Fear and Loathing - Gonzo UrbEx

Parting Shot

2010-12-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

The group's disbanded. I'm the only one really into urban exploration, and I'm active over on UER, so all my explorations will be posted on the forums over there.

Not dead yet.

2010-08-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

Just resting.

Went to Blanco with TR, to the RealAle Brewery. Sampled beer. Didn't bother to print out directions on how to get back to Austin. Got lost, wound up near the airport. (The shitty, functioning airport, not the cool, abandoned and sadly 99% demolished one.)

I'll be at ACL '10, just under 2 months away. TR might be there, too, if he gets around to buying that ticket.

Lull

2010-03-05T01:20:00.000-08:00

If anyone actually reads this blog, you've likely realised we haven't posted in a while. The Warden and I have been doing a little exploration, but less than before. Life has gotten in the way of reality hacking. I've moved out of the parents' place, and I'm now living in City Centre. Closer to the good stuff, but further from the rest of the team. This makes it a bit difficult to get anything done UrbEx related.

There have been some trips lately. Here's a short rundown:

Taylor - Went to check out an abandoned hospital and retirement home, as well as document the crumbling town. Didn't get in either place (retirement home wasn't blocked, but was patrolled and we don't know the patrol schedule). Tried to pick up a wireless signal in a RadioShack parking lot. My laptop's CMOS battery chose that exact moment to die, and I got the system beep of doom. Recovery mode didn't help much either. (It works now, but the battery is still dead so if I remove the main battery without AC power I get a BIOS crash). I'm very attached to this piece of hardware so that day ended early.

Brushy Creek - there are some thingsbetter accessed from the water, so we went to practice kayaking. I've been doing it for over a year now, but the Warden had never been in a proper boat before. Still pretty uneventful apart from the wind.

MLK - There was a place called Ivory Cleaners on MLK and Rio that was completely abandoned, and the front door was left wide open. It was the perfect opportunity for a first infiltration. Unfortunately it was recently demolished, the chance forever lost.

With a trip to Dublin planned and my new proximity to derelict structures for edificeering, there ought to be far more posting here, but I cannot make definite predictions at this time.

And now I bid ado, lest I become too verbose.

2009-12-25T10:01:00.001-08:00

Merry Crimson.

WE HAS A DIGITAL CAMERA NAO.

2009-10-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

HOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGH.

With that, happy Halloween, you fucks.

I've had people wonder why so many of our UE photographs are only from outside buildings.

I'll tell you why: We don't force our way in. We don't break doors, windows, plywood, anything. If the only way in is by destroying something, we don't enter. Simple as that.

Wherein I reveal myself to be a Shepard Fairey fanboy

2009-08-07T14:56:00.001-07:00

I am a huge fan of Shepard Fairey's work. I love the way it turns techniques from propaganda into a call for people to think instead of blindly following. I especially like that his art is not meant to be in museums - it's meant to be out on the streets where anyone can see it at any time.

Imagine my excitement when I caught a glimpse of a large black and red installation on the side of a building on S. Congress.

As I got a closer look, I saw that yes, it was done by him.

I got a pic of the full installation:

The painted picture of the woman looks like it's been messed with a bit, but the full installation is still very impressive.

Here are two of the individual posters that make up the background of the image.

"By Any Means Necessary Red"

"Obey With Caution 2006"

2009-05-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Stand by. We're back.

General Update Post

2009-04-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Happy 4/20.

We're not dead, we're just resting.

Missions will be sporadic, perhaps nonexistent for a few weeks, because I wrecked my car last Tuesday, and it's in the shop. (They're not even looking at it until the 29th.) Any missions that we do until my auto's fixed will be in TR's car, because I am driving my mom's mini-van for now.

The ugly, behemoth, red whale of a van that doesn't even have a CD player. And Austin radio is tolerable, at best. (For such a musical city, or radio really. Kinda. SUCK.) Plus, the van is unwieldy, and like driving a tank, and downtown roads - especially the ones we take - are narrow.

Fear and Loathing in Austin will be at Austin City Limits 2009. Beware.

Steel This Post

2009-04-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

..'Cause it's aboot the abandoned steelworks! We'll go back again eventually, see if we can find a way in.

This stands out front, greeting all those who enter...which isn't difficult, seeing as it's right off 5th street.

Back to nature. This place is right next to an Amtrak station.

