Leaving Quartzsite, a review, and meet-up with an old friend

In a month, April 1, it will be six years since I bought The Palms, so the insurance and license renewals are due.   I went on-line to pay for both, and even though I thought I had a pass this year on the smog certificate, I was wrong.  I need to smog The Palms.  I'm a California resident, and along with the annual vehicle registration that's required, every other year we have to send in a clean smog certificate.  The vehicle must be smogged at a certified facility in California.  And I have to be in California to do that.  Bummer, when I'm in Arizona!

Luckily, I found a great little place in Blythe that's only a half hour or so from Quartzsite, so yesterday I headed over there in the morning.  They had great reviews on-line.

When I got there I met the owners, Sergio and Esperanza, a husband and wife team. Sergio directed me into the office to talk to Esperanza who explained everything to me, the cost, what happens if the truck didn't pass the emissions test, etc.  Then I got Katie out of The Palms and we went into the office to wait.

It took 20 minutes or so, and during that time I chatted with Esperanza who was very friendly.  Then it was done - for another two years.  The Palms passed.  Whew.  I always think it will go well, but you never know.

By the way, it cost me $120 - across the street is a Ford dealership, where the price is $200. Same testing equipment, they both send the info the California DMV electronically, they do exactly the same thing.  EZ Lube is an older garage and not as fancy as a dealership, but the people were friendly, knew what they were doing, the service was great, and the job was done.  (Cars are cheaper; a different machine is used for RVs and I think everyone charges more for our rigs.)

I would highly recommend them if you're from California and need to have your vehicle smogged while in Quartzsite.  I doubt there's a closer shop to get it completed.

EZ Lube

345 E Hobsonway

Blythe, CA  92225

Shop:  (760) 921-2918

Cell:    (760-799-8967

 

Esparanza said they might be moving their shop this year, so if you want to make an appointment and the shop phone isn't working, use the cell number.  The new shop will also be in Blythe, CA, but double check the address.

A couple of weeks ago I met up with an old friend, Carolyn, with whom I used to work - and haven't seen for 34 years!  She and her husband, Fred, were on their way home from a convention and traveling through Quartzsite, so she messaged me and asked if I'd like to meet for a late lunch.

It's amazing how the years fall away and it feels just like it used to in the "old days."  

We had a great lunch at Taco Mio in town and talked for three hours.  The only reason we parted is because they still had a ways to go before they got home, and the sun was starting to go down.

I sure had a wonderful time.  The lunch was great, and the conversation even better.  We could have talked for hours and hours more.  It was so nice to see Carolyn again after all this time and to meet Fred.  And thanks for treating me to lunch, guys!  😀

Below is another photo of the view out my window.  Every time I look outside, I can't believe the green terrain.  Normally all that green would be brown desert, or brown/black rocks covering the desert floor.  This has been the wettest season I've seen in the six years I've been coming to Quartzsite for the winter.  Kind of cold and windy, too, this year.  Every year is different. 

Every year is great!

And a final sunset - I don't have any more photos, and I'm leaving the area tomorrow.  Perfect timing!

The next post will be written in a new location, somewhere I've never been, so I'm really looking forward the next couple of weeks.  New location, new people, new experiences.  Should be fun!

From me and Katie, have a great Wednesday, everyone!  ❤😎❤