My husband and I wintered in slab city some 35 years ago ! I really liked living there in winter ! A mix of people from homeless people to people with RVs (expensive RVS) we had a 24 foot travel trailer that we called home ! A well used trailer ! But I loved that old trailer ! It was comfortable , easily kept neat and clean ! Even camping out ! Most of the people were really nice folks ! There were some who were trouble makers ,I heard they were encouraged to move on ! Last time we were there they had a stage and the music was played and they had a talent show I heard! Yeah , I miss going to SLAB CITY ! Happy memories now ! My husband passed away a few years ago and I am getting close to 90years ! Enjoy each day even if it don’t quite turn out the way you 🥴 planned ! When you get older you will only remember the happy times 😊 hopefully 🙏👍❤️✌️🙀👵🏻😱🖖👽😳😆
You hear so many stories about the Slabs, and usually they're from the outsider's point of view. On the other hand, you resisted the temptation to just show the superficial, and instead presented the story of Slab City from the perspective of those who actually live there. Simply brilliant, Dustin. This is an instant classic Destination Adventure episode.
@@kimberlydelaney9763 Southern California, in Imperial County about 40 miles north of the Mexico border, I can see the Salton Sea near sunset from my camp, we can see the Salton Sea from a few strategic spots here in Slab City.
@@kimberlydelaney9763 -- The Slabs is just a few miles east of Niland, CA. You'll see Salvation Mountain on your right as you drive in -- keep going and you're in The Slabs. :)
I'm happy to see that 20 years after viewing Slab city life back then things have settled into a far more positive path. Life back then seemed a bit hair raising to say the least. This is looking like a challenging, satisfying community now. To each his own - I could never live there because of the heat but I admire folks who have found their sanctuary there.
Cherokee Native here I appreciate everything you guys are about living off the land despite how hard times may get you guys are still doing it I've been living in a little city for a time now and they have way too many codes even if you own your property they still in control but they won't be before long ☝️💙🔥🤲
Living off the land means you're growing and sustaining your own food and water supply. These people exist only because mainstream society gives them well sanitized clean water and food grown by farmers. Take away that, and these people would be dead in a few weeks.
I don't believe you are native as what these people are doing to this land is disgusting and goes against everything we believe in as native people. What band do you belong?
@@eyeballpaul2403 Exactly !!! Down hill is not a direction......no matter how anyone sees it ! Living on less and less each day is down hill ! This is not homelessness at all....its a community which thrive on drugs and alcohol. This is as low as it can go. None are seeking a job. A real disgrace !
ive lived in a few countries but ive got stuck back in a cycle working / earning money / spending money etc and watching this has nearly had me in tears because there is a better way to live your life and this is much more like the life i was happy with. just living, travelling, not bothering anyone but talking to people and appreciating their stories.
Great to see a community work together but that can be done anywhere regardless of environment. But here its ok for those who want it but to be happy it works for some. As to say a corporate robot,that also works for some so there's no rule. Rather the standard western lifestyle myself, work well,live well and have self worth. Saw new age hippies go back to that each and every time,they had their ideals but for security and maturity fell back into society.
Slab city is a good example of a way to live, honestly. Todays society of pure profit drivin makes me feel ill. Thank you for sharing the good light, and your adventures! 🤗💗💫
Oh, this is different than a lot of other stories I’ve seen about Slab City! If I was a hot weather creature, this would be my kind of community. 🥰 As it is, I’d have heat stroke on day 1.
I worked in Naval air facility El Centrol about 60 miles away for 3years,on the weekend in the summer,I often went to fishing at the canal and a lake in the park, It's not too bad.
To leave people speechless and lost in emotions is hard todo behind the lense of a camera , but you did exactly that. The pure emotions of happiness and see ones who have found a place that brings them happiness is what we are all looking for in one way or another. ~Cheers amigo.
More power to ya'll! I love the concept of having freedom in art and for people who love art! I remember Slab City years ago and it was a whole different atmosphere from the major populous, this is where real people live and people who can be themselves 24/7. You guys proved that people can live a harmonious way of life. There is respect and a lotta love! You all have a TRUE soul!
Great video Dustin. Never heard of Slab City before. Looks like they're making a really good vibe for a unique place. You did a great job showing it!!!
2006 was the first time I rode to The Slabs on my Harley .Leonard woke up from a sleep on his porch swing when he heard the roar of a Harley roll into his camp just before sunrise. Leonard introduced himself , shook my hand , then he invited to take me on a tour of the mountain and I accepted Leonard’s invitation . The reason I came to the slabs was to see Salvation Mountain . Leonard told me he came from the east coast , to The Slabs in his station wagon with the intention to build & fly a Hot Air Ballon. His car broke down , the ballon deteriorated. He virtually had nothing but his two feet and a bicycle he acquired at the Niland Dump. . He went on a mission for God to build a monument for God. He began going to the dump getting items & he went into the desert & picked up dead trees to build Gods mountain. Farmers in the area who heard of Leonard’s project gave Leonard hay to use on the mountain . Paint was donated to Leonard to paint Salvation Mountain . Leonard made a adobe mixture , put the adobe mixture on top of bails of hay that he spread on top of Salvation Mountain and he hand painted the mountain. After Leonard had given me a personal tour of the mountain he squatted & started stirring paint. I said what are you doing Leonard. He said I have to go to work. I’m going to paint ! Leonard truly loved God and no one that I know of accomplished what Leonard accomplished in the Slabs. He had nothing and built something to influence and lead others to Eternal SALVATION. Salvation Mountain has been in motion pictures and is a known historical monument built for the people .