In retrospect, we should have looked in the mailbox. NEXT TIME. Hey, if it's abandoned, does it count as tampering with the mail?

Exterior shots. Blocked from all angles we saw. There's a section of fence without barbed wire, but it's the driveway, and faces a repulsive set of condos. And there were already people driving by, staring.

If you'll excuse me, I have to go take a bath, and remove any potential traces of poison ivy from my skin. Because I'm severely allergic to it, and if I DID get any on me, I'm going to swell up and look like Hamburger Helper.

2009-04-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

Traffic was pretty clear today, so we got downtown pretty fast. After some frantic searching and a short time spent lost as all hell, I finally found the ruins of the Castle Hill apartment complex. The hill itself was steep, and now covered in tall grass and wildflowers, but the walls and foundations were clearly visible. This was a little higher difficulty than most previous excursions, but it was well worth it once I got (almost) to the top.

Although it was meant to be apartments, there were no stairs, nor much anything in the way of solid ground.

The whole place looked more like a war zone than a construction site, but the castle (hence, Castle Hill) at the top made the scene even more surreal.

We also checked out the abandoned steel works, but it was all blocked off, so fuck it.

Obligatory recon photos.

2009-04-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Since I was already downtown today, and since I was going to the Mellow Mushroom for lunch, I parked down near the fabled Travis House. I can't find that much information on it - searching generally brings up real estate listings on Lake Travis - but I do know it was a halfway house at one point, and that it suffered fire damage earlier this year.

When I stopped by today, a construction crew was inside, so I was able to get a single interior shot from the doorway. I didn't go IN, because I didn't feel like being yelled at. And besides, there seems to be an accessible fire escape out back. I was unable to get a close look at it, because there was a man eating a Big Mac in that particular alley.

I'm not sure what the workers are doing there. I hope they're not planning on demolishing the place.

Anyway, less talk, more photos! (Cameraphone photos once more. I'm saving up for a digital.)

What's this?

Why, it's the sign!

We can't have too many exterior shots.

'No Trespassing'? 'Security Cameras'? I take that as a CHALLENGE.

Let's go around the side, shall we....

FIRE ESCAPE. The dude eating the Big Mac was sitting at the alley's entrance.

I skulked around the back, and almost got run over by a truck.

What's behind Door Number Three?

Oh. Graffiti.

This would be inviting...

Except that there was the large construction crew there, so this is the only interior shot. Wish I knew what they were doing.

asdf

2009-04-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

Update: One last thought, one one for which I know neither source nor use, but may be of help to at least someone: Take care with Chekhov's Gun, or you may shoot yourself in the foot with it.

That is all.

Link to Us!

2009-04-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Because we have a banner ad now.

The Saddest Lightpole in Austin

2009-03-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

On 6th, near Katz's.

Wanna see what's planned next?

2009-03-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'll update frequently using this:

Solo Adventure

2009-03-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

I decided to see if my camera phone was worth shit today in the field. Turns out, it is - to a point. Not much chatter for this post - I wandered around the train tracks near the round rock of the, well, the city of Round Rock, and a bit under one of I-35's many overpasses.

The round rock. Which isn't very round anymore.

More Street Art!

2009-03-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

I won't waste any time with an intro this time - lets see some graffiti!

These are under the Lamar bridge over Town/Lady Bird Lake, and can only be reached by boat.

Return to the ZOO.

2009-03-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Also known as 'Silent Hill Barn and the Magical Fuck Hut'.

This time, we actually went up into the loft. A photo looking down through the burned-out floor.

Looking past Party Central, and out the back.

An old light socket. I doubt this place is still wired for electricity.

Duckman?

Not a duck. Perhaps Chickenman.

Reverse Nazis and names writen on the wall. Most likely conquests of...

Well, it's labeled the Sex Room. I called it the Love Shack. TR dubbed it the Fuck Hut.

We declined to take a rest.

It was not 4:20 while we were there.

A parting shot of the mystical Fan-Tree.

Graffiti Time!!!!1

2009-03-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite parts of UrbEx in Austin is that I get to see some really clever and artistic graffiti. Austin is a city of artists and musicians, and the graffiti reflects this. So I give you... Graffiti time! This will be a regular feature, updated whenever the fuck I feel like it.

