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Category: Joshua Tree

14 April 2015

The Buzzards Roost in Joshua Tree California

Buzzards Roost sign Joshua Tree CaliforniaBuzzards 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.

Buzzards Roost Joshua Tree CaliforniaIndoor 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.

Susan Buzzards Roost Joshua Tree CaliforniaThe 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.

1958 Rocket trailer Buzzards Roost Joshua Tree CaliforniaSusan, 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.

1958 Rocket trailer Buzzards Roost Joshua Tree CaliforniaIsn’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.”

Shasta trailer Buzzards Roost Joshua Tree California

Star trailer Buzzards Roost Joshua Tree CaliforniaSoon the Shasta will be ready and the next trailer project is the Star.

Buzzards Roost Joshua Tree CaliforniaPlus 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.

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12 April 2015

Assemblage sculpture by Noah Purifoy

Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree CaliforniaThe craziest art I ever did see.  And yet it spoke to me.  It’s provocative.  And that’s just what Noah Purifoy seems to have in mind during his creations in the form of assemblage sculpture.  Where Brecada’s large metal sculptures are a skill of welding, Purifoy’s art comes from the mind, and maybe sometimes the dump as he typically uses reclaimed materials.  Interpretations are up to the viewer.

Carousel & Shipwrecked Noah Purifoy's Desert Art Museum Joshua Tree CaliforniaCarousel & Shipwrecked

After five days exploring and camping in Joshua Tree National Park I’d spent the night for free on BLM just north of the town of Joshua Tree. A Park Ranger gave me good directions to the BLM and also recommended Noah Purifoy’s nearby Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture.

Noah Purifoy's Desert Art Museum Joshua Tree CaliforniaBorn in Snow Hill, Alabama in 1917, Noah was a high school industrial arts teacher and social worker before becoming an artist.  After serving in the South Pacific during WWII he moved to Los Angeles where he earned a degree in fine arts in 1956 and became the founder and first director of the Watts Towers Art Center in the 1960s.  While serving on the California Arts Council he created the Artist-in-Communities, –Schools and –Prisons programs.  In 1989, Noah moved to Joshua Tree, California where he filled ten acres with his sculptures until his death in 2004.

White-Colored Noah Purifoy's Desert Art Museum Joshua Tree CaliforniaWhite/Colored

Noah is credited with re-defining black artistic consciousness through assemblage sculpture.  Along with six other artists after the 1965 Watts Rebellion in Los Angeles he helped create 66 Signs of Neon, a traveling exhibition made from two tons of debris from the city.

Kirby Express Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree CaliforniaKirby Express

Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree California

Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree CaliforniaI wandered around for about an hour mesmerized by the pieces.  But I can’t explain them so will just share the photos.

Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree California

Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree California

Bowling balls Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree California“I hope my work provides inspiration for a person to do today what they couldn’t do yesterday, no matter what it is.  That’s art.  That’s the fundamental creative process and it’s something that changes people and empowers them.”   –Noah Purifoy

Everything & the kitchen sink Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree CaliforniaEverything & the kitchen sink

Noah’s work can be seen as a unique public art experience in the high desert as he deeded his estate to the Noah Purifoy Foundation for preservation, public visitation, and exhibition.  The Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Art is open to the public and free of charge.  A self-guided tour brochure is available near the mailboxes upon entering and guided tours are available for groups with advance reservations by calling 213-382-7516.  Donations are gladly accepted.

Quail Everything & the kitchen sink Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of assemblage sculpture Joshua Tree CaliforniaQuail seem to have taken up residency

How to get there.  From Highway 62 in Joshua Tree, California north on Sunburst past the elementary school, right on Golden, left on Border, right on Aberdeen and left on Center.  Most roads are gravel but doable in any vehicle.  Thanks to Ranger Nick at Joshua Tree National Park for this interesting recommendation.

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Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

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