January 21st-23rd 2010, Thur-Sat Quartzsite AZ
Field trip: Quartzsite Arizona,  is a gathering of lots of rockhounds, dealers for a huge show of minerals, fossils, rocks, with some of the best prices I’ve seen for specimens. It lasts more then a month.  Deb and I will be staying at a the Best Western Desert Oasis 1-10 Exit,1 S Frontage Rd. Ehrenberg AZ.  (4 miles east of Blythe, CA)  (18 miles west of     Quartzsite. We will be there 6 days, checking out Quartzsite and also doing day trips to Wiley's Well (nodules, geodes) and the Colorado river (petrified wood) All within a 20-45 mile drive.  If you are going to go I suggest you book your hotel now, or you can camp in the surrounding areas.  There are several hotels in Blythe, one in Quartzsite, and one in Ehrenberg.  Deb and I are going to check out Quartzsite Tues, Wed, Sunday and have field trips Thurs, Fri, Sat. Deb and I are going to check out the Pow Wow, it runs the 20th-24th. There is a link below about it. Lots of different material, you can buy or trade for some of it.  There should be time each day after the field trips to explore Quartzsite as well.  You will need to rendezvous with us each morning for the field trips, it will be to hard to find us out in the desert if you are going to arrive late. We will be at Denny’s restaurant 7am-8am each morning Thurs-Sat. in Blythe off exit S Lovekin Blvd. 876 W Donlon St.

When: January 21st-23rd 2010, Thur-Sat Field Trips  (Quartzsite-Tues, Wed, Sun)
Directions: Exit Interstate 10 at Blythe, CA, off exit S Lovekin Blvd. Approximately 10 miles east of Wiley’s Well Rd. (Quartzsite AZ is 20 miles east of Blythe) Meet at the Denny’s restaurant each day Thurs-Sat. at 7am Blythe CA. (876 W. Donlon St.) Leaving by 8am for the field trip.

Field Trips: Thurs-Straw beds and Kims Beds, Nodules and Geodes Fri-Hauser beds Nodules/Geodes, Cinnamon Beds Geodes Sat-Petrified Iron Wood, near the Colorado River
Vehicles: Roads to campgrounds and camping sites are typical desert roads and should be okay for most cars, trailers and motor homes. The collecting areas, 2 wheel drive are ok, 4 wheel drive vehicles and pickups are recommended.
Tools: Collecting bags and boxes, bucket, day pack, digging tools, rock pick, gad bar, trowels, spray water bottle, buckets, eye protection, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, large brim hat, drinking water, food, camping gear
Materials to Collect: Geodes, Nodules, Petrified Iron Wood
Safety Concerns: Do not lick the rocks, use sun screen when needed, stay away from rattlesnakes, use bug spray, be aware of flash floods, be extra careful, team up with a buddy and don't get  lost.
Weather: We are planning on nice weather, sunny days; cool, clear, star filled nights.  But remember it can rain this time of year so be prepared and plan ahead. Please let me know if your going so I can give you updates on the field trip and weather conditions.
Quartzsite Links: http://www.desertusa.com/Cities/az/quartzsite.html#anchor832166
http://www.desertgardensrvpark.net/Desert_Gardens_Rock_Gem_and_Mineral_Show.html
http://www.qiaaz.org/PowWow.htm
http://www.qiaaz.org/booths.htm
http://www.quartzsitegemandmineralclub.org/
http://www.quartzsitetourism.us/
Contact: Robert Sankovich rmsorca@adelphia.net 805-494-7734