Slab City Pictures...

[SoulRaven]

Many have asked me about Slab city and I always tell them that this place is not for everyone... But to be honest it really is the last free place as they advertise... you will find people&nbsp; from the wealthy in big RV's decked out with toad, solar, and all that comes with money, to folks ya run into living in a tent with a bike parked next to them...There seems to be trash all over and then ya find a person using the trash as art that looks really well... I have found a few people with nice little gardens and others living like pigs... So I put together a photo tour for you to enjoy and maybe make a trip to a truly unique destination....<br><br>http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j135/TooRisky/Slab City CA/<br><br>

 

[cyndi]

Enjoyed the pictures, Gary, thanks1

 

[Dust of the Sun]

Thanks SoulRaven-<br><br>Always a subject that conjures up interest and fantasy...good piece of photo journalism!!<br><br>Dust<br><br>

 

[bobbert]

Awesome footage! Thanks for posting!

 

[SheketEchad]

<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Thanks for sharing, intriguing looking place.</span><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">~SE</span></div>

 

[Seraphim]

So you just go and block off a section of land? Some of those encampments looked like they might have been there a while...

 

[SoulRaven]

It is true that some do live here year round, but most make this a stop on there winter travels where the temps here are not bad... But as of now it is in the 80's and for me too hot, so i am heading for the high desert where it is cooler... Also to answer your question about a plot of land to stay on for free, just find a area that suits you and yes make that your home for as long as you like...<br>

 

[Seraphim]

<p>Thanks - just curious.&nbsp; There aren't enough mountains there for me. Is the dust a problem? DW has allergies and areas of high dust are impossible for her.</p>

 

[VanTramp]

The dust and smoke where problems for me, and it was getting to Heidi also, just not the same effect of course.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I wish it were different for me, I enjoyed our time there beyond my health issues. It is incredibly interesting. You just pull up and setup where ya like if it isn't already occupied. There was a ton of crap left behind from other past residents and there were a couple groups of people loosely trying to organizing little crews to help with cleaning the junk up. The people that spend a lot of time there, seem to do what they can to make it more enjoyable.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>One thing I won't ever forget about that place was the wondering minstrels <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> There were a couple of incredibly talented guitar players walking around that just sorta plopped down, said "Hi" and started jamming for us. One of the most talented guitar players I have met and without question the most beat up guitar I have ever seen, but it sure sounded good when he played it! Betcha Sweet Katie remembers them!&nbsp;</div>

 

[Seraphim]

Might not be a comfortable environment for DW, then.

 

[SoulRaven]

Well I never encountered any smoke or pollutants in the air in my stay, as for dust it was not bad considering the area... But if the wind picked up I am sure there would be some dust... The ground is a sandy loam and not a dusty place... I&nbsp; get out of the "Slab Central" area, go Eest along the canal for about a mile and find a nice spot... There should be no smells, dust, or undesirables walking about...<br>

 

[VanTramp]

Undesirables? Didn't see any. We actually quite enjoyed the "minstrels" <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> Probably most people have me pegged as the undesirable...<div><br></div><div>The air quality issues I had with the slabs had much less to do with the specifics of the actual slabs location, rather the whole valley. The problems are not noticeable 24/7 and probably not by most people. People that have lung conditions, allergies, etc are the ones who will have issues likely.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I always will advise for people with any types of COPD or somehow compromised lungs or immune systems to not stay long in the area if they do plan to go see it. Of course my advice is based on my experience there. Just hate to see anyone who needs to avoid it, not get warned. Wish I had known!</div>

 

[Instead]

This place fascinates me since first learning about it. SoulRaven, thanks for posting the picks.<br><br>Considering all that is at your disposal in that part of the country, is this a place you would frequent? <br><br>I'm afraid my ADD would make even a two week stay in dispersed camping seem long enough, thus eliminating the need for something longer term.<br><br>&nbsp;<br>

 

[SoulRaven]