All the best to all you folks in slab city!! My only worry would be securing enough H2O for survival but I just began watching and I anticipate you're going to address the thorny issue of water resources before the video ends. Thanks for posting!
Dustin your videos are always amazing and I look forward to all of them. Your interview style videos take things to the next level!! So well edited. Awesome!
I have watched a number of videos on slab city. This one had your unique view point and honestly it is one of the best slab city videos. Your film making skills are superb. Keep up the amazing work!
I think humanity is a canvas of vast creations of many imaginations seeking peace, expression and companionship. A Purpose. I'm glad they have slab city. I'm glad I could learn about their home. Thank you.
Another awesome adventure! I've watched a lot of vids about Slab City, it was nice to hear from the residents themselves what life is like for them. Thank you for your hard work in making these videos!
Residents ? I thought they were " homeless " ??? In the USA........there is no such thing as homeless. Its a persons choice to live with out ! Then blame everyone !
So watching this brought me back to a place in my life when I read the book about Chris Mac Candless called into the wild. This book was beyond moving to me at the point in my life where I was. I loved how he took 26,000 dollars and gave it to the poor, he went to the slabs, he worked in the grain fields of the dakotas before ultimately ending his journey in Alaska in the middle of winter. The young man never forgot those he met along his journey and never forgot to send a letter or post card. Sometimes I think about following his adventures. I’m sure he had some stories to tell. Rest well Chris.
Wow, how strange to see 'Slab City' again!! Ben Fogle on British TV recently did a programme about that place - he stayed there for a few days and interviewed many of the residents. Fascinating place. Gill 🇬🇧
He actually never stayed one night. He said he did in the show, but he stayed at a hotel while he was in town. You can see me in his documentary towards the end, a quick clip walking with some of the kids in town
Dustin I very rarely EVER comment. Your channel is amazing! The photography is superb!!! I love your laugh! Thanks for the solid and kind way you did this beautiful story. Fantastic job.
Best Slab City video yet. I haven't been there. If I lived there I would want to care for the animals all of them. Just watched Into the Wild funny you brought him up. Joshua Tree area here thank you for sharing this video.
Wow...what a place! I've never heard of it before, but now thanks to you Dustin...I have!! Your adventures and video production just keep on getting better and better!
There's a couple places like that around the country but this is the only one I know in the middle of no where. The rest are either in a city or right on the edge. There are a whole lot of video's about Slab City on here by visitors and full timers there both.
What a great light you painted slab city in. For what it really is. An artist & free living community. I go back every winter. Leaving in two weeks. Cant wait to be back.
I visited this place last year and the song on the radio while rolling into town was “nobody told me there would be days like these, strange days indeed!” It made for a very cool video. We enjoyed our time there. ☮️
I went to slab city in the late 80's & it all seems so familiar yet so different, a lot more people & infrastructure as expected a lot tamer & grown up I am glad it is no longer a place of last resort or the end of the line for a lot of people
Have followed several nomads for many years & their visits here plus other videos of/on Slab City. Didn't seem inviting but now have different prospective. Glad I came across this update on Slab City
Thanks Captain D, another fun adventure. I Visited Slab City 2001 it was a sight to see back then. I can only imagine how its evolved in the last 20 years.
Peter us a really cool dude, I met him when he first got there in 2019. Same with Dot, another great person. Met her at the same time. It's nice to see how their camps and themselves have evolved in their personalities.
Thanks for telling the 'positive' side of Slab. Thanks too for showing us the all the possibilities out there for us to reach out and grab. You really are onto something, telling the stories you have been lately. Peace!
Just visited Slab City yesterday and ended up hanging out and talking with Dot for awhile. Really really great person by the way and her friend who joined us for a bit. She said they actually cleaned it up meaning all drug providers etc are out of there cause the law came in and did their thing. Its a very beautiful and friendly place and who doesn't get annoyed finding strangers staring or poking their heads in your private space which I don't think happens because everyone and everything is well organized meaning you can tell what's what and or private. Basically some bad apples gave them that rep and the Internet of course blew them up. It's a great place and filled with great people. Even got invited to stay for a party for the evening but we had a 4 hr drive back to Phoenix. Was definitely and well needed trip and journey. Thanks Dot...
