This photo workshop with permission from the owner was arranged by Abandoned America,
https://www.abando...us/workshops-71158 . The parking lot was guarded, and site security officers were directed to keep us from being annoyed by ruffians. A nonparticipant friend of ours who had hoped to entertain himself at the other end of the site was firmly sent away.
Some buildings were off limits due to safety or ownership issues, as were roofs and tunnels. Hard hats and boots were required, as were P100 respirators, tho neither I nor anyone I saw used them. Nearly all of the space was open to the elements, so they seemed unnecessary. The explore was not without risk; we had to sign two waivers, one for the property owner and another for Abandoned America. The swingeing fee made for a mature, responsible group.
Each day started with a half-hour orientation walk and safety talk, after which we scattered in "buddy" teams of two. "Take only pictures, and leave only footprints," our guide told us. "But if a brick falls on your head you can keep it."
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4. A skybridge on the south side of the complex is floored with end-cut wooden blocks. These were used because they absorb spills well. Apparently toxic waste was little regarded in those times unless it was slippery.
5. JennyUE was my buddy for this workshop. "Always stay within hearing of your buddy." No easy assignment; the place is huge.
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10. If this cement thing decides to fall on you, a hard hat could make all the difference.
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18. Rainwater collects on the flat roofs and migrates downward, sustaining oases and even small trees on lower floors. This is why each floor upward is more decayed. The upper floors of Building 10, originally seven stories tall, looked too dicey to explore.
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29. An employee confirmed that Packard has three miles of tunnels, radiating from the site of the since-demolished generator plant, and all disallowed to tour group members.
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35. Nobody went this way--I don't know why.
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