March 2, 2007 ~ BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK ON THE COLORADO RIVER
7 weeks have already passed since we arrived here at Buckskin. In the last post we wondered how we would survive without any cell, internet or laundry at our fingertips. It is inconvenient, but we’re making do. Aside from these minor disadvantages, being out here in a remote area also has its advantages. Buckskin Mtn. SP is without a doubt the nicest park here on the "Parker Strip". Be sure to look at the "Buckskin Mountain SP" photo album. It is incredibly picturesque bordered by the mighty Colorado on two sides and surrounded by huge rock walls and desert mountains. As the daylight changes, the river seems to change color from its early morning steel gray-blue to aqua to royal blue and back to a placid reflective palette of mixed color at sunset. And when daylight ends and you’re done watching the river, look to the sky for a blanket of brilliant stars that appear so bright and so close you could reach out and grab one.
The park has grassy areas and lots of mature shade trees, a welcome and uncommon sight in this desert oasis. It offers a total of 89 sites; 17 full hookup sewer sites, 51 electric/water sites, and 21 cabana sites which are right on the river and a prime spot for the summer weekenders with their water toys. An interpretive center (run by our volunteer friends Kelli & George, Tom & Chris, and Mel & Mora) provides a wealth of information, videos and magazines, talks and slide shows about the area, church services, special programs like the Mountain Man (check him out in the photo album), and the famous ice cream social that always draws a big crowd. A great, moderately challenging trail (built and maintained by volunteer Chuck) begins at the ranger station and weaves through the Buckskin Mountains with a loop out to an abandoned mine area and one out to Interruption Point, the highest spot with incredible views of the entire area. There is also a launch ramp and a privately run market, restaurant and boutique.
We are among 14 volunteers who work here at Buckskin during the winter months (none of us is brave enough to return in the summer!!) We work in the office 4 hours a day/ 5 days a week in exchange for our site (alternating shifts with our volunteer friends Irene and Bill D.). And, by the way, our site is gorgeous; the best spot in the park. We’ve got a prime piece of real estate here with an incredible view. Who wouldn’t want to call this home for 2 or 3 months!?! No taxes, no utility bills, no HOA fees, no mortgage, no shoveling the driveway, no traffic,……. You get the picture! We handle check-ins, take reservations, etc., and have the pleasure of meeting lots of great people from all over, mostly other snowbirds like ourselves ‘flying south’ for the winter in search of a warm spot. The park staff consists of Manager Jerry, Assistant Mgr. Rick, and Rangers Mike, Pete, Tim, Dustin and John; all great guys and a lot of fun to work with. A special thanks to Dustin for giving us the opportunity to join this wonderful group.
One of the local must-sees here in Parker is The Desert Bar, a funky mountain saloon at the end of a long dirt road that looks like it sprouted up in the middle of nowhere. We took a drive out to check it out a couple of weeks ago and you can visit it too by going to "The Desert Bar" photo album. It has an interesting history and story, much too involved to get into here, but you can visit their website at TheDesertBar.com.
On a recent weekend off, we had a great visit with our friends Eddie and Marie who came out from Scottsdale for a couple of days. We did a little sightseeing, threw the pole in the water (no luck there), and had some dinner. (There are a couple pictures in the album). A few days ago, we got together with the other volunteers for a potluck. Beginning March 1, they slowly start to move on, so we had one last chance to sit and visit all together. The "Volunteer Potluck" album is courtesy of volunteer Tom Jones. As his wife Chris says, he can’t sing… (but he takes good pictures!) Then, we unexpectedly had one more chance to all break bread together when the rangers surprised us by putting on a barbecue for us (see the "Buckskin Ranger BBQ" photo album). These guys are the best! Thank you to John for trailering his desert-sized barbecue over to the park and cooking up some excellent food and to all the rest of you for all the food you made and brought. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Once again, we’re grateful for the opportunity to spend some of our winter months in this desert paradise with some wonderful people who’ve become our friends. Stay tuned for the next update…
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