Doing Something Scary

Since today is Halloween, I thought photos of spooky abandoned buildings would be appropriate. However, I'm a big chicken when it comes to scary movies, haunted houses and any other creepy stuff. Yes, I'll admit it. Heck, I'd almost say I'm proud of it. But in spite of that, I loved taking pictures in this place. So much so that I went by myself a couple of times. Even if I only had the guts to go during the day...

The photos I am sharing today are from the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California. The history of the place is very interesting and I recommend reading about it if you're into that sort of thing. The shipyard was responsible for the construction of more than 500 vessels (ships and submarines). It was closed in 1993 and decommissioned in 1996.

I went there in 2011 and 2012 long after it had been almost completely abandoned. The access roads were still open at the time and you could walk up to some of the buildings. There was evidence that people had been inside: graffiti, garbage and the occasional shoe.

Yeah, I have no idea either.

This was my favorite building and I returned to photograph it a few times. It was the subject of more than one class assignment and something I felt represented how I felt at times.

Not going in. Nope. No way.

Hundreds of birds made their nests here and would start flying around when I approached. The sound was chilling. Just like in that movie…

The white you see in the windows is the sky. The roof was completely gone.

Doing something scary is worth it for me if I can get cool photos from it. Otherwise, I'll probably be the one waiting in the car. Or better yet... at home. Yeah. That's it. You guys go ahead I will be right here with the lights on and the door locked. ;-)