My Brain Melted In Slab City

[@bayoubabe6698]

It’s awesome how people can come together and create something out of nothing! I admire their ingenuity and respect of the community. Amazing. ✌️✌️

[@moretrash4you]

Give the meth _some_ credit

[@elibell5098]

Thanks for showing us the unique and co-operative sides of Slab City. You got people feeling comfortable to share on camera, probably because they could see you were genuine yourself. Sure, its a bit of a rough place, but people are just people no matter what.

[@awaywardman1707]

These people did nothing but welcome my friends and I into their community.

[@flagal6053]

That was a very cool video of slab city or at least a small portion of it. I watched a few videos on how this place is open to the public but you must respect everyone's space. You could tell that you were welcomed into their private domain because you have a kind soul. Non-judgemental. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@awaywardman1707]

Thank you for enjoying the ride

[@3generations393]

Watched quite a few videos on Slab City but you have shown parts I have never seen. Love the art & I thank you for taking me there-safe travels

[@72mikebro]

Very cool... when I saw how long, I planned on just skimming through but once I started, I watched the whole thing.. great job!! I love the way you interacted with them...

[@awaywardman1707]

mike breaux thanks Mike, I try to keep every minute interesting.

[@hmtrip83]

I watched this whole thing, I had no idea places like this existed! It was very interesting! ♥♥♥ Thank you for sharing!

[@notme5371]

Yeah places like that exist, they are called bum camps and you find them in every major city.

[@gothicphoenix3246]

@@notme5371 there maybe "bum camps" as you call them in each majour city, but all them regularly get raided and police rolling through looking for those with warrants or due to others being rowdy and violent. actual places like this very rarely get any law enforcement because they really dont care as long as you dont kick up alot of violent activity and the like. i mean with an active military base right there, its not hard to keep tabs on whats going on. and the people there do a great job of keeping the peace themselves so it doesnt boil over to where the law enforcement doesnt need to come in. yea there maybe the odd shit that happens, byt usually before someone gets killed, they move the person to a different spot in sc or tell them to leave sc entirely. theft and drug addiction maybe prevalent there, but really no murders at all from the vids ive seen.

[@WillChil466]

The last hippy enclave. Man it's ugly. NotHing can grow in they heat. Everyone has bad teeth. No med. CARE.

[@Kaichannel612]

Anyone else want to scream, “Stop interrupting everyone and let them finish their thoughts!” Geez

[@awaywardman1707]

Yeah I know, I even thought that myself watching it back and hearing it

[@Kaichannel612]

I have the same bad habit sometimes! It is hard for me to remember/control too. Haha!

[@andrewjoseph149]

@@awaywardman1707 Jesus you wouldn't even let that go without YOU have to say so YOU CONSTANTLY INSULT PEOPLE with a condescending VERY BAD HABIT just LISTEN to people and SHUT UP man fcuks sake Where's Babylon HA !! haha says it all and "what's a Rhino battery" LISTEN to some Bob Marley and these people who are smart ! Butthead "gaatchya"

[@philipfreyaborn8288]

@@awaywardman1707 interesting documentary ........ but all the "gotcha"s finally 'got' to me 😊

[@RideAlongWthJavieFrmTheIE]

No i didn't think that. I seen worst with interruptions with other people.

[@silveringots]

that was a rad video! most people out there don't like camera's on them. I like how you got into the real Nook and crannies of the slabs. great work, just subd

[@awaywardman1707]

green buckets thank you!

[@SWC44]

DITTO!!!!!!

[@TheSaltySiren]

My son went with his friend and friend’s Dad, to Slab City two weeks ago. I had no idea that this place existed. I’m glad my son went. He’s 13, and it was really neat for him to see all of the art pieces, and a different way of life. He was blown away by the things that he takes for granted, that the community of Slab City do not have. He was also blown away by how happy everyone seemed, even though they didn’t have certain things in their lives. He thought that the people were very nice and extremely creative. Thank you to the Slab City folks for your hospitality and impression you all made on my son.

[@Scott-gn8yo]

Started watching this a few weeks ago and came back to finish it. Thanks so much for capturing this on video. I am fascinated with this place and the diversity that lives here. This gentleman spider is someone that I think I could hang out with and learn so much from...Very friendly and knowledgeable. LIVE AND LET LIVE!

[@robertsaxer7048]

YOU SOLD ME BUNK CRANK

[@stoneyshappiness1975]

Bravo! I’ve watched TONS of videos on KZbin about the slabs! By far yours is the best! Thanks 😊

[@awaywardman1707]

Awesome man! That’s a great comment!

