The Salton Sea is a peculiar place. Much of it has been desolate since it fell out of favor, since its hey day. It was once a vacation destination for the rich and famous. It would go on to become an ecological disaster, and a eutrophic lake, where fish can’t survive.
Well what does survive around the Salton Sea are a mix of strange folk, and strange creatures. There are no doubt some old timers who remember is how it was, but it’s mostly transplants, looking for a rugged, fringe of society kind of vibe, who know is how it is now.
Artists have come to the area around Bombay Beach, to create their art installations, sculpture, and grafitti art amongst the abandoned buildings.
It’s a place wild and possibly rabid dogs roam free, like this chap, who seemed to be possessed, as he tried to bite our car ties. That’s what you can expect here. So bring plenty of dog repellant.
We stopped inside one of the abandoned structures, filled with all sorts of graffitti, artwork, and a combination of the two. What is art, you will find yourself asking, many times while visiting here.
I brought my boyfriend along on this adventure. I would not feel safe coming to this place alone, to say the least.
This one was rather simplistic, yet told a very profound story.
We did not stay long checking out the abandoned houses in the town, for fear of more stray dogs.
We continued searching for the infamous sculpture park, which put Bombay Beach on the map. We would find it, after making a right turn, off the last street in town, heading toward the “beach.”
A lack of signage pointing the way made this all the more an adventure.
It did not take long to find it.
I was met with a call to action, to “Save Our Sea.” Though the sea no doubt could use some saving, the question is, how exactly?
The Salton Sea was created by a large accidental water release and flood from the Colorado River long ago. It is essentially cut off from a source. So it is a stagnant drainage basin, and it would follow that it might grow ever more so, with time. Saving this lake will require some major ingenuity, and funds.
I stumbled across this sign, sitting at the high water mark. It’s a bold statement. If spinning atoms are nothing, than I guess it’s true. All nihilists and fans of the Big Lebowski feel free to unite around this peice.
There are plans for a lithium mine nearby. Who knows, maybe it will create jobs, and the funds to invest a bit in this lake, and beautifying the area.
Gentrification does tend to displace people, and something tells me, this Bombay Beach Sculpture Park will fade, as soon as the money rolls in to this area.
I’m sure Elon would be mighty proud to see a charge station here for his vehicles.
This was actually pretty neat, and well constructed, compared to the rest, like something by Richard Serra. No idea who constructed anything here.
A shanty of sorts with more bad grafitti on it. This one screams of desparation.
Just a letter M, and making a statement, though I’m not sure what that is.
This fishy has definitely been netted. It’s a reminder than this is place where no fish can swim.
I sort of liked this one the best, part pirate ship, and part shanty.
It was interesting to know the potential meaning of it all.
I’m not sure why else you would come live here, unless the world truly did not want you. That’s the sad feeling this place leaves you with. Your not sure you would come back. even if someone paid you. It just feels like a place gone wrong, for all by the sculptures I guess.
There is a Bombay Beach Biennial competition now happening here. They even have their own instagram, so you can follow along.
If you are an artist, in search of a place to belong, this might be it, especially if you, and your art seem to fit nowhere. Bombay Beach truly is nowheresville, and I am certain the locals aim to keep it that way.
All are welcome, but only if you dare to brave the hostile elements. Wild dogs seem to be just the beginning.
I am sure there is much much more, to life here by the Salton Sea, than one could gather, in one afternoon here.
For now it was farewell, Salton Sea. May you sparkle and glimmer, and someday not be contaminated.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
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I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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