In my previous two posts, we explored the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding fields with fascinating mud volcanoes and more adorable Burrowing Owls.
Next I headed back up Highway 111 towards Niland to find the infamous Salvation Mountain. As I drove through Niland, I saw some really cool looking abandoned buildings, and I had to stop and photograph this one.
I first saw it from the side (above) but when I got to the end of the street (which was actually going out of my way a little), I was glad I made the extra effort to view it from the front!
Then I headed past that small bit of civilization that is Niland and on to find Salvation Mountain. Before you get there, you will see signs of life. These signs of life point to the "community" of Slab City which is touted as the "Last Free land".
In reality, all of this land is government-owned, however it's long been understood that if you want to "claim" some land for yourself and act "right", the local and federal authorities will not bother you. It's pretty interesting.
I didn't stop to take any photos on my way in because, frankly, I wasn't sure how it would be received by the locals. So the first photos I took other than the ones above, were once I got to the entrance for Salvation Mountain itself.
This amazing place was started in 1984 by Leonard Knight as a testament to his fervent faith.
(Seriously, it's a really interesting story! Read the article above!)
Although the mountain does focus on Jesus and the bible...
...It is clear, at least to me :-), that the main message is LOVE.
There were two caretakers there that day and it was interesting to talk with them briefly and hear them talk to others. Basically, they do this out of love and respect for the original artist, Leonard. And it's not always easy; different people live there throughout the year and work to keep the structure safe and in good repair.
It also looks like they are adding on to the structure as there seemed to be construction going on in the section I took to calling "Noah's Ark" due to it looking like a ship (see last photo above), right down to the small windows.
These pictures show areas currently being worked on.
Inside passage
Of course there is a small hillside that the original artist used, but he created the mountain from hay bales and stucco. One of the caretakers was constantly telling one group to stay off of the face of the mountain. There are signs asking people to stay on the "Yellow Brick Road".
There are a few rooms that are complete that are interesting to walk into.
Aside from the actual structure, there are several other things to marvel at.
I like to look where most people aren't and found this gorgeous angel watching over the place from a little tunnel.
And, in the back, is a lovely "garden".
There are also some vehicles parked about, continuing the message. There were a couple of cars which I didn't take photos of, but couldn't resist the circus wagon and tractor.
It was getting pretty hot, being as the high that day was 93 and it was about 1:00 p.m. at this point. So I headed on down the road to see Slab City and East Jesus, which I really wanted to see as they have a sculpture garden.
I never made it to East Jesus, unfortunately, because I got off plan once more. This time, I stopped to talk to a local guy named "Dune Buggy" (not joking) who wanted to tell me all about the place. It was really fascinating, but took up a lot of time. So after about 45 minutes of baking in my car while talking to him (no air conditioning), I told him I had to head out. He told me to come back in the future, which I definitely will.
I'm even thinking of cutting out my own slab sometime in the future and spending a few days. lol Anyone can find an open space and park a vehicle, throw up a tent, or even make a lean to. As long as you respect others, you're welcome to stay.
I did take a few pictures on my way out of Slab City. You could call this first one, the town square.
And I loved this take on "Careful! Children Playing!" They have their priorities straight in Slab City.
What community would be complete without some form of church?
Especially so close to Salvation Mountain.
Love. This. So. Much. Story of my life.
And off I went to check out of my hotel before heading to see some of the Salton Sea shore. I'd like to end this installment with one bible verse which sums up my feelings about my time at Salvation Mountain and Slab City.
1 Corinthians 13
2...and so I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
13 And now abide faith, hope, and love, all these three; but the greatest of these is love.
xoxo
