A few years ago, when I lived in San Diego, my youngest daughter and I took a road trip to the desert with some fellow photographers to explore Salvation Mountain, Slab City, East Jesus and Bombay Beach. As a photography hobbyist, I love to get out and experience the world around me. At the time of this road trip, I had just gotten my first good digital camera and was ready to get out and play! Luckily the desert offers some quirky sights.
Salvation Mountain is a man-made monument created by a God-loving man named Leonard Knight. According to the website, Leonard took his hot air balloon out into the desert with the intention of flying the balloon around while proclaiming his love for God. Unfortunately the balloon never made it in the air, but Leonard's love for God never wavered. Instead, he build his monument in a dried river bank where thousands flock every year to witness his remarkable efforts.
After visiting Salvation Mountain for a while, we went about a mile down to the abandoned remnants of Camp Dunlap's WWII barracks, now know as Slab City. Snowbirds, or those just wanting to get off the grid, park their RV's on the cement slabs and call it home for as long as they wish, or until the heat of the desert becomes unbearable and they decide to move on.
Next, we headed out to East Jesus to see the unique art created solely out of re-used materials. East Jesus is a great place to go if one wants to get off the grid. It was founded in 2006 by Charles Russel, who was the only full-time inhabitant. Russell passed away last May, but the area still stands as a growing monument to him.
Finally, we headed over to the Bombay Beach to take shots of the sunset over the Salton Sea; it was beautiful and though a bit crowded, it was a great finale to such an interesting and self-actualizing day.
After a quick bite with the last few remaining group members, it was time to head back to San Diego. It had been a 14.5 hour day with more than 5 hours of driving, but it was worth every minute. I learned a lot about my camera, my fellow-man and where to go if I never want to be found!
