Buzzards Roost in Joshua Tree and you can too. But you don’t have to sleep in a tree. How about a funky, fun and green-minded vintage trailer for something different.
Indoor and outdoor plumbing
After exploring Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Art Museum I went looking for an old time friend who I hadn’t seen in a very long time. All I had was her address and my map app so once I found her place got lucky and a phone number was on her gate. Ever since I first met Susan she’s had a thing for old trailers, and anything else that’s old as well.
The surprise visit was a blessing for both of us with conversation picked up as from yesterday instead of many years. We discussed life and where we are within it. She has 20 years more than I to draw from so I listen and learn as we share.
Susan, known as Mumsie, along with her son who specializes in desert permaculture and solar applications, have refurbished a 1958 Rocket 35 foot (10.6 m) trailer for overnight accommodations.
Isn’t this adorable
Even the decorations are vintage yet modern conveniences make this a comfortable place to stay. The grey water system waters the plants so biodegradable soaps and shampoo are provided. It’s only one bedroom but has a sleeper sofa so can accommodate up to four people. And in the interest of free energy from the sun a Global Sun oven is provided for outdoor cooking. If you have questions get in touch with Buck (Susan’s son) ahead of time and he’ll try to stop by. “The promise of a good bottle or two of beer always helps motivate me to show up and talk permaculture till your ears bleed.”
Soon the Shasta will be ready and the next trailer project is the Star.
Plus Mumsie plans to build a labyrinth on the 5-acre property lined with recycled bottles. You’ll be able to enjoy dark night skies, star gazing and possibly wildlife like coyote, roadrunners, desert tortoise, quail and squirrels. Also keep your eyes open for rattle snakes especially during summer.
Book online through Airbnb for a unique desert experience in the Rocket. Or if you need more space they also offer a 3-bedroom house in a different Joshua Tree location called Buzzards Roost-West. Either way you can roost here but you don’t have to do it in a tree, or a boring hotel room, and be within minutes of town and the Joshua Tree National Park entrance.
I didn’t stay in the Rocket because I brought my own vintage camper and was not paid to write this article. I just love the idea and my friends.
Definitely a great idea and neat accommodations. Are the sun roofs covered in solar panels for power to the rigs? Looks like your spell checker decided permaculture was three words rather than one. LOL
Ultimately there will be solar panels on the roof. They are working on this slowly. Funny thing is that quote with “perm a culture” was taken from the Airbnb site and I almost changed it. LOL
Your friend’s place as fabulous. I would love to see this up close. The buzzards – ahh yes, just like Spruce Tree House.
You would like the people and place Jo. The buzzards returned early to Yarnell again for the second year in a row.
Really neat. Love meeting talented people like those. Who would have thought to use old trampolines for sunshades?
Isn’t the trampoline idea great. These folks collect and use everything.
Your friends did an excellent job on that ’58 Rocket. I looked at the Airbnb website and they have quite a few positive comments from people who’ve stayed there. Great idea!
Isn’t it great! When I talked to Buck he said they’ve had very few complaints.
We do that Air BnB and it’s an experience. Pretty fun stuff as you never know who you’re going to meet. It’s a lot of fun. I did have one unfortunate experience however. You know I’m a sucker for cats and while in Roswell, I invited this kitty into our room. The cat purred and cuddled and was loved. And then she took a pee on my laptop case!!!! It was so sad:( Bad kitty! But we had a fun time:) I have never gone to Joshua. I think if I went, I’d search for LeConte’s Thrashers just to see if they were there.
That’s an unfortunate experience. When you do visit Joshua Tree I highly recommend staying at Buzzards Roost. Only one cat around though. I just didn’t see that many birds in Joshua Tree NP other than Ravens and a couple of sparrows. But then I don’t have the eye like you do.
I’ve been following your blog for several years….always find something interesting when I do check in.
Thank you Carol for being a follower. I do try for interesting.
You never know what you’ll find in the desert! What a great idea, I hope they are doing well with it.
They seem to be occupied almost every night. Only plan for the two more trailers as that will keep them busy enough.
One can do so much with recycling. Nice to catch up like this with old friends.
These folks really know how to make the most of recycling and renewable energy. Plus, Susan is a gem.
I see you’re still adventuring, Gaelyn. What a unique place – glad you could reconnect with a friend.
The visit with Susan was special, and I didn’t even know about the Rocket. Been home a couple weeks now and preparing for the North Rim move next week.
Well now that is all just pretty darned cool.
Sounds like it would be a really neat experience to stay there. They are doing a great job recycling things to new purposes.
Even though I didn’t stay in the Rocket the whole place has a great vibe and Susan is part angel.
You have the most wonderful friends. I like their style!
Birds of a feather. I like your style too.