Sunday, May 31, 2015

Fripp Island 2015

Every year for Spring Break, one of my closest friends Jon and I take a little vacation down South. But, this isn't your typical Spring Break trip full of bikini-clad babes, booze, and bad decisions. ...well, I guess the "bad decisions" part depends on who you ask.

We drive down to the small, private island known as "Fripp Island" just off the coast near Beaufort, South Carolina. 

The week consists of, to be honest, a whole-lot of nothing. We drink, we relax, we drive golf carts around, we ride bikes, we swim, we cookout, and we spend time with Jon's family, whom we travel down with. It's perfect, to say the least.


I feel like this would make the perfect "My life right now..." meme.



My custom commuter/photographer bag from Forest City Portage fits perfectly on the rear of a kayak, and it's unique front pocket is effortless to open without having to remove the bag. This bag's functionality never ends!

After spending some time on the calm river, we decided to paddle out across the ocean and over to an ex-coast guard island that has been out of service for many years. Jon and I were on the island about four years ago, and it was incredible to see how much more dilapidated the structures had gotten in such a short period of time.










See you next year! Xx

- Jason Unoriginal

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Memorial Day - Part 2: The Greenhouse

After our predawn journey to the abandoned, lakefront trailer park resort, Erin, Jeff, Kaylah, Jake, Brandon, and I decided to stop at one more location before heading home. 

I unfortunately do not know a thing about the history of this greenhouse, when it closed, or even what city it was located in. ...I may or may not have fallen asleep in the car on the way.

What I do know, however, is that what remains easily tells a story in itself. This place is massive.












Happy exploring. Xx

- Jason Unoriginal

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Memorial Day - Part 1: At The Lake

A predawn alarm. An hour drive. A family I wouldn't trade the world for.

Some of you may recall this abandoned, lakefront trailer park resort that a few of us visited back in March. With the nicer weather finally upon us, we decided that it would be a good idea to spend our Memorial Day at the water.















- Jason Unoriginal

Friday, May 22, 2015

A Once Catholic Church: Pittsburgh, PA

During a recent trip to visit Erin in Pittsburgh, our friend Shannon stole me away for the afternoon. Erin was working, and with never having spent much time in Pittsburgh, Shannon offered to tour me around.

After having our first location's attempt ruined by torrential rains, we ended up on the other side of town. The moment we turned the corner, I knew we had arrived. Across from a barren, littered piece of property, this enormous, intricate church sat peacefully. 

As Shannon explained, this is one of Pittsburgh's most "famous" spots to explore and photograph. It is wide open, at least for the time being, but often becomes home to squatters.

The detail in every column, archway, and stairwell was mind-blowing. It always saddens me to see such gorgeous pieces of architecture become unloved, and simply left there to crumble to the ground.



Although Shannon has visited this property more than once, the thought of the bell towers had never come to her. "Are they climbable? ...can you still get to the top?" I asked. She replied that she had never tried, and had not a clue. Let the hundreds of sketchy stairs begin!


Once reaching the highest-obtainable point of the Western bell tower (there were two), I noticed something on the roof, leading up to it's peak.

A ladder. An aluminum extension ladder, laid and affixed to the roof, as I've seen and climbed a handful of times before. I couldn't exactly tell where or how it was attached, but after triple-checking it's sturdiness, I began my ascent. When reaching the top, I was glad to know that the only thing holding this ladder to the roof was indeed another ladder.





Be sure to check out Shannon's Flickr for more outstanding shots from all around the Midwest. And a huge, hilarious "thank you" for this incredible image of myself:



Until next time, Pittsburgh...

- Jason Unoriginal

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Willson: Revisited

This school will always be one of my favorite places to visit. There are always new things to see and numerous nooks and crannies to discover. 

A few weeks back, Adam and Tyler made a visit to Cleveland from Columbus. We didn't have too much time on our hands, but had just enough to check out this iconic abandoned structure.













- Jason Unoriginal