Squee!

Urban Exploration. When people explore abandoned buildings and locations. I can't get enough of Urban Exploration photography.  One of my all time favorite photographers is Matthew Murray. He's AMAZING.  Super nice too.  Like his abandonedamerica page on Facebook.  You'll be glad you did. ;)  Anyway....
I know some call it ruin-porn, like it is something people shouldn't be doing. I think if it is truly done out of respect for the structure, its architecture and its history like Matthew Murray does - "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints" - it needs to be done. So much history has been wasted. So much incredible architecture has been left to crumble.  I love reading about abandoned buildings that have been left behind. I don't know if it is the sadness of how much waste humanity leaves on this earth, or if it is the beauty and triumph as nature begins to reclaim what is hers. That nothing man creates is as permanent as the earth. Or if it is the almost supernatural creepiness. Or the thoughts of all of the history, people and life stories that once occupied the space. Or all of the above.

I just know I'm too chicken-sh!t to do it myself. I was all gung ho to start doing my own exploration and photography until I posted my intentions on facebook. I had a friend instantly inbox me to tell me all kinds of scary stories about crazy squatters, rabid animals, drug dealers, rapists, murderers, rusty nails, and all other sorts of horrors that usually inhabit those places. With how worst-case-scenario I usually am, I can't believe I didn't think of that stuff myself (thank you, Heather!!). So now I live vicariously through the recklessness of others. 

Check out this amazing find.

Witley Park Dome

 I still haven't gone through all of the flickr streams.  It's on a private estate!  Could  you imagine?  I'd be hanging out under that lake every day.