If there’s one word I’d describe Ryan, my late husband, it would be “Adventurer” or “Wanderer”.
He was an outdoorsy person who loved discovering new places. I was the complete opposite, the homebody who loved nothing more than the cozy comfort of books, food, and loved ones.
If there’s one word I’d use to describe Ryan, my late husband, it would be “Adventurer” or “Wanderer.”
He was an outdoorsy person who loved discovering new places. I was the complete opposite: a homebody who loved nothing more than the cozy comfort of books, food, and loved ones.
Ryan, My Angel and My Salvation.
Until I met Ryan, I had never truly seen the more fun, vibrant side of life. Thanks to his wandering spirit, I’ve traveled to beautiful places, had diverse experiences, and stepped far outside my comfort zone.
One of my most cherished memories from our adventures is visiting Salvation Mountain in Niland, California. As always, the credit goes to Ryan for discovering these unique and unforgettable gems.
The Salvation Mountain is located in the arid landscape near Niland, California, just east of the Salton Sea, and adjacent to the quirky community of Slab City.
It stands out for its eclectic, artistic, quirky vibe, but with an interesting Christian twist to it. I remember the place so vividly, like it were yesterday.
Knowing Ryan in such intimate quarters, I wasn’t surprised at all. The man’s as Catholic as Catholic can be. I suspect the strong Catholic influence was rubbed off on him by his late granduncle, Prof. Isaac Sequeira, who lived with Ryan and his parents.
I still remember watching both Uncle Isaac and Ryan, as a child, in the front pews of the church for Sunday mass. Little did I know back then, I was watching my future husband, and the father of our child. To think both of them are in the spiritual realm while I write this seems unreal…and yet so real.
I remember many were surprised at how Catholic Ryan truly was. It came as a surprise even to his closest people in Boston that he went for Sunday Mass religiously. But that was Ryan, who never showed off any aspect of him, including his faith. It was always a private, intimate affair between him and God.
Of course, being his spouse who shared the similar faith and value systems, I was fully aware of this side of him. He would unwind after work by listening to Christian videos and music on YouTube. It wasn’t the only thing he watched, but it was among the top things he watched with keen interest along with basketball, racing, English music, documentaries and Hollywood movies.
The Spirit Behind the Mountain
Leonard Knight (1931–2014), a Vermont-born drifter and Korean War veteran, created the Salvation Mountain after a profound spiritual awakening in his mid-30s.
At 36, Leonard Knight became troubled after conversation about Jesus with his evangelical sister. Until then, he lived an aimless life as a Korean War veteran, mechanic, and drifter with no strong religious background or identification as a devout Christian.
But something about that conversation led him to inner reflection in his van alone. He said the Sinner’s Prayer (“Jesus, I’m a sinner, please come into my heart”) for about twenty minutes, and wept repeatedly as he recited the prayer.
Knight attributes this experience to be his life-changing moment. His encounter with God led him to change his life completely for the good. He felt the overwhelming power of God’s love, and felt called to share the message “God is love.”
He first tried building a giant hot air balloon covered in scripture, but it never flew. In 1984, his truck broke down near Slab City, and he decided to stay and build a small concrete monument instead.
What started as a small project grew into a lifelong obsession. Knight mixed local adobe clay with straw and hay bales, shaping the hill with whatever materials he could find: tires, telephone poles, car windows, and donated paint (over half a million gallons in total).
The first version collapsed in 1989 after heavy rains, but he rebuilt it stronger. For nearly 28 years, he worked daily, welcoming visitors with a smile and his signature thumbs-up.
Lessons from the Salvation Mountain
Today, this man-made “mountain” rises about 50 feet high and spans over 150 feet wide, covered in vibrant layers of paint, biblical messages, flowers, hearts, and crosses.
The iconic message written in bold pink and red letters spell “GOD IS LOVE” across the mountain face, crowned by a white cross. This simple, repeating message “God Is Love” radiates from every angle.
The red heart: A massive heart with the Sinner’s Prayer: “Say Jesus I’m a sinner please come upon my body and into my heart.”
Scripture and imagery: Verses like John 3:16, the Lord’s Prayer, waterfalls, flowers, trees, and bluebirds.
Interior spaces: “The Museum” features domed rooms with more art, found objects, and personal touches (including eclectic items left by visitors).
Surrounding area: Painted art cars, sculptures, and the colorful, off-grid vibe of nearby Slab City.
Climb the paths for sweeping desert views for the experience feels both spiritual and whimsical.
I particularly love the listed Christian virtues on the mountain, and I keep returning to them as a gentle reminder for righteous living: Love, Faith, Joy, Goodness, Meekness, Peace, Temperance, Long-Suffering, and Gentleness.
To say Ryan’s death has changed me would be an understatement. My entire outlook on life, love, suffering, and death is radically different from what it once was. I no longer view suffering and death through a worldly lens.
I don’t feel Ryan is gone. He feels omnipresent and closer than ever before, even though he is no longer in physical form. I now see suffering and death as essential rites of passage to salvation and everlasting life. Spiritual concepts that once seemed purely theological have become experienced practical realities.
Salvation Mountain isn’t just art. It’s a testament to one man’s unwavering faith, creativity, and perseverance. In a harsh desert environment, Knight built something joyful and welcoming that continues to inspire thousands of visitors yearly. It reminds us that big dreams, fueled by love and determination, can literally move mountains.
Whether you’re a road-tripper, art lover, or spiritual seeker, Salvation Mountain is a must-see slice of pure California weirdness and wonder.
As Leonard often said: “Hello. Make yourself at home.”
God is Love!
This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026.
That’s a lovely way of bringing in the Supreme Power into our lives. The bond between us & the Almighty is a private one, is what I believe. And hence I can relate to the post so much.