Hey I hope everybody's well through this most unbelievable time thanks for the super video I was trying to make it down there already for 20 years and you have made it for me
I am going to try to make it out there as soon as I can while life is still living thank you for highlighting me hope to see you down there one day maybe we can meet up and share a bowl
Peter and Dot seem to have a better perspective than many people I know who are busting their ass every day trying to keep up. Peter is happy person - easy to see why.
Yay its posted!! Dude it was so good meeting you while you were in town. I really dig your channel. And straight up, I appreciate how you made our community look in your video. Much appreciated. -Zig
I have always loved Slab City since I first learned about it many years ago. I haven't even been there before but it calls to me and I know I want to do whatever I can to protect and preserve it. i own a home now but I'd honestly rather live there and contribute my art if I can.
@@Freshbrood oh well you’re already in the Great Basin. I’m sorry I thought maybe you weren’t familiar with the desert Southwest. Yeah your in the zone of hot for sure. I’m in Yuma, we have 8 month summers. Lolz.
I admire the resilience of the people from Slab City. There is camaraderie and fellowship here. Much better than in the anonymous cities and urban slums we call housing estates or projects. I would love to spend a few months in this cool place, love the peoples stories and great attitudes. Lv from Australia xx
Definitely one of my favourites yet! Your footage and interviews were amazing. I'm such a huge Chris McCandless fan. It really shouldn't have surprised me that he inspired you to do what you do. In turn, you inspire me. Kudos Dustin.
I'd never heard of Slab City before. What an intriguing place with a myriad of different people. I'm glad they've made a community, one safe for everyone. Thank you, Dustin, for taking us on this journey with you!
I want to be a nomad so bad but I fear I wont make it this lifetime but I'm still damn well gonna try and one of the FIRST places I'm gonna go is SLAB CITY. Yall send prayers. Bless You.
I was a drifter for years, I had an old 4x4 pickup and had all my campin gear in it, sometimes I would work in the fields, make money, then go somewhere else, drive a truck, make some money, then move again, sometimes I would stay in the wilderness and look for work, then stay at a campsite til I moved again, findin work in the city was hard cause. campin in the city is tough, lol, Walmarts and truck stops really helped, I've been in an apt over 4 years now, but I miss those days, next time I get the urge to drift, I'm gonna buy some sheep and goats, move to the wilderness, and be a nomadic sheep herder! With so many artistic types in Slab City, it might be a great place to sell wool! I wish you well and hope someday you can be a nomad!
I went through slab City a few years ago and all I saw was a bunch of places that had been burnt out ... I was told that was a slab way of saying you're not welcome to burn your s*** down... Didn't hear much about that in this video.
I've said that if I had the opportunity, I would go out of my way to visit Slab City. I've actively avoided podcasts, you're gonna make me change that Dustin 😉damn you.
Great coverage and positive perspective on a place I’ve seen described continually by others as the lawless outskirts of America, and now thanks to you, I see it as an oasis of love and freedom to be yourself, minus the restrictions of societal expectations. My mind is just full of inspiration after watching, thanks for the view of slab city it deserves
I think this was less an episode and more a mini documentary about Slab City - great job! After living in SoCal for 15 years, and now retiring in Arizona, I kinda regret not pulling our RV out to the slab and spending some time there. But hey, there's still time.
I don’t know exactly what to think about it other than I am glad they are happy being out there. God Bless them. I am a huge fan of ice cold water 💦 and green 🌲 trees.
Thank you for doing this video, I've watched several vid's about Slab City and yours was definitely one of the best, very professional and good camera shots, again thanks for the vid.
Man, I had no idea you liked McCandless. I’m glad you show better sense than he did. I don’t hate what he set out to do but it frustrates me to hear his story because he was so sure he knew what he was doing and made such short-sighted choices and died for that. It’s like the guy who went out to live among the bears and what happened to him. There’s got to be that respect for nature and some preparation.
Glad to see this. I've visited several times but many years ago. Great to see some forward thinking minds have taken residency there. Cheers and safe travels.
Most of the stories you hear are either old or happen in the summer when anyone there is having their brain baked like potato in 120-130 degree heat. Winter, snow birds show up by the hundreds of all kinds to party in no snow. yes, like every other place in the world, that means you will have thieves and druggies that follow and pray on others but that's why they have camps of multiple people. If there's always someone there, the POS's will stay away. Or you do like I did when I lived in Northern Cali for 5 yrs, I spread the rumor I was the old man on the mountain with all the guns that hated people. Go out and shoot a few rds every day to sell the story and not one issue with the tweakers up there stealing or trespassing to cook their shit on my property even once. For all a stranger knows, you are a bad MF and most won't push it to find out if you act like you are.
@@NomadicZig keep up the good vibes. Society wants to see bad stuff, online. Etc. The news has taught us to focus on the bad and be miserable and worried. Nobody wants to accept the truth because we are trained that the media don't lie. Be free and never change!
