RSSI visited Ballarat today a semi-ghost town in the Panamint Valley. Ballarat is in the area where Charles Manson and his followers fled after the Los Angeles murders. The truck that I photographed was supposedly owned by Charles Manson according to some. However, it was in the hands of Charles Tex Watson before he met Manson so I think it’s more likely that it was originally owned by Tex Watson. This was the vehicle Tex Watson drove as he was fleeing Ballarat after the police raided Barker Ranch. Barker Ranch is located in a remote area in the mountains above Ballarat. The interior roof of the vehicle has pentagram star graffiti left by Manson and his followers. The town has a fascinating mining history having been the long time residence of Seldom Seen Slim, a famous Death Valley prospector. It’s really too bad that Manson’s infamy has overshadowed the rich history of this area.
Charles Manson Truck. Ballarat, CA.
Paved Road Again. Ballarat, Ca.
Rusted. Ballarat, CA.
