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, that assists individuals with achieving sustainable personal and economic self-sufficiency by focusing on providing safe and secure unconventional housing, and an economic safety net through a mobile lifestyle, to help get those in need back on their feet.”

I am not in economic need from HOWA but I support their efforts and have a healthy respect for Bob and Suanne and all they are doing to help so many people who do need assistance.

HOWA is extensively supported by Bob Wells’ YouTube channel and website called “Cheap RV Living”.  As I stated earlier, Bob and his organization are what brought me to the nomad life.

CULT?

Please do not make the mistake of deciding that HOWA or CheapRVLiving is some kind of cult.  I’ve personally heard that more than once, and, frankly, it makes me angry.  First of all, HOWA is a completely transparent non-profit answerable to a board of trustees.  Anyone can read their annual reports online.  Watch their YouTube channel for yourselves.  As for CheapRVLiving, educate yourselves.  Do your own research.  Watch Bob’s YouTube videos which date back several years.  Read the website content.  Don’t just “blindly listen” to haters. In both cases, after you do your own research, you will simply be unable to deny these organizations are legitimate and their leaders, Bob and Suanne, are just very good people doing a very good work. 

ONE LAST THING

I am not a weak-minded idiot.  I am not in–nor will I ever be in–a cult.  To suggest that’s what I’m doing is insulting and condescending.  I don’t blindly follow any human. While I admire Bob and strongly believe he has a good heart that does not mean I agree with everything he says. 

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I’m off the soapbox, now.  I didn’t take many photos during the events – My reporting skills need work.  I was trying to soak it all in and learn as much as I could and just enjoy meeting people. These first photos are from the two days of the Women’s RTR.  (Click first photo for larger versions. Click “i” for full captions.  Also, click the “bubble” icon next to the “i” to make any comments on individual photos.)

Just a note about these little desert creatures that are found all over Arizona and Southern California. Watch out for them. They’re small, fast, and noisy. They often travel in packs like this one but you also see loners from time to time. Oddly, they all have only one antennae. Their tracks are often seen and are very recognizable. As a defense mechanism, they constantly emit large plumes of dust (this can cause choking or general distress especially if you’ve just finished washing your hair). I do sometimes get tired of their noise and dust but, secretly, I think I’d actually like to join them.

The trailhead to Palm Canyon is accessed, appropriately enough, via Palm Canyon Road off AZ95. The road is dirt/gravel but is well maintained and mostly flat. Campsites abound but many are close to the road. And the deal-breaker for many – the cell signal is poor. But if that doesn’t matter to you, and you want to enjoy some absolutely beautiful, rugged scenery, give this area a try. (As usual, I recommend clicking the first photo for an enlarged view and then clicking through the slideshow. Click “i” at bottom of each photo for full captions.)

[I’ve been busy attending Quartzsite events so I’m behind on the blog.]
Next I headed south – back to Palm Canyon. When Sara and I hiked there, we both were interested in returning there to camp. Didn’t stay long, however. More on that later and the busy week (+) following. Here is a night image I took while camped at Palm Canyon. More photos later. (This one is best viewed on a computer/tablet in a dark environment)

The third caravan camping spot for me was just over the California line from Parker, AZ. Without hesitation, I would say the highlight here was definitely the night sky. We were far enough away from Parker that there was little light pollution. I got to practice on my night photography (which still needs work, but I think I’m improving).
I got to meet several new ladies in the caravan and we enjoyed several campfire chats learning about how long each of us have been on the road, whether we are full- or part-timers, our rigs, what brought us out on the road, etc.
And, as usual, I got in a few hikes.
(Quite a few photos in this set. I recommend clicking on the first photo and flipping through the slideshow. Press “I” for captions.)

These should have been included with the previous post. (Click for larger versions & captions)

My next move took me to sort of the “Mecca” of nomads and RVers, Quartzsite, AZ. I’ve been hearing about this little town for many months and, indeed, I saw more “homes on wheels” in a few days’ time than I’ve seen in all the years of my life put together.
I camped with an organized caravan, as I had previously done, but did my usual exploring.
(Again, I recommend clicking the first photo in the upper left and then using the arrows to click through the slideshow. Caption available–for most–at the bottom. Click “i”, if needed)

Last images of my first camping spot with the organized caravans
(Always easier to click on the first photo to scroll through enlarged images and to see captions)

Only about ten minutes away from where we were staying were beautiful sand dunes. I was determined to go sled down them. Well, the sledding thing didn’t happen but I enjoyed them anyway. Climbing them was hard work; if I climbed those all the time, I would be in much better shape!