Nellie E. Saloon, aka The Desert Bar

3/1 - 3/2/2013
Quartzsite
BLM dry camp

This time of year the Q is kind of dead, we have not been here since about 1999, not too much has changed.  One thing that did change is the BLM parking, now there is a long term and a short term which we were not aware of.  We inadvertently parked in the long term area and got a notice taped to our door on Saturday, we called the number but the office was closed until Monday.  We drove over to another area that we later found out was the short term and talked to the Camp host.  Since when did they need a camp host to park out in the desert.  Well I guess they have been doing this for a few years now.  You are considered short term if you are only going to stay up to two weeks.  One or two nights is about all I want.  There is no fee, but they do want you to register to park on the BLM land.  Well we probably won't be back there for another 5 - 10 years and the rules will probably change again.

Since we were in Quartzsite on a Saturday  we drove up to Parker, about 30 miles or so north and then out to the Nellie E. Saloon, know to the locals as The Desert Bar, 5 miles on a dirt/gravel road.  Going to the Desert Bar is not just a destination but an adventure.  The road was up and down canyons, around hills and through washes but is was fairly well maintained and slow going.  We didn't know what to expect.  There is no sign on the highway so you have to sort of know about this place, they have a web site which you should check before you drive out there because they are only open on Saturday and Sunday during the winter months and the hours are from "High Noon to 6 PM"  A band, in fact a very good band, started at about 1:30 pm.  The only thing to do there is have lunch, listen to the music, dance, and look at a few rusty antiques.  We had a really fun time on our adventure and will probably go again if the opportunity comes up.  Go to the web site for some interesting information, you'll be glad you did.      http://www.thedesertbar.com/

All these pictures were taken on my phone.

Road to the bar.

Very rugged out here.

Looking down on the bar.

Be sure to visit the web site for better views and information.

There are two places to get food, we just happened to go down stairs and be out in the open more because we had Buddy with us.  The food at this place was spectacular, the line was long but well worth it.

                                                    Alex, this picture of the fire truck is for you.

Many solar panels.  The towers have something to do with cooling, you'll have to read about it on their web site.

The Church, only the front, no walls.

End of a perfect day in Quartzsite.















Thanks for stopping by and have a great day

Drive safely

Nancy