The Sleeping Deck

An easy and enjoyable addition to a desert home is a "sleeping deck". We planned the deck before we built the house, but it is a relatively inexpensive addition that can be constructed on most desert homes.

Stairs lead to our deck, which is located over a bedroom. If your home has a flat garage or porch roof that would be another ideal location. The concept is to create a sleeping place higher off the ground, outside, where the cooler summer night temperature creates a more comfortable environment.

But, we have found many other reasons to have a sleeping deck. It gives us more space for overnight guests and family members when they come to visit. Sleeping outside, under the stars in this dark desert gives grandchildren and guests alike many wonderful memories. Flat on your back, looking up into the milky haze of millions of stars is an awesome experience, whether you are six or sixty! We are so used to Orion's path that we can acurately estimate the time from the Hunter's position in the sky!. And...it is cooler on the roof, a lot cooler! All you need is a blow up mattress, a sleeping bag and pillow. No need for any furniture.

We've had some funny experiences on our deck! One grandchild was afraid to sleep there...he thought the "black hole" might swallow him! More than once, we have heard animals of some sort moving around the roof. Regular response to that is, " Why don't you go see what it is?" ( Not me, of course. )The stairs give such easy access, no excuses allowed! One time, my protector tip toed up the steps, quietly, hoping to see what was making the noise. Meanwhile, I opened the door, the dog got out and immediately thundered up the stairs...heart attack in the making and whatever was on the roof forgotten! The funniest event, was when two good friends settled in for the night, marveling at the starry heavens above. Around 3 am, it started to rain, they ran downstairs with their sleeping bags and said they couldn't see anything. In their mad rush, they had put on each other's glasses!

If you are leery of sleeping outside on the ground and want a cooler night's sleep, this seems like the ideal solution!