21:13 Dec 31 2010
Times Read: 1,609
So sis bailed on me for going with me in the morning to the old derelict school due to rain. It would have been a great day to of done it but for that- the holiday making the cop a little slow. Or so I had hoped.
So this afternoon I had time and wanted to go back to the location, take some outside shots if nothing else. And what did I find? A freaking chain over the only road in- held by two new treated posts. Two weeks have gone by since I found the place… How RUUUUUDE!
So I backed up and turned around to see the barking little dog coming toward me from the only house on the short road up to the school. And the nosey neighbor looking at me from the doorway of his home. . I stewed. “So that is how you want to play this? Fine… this is not over.” I even gave him a friendly wave and smile as I left. Asshole. Place had been open for years- reason the windows are busted out, spray paint on the few walls I could see on the main floor.
So… (see how I got a theme going with the So’s? Ha) I drove around the town to try and find another way in, even tho I knew… it sits on a hill, the only way in is either climb the hill, or that road. This place that has been calling to me, on my mind since I first spotted it on that hill, whispering to me to come inside. To stand inside and listen to the faint laughter of children gone by, of lives changed by teacher and fellow students. It stands on that hill looking down onto the town… alone. Worn. Forgotten.
I have to get into it. It is like the fancy shoes you have to have, the book you can’t put down, the song that will not leave your head, the beach that sparkles, the first snow right before dawn, holy water to a christen. I have to get into this place, I just do. *reachs thru the computer to grab your shirt* I HAVE to get into this place, I really really do. Look at my face- I am not kidding on this.
Told ya- this has to happen, even if I have to find the property above the place and walk down that hill.
So I drove home, my little mind racing like a rat in a turning wheel thingy. And I came up with a plan. *pulls out the broken antenna from a old TV, pulls it out to its full length to use as a point, pulling up the drawing she made*
This is the layout-
Looking today from the Main St. up at the school I noticed a few things- such as it is a 4 story building. All the windows have been damaged; the one doorway in the front of the building is open. Easy to get into. The second building is smaller, only the top floor seen by me when I drove up for a view earlier, pre gate date ….assholes… in fact has three more floors you can see from the side. I am thinking kitchen? Or a gym? So this *slaps the X under the school on the drawing* is our goal.
And the problems I face-
The police station is below the school, and the open door of it is easy seen by anyone on the street. The noisy neighbor of the school *hits the drawing right in the groin of the man* and his little dog Toto too. I can see him calling the cops on me if I was to leave my car parked at the gate, or if he sees me going in. Most likely the reason the freaking gate is in place as it is.
So here is my plan:
Travel time is 45 minutes from point A to B. If I get up early, as in like a few hours before the sun comes up, I can drive the curvy road to the town, park on main street, and walk up the road to the school and hold out till the sun comes up to start walking about taking pictures. In a way- I kind of look forward to that time. :)
The chain gate is nothing to get around, it is more there to keep cars out. But the dog… that is the problem. It will send up the alarm. *thinks of the movies where they feed the dog drugged steak that puts them to sleep* Nah… I might kill it by mistake. That would suck.
Or if Cat agrees to help with this mission… if she chooses to accept… (Hums the Mission Impossible song)…then she drives me up to the gate, I jump out, run a little to hide behind some trees as she turns around…leaving the dog to chase her and not me. By the time the man wakes up and looks outside she will be gone, or at least just her tail lights. Parking on Main St. she will still be within range of the walkie- talkies in case I need help. I take my cell phone, on vibrate, just in case.
Then if she sees the police head up the road, she can warn me and I can hide. ( She would so do Madea “ The Popo is gonna be knocking at your door door Rat!” This place is big- I counted 20 windows on each floor of the main school from main street so that is at least 20 rooms a floor if two windows in a class room. Not like they will come in and look if they don’t see any evidence of someone there. Camera bag, tripod, snack, water, some toilet paper (blush) and I can stay for hours, leaving Cat to her new Kindle loaded down with books. And there is things to do in the town… like… ok- that is a lie. They only have one street light, one gas station. But a nice court house. *frowns…paid by people they arrest I am sure*
Now- *holds out her hands* I know …. Lot of work for some pictures- but I have to get into that school. Yes- the roof is collapsed in some places. And the floors between have fallen down. But I am not stupid- I will not risk my life. And no way would anyone make a Meth lab up in this place. Cold weather will keep the homeless out. If I can get up to it… I should be fine.
I could ask the soon to be Mr. Birdy to go in with me, he has offered. But that was when it was an easy drive up, walk into the building gig. Now... now it is a mission that has dangers *points to the building, the police car in front of the police station/jail, the noisy neighbor, and the barking dog* that he might not want to do it. Trespassing is a crime. *sings Bad Boys Bad Boys… what ya going to do? What ya going to do when I come to take a picture of you?* And some work of walking up to the school. Not a bad walk, not too steep…fat chick here, I know I can do.
But the award… the building, the history, the ghost of the past that talk to you with each room, each step upward into the building. To see what is in the darken rooms, to stand and imagine it back in the day when it was in use. I just love places like this- they make me happy.
It is my goal for 2011.
So… *pushes the TV antenna down, takes her drawings down* … that is the plan. With help or without help- I am going in. I feel like this is my Holy Grail, I just can’t walk away from it.
But for now- time to go party some, have a few drinks, and eat way too much.
Wish all a safe night, a cold drink, and a wonderful 2011.
*Got a call from Joli as I wrote this- she is so much fun. Hearing from her and Stabb just ended my year on the right note. Thank you for the laughs you two.
COMMENTS
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BLOODLIFE
21:39 Dec 31 2010
L.S Lowry would be so proud :-)
LadyChordewa
21:39 Dec 31 2010
Requiem
22:43 Dec 31 2010
Dude. You got skills. Excellent planning skills.
I wish was there.
...
If I am around your area and visiting ... can we go trespass somewhere neat?
Vampirewitch39
00:25 Jan 01 2011
Note the Noisey man with the stick man... and the nosey man in the print. LOL Gods it would be a great thing if I checked myself.
Anyway....
Badger- I will say the Haunted place for you. ;)
I would love to take pictures with Lord V, big time. :D
Elemental
19:26 Jan 01 2011
Mr. Birdy says he is always up for an adventure.....but I say......get him jailed before the wedding and I will SO NOT be happy!!.......grins...