@@NomadicZig No, not everywhere even comes close to this place. This is the exact opposite of living free. Everyone there depends on getting their water, food, alcohol, drugs, solar energy on those of us that actually have to work making those things. All I see is a bunch of people creating "art" with the very same tools someone else manufactured. Spray paint doesn't grow by sage brush and trash, tobacco doesn't grow by itself, those solar panels and batteries took a lot of energy to create. This place is a joke.
So if a brand new resident showed up and wanted to claim an unused spot to live on, what is the best and most respectful way to do it? Is there a good day like Sunday to drop in the community center and introduce themself to the community? And who would they check in with to make sure they are welcome to set up camp where they want to?
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
My husband and I wintered in slab city some 35 years ago ! I really liked living there in winter ! A mix of people from homeless people to people with RVs (expensive RVS) we had a 24 foot travel trailer that we called home ! A well used trailer ! But I loved that old trailer ! It was comfortable , easily kept neat and clean ! Even camping out ! Most of the people were really nice folks ! There were some who were trouble makers ,I heard they were encouraged to move on ! Last time we were there they had a stage and the music was played and they had a talent show I heard! Yeah , I miss going to SLAB CITY ! Happy memories now ! My husband passed away a few years ago and I am getting close to 90years ! Enjoy each day even if it don’t quite turn out the way you 🥴 planned ! When you get older you will only remember the happy times 😊 hopefully 🙏👍❤️✌️🙀👵🏻😱🖖👽😳😆
You used slab city for all the right reasons. You were probably one of the slab city dwellers that Hugh Howser interviewed 30 years ago.
I can't believe I survived here for 3 months man.. the desert makes you realize how much you love plants
You hear so many stories about the Slabs, and usually they're from the outsider's point of view. On the other hand, you resisted the temptation to just show the superficial, and instead presented the story of Slab City from the perspective of those who actually live there. Simply brilliant, Dustin. This is an instant classic Destination Adventure episode.
This place is hell on earth and ruins children's lives! Horrifying things happen to children out there. First hand experience.
I'm a member of Flamingo Camp and I really like the way you presented Slab City. I do feel this place has had a magical healing for me. ❤
I desire to be free from myself. One day I hope to make it out there . From Gary Indiana.
Where is this ...cali?Cali? Want to check it out
@@kimberlydelaney9763 Southern California, in Imperial County about 40 miles north of the Mexico border, I can see the Salton Sea near sunset from my camp, we can see the Salton Sea from a few strategic spots here in Slab City.
🖤
@@kimberlydelaney9763 -- The Slabs is just a few miles east of Niland, CA. You'll see Salvation Mountain on your right as you drive in -- keep going and you're in The Slabs. :)
I'm happy to see that 20 years after viewing Slab city life back then things have settled into a far more positive path. Life back then seemed a bit hair raising to say the least. This is looking like a challenging, satisfying community now. To each his own - I could never live there because of the heat but I admire folks who have found their sanctuary there.
Thank you for interviewing me when you were in slab city. I really like the video. You're welcome to come back and interview me anytime
Cherokee Native here I appreciate everything you guys are about living off the land despite how hard times may get you guys are still doing it I've been living in a little city for a time now and they have way too many codes even if you own your property they still in control but they won't be before long ☝️💙🔥🤲
Ronnie Fowler • English Woman here, 96%. So. Are you 100% Cherokee Native? Have you had a DNA test done to back that? 🙄🙄🙄
Living off the land means you're growing and sustaining your own food and water supply. These people exist only because mainstream society gives them well sanitized clean water and food grown by farmers. Take away that, and these people would be dead in a few weeks.
I don't believe you are native as what these people are doing to this land is disgusting and goes against everything we believe in as native people. What band do you belong?
this is one of the more positive stories I've seen about Slab city and I'm sure there are many more.
I lived there 20 years ago when it was a very different place. Really glad to see it's still there, and seems like its going in a great direction.
Downhill isn’t a great direction. Entropy is degrading those poor wretches.
@@scottbenson1961 How can you say that without visiting it? Very judgemental statement
@@scottbenson1961, entropy is the result of Godlessness. Look in the mirror, Scott.
@@eyeballpaul2403 Exactly !!! Down hill is not a direction......no matter how anyone sees it ! Living on less and less each day is down hill ! This is not homelessness at all....its a community which thrive on drugs and alcohol. This is as low as it can go. None are seeking a job. A real disgrace !
A great direction?
ive lived in a few countries but ive got stuck back in a cycle working / earning money / spending money etc and watching this has nearly had me in tears because there is a better way to live your life and this is much more like the life i was happy with. just living, travelling, not bothering anyone but talking to people and appreciating their stories.
I feel the same way
I've watched so many documentaries on Slab City- and the more I see- the more I fully believe- I've found where I belong- if I could only get there.
Let's go start a farm
I’m feeling the same
Have you made it yet?
I have watched so many videos about the Slabs. This is by far my favorite one yet! Great job!
