9 replies to this topic

[hairpin]

Anyone here into Urban Exploration? I'd like to start a group in the Austin/San Marcos/San Antonio area, and even branch out as far as Houston or Dallas. This is something I've been into for a long time, but I've never found others that have been hardcore enough to actually set up outings.

For anyone unfamiliar with urban ex it's the practice of going where you're not supposed to be. EG: abandoned buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, anywhere with a rich interesting history. Be advised that it is not fully legal, and breaks trespassing laws.

More info at www.infiltration.org

[MoonChild]

oh! boy! do we really need "INFILTRATION"? be careful!

[rok_royalty]

i live in texas but not in those areas. Would be cool to take part. =) i'm in corpus christi texas.

[anasuya]

Hairpin, I couldn't pass this up. "Breaks trespassing laws" and "not FULLY legal". That would be ILLegal right? lol. I just had to poke a little fun.

What places have you explored in tx? Any results?

Ana

[hairpin]

I've been to tons of places in Texas, some of the most memorable ones are the Superconducting Super Collider which was a plant made in the 80's to develop research on atom collision. And theSan Marcos military hospital which actually became a frat house in the 70's but for some reason the fraternity vacated the house. The lore is, something horrible happened, they all wrote their account of it in the frat journal and then burned it. The remains of a burnt book still lie on the ground there, and none of the frat alumni will talk about it.

I always say things like 'not fully legal' because most places are barred off for obvious reasons, people are afraid of vandalism, theft, and being liable for injury. Wheras most people in urban exploration follow rules like:
If there's not a way in, you weren't meant to go in. Breaking locks, doors, or windows is a big nono. (You'd be surprised how many places leave the doors wide open)
Don't steal anything. Your only souvenier should be the pictures you take and the feelings you get by being there.
Leave everything as you found it. It's childish and disrespectful to inscribe another persons property with things like "I wuz here"
Use common sense about dangerous areas, test old floors like you would test ice on a frozen lake, carry fluids, bring at least 1 friend, cell phone (on vibrate), flashlight, first aid kit, work gloves, durable shoes that have quiet soles, clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and although it's not required, I always suggest a HEPA™ equipped breathing respirator for areas where you might encounter dust or asbestos.

There are places I've obtained permission to explore, but most sites are owned by the state, or by companies who plan to tear buildings down and build condo's on them. It's nearly impossible to get in touch with someone. (I really have no interest in talking to the latter anyhow)

I've never seen any paranormal activity, but I've probably been looking at things the wrong way. I've never taken a tape recorder but maybe I should start.

[NocturnalCantaloupe]

Well it's an intersting idea, though I don't fully support it either.  However, I do know there are several places that are just abandoned with no one seemingly caring the structure still stands.  Take some of Evilive's places, or perhaps some other places that ... gosh I wish I knew now who visited and took the pics.... Mrs Spookypants would know who Iam talking about.  He's over at Shadowlands... Toasterstrudelman or something like that, hehe.  Some buildings are just completely forgotten about and just as Hairpin mentioned, have the doors wide open with no signs posted about tresspassing.  I'd love to do some myself, but there just isn't anywhere that I am aware of like that in WI.  

[NocturnalCantaloupe]

Illegal still? Sure, that land is owned by somebody.

[anasuya]

Thanks for clarifying what you meant. I'm not entirely for urban exploration on a personal level, but for the people who DO perscribe to the practice, I wish they'd follow the rules you listed, which strike me as just plain responsible and caring. Good luck finding someone to join you on your journeys!

Ana

[John Glendenning]

sounds pretty cool. I live in Austin and have wandered around here and there, i know of a place that has some shadows and its outside, in the oak hill area... if you wanna share some spots and stories lemme know, and anybody else interested that can make it up here is more than welcome too hope to hear from you, gl in your hunts

[jimmary]

It sounds like fun, and I have ALMOST done it on several occasions, but then the "legal" side of my brain kicked in. Still, I would like to try it sometime here in the Houston area.