Abandoned

To the best of my knowledge, the location is completely abandoned.

St. Anthony AFS

We woke up, had breakfast, filled the Rav with gas and headed out to see what adventure the day would bring. It was a beautiful sunny day in an amazing part of the Province of Newfoundland / Labrador and we were ready to take in the sights.

We first wandered out to a point we had noted earlier, and wanted to see in proper, clear daylight. A tourbus arrived shortly after us and disgorged its contents all over the road, but I tried to ignore that as much as possible. I noticed something out near the horizon in the water. I reached back into the Rav and got the binoculars for confirmation. Whales. I could see whales cresting far out in the harbour, and they were blowing spray high up into the air, refracting the sunlight at times into rainbows.

SS Empire Energy

Rostock, Germany, 1923. Grete, a 6,548-ton cargo ship built by Neptun AG, slips into the water, awaiting service and ready to begin a strange life at sea. Entering service in July of that year for C Mohlenberg Reederei GmbH, she would sail under a German flag until 1934. In that year, the 440ft long ship with a beam of 57ft, and a draught of 25ft, 9 inches, was sold to an Italian firm and renamed Gabbiano.

Riverside House

I first noticed this property several years back at which time it was, apparently, for sale. Aside from being close to the highway, it seemed ideal to me. It was a real handyman's special, of course, but even without going inside, as it was locked tight at that point, you could easily see in your mind's eye what this could become. A large private home, with an additional guest house? A rental property? The possibilities, given the location, seemed endless.

Searchmont Station

History:

Versuchskommando Nord

We were fresh from wandering the Peenemunde Museum, minds filled with thoughts of buzz bombs and the first practical rockets. One of our party had fallen victim to what I swear is weaponized poison ivy, but was feeling better by this point. I had a second target in mind now. One not quite as public.

Harbour House

We drove down the bumpy dirt road specifically to see this house. This would be a first for me. I've explored hundreds of abandoned buildings, but never one once owned by family. We reached the end of the road, and I saw the house, and the barn.

There had, apparently, been another house on the property that had belonged to Stephen Brown who had arrived at this community around 1859. This house had belonged to one of his sons, Walter, who may have built it some time in the 1950's.

Windsor Caboose

After a quick bite to eat, we continued on to rail spur where a couple of rail cars stood neglected. The caboose, while apparently in good repair, had clearly suffered some damage, and from what I've read, it is unlikely to be resume service any time soon.

It was a fairly short detour, but so worthwhile. You just don't see many of these anymore.

Vagabond Motel

I had known about this place for quite some time, as I had been visiting nearby several times per year. It hadn't been accessible, however, and I assumed it still wasn't until I saw photos from another explorer, and instantly recognized the place.

Petites, Newfoundland

Founded in the 1840's, Petites, Newfoundland, has been home to generations of weather-hardened souls who made their living on the sea. By 1859, a methodist church was constructed that later became the Bethany United Church. There were 212 people living here in 1946, and only 146 by 1956. In October, 2003, the last remaining residents of the community were resettled.

I had the privilege of visiting the remains of this abandoned town with my father, and spent two days exploring and photographing as much as I could.

Abandoned Metra Cars

Once again, I am reminded of my own rule... "Nothing is ever as easy as it appears on Google Maps."

Abandoned