Imagine summering on Corte Madera Creek in an ark — a simple home with a flat bottom and often an arched roof, that was designed to float with the tides.

There were up to 400 of these homes, grouped together on four separate boardwalks that connected them to each other and the town of Larkspur. Many of the residents were seasonal from the 1850s to the 1960s, and often several families would share one, so it was really a lively community informally known as “Arkites.”

However, a series of floods in the lower Ross Valley in 1955, 1958, and 1960 made clear for safety reasons that something would need to be done. Congress authorized a flood control project and the channelizing of the creek closer to where Marin General Hospital is today. To build it, the creek corridor had to be cleared. Boardwalks Two, Three, and Four — and the arks moored along them — lay directly in the project's path.

The arks at the three boardwalks were all removed in 1965 and 1966, except for one. Phyllis Lahargoue privately owned an ark at Boardwalk Two and even chained herself to a bulldozer in 1968 to delay its destruction a bit longer.

Today there is still one small ark community at Boardwalk One just west of Piper Park. You park your car and walk on a boardwalk over the marsh to the approximately 37 permanently anchored homes. Some of them even have the arched roof that was common:

It’s nice to think back to how simple things once were: sitting on the creek looking up at Mt. Tam.

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We’ll be back on the beautiful deck overlooking the Bay, this Sunday 4/12 from noon-4:30, some $25 tickets still available.

This one’s going to take some planning ahead, because even though it’s free, it is a full two day experience May 2-3. I took the time to read their history page, and it sounds fascinating (I’m not vouching for it, do your own research). I love personal development and want to see more free offerings like this in Marin.

Because leaving Marin might take more planning. Look for our Marin events in the Wednesday email.

There’s a massive need for singles events and not that many here in Marin. So when I heard about this new format, I had to share it with you. A friend does a 4 minute Powerpoint presentation on why someone is awesome to date. Most people don’t present or get pitched, and just mingle. Friday 4/10, 8-11 (this one might be sold out, but follow the organization for more).

Off the Grid is a food truck event all around SF. This one is on Treasure Island with a free ferry to get there (from the SF Ferry Building). So just take one of the Marin ferries, swap boats in SF, have fun, and come home. It runs on Saturdays the next 6 weeks, 11-4, free.

This weekend is the start of a two weekend celebration that is a fun time to visit Japantown.

The Presidio is so close and beautiful, I love sharing events here. “You know that thing where someone asks what you do for fun and you start talking about your [novel/ceramics practice/film photography/embroidery obsession] and their eyes glaze over within 30 seconds? Yeah. This club is for you.” Saturday 4/11, 1-3, $15.

A massive craft beer festival with all you can eat food and drink beer (responsibly, that is). Saturday 4/11, 1-5, $100.

Please note that this property isn’t associated with the banner sponsor above or Marin Buzz in any way. It is just a unique home you might be interested in seeing, for entertainment purposes only!

8 Mariposa Court, Tiburon

Just before you get to Blackie’s Pasture, take a left and go all the way to the top of Reed Ranch Rd. It’s 1 mile and 250 feet up the hill.

The home backs up to the Ring Mountain Preserve, which as you can see from the pictures, gives the feeling of being alone on the top of the world. From the pool you can see out over Richardson Bay to San Francisco.

This home is much more than just the view though. It looks like custom everything. You know how Zillow does those “what’s special” tags? I thought this one was hilarious: “motorized shades.” Not a main selling point, but nice to have.

Honestly, one of the key selling points might be someone who can afford a Belvedere view, but doesn’t want to be as tucked back there. This home is much closer to the freeway for getting to SF. Do people who own homes like this work?

Check it out:

Zillow link

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Thanks for reading. We will be back with the regular events and activities email Wednesday morning!

— Allison + Brian