Friday, January 6, 2012

Quartzsite, AZ

If you're a rockhound, you've probably heard of Quartzsite. Since the 60's, they've been known for their huge gem and mineral shows. All winter, Quartzsite is basically one huge show. In addition to the rocks:  RV's, classic cars, crafts, and swap meets (aka giant yard sales with hundreds, if not thousands, of vendors). Must be seen to be believed.
And there's more. Thanks to a tip from loyal reader Matt H., we stopped by a local bookstore. Mark was looking for something to read by Edward Abbey and was directed to a lovely first edition for $250 (but passed, being a reader but not a collector). There were many very unusual items including an extensive collection of old magazines of the west, as well as the usual paperback mysteries. A surprising find in Quarzsite.

The owner of the store is a guy named Paul Winer. He's pretty famous and you may even have seen him on Leno. He's an accomplished pianist and cartoonist. And he's a nudist, often wearing only a knitted covering on his privates, held up by string. He's happy to pose for photos! Fortunately, or unfortunately, he was fully dressed and heading out when we arrived. He was preparing for a "show" that night at one of the local RV parks. Not sure which of his talents he was going to be showing, and we didn't follow up. 

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