Fountain of Youth and The Salton Sea

With two extra days off after Buses By the Bridge, we decided to take a little detour on our way back home and enjoy the scenic drive over to the Salton Sea.

The Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort near the Salton Sea happened by accident and it's roots started back in 1938. I find it quite fascinating that there are natural hot springs in the middle of the desert but this water was originally unearthed during the construction of the All-American Canal. In 1965 the Fountain of Youth resort was started when the ideal spot was found to tap into this spring which produces 250 gallons a minute of 137 degree high mineral content water.

The healing properties of these waters is one of the many attractions that bring people from all around to enjoy. Although we only spent one night, we did our best to take advantage of what there was to offer.

This wouldn't be a proper post without some pictures of our beloved van.

Some of our friends from Buses By the Bridge were able to join us as well.

Pro camping tip - if you don't want your babies to fall out of the van, simply put them in your luggage. No babies were harmed during the writing of this blog.

The next day it was finally time to head home but not before a quick stop at Salvation Mountain.

We have visited this place once before, it remains worthy of a second visit and brief history tutorial. Dedicating 28 years of his life, Leonard Knight created this giant mountain as a tribute to God and his gift to the world with hay bales, adobe clay, and thousands of gallons of paint. It is actually the second mountain after the first collapsed under it's own weight. Today it is kept alive with help from devoted volunteers and donations as the harsh surrounding environment requires it to have constant maintenance.

Realizing the extra challenges involved with spending the week in a small van with an infant and a 4 year old, we finally made the 3 hour trek back home to our comfy bed and regular schedule. Till next time....