I study maps; old and new, researched news articles, looked into property taxes, and driven aimlessly for hours, over many miles in search of special places, only to find so many of them gone. Finding abandoned structures is an art. It takes patience and dedication.
Many ‘explorers’, including myself tend to keep these spots secret, much like fishermen do. Word spreads fast and these untouched, vacant buildings quickly become targets for theft and vandalism. A common phrase used by explorers is ‘take only pictures, leave only footprints.’
Adrenalin, of course is another reason I am attracted to these adventures. You never know what you’re going to discover. There is implicit danger in exploring these places, for they are no longer maintained and are often unstable. That in itself offers an unusual sort of adrenaline rush!
I often obsess over certain places while investigating their history. It’s fascinating to think about how these quiet places offer insight into Maine’s history and the unshared life stories of people we will never meet.