[@EveningShadeLori]

I’ve watched many videos of SC and enjoyed yours most. Was nice to see something nice and not all the bad. And something besides just the Jesus monument. Thanks!

[@awaywardman1707]

They’re good people that enjoyed telling me their stories and showing me their life.

[@michaelgans8763]

For being such a lawless place, there are alot of rules.

[@spinny2010]

There is a difference between rules and laws though.

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

@@spinny2010 If there are consequences to breaking the rules, and they're supported by the community at large, what is the difference beyond that?

[@spinny2010]

@@elizabetholiviaclark Rules - supported and agreed upon by a community are different from LAWS executed by a government/ruling elite.

[@ssQ2U]

I was thinking the same. People are not lawless, they make their own laws for the most part. Interesting

[@frankgary957]

Damn, these guys aren't much different than those living deep in the Everglades, down here in Florida.

[@jeffnpatricia]

The bike lady has awesome positive outlook. It’s refreshing

[@jaybird7534]

Leonard Knight was the old man's name who built Salvation Mountain. He had a leg amputated and went to town to stay until death. Knew him well, a bit quirky but a rather nice guy, he was generally destitute and lived on donations and a couple hundred bucks from SS I believe. He was probably bi-polar.

[@jaybird7534]

Leonard would let everyone know that the mountain he was building was being filmed and photographed by numerous domestic and foreign media outlets from time to time and that his message of salvation through Jesus Christ was now known around the world in magazines and videos. He would always say God is Love. I have to agree.

[@Noonespecial1611]

If he was probably bi-polar then your probably a clone.

[@Alchemology_17]

Great video! I appreciate your laid back, non-judgmental vibe.

[@chrisulmer694]

Another cool video Josh! Have fun & stay safe in your travels.

[@mojaveoff-griddesertbug-ou9988]

My brain melted watching this video. Worlds largest homeless encampment. No sewer system.

[@asmera4547]

so the airbnb guy is charging people to come stay at his cheap trailers that he doesn't even own the places for...oh boy. Red flags everywhere

[@robbie5984]

The AirBNB guy I believe went to jail for a 30 year child molestation charge about a year ago. Cool dude.

[@michaelferreri1256]

Great job. Good steady camera work. I am mesmerized by the resourcefulness of some of these people.

[@awaywardman1707]

Thanks Mike

[@timfronimos459]

I kinda get the felling that every state should have at least one place just like this. thanks for posting

[@exohauler]

Love it! A testimony to your people skills. Lower their guard with no judgement and you have a masterpiece video. Much respect. I always love a good journey with people of all walks of life. THey all have a story.

[@awaywardman1707]

We are all just trying to find happiness and acceptance. These are people with fascinating stories and interesting lives.

[@user-rl8ge4qu4u]

44jty to try to to us yo yo yo 5

[@Sodi_Pop.]

I’m so obsessed and fascinated by Slab City! Great video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@sailingsolar]

Jack two horses, they call him that because if he used his real name he'd get arrested.

[@hectorguzman28]

Donk lol

[@buddylove1470]

@Donk 😂😂😂

[@pinkberryconsumer4059]

Good vid. One of the better ones I've seen. More in-depth than others.

[@Babybugex]

No I will not stay with Spyder and his meth zombies...And you can't make me!!

[@RevRSleeker]

Very good, enjoyed immensely ! I've seen a few of these guys before, on various 'slab city' video's, but you drew me into your story well and I now want to check out a few of the stories we hear here elsewhere, just to see if any progress or change within their habitat and or lifestyle ...I'm sure that there are a few individuals that are hiding a story or two in SC, in one video a guy was a 'retired copper' yet in another the same guy tells us he 'flew planes and had a patent' on something that earned him good money lol...and even though I regularly read about the local police making checks in SC for wanted felons under assumed names, I recognise that there may well be a lot of mental health issues going on also...regardless, a fascinating place and the locals are definitely worth tracking for a second look !!

[@timaldridge84]

My mind was blown when I saw people were paying to stay at a homeless community

[@mimikay5421]

Right!

[@Evil-Jesus]

Couldn't pay me enough to stay one night!!!

[@NomadicZig]

You get things in return, obviously. Power, water, internet, etc.

[@gregmirr]

Great video , you hit all the interesting characters that make up Slab city , plus your music track was excellent .

[@awaywardman1707]

Thanks Greg!

[@sargentsakto9236]

Those guys are going to bury themselves in that hole when it collapses.

