Motor City

 While in Detroit a few weeks ago, we stopped by an

abandoned car body plant to see the remains of early 

automotive industry in the city known best for it.

 It was a popular spot for sure, judging by the several 

other explorers that popped up while we were there 

and the Quikrete that had been poured in this collapsed 

section of cement to create a small skating area.

The distant windows on one floor cast an eerie aqua light 

on the space's graffiti covered pillars and stalactites.

Going up, things got more interesting both art and structure-wise.

 The top floor housed most of the factory's remaining tracks, booths, 

and ventilation shafts used to move and paint auto body parts.

The area is now re-purposed for painting of another kind.

The roof was massive and had a fantastic 360 degree view of the city.

I loved the shapes of the pipes and vents jutting out from the building.

 (A favorite piece seen above)

 For more photos of our other stops in Detroit, check out:

The Doctor is Out

DeHoCo

Do Not Disturb

Since drinking in hotels is one of Shannon's favorite things to do

in Cleveland, we headed out with a friend of hers to try to get her 

a Fourloko sponsorship before she headed back to Pittsburgh. 

We may not have succeeded but hey, they are 

following us on Instagram now so there's that.

Let's dive right in then. Ha.

First stop was the pool. Leaves, trash, and employee paperwork from

the late 80's and 90's littered the floor and stagnant water.

We're not sure how this deer got inside or how she died, but

somebody made the effort to cheer up the scene with confetti and glitter.

Shannon immediately dubbed it her spirit animal.

We headed up to the top floor, the rooms of which mostly looked 

something like this. Furniture strewn around the room and wallpaper peeling.

(Photo: Shannon and her Spirit Animal)

It appeared efforts were being made to remove furniture before it 

was abandoned. Some hallways were nearly impassible,

packed with mattresses or dressers and desks.

One of the suites had been partially restored to a living room arrangement,

complete with flowers in vases. A fantastic group photo location. (Coming soon)

After some time relaxing and splitting a strong yet refreshing Watermelon 

Fourloko in the comfort of our private suite, it was time to head out.

(This blog post brought to you by Fourloko)

Trailer Park Girls

The last stop Shannon and I made while she was in town 

was actually the first location I ever took my camera. 

What a difference! And I don't just mean the scenery.

I remember feeling so awkward and clueless, having just 

acquired a DSLR camera and barely knowing how to use it

(or Lightroom...) while surrounded by 5 photographers, 

most of whom I was meeting for the first time. 

 Our timing was incredible and the exact opposite of my first trip,

having an entire golden hour of dramatic shadows and lens flares.

 We headed over to these old rusty and collapsed docks next.

Bird's everywhere, beautiful tree blossoms, 

and something sketchy to climb on.

 

After almost running right into him,

 we spent a ridiculous amount of time with both 

of our cameras 4 inches away from this guy's face.

 Then back to the city for some burritos and drinks.

 So, this is what 6 months of progress looks like.

I love being in a new exciting place with lots of things to do

while still being close enough to have friends come visit.

More days like this coming soon!