Hi 👋 dear how are you doing?
Greetings from Ireland, good to see a community working together and also encourage to be yourself rather than a corporate robot
This is not true depiction of slabs. There is little cooperation outside of the different camps. People get burned out on the regular.
Great to see a community work together but that can be done anywhere regardless of environment. But here its ok for those who want it but to be happy it works for some. As to say a corporate robot,that also works for some so there's no rule. Rather the standard western lifestyle myself, work well,live well and have self worth. Saw new age hippies go back to that each and every time,they had their ideals but for security and maturity fell back into society.
Peter and Dot are both amazing people.
We have our own slab city in Michigan we call it Detroit. I lived there during the 60s,70s our house is long gone.
Slab city is a good example of a way to live, honestly. Todays society of pure profit drivin makes me feel ill. Thank you for sharing the good light, and your adventures! 🤗💗💫
Hello 👋 how are you doing?
Oh, this is different than a lot of other stories I’ve seen about Slab City! If I was a hot weather creature, this would be my kind of community. 🥰 As it is, I’d have heat stroke on day 1.
Same and same.
Yes, you took different look at slab city.
I hear you, it's calling me but I don't have it in me to sweat all day when I don't have to
I worked in Naval air facility El Centrol about 60 miles away for 3years,on the weekend in the summer,I often went to fishing at the canal and a lake in the park, It's not too bad.
Yeah, me 2 on the extreme heat. Never could deal with the heat even when I was young, but definitely not now. Fagedaboudit.
This was such a cool adventure! Thank you so much for posting it!
Hello 👋 how are you doing?
To leave people speechless and lost in emotions is hard todo behind the lense of a camera , but you did exactly that. The pure emotions of happiness and see ones who have found a place that brings them happiness is what we are all looking for in one way or another. ~Cheers amigo.
That’s a very nice compliment, thank you.
More power to ya'll! I love the concept of having freedom in art and for people who love art! I remember Slab City years ago and it was a whole different atmosphere from the major populous, this is where real people live and people who can be themselves 24/7. You guys proved that people can live a harmonious way of life. There is respect and a lotta love! You all have a TRUE soul!
I needs to seeto believe
Great video on Slab City. I visited Dot when she 1st was moving in and so glad to see she is still doing well ❤️
REALLY great capture of Slab City. I like the direction of new draw to the area.
Great video Dustin. Never heard of Slab City before. Looks like they're making a really good vibe for a unique place. You did a great job showing it!!!
Well done sir! Finally a video that doesn’t paint Slab City in a negative lawless light. It’s a cool place
2006 was the first time I rode to The Slabs on my Harley .Leonard woke up from a sleep on his porch swing when he heard the roar of a Harley roll into his camp just before sunrise. Leonard introduced himself , shook my hand , then he invited to take me on a tour of the mountain and I accepted Leonard’s invitation . The reason I came to the slabs was to see Salvation Mountain . Leonard told me he came from the east coast , to The Slabs in his station wagon with the intention to build & fly a Hot Air Ballon. His car broke down , the ballon deteriorated. He virtually had nothing but his two feet and a bicycle he acquired at the Niland Dump. . He went on a mission for God to build a monument for God. He began going to the dump getting items & he went into the desert & picked up dead trees to build Gods mountain. Farmers in the area who heard of Leonard’s project gave Leonard hay to use on the mountain . Paint was donated to Leonard to paint Salvation Mountain . Leonard made a adobe mixture , put the adobe mixture on top of bails of hay that he spread on top of Salvation Mountain and he hand painted the mountain. After Leonard had given me a personal tour of the mountain he squatted & started stirring paint. I said what are you doing Leonard. He said I have to go to work. I’m going to paint ! Leonard truly loved God and no one that I know of accomplished what Leonard accomplished in the Slabs. He had nothing and built something to influence and lead others to Eternal SALVATION. Salvation Mountain has been in motion pictures and is a known historical monument built for the people .
I got goosebumps when you talked about Chris. Rip man. You were an inspiration to so many x
Thank you for posting this video . There are few safe places left to stay live freely without extreme pressure from the rest of the world .
All the best to all you folks in slab city!! My only worry would be securing enough H2O for survival but I just began watching and I anticipate you're going to address the thorny issue of water resources before the video ends. Thanks for posting!
I do love The Slab City and Salvation mountain! Thanks for showing the desert for the true beauty it holds.. Cheers from the high high desert!! 🏜
Thanks for the post Dustin!! Its one of your best posts yet!! Slab city is a place where they can dissapear
Slab city is on my bucket list whether its to visit or become a part of the community!! Much love and respect.
What the hell you waiting on
I was thinking the same thing. Seems they are living the life I've been longing for. Kindred spirits. 🤍
🖤
Dustin your videos are always amazing and I look forward to all of them. Your interview style videos take things to the next level!! So well edited. Awesome!
Thank you very much.
I have watched a number of videos on slab city. This one had your unique view point and honestly it is one of the best slab city videos.
