Abandoned logging cabin in Oregon.

I have always loved to travel.  Doesn't really matter where; the road is always calling.  Some of my first memories are of traveling with my parents as we moved from one military base to another.  Sitting in the rear facing back seat of an old station wagon might seem boring to some but it to me it stoked the fires of my imagination. The wild open spaces seemed to be calling my name to start an adventure or more likely some misadventure.

Abandoned buildings of all sorts intrigue me.  The longer they're abandoned, the better I like it.  The exploration of man-made structures or abandoned building is usually referred to as URBEX.  As a Travel Photographer and a self proclaimed roadtripper this has afforded me with some great structures to photograph. As you leave the interstate system and travel the back roads of America you maybe will be surprised at what you find around the next bend in the road.

Abandoned building in San Antonio, Texas

This building is located near Downtown San Antonio and was a longtime dry cleaners before the chemicals used were deemed too dangerous.  It's been abandoned for approximately 6 years and for the most part is cleaned out apart from some large rusting tanks, sewing machines and hanging clothes racks.  Depending on your outlook there are more than a few buildings that lie abandoned althought many are being restored and repurposed. 

 Long abandoned Indian School in New Mexico

Urban exploring and photography truly go hand in hand as you'll be presented an opportunity to research, discover historical locations and to photograph some truly unique settings.  As with all activities, there common sense and safety practices should be followed.

• Always let someone trustworthy know where you're going. 
• Avoid exploring by yourself unless an uncommon and irresistible opportunity presents itself unexpectedly. 
• Check the equipment list and be sure to have the top four items: light, batteries, gloves, and a knife. 
• Be aware of your surroundings.  

Lastly, please follow the three rules of urban exploring.

• Take nothing but pictures. 
• Leave nothing but footprints. 
• Break nothing but silence.

Abandoned sign on Route 66

Take a drive with no destination in mind; get out and see what's around the next bend.

Mike