I will start with the most well known bit of street art in Texas, Jeremiah the Innocent - also known as "The 'HI HOW ARE YOU' Frog". It's an Austin landmark, and is protected as such. Kurt Cobain had a T-shirt of this, and so do I. Don't ask me why his eyes are on stalks, ask Daniel Johnston, the well-known outsider artist and musician that made it.

A sticker on the sign for the Dog and Duck Pub carpark. You know who you are...,

Despite the misspelling, this one I found quite insightful. And at least the apostrophe is in the right place.

This one is a bit less insightful, but has impeccable spelling.

Self explanatory. I do quite like the star used to dot the "i". It's a nice touch.

Heh. It's funny 'cos it's true!

I wanted to ask about Sasquatch Dave, but alas, the sign's owner was away at the moment. (and yes, those are my feet, complete with nasty, old, dirty, but comfortable shoes.)

That concludes Graffiti Time for now. See you again eventually, possibly with a different title most likely.

Zoo Fieldtrip!

2009-03-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we visited the zoo. This was not a normal zoo. No...The was the ZOO FROM HELL. Or Utah. Both are aboot equal.
(not true - Hell is way nicer. ~TR)

Yes...COME IN. Unfortunately, on this trip, we didn't get many inside shots, as it was getting late, and there was not-so-welcoming graffiti around. (KKK - type stuff ~TR)

Another view. It's just like Texas Chainsaw Massacre!

Pull up a chair!

Fancy a drink? This ancient fridge was filled with decomposing leaves.

This cage was open. TR went inside.

Inside the cage. (Not all that exciting ~TR)

The gate to one of these cages was open, too, but we didn't venture inside.

And a shot from inside the aviary. The aviary wouldn't hold birds very well any more - the top is destroyed.

We plan on going back later this week with a video camera...To get better photos during the day (as it was getting dark, and the graffiti, as I said, was rather unwelcoming) and to explore the hayloft from HELL. (Or Utah. ~TR)

Casing the city

2009-02-22T17:05:00.000-08:00

TR and I went wandering downtown today, and found several places that look promising. The next free day we both get, we're going. Plus, he's got a video camera now, too. Yaaay video!

Mini-'Sploration

2009-02-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have cactus thorns in my pant legs. TR and I went back out to the ravine and the park, looking for an old cemetery.

The cemetery was not exciting enough for us, so we hiked around, and got two good photos.

We found a rusted, old pump, but no well. Just as well (heh), though. There probably would have been a dead person inside.

We also found the World's Worst Raft. Seriously. What a half-assed attempt at a raft. FOR SHAAAAAME.

Anyway, possible dangers: Golf balls, golf course security, cactus, snakes, unsteady log bridges.

General tips 'n tricks

2009-02-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

<> This is the Haddock speaking. < /Monarch Voice>

While TR's entries will be social commentary, mine will be aboot (Yes. I refuse to type 'about'. Wait...dammit!) the more technical aspects of UrbEx, usch as entry, and building statistics. I've been into UrbEx for years, but I was never able to find anyone as crazy as me that was willing to explore the abandoned and the underground. But now that's changed, and that's the reason that this group is really just a duo.

Here are some UrbEx tips until the next expedition:

Dealing with Police - Something every serious UrbExer should know:

Don't run from them. (Unless, of course, you know you can escape.)
Don't argue with them. If they tell you to leave, leave. You don't need to be calling someone for bail-money.
Have an excuse. Got a nice camera? Have other photos on it - you can say you're a photographer/art student, or even writing a paper for a journalism class. Or you can be a history buff. Go on and on aboot the building, and it's history. They may leave you alone so you'll shut up. Your group a duo? Just lookin' for a place to screw, officer! Have condoms or something to back this one up.
The homeless - for god's sake, don't terrorize them. These people are just down on their luck, taking refuge wherever they can. Be polite to them, and don't try to intimidate them. They might see the building as their home, and see you as an intruder. If they've got an established set-up, let them be. It's a good idea for UrbExers to make peace with the local population, and do some good while you're at it. Bring some sandwiches, or something.

Our First Excursion

2009-02-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

It's not quite urban, but it's definitely exploration.

This is an old settler's house, once surrounded by wild scrub and old ranch and farmland.

Now, it's surrounded by McMansions. Yes, I'm angry about how we treat our history, and yes, all my posts will contain social commentary.

At some point, the little cabin was home to a squatter, who left a bed, a towel, and a trail of destruction. You see, whoever used the house either left a fire burning unattended, or purposefully started a fire. Now I have nothing against the homeless, but burning history is a pretty shitty thing to do, and it's also against the Hobo Code (ancestor of the UrbEx code).

