Yes, It Was a Gathering in The Desert!

It’s true.  Al, of Travels with the Bayfield Bunch, really did invite people (and dogs) to his and Kelly’s private, isolated spot out in the Kofa Wilderness south of Quartzsite today for a gathering.  I’ve known about The Bayfield Bunch (Al, Kelly and their 3 dogs), for a couple of years and have been reading their blog.  Al is known as a man who likes his solitude.  He has a very entertaining writing style, a very interesting background, a lovely family, and an extreme talent with photography.  I was disappointed when he and Kelly came to visit last week when Janna and I were grocery shopping, so we missed them then.  But  today was an opportunity to not only meet them, but also to see  (Froggi) Donna again and meet her husband Stu, as well as several other RVing couples.

Janna, Mike, Jim and I left our own desert home around 11 this morning so we could stop for lunch in Quartzsite before going on to The Gathering.  We stopped at a little restaurant that we had not yet tried.  Surprisingly, it was not a Mexican restaurant, but offered mostly American choices.  The food was decent, Janna and I both splurged on some sweet potato fries with our meals.

We found Al and Kelly’s spot with no trouble, as the road out there is well marked. When we arrived, Peter and Patty were already there.  This couple started full timing around 1999, and now own a lot in Quartzsite where they spend the winters.  In the summer they head North.

Soon, Donna and Stu arrived, followed closely by Motty and Patti, new full timers.

There was a lot of chattering going on, but we did manage to capture a few moments in photos for our friends who wished they could be there, but could not.

Al describes something to Mike:

Kelly, me, Motty, and Patti respond to someone:

Stu and Donna listen intently to a story:

Janna and Kelly listening to a different story:

The Gathering from left to right, Kelly, Motty Patti, Mike, Janna (and Emmi), me, Donna and Stu:

More of the Gatherers, Peter, Patty, Kelly, and Patti:

After a few hours of stories, catching up, comparing notes and plain old socializing, everyone started packing up chairs and goodies, and heading for their various corners of the region, from Yuma to Blythe, Bouse to Quartzite.

It was a very special day, and we thank Al and Kelly very much for opening their little piece of desert heaven for us to gather and get to renew and begin friendships!

A last look at their view of the Kofa Mountains:

Al’s blog has quite a few more pictures of today’s event, with his insightful outlook and comments on this ever-interesting lifestyle.  Thanks again, Al, we think we’ll be seeing you again sometime, somewhere down the road.