Your film making skills are superb. Keep up the amazing work!
That’s so nice, thank you. I really appreciate your words.
He really did a great job featuring our town. I'm so moved.
I think humanity is a canvas of vast creations of many imaginations seeking peace, expression and companionship. A Purpose. I'm glad they have slab city. I'm glad I could learn about their home. Thank you.
Hello 👋 how are you doing?
Another awesome adventure! I've watched a lot of vids about Slab City, it was nice to hear from the residents themselves what life is like for them. Thank you for your hard work in making these videos!
Residents ? I thought they were " homeless " ??? In the USA........there is no such thing as homeless. Its a persons choice to live with out ! Then blame everyone !
So watching this brought me back to a place in my life when I read the book about Chris Mac Candless called into the wild. This book was beyond moving to me at the point in my life where I was. I loved how he took 26,000 dollars and gave it to the poor, he went to the slabs, he worked in the grain fields of the dakotas before ultimately ending his journey in Alaska in the middle of winter. The young man never forgot those he met along his journey and never forgot to send a letter or post card. Sometimes I think about following his adventures. I’m sure he had some stories to tell. Rest well Chris.
Wow, how strange to see 'Slab City' again!! Ben Fogle on British TV recently did a programme about that place - he stayed there for a few days and interviewed many of the residents. Fascinating place. Gill 🇬🇧
He actually never stayed one night. He said he did in the show, but he stayed at a hotel while he was in town.
You can see me in his documentary towards the end, a quick clip walking with some of the kids in town
@@NomadicZig What a cheat!! I thought he stayed in the motor home/trailer he or the crew arrived in!
@@gillwyatt8103 yeah. Everyone thought that. 🤣 He didn't.
Dustin I very rarely EVER comment. Your channel is amazing! The photography is superb!!! I love your laugh! Thanks for the solid and kind way you did this beautiful story. Fantastic job.
The Slab City part of "Into the Wild" was my fave of that flick.
i've read the book and watched the movie (angel of Montgomery song) but never connected chris' travels to slab city.
@@carlosgaspar8447 there was a wee bit of artistic license in the movie. Chris's sister's book "The Wild Truth" is a good read also.
Best Slab City video yet. I haven't been there. If I lived there I would want to care for the animals all of them. Just watched Into the Wild funny you brought him up. Joshua Tree area here thank you for sharing this video.
Wow...what a place! I've never heard of it before, but now thanks to you Dustin...I have!! Your adventures and video production just keep on getting better and better!
There's a couple places like that around the country but this is the only one I know in the middle of no where. The rest are either in a city or right on the edge. There are a whole lot of video's about Slab City on here by visitors and full timers there both.
Great video and getting to hear the residence speak and share about their Slab City. How cool is that! Great folks!
What a great light you painted slab city in. For what it really is. An artist & free living community. I go back every winter. Leaving in two weeks. Cant wait to be back.
I visited this place last year and the song on the radio while rolling into town was “nobody told me there would be days like these, strange days indeed!” It made for a very cool video. We enjoyed our time there. ☮️
I went to slab city in the late 80's & it all seems so familiar yet so different, a lot more people & infrastructure as expected a lot tamer & grown up I am glad it is no longer a place of last resort or the end of the line for a lot of people
What a wonderful touch to go to Slab City. I loved Into the Wild and the free spirit that the movie shows about Christopher Mccandless.
I love this!!!!! You should charge tourist $1 to enter and then use the money to help the community with things like trash pick up etc.
Definitely a great idea!
Have followed several nomads for many years & their visits here plus other videos of/on Slab City. Didn't seem inviting but now have different prospective. Glad I came across this update on Slab City
Thanks Captain D, another fun adventure. I Visited Slab City 2001 it was a sight to see back then. I can only imagine how its evolved in the last 20 years.
I have wanted to visit slab city for years, and still do want to!!
Peter us a really cool dude, I met him when he first got there in 2019. Same with Dot, another great person. Met her at the same time. It's nice to see how their camps and themselves have evolved in their personalities.
Creepy Peter the rapist? Yeah great guy. You have a great judge of character.
Love how that man speaks about the ladies there...❤💫
Thanks for telling the 'positive' side of Slab. Thanks too for showing us the all the possibilities out there for us to reach out and grab. You really are onto something, telling the stories you have been lately. Peace!
Fire starters
Just visited Slab City yesterday and ended up hanging out and talking with Dot for awhile. Really really great person by the way and her friend who joined us for a bit. She said they actually cleaned it up meaning all drug providers etc are out of there cause the law came in and did their thing. Its a very beautiful and friendly place and who doesn't get annoyed finding strangers staring or poking their heads in your private space which I don't think happens because everyone and everything is well organized meaning you can tell what's what and or private. Basically some bad apples gave them that rep and the Internet of course blew them up. It's a great place and filled with great people. Even got invited to stay for a party for the evening but we had a 4 hr drive back to Phoenix. Was definitely and well needed trip and journey. Thanks Dot...
