Change Of Plans Thanks To A Dust Storm.

Our Location today is Dome Rock Road BLM, Quartzsite, U.S.A. 

It was amazing that even with after taking a Tylenol twice during the night that I spent most of it staring at the ceiling. Then when sleep finally arrived it only stayed a short time. Getting things ready for Breakfast shortly after 7:00 MST this morning, with the Window Shades opened I sat at my computer hoping we could enjoy another wonderful day. As soon as The Weather Network connected all that could be seen were Red Warnings forecasting High Winds. Reading further it showed areas we had recently left as well as where we presently are in that area. We had considered going to Blythe but the Warning advised against travelling the I-10 corridor due to the high Gusts hitting vehicles from the side. 

Cloudy Sunrise.

Kathy made it downstairs just before 8:00 and was enjoying the rays of Sunshine that was peering through the Clouds. As I served Breakfast I also explained the sudden change in the Forecast that had been issued close to 3:00 in the morning. The Wind was already starting to pick up by the time we sat back at the Computers. After a bit more thought we changed our plans from a Travel/Shopping day to one of Chores and Exploration. 

While I gathered the Laundry that had not been done in nearly two weeks, Kathy busied herself making Bacon, Eggs and Toast for our lunch. Since it was nearly four hours since Breakfast it was time to have a Light but Nutritional Lunch.  

Having to force the door open to get out of the trailer because the wind was blowing directly at it, I managed to load the truck before Kathy came outside. 

Inside the truck the Wind was hardly noticeable so when we reached the Paved Road instead of heading to town we turned to see how far it went into the Desert. We drove about two miles before we reached a Four Way Intersection out in the middle of the Nowhere. Two of the roads were posted as Unmaintained Dirt Roads while the third choice was paved and headed East. There seemed to be a large concentration of RVs off in the distance but with a Wind Storm heading our way we turned and headed towards Quartzsite. 

The Wind exceeded the Forecasted Speed and Gusts

The first place we headed was the Main Street Laundromat but as the last time it was hard to find Parking and the placed was Packed. Remembering that I had seen another Laundromat in town we drove over to Palms Plaza Laundromat. It is slightly smaller with as many machines being “Out of Order” as those that were still working but I was able to get all my loads started without any waiting. 

There we are, and the Wind was still Light at the time.

Kathy kept herself busy by reading a book in the truck. I visited with her briefly after getting the Wash into the Dryers. It was past 3:30 by the time we were ready to leave but we had other plans. 

Back in early December Kathy and I had eaten at the Grubstake Bar and Grill and we both had problems afterwards. Someone recently made suggestions as to why that could have happen, so we decided to give them another try. When the waitress brought our Menus, we immediately gave her our orders the Two-Piece Fish and Chips and our drinks. She had just brought our meals when the place just filled up. Talk about timing! Our meals were much better then the last time and we even have Leftovers for a Snack later. 

We were nearly Home by 5:00 but we had to travel slowly in order to see the RVs through the Blowing Dust. Kathy had to protect herself from breathing the Dust just to get inside the trailer. The 45 MPH Wind Gusts continued to batter the Curbside Awning to the point it was difficult to hear one another speaking. To remedy the noise problem, I retrieved a Ski Rope that I keep in the truck. Standing on the top step by our door I tossed the hook towards the rear of the trailer. When it dropped off the end of the Slide Cover I passed it under the Slide and tied it as a loop as taunt as I could. With the spring pressure of the Slide Topper the rope is stopping the Wind from making it sound like a drum. 

Kathy has been through a couple of Tornados and Windstorms in her life and she doesn’t like it. The Good News is that the Winds are supposed to ease up around Midnight. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy! 

It’s about time.

Krackers 

You Might Be a Redneck If 

You've ever apologized to your wife through a mail slot.