Survived it!  

Yesterday was a whirlwind trip.  Left the house at 02:30 for Quartzite.  Being a 4.5 hour drive, and only one day to spend there, we wanted to arrive around the time vendors opened.  

It is easier to shop when not everyone is set up.  The selections can be mind boggling otherwise.  With list in hand, we started.  Our first stop was the Village Originals kick off.  This is great for stands, and small inexpensive pieces for shows.  No rough rock here so I quickly become bored.  Alan has a great time in the shop tho, so it ends up taking much longer than expected as usual.

Then on to the place we get our tarps and clamps.  Quick in and out.

Finally on to Desert Gardens.  Heaven!  I know what I'm looking for.  That does make it easier.  Vendors are still setting up.  The show does not officially open until New Years Day.  This is when I can either buy it now or arrange for rock to be there on the 11th when we drive through again.  

On our return trip from the Flagg show I hope to pick up Mexican Crazy Lace.  Have not been able to find quality material for the last 2 years.  Also the wide blue Tiger Eye will be there.  I have been told it will be at least 3 inches wide!  Thanks to Bruce for that contact.  

What I did come home with is Reef Amethyst, Tiffany Stone, Varacite, Benthalya from Australia.  Happy times.

There were individuals that I did miss.  I hope to be able to catch up with them in Tucson.  

Our return trip was lengthened by 2 hours for  a side  trip to Joshua Tree.  I have been waiting for a 20 year old stash of Black Jade with Magnesite inclusions from the Victorville, Ca area to come out of storage.  Last time he pulled some out to sell, the first person that saw it bought it all.  I knew it would not wait for me.  

Twenty hours latter we arrived home happy, but exhausted.  So why am I up at 5 AM?  

Thanks for reading.