Different strokes for different folks, I see a seemingly endless junk yard with trash all over the place.
Nice Dustin! Lot of great people out there. I spent a few weeks there back in the late 90's had a blast.
Hey I hope everybody's well through this most unbelievable time thanks for the super video I was trying to make it down there already for 20 years and you have made it for me
I am going to try to make it out there as soon as I can while life is still living thank you for highlighting me hope to see you down there one day maybe we can meet up and share a bowl
Better get going you're not going to get younger
Great to go see this community the other day. Met Dot too … nice person. All the best to you all! ❤️
Great video! Whenever you hear of Slab City it’s always druggies or alcoholics. Glad to see there’s more of a positive vibe now!
There has been for a while now but drama is what brings people to visit so that's all they put out for the world to see.
People that aren't free and don't understand say these things. It's one of the last truly free places in America.
@@jeremysales1232 I really hope it stays that way!
Peter and Dot seem to have a better perspective than many people I know who are busting their ass every day trying to keep up. Peter is happy person - easy to see why.
Yay its posted!! Dude it was so good meeting you while you were in town. I really dig your channel.
And straight up, I appreciate how you made our community look in your video. Much appreciated.
-Zig
Cheers dude, I’m happy to hear you like the video. Thank you for the hospitality during my visit.
@@Destination_Adventure would love to chat with you more next season if you're around.
God is Love ❤️ Slab City is Love 💕
Your community looks much kinder and tolerant than in any city or town. The individuality of people is a good thing. I like your community very much.
This is soooo cool. Glad this was sent to me. You guys rock. 💞
Thanks for sharing this. An amazing example of humanism at work. These communities are awesome
BEAUTIFUL!
This can be applied ANYWHERE under differing circumstances.
"The question isn’t who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me."
I have always loved Slab City since I first learned about it many years ago. I haven't even been there before but it calls to me and I know I want to do whatever I can to protect and preserve it. i own a home now but I'd honestly rather live there and contribute my art if I can.
Trust me you’d die in the summer.
@@blueandgreenslacks I live in Needles now, where we have 4 months of summer between 110 and 125. Slab City can't be any worse.
@@Freshbrood oh well you’re already in the Great Basin. I’m sorry I thought maybe you weren’t familiar with the desert Southwest. Yeah your in the zone of hot for sure. I’m in Yuma, we have 8 month summers. Lolz.
I admire the resilience of the people from Slab City. There is camaraderie and fellowship here. Much better than in the anonymous cities and urban slums we call housing estates or projects. I would love to spend a few months in this cool place, love the peoples stories and great attitudes. Lv from Australia xx
Well Aus has much more desert than the US why no slab city here? Especially when a house costs twice as much as in the US.
@@hughbond1908this is what the Australian indigenous missions look like..without the art
Definitely one of my favourites yet! Your footage and interviews were amazing. I'm such a huge Chris McCandless fan. It really shouldn't have surprised me that he inspired you to do what you do. In turn, you inspire me. Kudos Dustin.
This is one of my favourite comments I’ve ever read. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Chris McCandless is, at the root of it, who brought me here. I long for this existence.
This type of place is all me I've been watching more and more about this place.
I'd never heard of Slab City before. What an intriguing place with a myriad of different people. I'm glad they've made a community, one safe for everyone. Thank you, Dustin, for taking us on this journey with you!
It's not safe
Watch the movie
Into The Wild
thats where I first heard about Slab City...
Thanks for your look at Slab City Dustin. Now head over to Joshua Tress National Park. It's amazing.
I want to be a nomad so bad but I fear I wont make it this lifetime but I'm still damn well gonna try and one of the FIRST places I'm gonna go is SLAB CITY. Yall send prayers. Bless You.
I was a drifter for years, I had an old 4x4 pickup and had all my campin gear in it, sometimes I would work in the fields, make money, then go somewhere else, drive a truck, make some money, then move again, sometimes I would stay in the wilderness and look for work, then stay at a campsite til I moved again, findin work in the city was hard cause. campin in the city is tough, lol, Walmarts and truck stops really helped, I've been in an apt over 4 years now, but I miss those days, next time I get the urge to drift, I'm gonna buy some sheep and goats, move to the wilderness, and be a nomadic sheep herder! With so many artistic types in Slab City, it might be a great place to sell wool! I wish you well and hope someday you can be a nomad!
maybe the best short documentary on Slab City.....very nice...thanks
Great video. Dot is one of my fav slab characters. I wish she would do more content. She has a lovely soul. Well done.
Finally, a video showing that California is improving!
I went through slab City a few years ago and all I saw was a bunch of places that had been burnt out
... I was told that was a slab way of saying you're not welcome to burn your s*** down... Didn't hear much about that in this video.