[@rebelonstrike7]

Stop. Interrupting. The. Dude. I just want to slam my face on the table every time he interrupts people.

[@WillChil466]

Ha!

[@rogerward9492]

That dude is making more money than the Hilton on airbnb, in the winter times he’s always full.

[@bluelipbeaver]

Man, that is really a nice hole. Those guys are going to have a great place to go in order to stay cool in that summer heat.

[@bluelipbeaver]

I was thinking about that hole again. I think that it might be helpful if you had a 40-50 foot length of 1/2 inch rubber hose which could be used as a snorkel in the event of a wall collapse. It could be in easy reach of the men when working.

[@brandonmitchell1056]

I just binge watched a few hours of Slab City videos on here. Each video has been another peer into the way life is in those parts, and I appreciate them. I feel as if I learn a little bit more about the full story of these people with every video I watch. I remember hearing Zack say in another video that his parents ran the Ponderosa, Spider must be his dad or another relative. Maybe you cover that in the next 24 minutes I've yet to finish lol

[@shanefogelsanger7542]

Yup, spider was Zach dad but unfortunately Zach died in front of his wife and baby girl from a seizure at the hot springs last summer, a good kid with a big heart

[@audrealambert9583]

Me too Idk why but I'm facinated 🤚🤩🗽💯

[@audrealambert9583]

​@@shanefogelsanger7542 do you know if he had a condition or was it weather related 🤔

[@dflf]

Amazing how touristy a “No Man’s Land” can be.

[@SaturnsSnack]

My gf thought you sounded like cop. I liked your video!

[@MrTex1954]

I like my air conditioning.... and lack of 50 billion flies.... LOL!

[@karenfromNH]

Spider was just arrested for molesting a child, and that is only what we know of.

[@erikharris7550]

I'm like I cant believe you didnt off that dude a hit of your joint lol

[@lostwoodproduction1411]

Tourists!

[@bonniecawley5739]

Thx for sharing. Interesting to see the differences of people out there.

[@lindseyzacek5211]

Some of the artwork and sculptures are actually very cool I can't believe Old Man spent 20 years to build that Jesus Hill that's really impressive

[@monicdavis6150]

It fell down once and old Lenard rebuilt the mountain. It is cool.

[@phyllisjohnson8199]

The honeymoon suite, I'm scared

[@mayf4321]

"Come stay with spider at slab city ponderosa" lol what are you smoking my friend. That "cool room" looks like a I want that tourists stuff grave. There is nothing in this world that I could do to convince my girl to spend a night here

[@sallyclay1974]

The west coast culture, is totally different , from East Coast culture. Cal, is a huge state, and very diversified!

[@grannyl8198]

Waywood ...your little side comments shows how much you dont care....subscribe...no...not when you have no feelings

[@Mark_Chandler]

i would say this is better than living off the streets . I wonder what the crime rate is. Kind of reminds me of those Apocalypse movies, where mankind has to start over.

[@gothicphoenix3246]

as said by those who live in rabbitside. unless you have someone helping you keep watch, you will have shit come up missing. and unless you tell a neighbor that you are taking a day or two in a motel, they will come in and take what they want from your home.

[@sammym6568]

Ahhh I see how it’s gong to work... “ no I don’t “ 😂

[@awaywardman1707]

Haha

[@sixzero2412]

The music when he jumped into the hot spring had me die laughing

[@Boudica1313]

These folks are really carving out lives for themselves. It's really cool.

[@Boudica1313]

Bainsworth I will be content to just view stories here on YT. I’m not brave enough to actually visit. Most of the stories I have heard out of Slab City aren’t cool or uplifting in any way, so it’s super nice to see one that is. People can be so clever and resilient and tough. ❤️

[@dond6801]

Sure can,seems like some kinda desperation for somewhere to call home,..I respect it

[@sammym6568]

Music kinda of loud I kept lowering and turning it back up when you start talking again

[@CanadienNortherner]

Yeah , and it sucks dick !

[@thanosforever]

Same

[@jamescasimir726]

For real 7 minutes in its whisper quiet then immediately goes to ear shatteringly loud

[@thesteammastersolo9778]

It's called having a dynamic range. Not everything needs to be compressed/limit/expanded.

[@jamescasimir726]

@@thesteammastersolo9778 Youre right. Not everything needs to be compressed/expanded. But this does. Very, very badly. Don't try to play this off as artistic expression. This video is pure cancer for anyone who cares about their speakers or has neighbors. There is NO reason you need to make the music that loud in comparison to the rest of the video.

