Musings
Last Adventurer
#preservethegood

As you’ve seen above, #preservethegood could mean anything – it could mean helping someone in a time of need; it could be picking up trash on a trail, or a wilderness area; it could be educating people on leave no trace principles; it could be making a difference in any way you want; and it could be just about anything you want as long as you are focused in keeping the magic and the unique positive things in this world and this life. In terms of tangible things, I encourage you, my readers and followers to use the hashtag when you post a photo of something amazing; or when you’re talking about something exceptional you – or someone else has done to improve the world. I look forward to seeing how all of you end up preserving the good in 2015, and you can rest assured that as always, I will keep preserving the good where I find it as well, because as Plato says, “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.” 

#preservethegood
Hiking, State Parks
Last Adventurer
Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls

As I mentioned previously, Waimea Canyon is a site that is most definitely one of the “must-view” locations on Kauai, and in the world; and as I also mentioned, the best way to experience it is to hike it. While there are many great hikes through the canyon, the best hike in my book is the Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls. It is the best hike to me because at four miles roundtrip, it is accessible, it has stunning views of the canyon from inside the canyon, and it ends at the top Waipoo Falls. It also allows the hiker the chance to swim in a waterfall, which is a once in a lifetime experience.

Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls

Wheel of War

Leonard Knight, 1931-2014

Salvation Mountain, 2010

Yesterday was a sad day for fans of folk art, as Leonard Knight passed away at the age of 82. Chances are that you don't know who Leonard Knight is, as his name was not a household name. But, chances also are that you know his work, which is one of the largest free-standing folk art projects in the United States and perhaps, the world - Salvation Mountain. Salvation Mountain is many things to many people - but what it is and what is was is art. And as art, it was Leonard's life's work, and his way of spreading his message - "God is Love". While Salvation Mountain was Leonard's life's work, the truth of the matter is that for the last two years, the mountain was out of his care, as he had been placed in a convalescent home.

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While friends of the mountain have stepped up to continue Leonard's work - and his dream, the desert is an inhospitable place, and I for one, wonder, how much longer the mountain will last, especially now that Leonard is gone. I for one, would highly recommend that any of my readers interested in Salvation Mountain plan a trip sooner rather than later, in order that they may see the mountain as it was, and as Leonard intended it to be. I'll always remember meeting Leonard for the last time in 2010, when above all else, I was impressed by his humble demeanor and love for all. Even though it was late in the day, and he was covered with the blood of Salvation Mountain - paint and plaster, he took the time to greet all of us, discuss life, his work, the desert, and his faith without reservation. To me, you could ask no more of any artist than an honest discussion of their work, which he provided not just to me; but to all on a daily basis with much love, and clearly, the desert around Niland will not be the same without him. 

Directions: If you're headed out to Salvation Mountain, navigate yourself to Niland, California, and head East. The Mountain is located a short distance from the town, and is on the outskirts of Slab City. Also, if you are are headed out to Niland, be sure you visit the water towers above Salvation Mountain, as they feature some interesting art as well.



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Wheel of Kama and the Wheel of War

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This post is for reader RVMaster2022, who recently wrote me asking whether I knew any more about the "Wheel of Kama" outside Slab City, and whether I had any more images of the art that was there. Since I'm always happy to answer reader questions, and put the answer up for other interested parties, here's what I know, RVMaster2022. 

When I was at Salvation Mountain (detailed here: http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2010/11/17/salvation-mountain.html) I walked up to the top of Salvation Mountain, and saw there were two water tanks off in the near distance that appeared to also be painted. Since I'm curious, I set off, and was at first, reluctantly followed by my group. As we drew closer, I shouted back two things to the group: 1) "You'd better not leave me in the middle of nowhere", and 2) "Hey look - it's the Wheel of Karma.....er, Wheel of Kama." As soon as I uttered the second phrase, and got a good look at the Wheel of Kama, I started laughing. Once we had checked out the whole wheel which is elaborately decorated and painted, we of course had to go over to the next water tank, which we could tell was also elaborately painted. Once there, we saw that it was not about love, but about WAR (Obvious, right, with a name like "Wheel of WAR"). However, despite being about war, it also had some pretty amazing art, including a dragon made completely from spent shotgun shells (pictured above in the link, and below in the pictures here). And frankly, that's all I can tell you about these modern petroglyphs, other than its some amazing work, and that if you're at Salvation Mountain, they're amazing to also see, but not the work of Leonard. If I was to speculate (and I will), I'd say they're the work of Slab City locals, or possibly, aliens. In any case, if you're there, check it out!

Directions: From the top of Salvation Mountain, walk directly due South-East for approximately .25 miles. The tanks will be easily visible as they are quite large.

Wheel of Kama, not Karma!

Thanks for life Mom, I'm doing fine!

Dinosaurs....The recipe for the Big Bang - finally!More Information: http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/2010/11/17/salvation-mountain.html, http://www.flickr.com/photos/ideabunch/5374240147/, http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/winegalcj/2/1266950373/tpod.html