THE DESERT BAR

There isn't much about this place that you can call conventional. The Desert Bar started as an old copper mining claim in the Buckskin Mountains, north of Parker, AZ. It sits out in the middle of the desert, on a dirt road, about 5 miles from the closest paved road. The only sign is the one shown below, and it's about a half mile off Hwy 95.

Yesterday was our third trip out to the Nellie E. Saloon, and the first time we stuck around long enough to enjoy the live music. Because the Desert Bar is in such an isolated location, the electrical grid does not reach it, and the source for electricity is from solar panels. The history of this very popular watering hole is pretty interesting, and if you're curious, click on the above link for all of the details.

This 1927 Oldsmobile is one of the first things you see upon arrival at the Desert Bar.

"The Church" is made entirely of metal, and is one of the unique landmarks at the Desert Bar.

The entrance bridge over the wash was completed in 1981.

After about a 20 minute drive on the dirt road, we arrived at this desert oasis just a little after their opening time of high noon. For years, water was hauled in by truck, then in 1997, Ken the owner drilled a 360 foot well which serves as the current water source.

The outside bar serves as the food area, and the inside bar is for drinks and souvenirs. Not exactly expecting an IN N OUT quality burger, I ordered one for $3, and it served the purpose of quelling my hunger. When the band started playing, I would probably categorize the music as somewhere between the Grateful Dead, and country. I think these guys were from Southern California, and they were actually quite good.

Inside the Desert Bar before the crowd started to fill the place up.

"No, that burger isn't for me, but I'm enjoying the sunshine".

The Shakedown, a group of 5 young guys, making some good music.

After an hour or so of listening to the band, we left the Desert Bar, and passed a bunch of vehicles heading toward this very unique place. Before we got back to the highway, we stopped at an unofficial shooting range in the desert, and unloaded some ammunition. More of that tomorrow.