I just got back from Death Valley and here are some pictures of a side trip to the semi-ghost town of Ballarat and the infamous Barker Ranch. Like the sign says, you learn nothing by sitting in the car!
So much has been written about Manson and his family, and there are so many rumors it's hard to know what's true and what's not. So instead of telling you what I think I know, I'll just show you what I saw.
Ballarat has a few disintegrating buildings, a small cemetery and a store that was fortunately open during my visit. There is an old Dodge truck sitting out front and the old man who runs the place told me, "That's Manson's truck". I read somewhere that it was abandoned by Tex Watson.
Stars painted in the cab. Yup, that's the right truck!
From Ballarat, follow the dirt road to Goler Wash AKA Goler Canyon.
Once you enter the canyon, it's about 4 or so miles more of even bumpier road with some tight squeezes in the beginning and some sharp rocks. High clearance 4x4's (like a Jeep) are recommended, but we got there in a Subaru Outback All Wheel Drive just fine. Took a long time, though. It was a pretty drive with lots of things to see- old mines, wild flowers, chuckwallas, and a lot of rocks.
Barker Ranch isn't especially easy to find (it was a hideout after all) but the other travelers out there were extremely helpful. Barker Ranch is there if you know where to look. Note the chairs on the hill. We'll be getting back to those later.
The door is open. Come inside and sit a spell.
You're welcome to spend the night if you like.
A lot of people come and visit this place. Some leave things for other visitors. Things like candles, magazines, cans of food, or in this case "50 First Dates" starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler! Nothing like a light hearted Adam Sandler DVD to suck the evil right out of a place. I don't know who left this in a place like this, but I appreciate their twisted sense of humor. By the way, there's no electricity so it's not like you could watch it anyway.
BEST GRAFFITI EVER. There were irreverent touches everywhere.
This poster of a cuddly kitten was in another building. I don't know who put this up, but I doubt it's been there since 1969. Good to know I am not the only one with a totally inappropriate sense of humor.
There are two chairs on a little hill behind the house. I read somewhere (probably on the internet) that the family used these as a lookout.
I'll bet just about everyone who goes there sits in the chairs. Here's the view from up there. Gives you an idea of the layout.
Heading out. There are irrigation lines running and watering some of the plants and trees. It's a refreshing little oasis if you can forget about the history.
Before going, I did my best to do a little online research. Some accounts say that this place is haunted or has a creepy vibe. Some accounts say there's no one there but the rats, lizards and snakes. I'm going to have to go with that last one. Maybe it's from being comfortable exploring (most) rural abandoned places, or maybe I just don't have enough mental power to pick up 'impessions' but it was just a house. Kind of a relief.
If you are thinking about going, there is plenty of information out there on how to get there and what to look for. Bring the appropriate vehicle and bring your lunch. Bring plenty of water. Bring a friend to help guide your vehicle over the rough spots, bring plenty of supplies in case you get stuck (knock on wood) and bring your directions. You will pass some sign posts along the way, but someone has cleverly removed some of the signs. We got a little bit lost for a while, but we saw a lot of other people out there who were more than happy to share information.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/mar/stories/Goler.html
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0870814095?tag=pageturners0c&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=0870814095&creative=373489&camp=211189
http://tools.wikimedia.de/~magnus/geo/geohack.php?pagename=Barker_Ranch¶ms=35_51_34.36_N_117_5_17.41_W_
