When I was a much younger man, single and unencumbered in San Diego, I spent a lot of time in the Anza-Borrego desert. I was particular drawn to a place called Ghost Mountain.

In the 1930s or so, a writer of cheap fiction by the name of Marshall South had moved his family to Ghost Mountain. He claimed it was an experiment in alternative living, away from the maddening crowd of modernity. I used to say he was counter culture before counter culture was cool. He was an original hippy.

Years later I would learn that life on Ghost Mountain wasn’t quite as idyllic as his columns in Desert Magazine (I read every one at the SDSU library) made it to be. In the end, he reportedly cheated on his wife and his family broke up in acrimony.

I did, however, write a poem called At Yacquietepec. Previous blog post about it here.

Today I got an e-mail alerting me to the release of a documentary about Ghost Mountain.

Here is screening information:

Friday, March 21, 7:00pm

Borrego Performing Arts Center

530 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs

Q&A with Filmmakers. Suggested donation $10. No reservations. Seating is limited.

I wish I could go.

You can watch the trailer here.

Here’s a DVD about Anza-Borrego: Anza Borrego State Park, California