[@andywatts7130]

i can smell the stench from florida

[@loisaustin6200]

Somehow, Slab City and the many art creations, reminds me of a poor man's "Burning Man" show. Love the sweetness of the thoughts behind the creation of Jesus Rock. A lot of time and work went into that.

[@terrancecobb6802]

Out of my many hours of watching footage of Slab City, trying to figure out why would anyone decide to live here... California Pondarosa was the best idea, in that environment. I give that guy a lot of credit thinking of this. Kudos!!

[@BellyUpFishGarage]

My boy held his nose when he jumped in the hot spring.. LOL

[@lossiebrown4550]

Looks like the same place that Christopher McCandless took Hal Holbrook in the " Movie Into the Wild".

[@WillChil466]

I'll have to get that.

[@82566]

Parts of It were filmed there

[@TNutte86]

Best tour of the Slabs I've seen yet

[@marthahyman9320]

Of my goodness! I converted that trampoline into the chicken coop ( 21:59) just a few weeks before this video was shot! I stayed right there 2 seasons and its like a second home now to me! I had just recently moved my camper to the canal side away from the pigs and road! I so miss the Ponderosa and cannot wait to return. Spyder and Shannon are wonderful hosts !!!!!

[@robbaker1841]

The best report on Slab City since I discovered it a few years ago. Be great to go and stay for a week and make another great video!

[@tommytomtomt]

The "Honey Moon trailer" for the special women that loves you for having absolutely nothin

[@Your-best-uncle]

Wonder how the pedal cart turned out

[@MeetSuperDave]

You'd have to pay me to live there. Who comes to the last free place on earth to pay for rent lol.

[@greywolf1608]

ReBoot, no doubt. Charges $40 a night and rents for the month ... that’s $1200. You can stay at a motel for $150 a week.

[@recharge4708]

@@greywolf1608 the post of freedom and off grid is exactly that not let some skinny guy extort you for rent lol, must be some idiots there be a adult and ask permission to eat lmfao, maybe ill take a spin down there .

[@hardraintonight]

How do you think he can pay for the solar panels, the batteries, the inverters, moving his trailers, building new bathrooms, using his electric for movies on Netflix, the tv's -I mean look at what he is doing! He got pigs, chickens, a bar and you cheapskates are griping that the man wants $40 from TOURISTS? Go stay in a motel in Nyland and have yourself a smug ass time.

[@johnsonjameson2926]

@@hardraintonight The motels in Niland are filthy moldy and more than 40 bucks. If you want to visit SC, I guess this guys place would be OK for a night or 2 for the adventurous type.

[@igavehimadollar3354]

I’ve watched this a couple of times it’s a really cool one man and i really like how you interact with people

[@tesan6805]

Splendid! Thanks for the effort of filming everything, cheers from Italy!

[@terry4O]

Spyder talks the good talk, lol. George, is precisely the man Spyder says he is. I was camping where the pig lives now when George struck his claim, so it's fun seeing the Ponderosa change and grow over the years. Always have a good time there so be sure to visit if you are ever in Slab City. Tuesday Nite Chili $2, and it's REALLY GOOD chili!

[@PaulGlancy-fp7ob]

Spider is in jail. See my comment above. Sorry for bothering you..Paul.

[@sonofdamocles]

I really want Slab Cab to be a shitty reality show. It's like Cash Cab, but we pick up drunks in LA and San Diego and drop them off in the desert and make them fend for themselves.

[@ctbalcerak]

HOOOOLLYYYY SHIT the image stabilization made me so motion sick..wooofffff. Was it done in post? Looks very unnatural.

[@joeturnbow815]

If one lives or like that slab city, their brain was melted long before they moved there.

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

Man, you gotta love Slab City hospitality! The people there are so interesting and artistic! It is definitely on bucket list of places to see before I die!! Thank you for sharing this interesting video! Loved it!!! Cheers

[@Eltercero]

"This is my friend David."; "It's Daniel."; His friends look exceptionally uncomfortable. :)

[@hafdissigurdardottir3176]

What an interesting people that live there 👍👍👍 It’s on my bucket list to go to Slab City 🌃 Thank you for an excellent video 👏👍🦋🦋🦋

[@SuperPangloss]

One of the best vids on this place I've seen.......good job.

