Location
We are in Wonder Valley, a rural area near Twentynine Palms. This was a
homestead area and there are many small houses that were built until
the 1960's. They are now in various states of abandonment or collapse.
The house that I purchased is quite intact and it is on one acre of
land. I also bought an empty lot in Twentynine Palms.
Facilities
I have constructed several small buildings in addition to the main
(small) house. We feel like pioneers here, living in cottages or
trailers. There is a kitchen in the main house as well as a
semi-outdoor kitchen. Several devotees have lived here in the past
several years. There are currently two of us, with a third who may come
in the fall.
Climate
The climate here is very nice in the spring and fall, but can be rather
hot in summer and cold in winter. There are 300 days of clear sky each
year so it is a wonderful place for star-gazing and learning about the
night sky.
Work and Hobby
We are actively involved with volunteering at a local observatory and
giving presentations on astronomy. We also help to look after the
Ox Yoke Retreat, which is for devotees who attend temples in California
and Arizona. We do website design and various handyman, cleaning, and
landscaping jobs in the area. We have also installed satellite dishes
and done news reporting at the local radio station.
Accomodation
A person could bring a trailer or live in one of the existing cottages.
If we get too many devotees we may use the additional 1 1/4 acre lot in
town or look for additonal property. In its current state this small
community is best suited to a devotee who has some experience with
country living. However it is only five minutes from the center of town
by car.
Water and Cooling
The main disadvantage with this location is that we do not yet have a
well and have to haul in our water. We either bring it in barrels from
town or have it delivered. It is stored in a 2400 gallon underground
tank, and is then pumped under pressure to supply the house and other
areas. We have a swamp cooler (evaporative cooler) and a few air
conditioners in order to keep cool in summer.