While at the WIN Dance Rally, when I wasn't soaking in the hot springs tubs or dancing, we went on a few excursions. The Slabs are nearby, and the highlight there is Salvation Mountain. Built by Leonard Knight over the years beginning in 1984, it's quite a sight.
You are free to wander through it, and even climb to the top, as long as you stay on the "Yellow Brick Road." Some of the paintings are very detailed.
It takes A LOT of paint to maintain the mountain in all this sunshine. It is done by many volunteers and caretakers.
Leonard passed away in 2014, but I had the pleasure of meeting him several times. This photo was taken in 1999.
The Slabs are known as "The Last Free Place on Earth," because many people live free here all year long. They even have a library!
Some of the homes are really unique...
And they have their own natural hot springs pool. I imagine that's how a lot of them bathe.
We went over to the artists' colony in the Slabs known as East Jesus. There are some really amazing works of art here.
Is this what happens when RVers try to fit all their stuff into a small RV?
Looks like a plane crashed here...
Okay, I don't get this one...
What they do with old TVs...
We then went over to the old water tanks that have been painted by some really talented artists.
WOW!
Leaving, we went by this large art work. I think it was my favorite. I'll probably like it even more when it gets a little rustier...
On another day, we went on another 4-wheel drive trip, where Paul had a little whoopsie, but the other cars got him out.
The highlight of the trip was when we saw a gigantic group of White Pelicans soaring in circles above us.
Another great sunset!
Do you seriously not grasp the symbolism of blue mannequin legs sticking out of a car roof? I guess some people simply have no appreciation for great art.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually saddened to see current graffiti at slab city, because this is what it's covering
ReplyDeletehttps://www.desertusa.com/desert-people/christina-angelina.html
Love your blogs Diana.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, you really saw a lot. I've never been to the Slabs. Been to Salvation Mountain once, and will always remember it. The photo of the pelicans is really amazing!
ReplyDeleteLee, enlighten us & take away our ignorance!
ReplyDeleteWell, the legs obviously symbolize the plight of the world's refugees displaced from their homes. And the high heels refer to the continuing subjugation of women. And the car shows that art majors will probably wind up driving ratty old Datsuns. And, ummm... anyone else want to jump in here and help??
DeleteThanks, Lee! Sure glad you explained this. I love it!
DeleteCaught up with your blog posts. My blog is dull and boring about our gardening so I know why you don't read it. lol I do have a question - how many people live at the Slabs?
ReplyDeleteWikipedia says about 150 live there full time. Of course there are more there in the winter, but they are RVers who can travel when it gets too hot.
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