Ruth highly suggested that we visit "Slab City" and "Salvation Mountain" while down at the southeast corner of the Salton Sea . This turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Slab City is located at an abandoned World War II Marine base that was closed down and subsequently the buildings were removed leaving only the cement slabs hence "Slab City". Over the years RVer's, Canadian RVer's, Snowbirds, drifters, and all sorts took over the area as a place to park free usually to spend the winter. From reading in some of the websites it sounds as if the various catagories of people group together there.
Apparently the group is pretty much self-regulating and policing. I would think that it would be a real interesting experience to spend a few weeks there and meet some of the people. There have been a number of film documentaries done about Slab City and the character of the true story that the movie "Into the Wild" was based upon lived in Slab City for a while. I haven't seen it yet but a segment of the film was shot on location at Slab City.
I would have to say that Slab City in general was not trashy and there was not much junk laying around. There was mixed levels of quality of living conditions but, hey, to each their own. Some rigs looked new and expensive and others looked like they had been around a long time and grown roots there.
Below is the bulletin board that welcomes you to Slab City and has current activities posted. Obviously a real piece of art.
I hope that I have created enough interest for you to read more about Slab City click on the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slab_City
http://www.desertdutch.org/slabcity.htm
Ruth has asked that I add a link for her blog titled"Phantom Seedlings" to mine and I do hope that you will visit it. It profiles her interest in the deserts and the people that live and have lived there. It also contains the preface for her upcoming book. Take a look at:
http://www.ruthnolan.blogspot.com/
Click on the photo to enlarge!
Below is an overview of Slab City. Definitely not overcrowded.
This guy has turned his rig into a mobile work of art.
This place is called the "Range" and is the location of Saturday night talent shows. This could be a real interesting way to spend a Saturday night.
Below Joe is relaxing in the spectator seating at the Range.
Now on to "Salvation Mountain" which is along the road on the way to Slab City. This is where Ruth introduced us to desert rat Leonard Knight. Leonard had taken on the mission of his life to spread a very simple gospel message that God Loves You and that we have sinned and we must ask God's forgiveness. He repeated to us a number of times to keep the message simple and that is the message he preaches.
Leonard is a very kind and simple gentleman. He doesn't force his message on you and he doesn't ask for monetary donations. The only donation he asks for is a donation of paint to continue his art work. He does accept a donation if you wish and thanks you for it and offers postcards and picture puzzles in return. He also loves to talk to strangers and tell his story. If you ever have the opportunity to visit there be sure to search out Leonard and talk with him.
We felt that Leonard is truly what he proclaims to be and puts all his resources into his mission.
Sign at entrance to Salvation Mountain.
Salvation Mountain
Looking down on the Sea of Galilee from top of Salvation Mountain.
Part of Leonard's artwork.
Leonard Knight talking with Joan.
Leonard with our group, Bev, Joe, Leonard, Ruth, myself, and Joan.
A plaque from the Folk Art Society of America proclaiming Salvation Mountain worthy of protecting as a National Folk Art Site.
We ended the day driving back to Palm Desert that we had a full day of experiences (Salton Sea, Slab City, and Salvation Mountain) that we will remember a long time and possibly draw us back in the future.
I suggest you Google on Salvation Mountain and also do a search for Salvation Mountain on YouTube for more interesting information.
http://vagabonders-supreme.net/SlabCity.htm
http://www.salvationmountain.us/
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2042
1 comment:
hi Wayland - wonderful writing on your blog....you've given a comprehensive depiction of both the Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain! I'm really glad, too, that you have shared the Leonard Knight-Salvation Mtn. story - I really admire him and his sincerity and devotion inspire me greatly. I was also going to ask if you could add a link to my blog onto your blog, "Phantom Seedlings," which gives much "desert description" and highlights much of what I'm doing in desert literature and conservation - it might be fun for other family members to read. Likewise, I could add your blog URL to mine! Hope you are having a good time in Phoenix, and do travel safely on your way home! Love, Ruth
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