Stopping in Quartzsite

 We moved on to Quartzsite after our pleasant stay at Oxbow Camping Area.

Here the weather is cooler and bug free, compared to our winter camp in the desert of California.

Entrance sign to BLM land

Here also is a BLM LTVA area. (Bureau of Landmanagement, Longterm Visitors Area),

A former camper left a sign 

which is very crowded during the end of January when the big RVShow is held. It was somewhat less populated now and we found a nice spot not far from where we parked last year. 

Saguaro Cactus

We parked near the northern wash on BLM land called "La Posa South". 

The flat landscape is covered with sedimentary rocks, as Basalt, Quartz and Rhyolite, originating from ancient mountains which were worn down over the millennials.  

Creosote bush, Saguaro Cactus, Iron Wood tree, Palo Verde tree grow in the very dry climate.

View from our spot towards southwest

Why we choose to hang out here for a while instead of driving home right away: 

In the coming days there are several cold weather systems moving across the US. They will bring a significant amount of rain, snow and high winds into the area, and we don't want to get caught in that. We will be waiting for more favourable weather.

The "wash" behind our spot.

Yesterday, I walked the wash (dry stream bed) where flash floods occur when the summer monsoon months bring rain showers to this area.  The moisture gives plants the boost they need to survive and now is the time were a lot of flowers are in bloom. 

 With the help of  the"Google search function" I tried to identify the most of them.

Desert Lavender
Hyptis Emoryi

Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa

Chuparosa
Justicia california

Notch-leaf Scorpionweed
Phacelia crenulata

Purple Mat
Nama demissum

Desert Coulter's Lupine
Lupinus sparsiflorus

Desert Fairy Duster
Calliandra eriophylla

I found several more, but could not identify them properly.

As last year there also was an Ash-throated Flycatcher around.

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Saguaro Cacti