Exploring Abandoned Houses: A Seaside Dredge and Beyond

Back in the days when I was eleven years old, my father was courting a widow who lived a few towns away. My dad took me to visit for a weekend. The lady had a thirteen-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son. The daughter and I soon teamed up. That evening, after we say our farewells to the family, the daughter I can’t remember her name decided she would take me to explore an abandoned house. After dark, we crept out of the house each armed with a candle. She had a box of matches too. We walked down the dusty road scarcely making a sound, our footsteps barely audible, until we reached the abandoned house. No wonder it was abandoned; it didn’t even have a roof left, and the walls were crumbling. Occasional street-lights had lit our way so far, but now as we stepped inside, we lit our candles. We went into the few bare rooms that were left, searching every nook and cranny, looking for... who knows what. Although we never discovered anything exciting, the adventure was thrilling in its own way. Perhaps because it was the first time I had done anything “clandestine” like that, or maybe the candles added to the romance of the whole escapade.

Respecting Exploration: An Insight into the Past

If you are a respectful explorer, yes, exploring abandoned houses can be a fascinating study into the lives of the previous occupant. Often, however, many properties have been trashed by young, mindless individuals. It’s important to approach such explorations with caution and respect for property.

My friends and I once explored a condemned structure—the Dredge, a half-sunken boat off the coast of a deserted beach. When you go inside, the place smells of must and decrepit metal. The boat is sunken at a 30-degree angle; it is very trippy, with graffiti plastered on every surface. It’s very cool, but also very dangerous. It harkens back to the days of sea exploration and the mystery associated with unknown waters. This type of exploration can provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived in and around the bay.

The Realities of Exploration: An Authentic Experience

Exploring abandoned structures can sometimes feel like playing a game similar to Fallout, but with a much lesser payoff. Mostly, you will find broken junk or, perhaps, a homeless person indulging in their favorite pastime. The experience varies widely, from finding nothing of value to uncovering remnants of a bygone era.

While some expeditions can be exciting, it’s crucial to weigh the risks against the rewards. Abandoned buildings and structures can be dangerous, with unstable walls or floors or hazardous materials. Always approach such explorations with the appropriate safety measures and respect for the structures.

Key Considerations for Exploring Abandoned Houses

Respect the law: Always obtain any necessary permits or permissions before entering an abandoned house. Ensure safety: Check for potential hazards, such as unstable structures, electrical wires, or toxic materials. Capture the essence: Use your observations and experiences to write or photograph the abandoned place, capturing its unique character and history.

Exploring abandoned houses and other structures can offer a glimpse into the past, providing a unique opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who lived there. Whether it's a sunken boat off a deserted beach or an obscure building somewhere in the countryside, each adventure is a historic journey waiting to be discovered.

Remember, each abandoned structure has a story to tell. Embrace the experience with respect, caution, and a keen eye for the historic details that make every exploration memorable.