Center of the Earth

Ever wonder where the center of the world is located?  Well,  I've found the answer... FELICITY, CA  USA!   Marking the center of world is a pyramid where inside you will find a bronze plaque.  It's a bizarre story,  but Felicity (population 4), in the middle of the desert (no man's land) is by law the center of this earth.

 The children's fairytale book "COE the Good Dragon at the Center of the World" (now in it's 6th edition), led to the law making Felicity the official center of the world in 1989.  The town of Felicity was given international honor being the center by Ambassador Jean-Marie Daillet of France. About 20 years ago, Jacques-Andres Istel wrote a 14 page book about a dragon named Coe who lives inside a pyramid at the center of the world, where he reads fire proof books and eats nearby mountains.  The author decided to make his fairy tale a reality by creating Felicity, CA (named after his wife).

 
 

He purchased several acres outside of Yuma, CA in the heart of the desert. He then declared himself the mayor :).  He began to build the pyramid and even bought a section of the original spiral staircase from the Eiifel Tower.  His sun dial is amazing with a sculpted hand of God designed to look like Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam".  A train station graces with property with no trains :).  Empty condo units, clusters of monuments and a "Wall of Ages" make this place incredible.

 If you decide to visit, don't forget to make a wish in the pink pyramid and get your "You stood at the middle of the world" certificate.  There is also a brief tour to enjoy.

 

 

 

The Morge

Welcome to Skeletons In The Closet!  Why not have a gift shop at the Coroner's Office in Los Angeles, California?    It's a place to pick up a nice coffee mug or maybe a toe tag (just incase) while checking on your loved ones.   

It's also a tourist destination for bus loads of Asian and European travelers.   They do have a website if you can't make it to downtown Los Angeles.  It was created about 20 years ago by a secretary who noticed the popularity of mugs and T-shirts with the coroner's office logo.  She began selling these items from her desk and eventually moved her items to a closet (hence, the name). 

 

Today you will find a small shop at the entrance of the building with a sign asking shoppers  to "Please be considerate of our families here on business".  In the store you might find a towel designed with a chalk traced outline of a body or an cooking apron that says "L.A. County Coroner Has (heart)" and pockets labeled "spare ribs" and "spare hands".   If you have a few thousand dollars to spare,  you can buy a coffin shaped couch that promises eternal comfort.  Apparently now you can buy water bottled labeled "body fluids".    It's a profitable business.

 

Salvation Mountain

Salvation Mountain is located near the town of Niland, California in the middle of the Colorado Desert.  It is adjacent to the amazing Salton Sea.

The master behind this huge piece of art is Leonard Knight (1931- 2014).  The mountain is clearly Christian inspired, as well as love.  Leonard Knight spent 30 years creating his mountain using abode (straw and mud) and countless gallons of paint.

The mountain is approximately 50 ft tall with trails that lead you to the top. There are also various pathway and cave type rooms within the mountain to explore.  

The mountain is a popular tourist destination for those seeking something a little different.

Glass Beach

This awesome cove is covered with glass, literally covered with millions of pieces of glass that have been rounded by the rolling waves!!   Glass Beach is a beach in MacKerricher State Park near Fort Bragg, California that is abundant in sea glass created from years of dumping garbage into an area. I'm not talking the occasional piece of seaglass as you stroll along.   

This awesome cove is covered with glass, literally covered with millions of pieces of glass that have been rounded by the rolling waves!!  In the early 20th century, Fort Bragg residents threw their Locals referred to it as "The Dumps. Fires were lit to reduce the size of the trash pile.

The California State and city leaders closed the area in 1967. Various cleanup programs were undertaken through the years to correct the damage. Over the next several decades the pounding waves cleaned the beach, by breaking down everything but glass and pottery and tumbling those into the small, smooth, colored pieces that cover Glass Beach. Not only is it clean, it is beautiful. 

The beach is now frequently visited by tourists.  Collecting is not permitted on the park's beach, although sea glass can be found on other local beaches outside the park boundary. A Glass Festival is held annually on Memorial Day weekend.