We stayed in a Caboose for our first anniversary

Polaroid’s from our adventure logs, 2021.

An anniversary trip for the books full of nature, animals and tranquility.

Nestled in the Mojave Desert, lies an incredible sanctuary, also known as the Sarkisian Ranch. This is where we came to stay for our first dating anniversary. We found this through Airbnb and what really stood out to us was that we had the opportunity to stay in an old caboose which was converted into a living space. Although, Judi is not currently hosting, we've been wanting to write a little bit about it and share the photographs we took.

What really appealed to our “happiest in nature and near water” souls was the fact that there is a lake on the property. That is partially because all of these homes are built on top of aquifers so the owners in the Mojave are able to tap into the aquifer and make a little lake on their property, which really helps in the Mojave summers.

Additionally, this incredible sanctuary is home to; multiple handfuls of peacocks, an emu named Lucy, about four dogs, and many tortoises. Lucy the Emu was rescued from abusive owners and she has scars on her beak from them. It warmed our hearts to know she was in good hands now.

When we went, the peacocks were molting so we didn’t really get to see them fan out their big-feathery-tails as they paraded around. The owner let us grab a bunch of peacock feathers to take home so now we have a vase full of feathers and a little piece of Sarkisian Ranch forever, which just adds to the whole magical experience!

Example of a molting peacock on the ranch.

One of the peacocks that hadn’t lost as many feathers.

Around the ranch is an eclectic mixture of trinkets, such as various glass statues, more train cabooses and located in the middle of the lake lies a little island with a tiny makeshift chapel type of structure with stained glass windows.

Chapel-like structure in the island in the middle of the lake on the property.

There are quite a few properties at this Airbnb. One of the homes is a library full of a very incredible mixture of books, including ones that Judi has been a part of Judy was a psychologist for her whole career and philanthropist, and she still choosing to uplift her community in ways, such as hosting events in the special hall on the property where the locals can come to do crafts and hang out. When we stayed there, we were in alone there was actually an archaeologist staying there, but you wouldn’t know it because he was out doing scientific studies the whole time.

We went in the middle of July, which isn’t necessarily the time you would want to be in the Mojave desert, but due to the amazing lake that was on the property we were able to just enjoy the water for most of the day and even had a little paddle boat there so we got to paddle away. It was really special! If Judi ever offers the chance to rent a stay at the Ranch we will be sure to announce it!