For those who like to boondock in the SW, the Slabs are a "must see" kind of experience. The Slabs are located near the Salton Sea and in one of the poorest counties in CA, sitting just outside the equally tired city of Niland. It is hard to describe the Slabs, one hardly knows where to start but here we go.
Once A former military base, it was dismantled leaving just the concrete slabs that were barracks and begat the name. Now it is home to many that need or want to live free of charge, including the homeless, down on their lucks, former druggies, people with mental issues and when ever you have free, you have snow birds. Some say there is a third world feel to the place and a lawlessness, which was verified the moment we drove in with a squad car shaking down some youth. There are many areas filled with trash and make shift buildings here and there between old motor homes, there is even word that a resident is digging under one of the slabs and has plans for a multi room home. But there is also a community that takes care of those that want and need to be a part of a social group. And there is Salvation Mountain, a interesting folk art installation. Roughly three stories tall and about 100 feet wide, on a constant state of repair and a bright spot in an otherwise drab desert landscape.
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