A few miles from the Salton Sea and the small town of Niland, is Salvation Mountain, the vision of folk artist and humble evangelist Leonard Knight (1931-2014), who built and rebuilt a mountain in the desert, first with metal scaffolding, then with adobe and thousands of gallons of paint.
This is both a pilgrimage site for the faithful and for those that enjoy weird California. With Leonard Knight's death, the site is run by volunteers of Salvation Mountain, Inc. One such volunteer warmly greeted us and asked us to stay on the flat parts and the "yellow brick road." Q codes allow you to donate via your phone, but visiting is free and all our welcome. The overall theme is "God is Love," with Bible quotes and flowers decorating the entire edifice. The site was busy on Christmas day, and we heard several languages as we followed the yellow brick road to the top. Mr. Knight has created a bone fide tourist attraction.
Nearby is the equally fascinating though less colorfol squatter commune of Slab City. You can park your RV here for free, and there is no formal government. Thousands of Snowbirds who like a little freedom live here during the comfortable winter months, and then the population dwindles to about 50-150 during the hellish summer heat. Here the "Slabbies" hold swap meets, have a lending library, and have an artist colony, among other activities. Nearby East Jesus has a folk artist installation as well. Most residents are retirees, but anarchists and a few drug addicts also hang out here.
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