I’ve followed The Slabs for years! Excellent update don’t see much lately so very pleased 😀 thanks 🙏
This is awesome. We’re saving up to go out here this winter. Thank you for a beautiful video! Love all the art! 🖤-Ben and Ang
Great music selection, and it looks like a magical place for special and free people.
I've said that if I had the opportunity, I would go out of my way to visit Slab City.
I've actively avoided podcasts, you're gonna make me change that Dustin 😉damn you.
You’ll enjoy it.
Brilliant and Awesome Video! Thank you! ♥️
Great coverage and positive perspective on a place I’ve seen described continually by others as the lawless outskirts of America, and now thanks to you, I see it as an oasis of love and freedom to be yourself, minus the restrictions of societal expectations. My mind is just full of inspiration after watching, thanks for the view of slab city it deserves
It's all there. Just like where you live. I mean it's for some but it it's not magic.
awesome work on the new direction of the slabs....you are the real goods....keep on Truckin......Finnster
Truly amazing video, and the people are truly living their lives in a manner that may be called a hippie lifestyle. love the video
Visited Leonard twice after seeing Into The Wild. A very special guy and very special place
I think this was less an episode and more a mini documentary about Slab City - great job! After living in SoCal for 15 years, and now retiring in Arizona, I kinda regret not pulling our RV out to the slab and spending some time there. But hey, there's still time.
Loved my visit to Slab City. Great folks out there!!! TY for a great video!
I don’t know exactly what to think about it other than I am glad they are happy being out there. God Bless them. I am a huge fan of ice cold water 💦 and green 🌲 trees.
Me too
Thank you for doing this video, I've watched several vid's about Slab City and yours was definitely one of the best, very professional and good camera shots, again thanks for the vid.
Man, I had no idea you liked McCandless. I’m glad you show better sense than he did. I don’t hate what he set out to do but it frustrates me to hear his story because he was so sure he knew what he was doing and made such short-sighted choices and died for that. It’s like the guy who went out to live among the bears and what happened to him. There’s got to be that respect for nature and some preparation.
Right on. He was not a guy to lionize
McCandless is not someone to idolize , Richard Proenneke is however.
This is a place where you are just able to be yourself and share with others without judgements. I think it would would be a nice place to live.
I felt this so much…chris is the reason I’m leaving to go see the world just as he did.
Hope you have more common sense than he did
I have always been attracted to this place, I hope to someday visit!
Really enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing. I hope to make it to Slab City one day.
Different take than the other videos I've seen on Slab City. As always, excellent filmmaking.
Hello 👋 how are you doing?
Glad to see this. I've visited several times but many years ago. Great to see some forward thinking minds have taken residency there. Cheers and safe travels.
Too many BAD stories (thefts, violence) about Slab City for me to even consider visiting but good on you for profiling it with a different lens.
Most of the stories you hear are either old or happen in the summer when anyone there is having their brain baked like potato in 120-130 degree heat. Winter, snow birds show up by the hundreds of all kinds to party in no snow. yes, like every other place in the world, that means you will have thieves and druggies that follow and pray on others but that's why they have camps of multiple people. If there's always someone there, the POS's will stay away. Or you do like I did when I lived in Northern Cali for 5 yrs, I spread the rumor I was the old man on the mountain with all the guns that hated people. Go out and shoot a few rds every day to sell the story and not one issue with the tweakers up there stealing or trespassing to cook their shit on my property even once. For all a stranger knows, you are a bad MF and most won't push it to find out if you act like you are.
Everywhere suffers from those problems, but that's what gets clicks.
My channel is a positive view of slabs, and gets less clicks. 🤷
@@NomadicZig keep up the good vibes. Society wants to see bad stuff, online. Etc. The news has taught us to focus on the bad and be miserable and worried. Nobody wants to accept the truth because we are trained that the media don't lie. Be free and never change!
@@NomadicZig No, not everywhere even comes close to this place. This is the exact opposite of living free. Everyone there depends on getting their water, food, alcohol, drugs, solar energy on those of us that actually have to work making those things. All I see is a bunch of people creating "art" with the very same tools someone else manufactured. Spray paint doesn't grow by sage brush and trash, tobacco doesn't grow by itself, those solar panels and batteries took a lot of energy to create. This place is a joke.
Slab city has been on my bucket list for a few years now. Someday, hopefully. Another fantastic video my friend. ❤️😎
Well we've all heard the saying 🙄
" One man's junk is another man's,,,,,,,,well,,,,,,JUNK .
This is the type of get away from every day, city life that I know that I would LOVE to get off of the grid for a few months.
So if a brand new resident showed up and wanted to claim an unused spot to live on, what is the best and most respectful way to do it? Is there a good day like Sunday to drop in the community center and introduce themself to the community? And who would they check in with to make sure they are welcome to set up camp where they want to?
Watch Cornelius's channel. They answer this question very well.
@@shadowynne May I have a link to his chanel?
@@Freshbrood just look up Cornelius Vango. They are a long time slabber, alot of useful information.
@@shadowynne The last name helped.