Salton Sea And Salvation Mountain

I continually find Salton Sea a truly fascinating place. A saline lake on what once was the Gulf of Mexico, it is 15 miles wide by 35 miles long and 226 feet below sea level. There was a time when it was a recreational destination that rivaled any other in the country. But fell out of favor and into the past.

It is a locale for many movie and television productions as well as photo shoots. On this day for me, it was a sight seeing and hiking day. And in 100 degree heat it made a fun walk, I love it! And that is not sand on the shore but finely crushed sea shell from millions of years of prior geology.

Something very new, but old, at Salton Sea is the Yacht Club. Originally designed by famed modernist architect, Albert Frey, it had fallen into horrible tear down condition. But now completely rebuilt and retaining it's original look, it serves as a museum and community center.

That is just a small part of Salton Sea up on the North Shore, there is much more! Here is a photo I shot a couple of years ago down at Bombay Beach further South on the Sea.

From Salton Sea it was off to nearby Niland and the home of Salvation Mountain...

Whether you have any religious affiliation or not, Salvation Mountain is a breathtaking sight to behold in the middle of nowhere. Fifty feet high and 150 feet long, it is constantly growing by Leonard, it's sole creator and builder. 

Obviously devoted to his religious beliefs, Leonard is a slight man who lives on the property in various vehicles without running water or electricity or any basic utilities.

Constructed from cast off materials, donated paints and such, Salvation Mountain is not only a curious sight but also practical. For example, the bales of hay are amazingly insulating, resulting in interior temperatures that must be at least 20 degrees or more cooler than out in the open.

Salvation Mountain has also appeared in productions as well as documentaries including National Geographic. I am happy I got to see it and have had the opportunity to meet Leonard.

Thanks and keep coming back if you "Wanna See More...?"