As many of you know, we tracked our “Desert Express” across the country from Florida to Arizona. Everything went smoothly until the final 4.59 miles. At that point, the driver made the decision to stop and would not proceed further.
To help avoid this outcome, we had sent video footage of the road in advance, highlighting the terrain and potential challenges. The driver reviewed it and assured us it was manageable. However, upon arrival, he reconsidered. His decision was understandable; safety must always come first, but it did result in a delay of more than a full day and a half.
Thankfully, our incredible volunteers came prepared. Each had a 4x4 truck and immediately began offloading materials from the container, staging them at the site. We left a few wall panels inside the container for later transport. Meanwhile, I spent hours calling companies; most were booked solid, and very few were willing to dispatch on a Sunday.
One company promised to arrive by 8:30 a.m., but by 9:30, they had been diverted to an emergency accident and couldn’t make it. That left me alone with the container on the roadside, waiting for a new solution. I had already paid a sizable deposit, and despite the cancellation, the company charged a $75 inconvenience fee. So… that was a moment.
Eventually, in Kingman, I connected with a driver named David, someone familiar with the area who had recently rescued a semi truck just a few miles from our site. He came through for us. While the cost was higher than I’d hoped, it was still less than the previous company, which didn’t show.
I waited for David, he loaded us up, and had me hop in the rig. It was kind of weird being in such a large cab. Meanwhile, on the property, the volunteers were setting up a temporary greenhouse for the trees. We lost a few due to the long duration in the dark and heat. On video, you can hear the excitement of the volunteers when they spotted David and me carrying this massive 20-foot container through the wash. David made it to the second landing without much of an issue.
I learned that Bob and others wanted the container at the very top. This was the first time I had seen the road leading up since Canyon Excavation did the work. I was stuck 4.59 miles away. When I saw the road leading to the top, I thought… no way, no way this is going to happen. However, Bob and the driver, David were absolutely determined to get the container to the top, and they did.
Having the container so close is probably what saved some of what we were able to accomplish. We had two volunteers lose tires to punctures from rocks, and we had to make additional runs into town for additional supplies. Everything got off to a rough start, but volunteer Rebekah and Mike completed the build, nearly alone.
The pergola is only half the size that was planned. The pergola should have been 10x20 but is currently at 10x10. Fortunately, the planning helped because we had all of the right tools, generators, a jackhammer, an auger, and other tools to get through the ground.
Here is the concept of the station done by AI in advance, and an image of the weather station after the build on the very last day:
Pepe Station, Pike Summit, and Bob’s Landing: three names now etched into the sanctuary’s story, each a tribute to the spirit and effort of those who made this build possible.
Pepe, the black-and-white pup, was lovingly added to the AI image because the station now bears her name, Pepe Station, a joyful nod to Rebekah, who named it after working tirelessly to see the job through. Mike’s contribution was equally honored: the summit where the station stands is now called Pike Summit, a name he chose with pride. And the area shaped by Bob’s dedication, alongside David’s support, is now known as Bob’s Landing, a place of effort, teamwork, and quiet triumph.
One more important contribution was the golden beehive nestled in desert brush. The author, Nikki Moustaki, who has written over 46 books, contributed this beautiful element. The assembly was accomplished by Captain Bird, the helicopter pilot. The dedication reads: “ This beautiful hive was donated by Professor Nikki Moustaki Brandt of Vance Refrigeration. " Anyone familiar with 'The Office' will get the reference. This is one of my favorite contributions because I have long been a big fan of her work at NYU, her books, and previous celebrity pets' programs.
Though much was accomplished, several tasks remain. Volunteers gave everything they had, often working past exhaustion. Had deliveries arrived on time, I truly believe we could have completed the full list. Still, what was achieved is remarkable.
Remaining tasks:
Weather station instruments still need to be connected
The lightning rod awaits installation
Gutters are yet to be mounted
The cistern stands ready but is not yet capturing water
Amid the whirlwind, I managed a few quick video clips, tree plantings at Jelani’s Corner, in memory of a brave 15-year-old who passed from rare kidney cancer. I also filmed a brief dedication to four beloved souls from the Davis family and their friend, “Rotten Ron.” These clips are meaningful, but they deserve more than a rushed moment; they deserve reverence. I only wish that I had more time.
Now that I’m back, I’m reviewing footage and images gathered by others, hoping to craft a video for YouTube that honors the work, the people, the tree dedications, and the vision of Jackson Earth. It will also help potential donors see what’s been done, and what still calls for support.
Most of the trees were planted, though a few had to wait due to time constraints. The build itself was challenging, especially the pergola, which required drilling through layers of granite. I did manage to collect some soil samples, though not enough to inoculate all of the trees still growing in Florida.
Now that I have returned home, I am back to my regular work schedule, my son’s chemo treatments, and I have more background work to do for our Non-Profit. I still need help, but I am pushing myself to do as much as I can while I can.
Every step, every setback, every name etched into the land, this is the story of sanctuary in motion. Thank you to everyone who showed up, stayed late, lifted heavy, and believed. Your effort lives on in every corner of this place.
Calling all storytellers and videographers, if you’re handy with a camera and feel drawn to the work we’re doing, I’d be honored to cover the cost of bringing someone out to help document it. Filming solo is doable, but with so much happening on the ground, it’s nearly impossible to capture the full story while also doing the work.
If you’re interested in volunteering your time and talent, I’d love to talk. Just call the number listed on our website and let’s connect.
In closing, I’m beginning to plan the next big trip, one focused on tying up loose ends: installing the well, connecting the “Dirt Locker” systems, and launching the next major tree planting effort. The timeline is still uncertain, but I’m aiming for Earth Day, April 2026. Let’s start talking soon if you would like to be part of the trip.
As always, I’ll move forward with hope and see what falls from the sky.
In closing: If anyone works in an office and would like a flyer or has a place to hang a flyer to spread the word, please let me know. We need as much visibility as possible. Thanks for your consideration.