Don't get me wrong, but all the ism's and problems others have is their issue... i am disabled making my way though a harsh environment but don't limit myself and actually challenge myself into tough situations... I just say get over it or go home... I am not sorry for my stand but there seems to be to many reasons why people don't do things and that is their choice... but for those adventurous enough there are places that will rock your world if you let it...<br><br>Adult ADD seems to me that you will never find any place other than where you are, or forget where you are when you venture from camp... Not condusive to this life style... but that is me, my posts are for the one's without the ism's to explore...<br><br>Sorry for being harsh or inconsiderate, but it seems every time some destination is brought up the same people chime in with their problems... just tired of it, kind of a bummer on the rest of us...<br><br>just sayin'...<br><br>

 

[Instead]

SoulRaven it seems you totally misunderstood my post. perhaps I could have constructed my thought better. Let's just leave it there. All the best to you friend.<br>

 

[Guest]

Nice photos.<div><br></div><div>I've definitely got to make it out there sometime, seems like my kind of place.</div>

 

[rattlesnake joe]

<p>Just took a look see once about 3 years ago.&nbsp; Talked to several people about the security there.&nbsp; Only complaint was bicycles tend to dissapear if left out over night without a lock and chain on them.&nbsp; Some areas of Slab City look more like a dump...because that is what it is.&nbsp; It looked to me like locals have used that area for a dump since 1957.&nbsp; Some areas look okay.&nbsp; It didn't appeal to me and my wife.&nbsp; The people were friendly enough but the place reminded me of a dump for the most part.&nbsp; I'd rather camp out in the wilds.&nbsp; One thing I have heard over the years is that the Solar Man there is very good.&nbsp; So if you want a good solar system put on your rig he is the man to do it.&nbsp; </p>

 

[SoulRaven]

To be extremely honest i myself have a disability, i have severe Neuropathy which means i cant feel my feet to above my knees and my hands to above my elbows... i am severely disabled in the mobility arena and just am sick of people whining about their disabilities... I never complain and always challenge my self in this life as it is just a great life for the free of heart and mind... My issue is the ones that use their disability as a crutch, always bringing it up as to why they cant do something... Plain and simple most work their lives away, never able to taste the freedom I have, but what gets me is the ones who have made the move and complain the entire way... I (we) are so fortunate to live this life, spending time whining about your limitations is so negative to me....<br><br>nuff said...<br><br>

Steve,&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>What's the matter, brother? &nbsp;Normally, I'm the sensitive male (minus a certain Asian I know <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">). &nbsp; I took this thread at Seraphim being concerned about dust and "Instead" worrying about his ADD issues (classic finger-tapping avatar btw, I lmao'd when I put 2+2 together). &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>My neighbor says I have OCD, and he's probably right. &nbsp;I am obsessed with doing everything perfectly, but I thought that came from my parents' upbringing (brother a top U.S. cancer scientist, other brother a retired CHP Sgt. etc...)&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I think I could camp a week or two at the slabs, before I went nuts with boredom (unless I had a dirtbike or a seriously hot woman <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">. &nbsp;I need to have a body of water and/or mountains around to feel there are things to do. &nbsp;I guess I could work on members' campers/vans to stay busy...&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>AJ</div>

 

[Simran]

I rented a room in Sactown, CA a few years ago, when I was working out there, from a woman that, recently, called me and asked if I'd ever been to Slab City. She sent me a link to a site with lots of pics. It certainly looks like a place to spend a few interesting days looking around.<br>The woman I mentioned above spends time boondocking in the desert every winter just for kicks. She grew up in Cambodia and immigrated here as a teen. Her expertise in living with nothing is unparallelled by anyone I've ever met. The kinda gal that would have your back if the chips were really down. <br><br>gus<br><br>

 

[yesican]

<p style="margin: 0px;">To Soul Raven:</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">People's disabilities are usually not from a physical nature rather an emotional nature.&nbsp; We limit ourselves.&nbsp; I have a friend who's a quad that runs charter boat. He has the best outlook on everything.&nbsp; Knowing him really puts life in perspective and makes one realize how we limit ourselves.</p>