ROCK TRIPPING: NO MUSHROOMS ADDED PHOTO ESSAY

Rock tripping is parking the car in a deserted lot with broken down cars scattered around, cats on the prowl, and a gnawing thought that it’s a place where catalytic converters get yanked.

Could there be a zombie attack? A good look around doesn’t put it out of question.

What carries the moment is the pebble mosaic work of an artist who saw things as they were and said, “It’s rock tripping time.”

Isolated and abandoned with broken cars and buildings in disrepair and household items strewn everywhere, it’s a sobering moment considered the scale of the work done at Peterson’s Rock Garden.

It’s an amazing view from every angle with Lady Liberty casting her vote of approval.

Acres of stonework grace the landscape. It used to have canals that are now dried mudflats.

How much longer before it all falls down?

It feels like every building is full of small gnomes ready to give a guided tour.

If you decide to make the journey you’ll find a donation box and a price list. Is it a suggestion, or a warning?

Even if you’re the only people wandering around the property, drop a few bucks in the bucket.

Why?

First, it’s worth it to have a rock tripping experience without the baggage. It’s over when you drive away.

Second, the place is full of peacocks and who doesn’t love peacocks?

They fit right into the overall theme and color.

On the way out you might wonder how the whole place is held together.

This is the answer.

Cement is the glue of the ages.

If you have any doubts, google Roman cement.

A decent blogger would do it for you?

Oh, okay.

Resist the idea of picking up a stone if the museum store is closed. Why?

There still might be guard gnomes watching you, tripper.