Squinting against the sandstorm, we take a breath, run from the house. Slamming the door I shut, I look back at Baylor, Man, I’m glad we’re not on the motorcycle today. Wind shaking the car, he looks at me grinning.
Desert nothingness giving way to more and more houses, I take it all in. Enjoy the momentary passenger ability to sit back and relax.
Pulling up to the monument, I don’t know what to expect. I’ve heard tell of Salvation Mountain and still it stands taller and stranger than I imagined. Towering three stories over us, it’s a riot of concrete, adobe and paint. A testament to passion and commitment. From 1984 until his death in 2014, creator Leonard Knight dedicated all of his time and energy to continually growing and expanding this monument. On a mission to spread his beliefs in Jesus, he built, rebuilt, expanded and painted non-stop.
Standing at the bottom, sand stinging my cheeks, I shake my head in wonder. Here stands a thing that countless people would’ve thought impossible. A monument many would call strange or unnecessary, and yet that never stopped Leonard. Seeing people of all different backgrounds and lifestyles mill about, I have to think he was successful. That there is something to be respected and learned from his commitment. For even if you don’t agree with his exact beliefs, his commitment is undeniable. And I can’t help but wonder, what more could we accomplish with such passionate dedication?
Cruising towards civilization, we pass field upon field of agriculture. Stare at row after row of date trees. Seeing a glimmer in the distance, I sit up taller. Watch the water grow as we drive closer. Pulling onto the shore, I look around. What an unexpected thing to see in this desert setting. The Salton Sea, shimmers a wet oasis in this otherwise dry land. Fraught with a strange history, I’m excited to run to the shoreline and take it all in.
Standing at waters edge, I look over. Holler at Baylor, Dude, don’t eat that. He looks up briefly, ignores me completely. Running over I yank him away from the rotting, questionable fish he’s chosen for an afternoon snack. Come on man. You know my one rule is don’t eat weird stuff. He laughs, trots off unconcerned. I shake my head, follow closely behind.
Arriving at the Inn, we jump out excitedly. Sandy greets us, explains how dogs are welcome in all areas. This is a completely dog-friendly place and pups are allowed to lounge by the pool, wander into the kitchen lounge, have free range over the fenced backyard. Entering our room, Baylor couldn’t be more excited. Sniffing about, he’s downright thrilled to be giving up the tent and spending the night in such plush accommodations.
Digging for my swimsuit I look over. What do you think? Should we go down for an evening swim and then sit out back to watch the sun set? He cocks his head, considering. Laughs and walks to the door. An evening of pool frolicking and hotel lounging?
That’s just the type of pampering this pooch could get used to.
268 days down. Many to come.
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