Here's the remains of the bed:

Enough ranting about destruction, it's time for some HISTORY!

This house has some pretty neat design features, and I don't mean walk-in closets. The thing is a fucking fortress. Whoever built it intended to fight off Native Americans (who were really just trying to fend off the greedy invaders). The lower floor has small windows at head level, which double as firing ports for small arms.

Sorry for the crappy picture, it was taken with a mobile phone.

If the windows look high, it's because the floor was originally higher. The stone ledge around the room supported a wooden floor.

If you're wondering why there are no shots from the inside, here's your answer.

The whole place is blocked off with these metal grates, and the door to the second story is secured with a padlock. Also, my lockpicking skills leave something to e desired (like the ability to pick a lock at all).

I could still get some okay pictures though. Here's the fireplace. Note the scorch marks inside, a sure sign of use. I guess it once had a stone hearth that kept it from destroying the house.

Also note the giant hole in the floor.

There's also quite a bit to see outside the house. It has (or had) a well that supplied water to the settlers. It's not too deep, and didn't have to be, as it's spring-fed.

Although it's empty now, due to some renovations to the house to keep it from flooding, the springs are still active.

These settlers were so prepared, they even had a wall...

... which was built so that it can be destroyed by pulling out one of the stones at the bottom. As the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley said, "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings/look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!"

On the way back to the trail, we saw this post. I have no idea what it was for, but the aluminium cone looks like it could have been a squirrel baffle (used on birdhouses and feeders to keep squirrels out).

Instead of just finishing at the trailhead, we decided to see if we could walk to a nearby park, which we did - by stone-hopping across a river, scurrying down a few steep slopes, and ducking under a netting. Our trip was cut short by a wardrobe malfunction on Raoul's part when she tried to climb a wall. We resumed exploring after she changed into non-ripped trousers, but didn't get as far as we would have liked; there's an old cemetery in that nearby park that we'll do a mini-post on. When I get the chance.

How to read a trip report.

2009-01-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

Trip reports will contain general statistics about the building. They will include:

Building Type - (Ex. Residential, Industrial, Commercial)
Building Use (If Industrial or Commercial. If we don't know what it was used for, we'll be smart-asses and make insane guesses.)
Building's Safety Measures - (Ex. Gates, boards, guards)
Potential Hazards - (Ex. Asbestos, high-crime area, etc.)
Team Safety Measures - (Ex. Heavy shoes, face-masks)

Then, we'll have the photos and comments and such.

Our supplies

2009-01-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

As UrbExers, we do have to carry some supplies, both on-person, and in the vehicle. We have two cars, though TR's is out of commission for now, and I need to stock mine.

Supplies that should be on person:

Camera, either with or without video-capture device.
Water - Bottled, or in a canteen of some sort. This will be especially important in the summer months.
Boots - Tennis shoes are no good. You never know what you'll be walking on or through.
Disposable face-masks - I need to find these, but a lot of older buildings still contain asbestos, and if they don't there's probably a century's worth of pigeon shit built up.
Swiss Army Knife - all purpose.
Flashlight - How many abandoned places still have electricity? And even if you do, why would you turn them on to draw attention to yourself? Flashlights are small, and can be easily concealed. A good, sturdy flashlight like a Mag-lite is best, but a cheap one will also be sufficient. Make sure you have extra batteries.
Simple medical items - bandages and such.
A CONSTANT AWARENESS OF SURROUNDINGS - this is EXTREMELY important. UrbEx isn't for the weak or impaired-minded. You have to watch out, and notice warning signs, or your shit will be seriously fucked up. Never go out alone, unless you're doing a simple scout-out. If you're dumb enough to explore alone and you hurt yourself seriously - you're fucked.

Obligatory Start-Post

2009-01-28T23:32:00.000-08:00

Because everyone must have one.

'Fear and Loathing in Austin' is all about Urban Exploration in the Austin area. The locations and photos will be real. We just won't tell you exactly where they are. Or perhaps even their real names.

We are perhaps Austin's only Urban Exploration group, with only two members - the founders.

For personal security, I will be referred to as 'Raoul' or 'RaoulDuke'. My companion will be known as 'Kossack' or 'TR'.

(Update: I will be going by TR. ~TR)

Our goal is simple: We explore, and we report.