Salton Sea Horizon

Red Hill
Salton Sea, California

Joshua Tree

Wonderland of Rocks
Boy Scout Trail
Joshua Tree National Park, California

Leonard's Salvation

In 1985, native Vermonter Leonard Knight found himself trying to get a hot air balloon off the ground in the desert just north of Niland, California.



The balloon was hand sewn by Leonard and embroidered on the side was his personal creed… “God is Love”. After countless repairs on the patchwork balloon, he gave up. Leonard decided instead to build a small tribute to express his faith, starting modestly with a half bag of cement. 25 years later, Leonard’s work still isn’t done. He’s used adobe, hay bales and over 100,000 gallons of paint to craft a six story monument called Salvation Mountain. In demonstrating his personal faith; he’s created one of the most amazing folk art installations in the world.





I was introduced to Salvation Mountain in the 2007 movie Into the Wild. I’m a fan of interesting art and alternative lifestyles are always interesting to me. When I visited there this week, I was surprised to meet Leonard. I didn’t know what to expect. I’m not a religious person. He was reclined under an awning off the back of a late model Jeep Cherokee that was covered with his iconic artwork. His hearing isn’t good, but when he realized I was there, he sat up and welcomed me with an invitation to sit in the shade, out of the 103 degree heat.



We talked about growing up in New England and the power of the Internet to bring pictures of his mountain “all the way to China”. Leonard is a gentle man with a peaceful smile. He didn’t preach or inquire about my beliefs. He never asked for a donation. Actually, he gave me a DVD and was generous to let me make his portrait.

A Hickory Wind Blows in The Desert

Gram Parsons is not to be confused with early 80's one hit wonder Alan Parsons. But, mention his name and 8 out of 10 people will say "Oh ya, that guy with the Project... Eye in the Sky". That's too bad. Gram Parsons was one of the most influential musicians of our time. Gram's band The Flying Burrito Brothers, his brief stint in The Byrds and collaborations with the Rolling Stones and Emmylou Harris brought rock and country together in a new way. Without Gram Parsons, most people believe Exile on Main Street would sound a lot different. The Eagles certainly owe their fortune to him.

Gram died in 1973 from an overdose of morphine and alcohol while staying in Room 8 at The Joshua Tree Inn in Joshua Tree, California. People now believe they have experienced paranormal activity in this room.

In many ways, this is a typical rock and roll story, but there is much more. At the time of his death, Parsons' stepfather, Bob Parsons, arranged for his body to be flown to New Orleans for a family service. Some believe his motivations were to capitalize on a large family inheritance. But that never came to pass because through a wild turn of events friend Phil Kaufman stole Gram's body. He used a borrowed hearse to take the body from LAX and fulfill Parson's wish to have his ashes scattered over Cap Rock in Joshua Tree National Park. In the middle of the night, next to Cap Rock, five gallons of gasoline in the coffin did the trick. Kaufman never faced repercussions for stealing the body but did get a fine for burning in a national park. Check out the movie Grand Theft Parsons or the book Hickory Wind: The Life and Times of Gram Parsons by Ben Fong-Torres.

Freewheeling California Part II

Anza Borrego State Park California. The largest state park in the lower 48.




Borrego Springs, California

Freewheeling California Part I

I took advantage of a business trip early in the week to take a few days off in Southern California. It's just me, a rental car, a new pair of cheap sunglasses and a bag of camera gear. Here's a few shots from the first day.

Gaslamp District San Diego, California


Old Town San Diego, California


Ocean Beach Street Scene












Cuyamaca Rancho State Park California State Route 79

Joe Viger Photography at the Freedom Public Library

My hometown library in Freedom, NH is a treasure with great staff, resources and community involvement. Heck, they even open for trick or treat on Halloween night!

The Library regularly hosts art showings coordinated by Trustee and Painter Peg Scully and I am excited to have been asked to be the featured artist for May and June.

Think about taking a spring drive to beautiful Freedom Village and see some Joe Viger Photography! While you're here you can check out the coolest small town library in New Hampshire, hike Green Mountain or Mount Mary, wander the Town's land at Trout Pond or take a paddle on Loon Lake. Let me know you're coming and I'll buy you a cup of coffee at the Freedom Village Store!