[@ssQ2U]

3 feet of sand, then 8 feet of clay! Love it. I wondered what was underground

[@dogdude4897]

Excellent video of slab city, I appreciate the more detailed overview of California Ponderosa, I subscribed

[@awaywardman1707]

Thanks for subscribing Larry

[@billchapel3194]

Well we all know That when anyone anywhere starts making money, that will be the end of Slab City...

[@betsyb2256]

Nice job. Best video on the slabs I've seen in a while. Great editing too.👍

[@awaywardman1707]

Thank you Betsy. It was a fun experience

[@jonatallman]

Very nice!No Mething around!

[@SisterSherryDoingStuff]

Kind of makes me think this is where Burners (Burning Man folks) go to die. I'm a Burner. Great footage and commentary.

[@awaywardman1707]

Thanks Sherry

[@elaineoliver1039]

So stupid to jump into the hot springs. You guys realize those aren't natural hot springs but lithium vents? Just wondering if you guys even bothered researching the chocolate mountains or why the slabs were evacuated in the first place. Good luck with the channel.

[@NomadicZig]

The hot springs is safe to be in. 🙄

[@WildlifePatrol]

I wonder if we can meet the old man who made it (Salvation Mountain) ? Really 😂 Leonard Knight RIP passed away over 5 years ago!

[@beals6631]

He didn’t know. Geez

[@tomstrom966]

Documentary humans ... love it

[@jaybird7534]

Ask them where the sewage treatment system is. Slabs has a lot of Charlie Manson controlling types who have violent tendencies if you challenge them on territory or knowledge. You must always humor or outright obey them to stay safe. Children, women and girls are at risk there. Most are drug or alcohol users or dealers or recovering from excessive use. Most are flat broke and prey on others for survival or operate illegal businesses, and pay no taxes.

[@SandySez]

I've known about SC for 20 yrs and now follow several people on you tube who live there. There are some very good documentaries about SC and several on Leonard Knight (Salvation Mtn), the newest one is really good, "The Love Story of Leonard Knight" on Amazon and maybe still on Netflix. I enjoyed Spider and the tour of Calif Ponderosa, heard a lot about it, but never seen it up close like that!

[@awaywardman1707]

SandySez Thanks! Spider was fun to interview.

[@rollins360]

I love this… I hope I can visit in my lifetime. Extraordinary people.

[@ronnetteharvey2002]

Everything but a shower I feel like i can smell the place.

[@johnsonjameson2926]

@Joel W A dry smell like a baked potato@450 degrees.. Close to the temp at SC

[@WillChil466]

There is a shower....An underground spring.

[@mykingdomforanrv5536]

You are polite and respectful of everyone, adorable you...please never change!

[@awaywardman1707]

Aww thank you so much

[@mattchristensen9424]

"We should get some cash out of the car" 5 seconds later someone runs out the door lmfao. Some shit shouldn't be said out loud

[@GutGains]

reminds me of fallout 3

[@awaywardman1707]

Gut Gains yeah it does feel like Fallout

[@lamplighter4106]

39? A night!? You cray cray.

[@MrThe1234guy]

The people out slab city should have slab fest and charge big money to attend. Couldn't be worse then fyrefest

[@RicArmstrong]

I like seeing people who refuse to conform. 👍

[@ladylaois8184]

And me

[@carvalone3076]

Man, cool video...you did a cool job when touring the place and all the stuff

[@butterfliesamongus]

Damn.. She legit. Her brain melted. Ur on ur way....200

[@butterfliesamongus]

2020

[@damianwildfong7278]

the man that made it has passed on

[@LikodsaPayag]

thankz a lot sir for the great tour Slab City : )

[@awaywardman1707]

You’re welcome!

[@LikodsaPayag]

@@awaywardman1707 my pleasure sir : )

[@234suesan]

Spider really likes george. Maybe spider is a closet homosexual. He sure does like looking at george, he has him painted on the damn trailer

[@DianaHernandez-ts7nq]

U SIR MADED IT MORE CLEAR TO UNDERSTAND. GRACIAS. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.TAKE CARE OUT THERE.

[@CiaofCleburne]

I am surprised no one said “I’m building a dump” 😂 I see lots of dump sites. I mean, its cool but all the trashiness would bother me. I am not into trashing nature, at all, very much against it. I live off grid-ish but I make sure I never bring anything here that I cannot use or dispose if properly. I burn my paper which in turn goes on the garden or used for de-odorizing. I compost my garbage and I re-use everything. I would be heart broken to see all that refuse just piling up there😢

[@Alex-rl4uy]

Can’t believe spider has that poor guy whipped and digging that hole lmao

[@threethrushes]

It feels good to be the King.