How is anyone able to walk away and abandon such a beautiful property? That is a question that explorers are asked on a regular basis. It was also the thought that crossed my mind as Bumblebee and I slowly drove up a weathered driveway in a small, relatively unknown town. As we inched closer to the impressive abandoned structure, I was filled with awe. After turning off the ignition and shutting the car door behind me, I pulled my camera bag onto my shoulder and took a moment to admire the historic mansion before us. The stone building spanned on for what seemed like forever, uniform windows lining each separate floor in a grid. Many of them had been boarded or shattered and broken out completely, and evidence of vandalism and graffiti suddenly became evident. I couldn’t help but wonder what the place had looked like during its glory days, without the plywood and tall grass attempting to conceal the building from all who hoped to destroy it.

The thought quickly dispersed as Bumblebee pointed out an old security camera at the corner of the mansion. The outer glass was broken and the camera long gone, an ironic joke to anyone who approached. We laughed, took photos, and continued to make our way around the massive building. The sound of moving water soon drifted towards us in the breeze. We walked cautiously around the sea of jagged broken glass on the ground until we reached the edge of the river directly next to the building. In other months of the year, the small waterfall would be more powerful, but on this day, it was flowing gently. I watched from the shore as Bumblebee took careful steps out in the inch deep water to take photos, smiling as I reflected on our relationship and adventures together.

After admiring a wall covered in emerald vines snaking up to a wrought iron balcony, we finally retraced our steps to make our way inside the building. Just as we were preparing for what lay inside, we heard distant voices. A look of panic crossed my face, and I glanced over at Bumblebee to see his reaction. A quick consensus was reached between us to approach the strangers.

As we rounded the corner of the building to the source of the noise, a boy and girl came into view, likely in their 20’s. Since they didn’t look overly threatening, we took a few steps closer. That’s when my eyes fell to what the boy was holding in his right hand - an axe. Suddenly, my palms felt damp, and I couldn’t help but picture what he might be looking to do with it. Irrational flashes of scenes from murder investigation shows spread through my mind as we continued to speak to the strangers, who claimed they just wanted to see the mansion for themselves. Finally parting ways, Bumblebee and I turned around and headed to the entrance we had previously found, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had risen through our encounter.

After 15 minutes of taking photos inside, I began to relax. The place was as incredible as it looked outside, but unfortunately badly vandalized as well. Bumblebee and I started on the top floor and worked our way down. We were positioned at the end of a long hallway with our tripods set up when fear rose inside me once again. A shadowy figure slowly emerged from one doorway and headed into another, the faint outline of an axe barely visible in his hand. Soon after, loud bangs sounded out in sequence, startling Bumblebee and I as we silently rushed through our photos, hoping to make a quick escape from the hallway before the figure came back out. Our timing failed, and before we could finish, the two people we had encountered earlier now stood across from us, looking surprised. “We thought you were leaving?” They asked as my heartbeat rang in my ears. Again, my mind wandered, and the unease I already felt deepened. We informed them that we were just taking photos and would stay out of their way before turning away to leave. The familiar loud banging rang out in the air as we navigated through hallways and corridors. I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder, my only comfort Bumblebee still standing there with me.

For the remainder of our time in the mansion, my hands remained clammy and my heart continued to beat quickly, my thoughts racing. An anxiety had formed inside me that would not go away until I was positive of my own safety - back in the car. I am sure you can fill in the blanks as to how this explore ended… (hint: it doesn’t involve being chased by an axe murderer, surprise!) Once I got home, I uploaded my photos and began to research the incredible place we had seen that day.

The mansion was likely built in the late 1700’s, but the exact date is contested. Originally owned by the English after a conquest in the area, the building has many typical English architectural details for the time period. Throughout the years, the manor saw many different owners walk through its corridors. By the mid 1900’s, it was sold to a millionaire from Ontario, along with her husband. According to documents, it was the woman’s husband who added French architecture onto the exterior of the building, in order to restore it to a 17th century French manor. Eventually, the woman sold the mansion to a religious organization for $90,000, who began using the property as a school. At some point, it closed for good, and has sat in limbo for decades.


Stormy Castle by Storytrail, on Flickr


All Knowing by Storytrail, on Flickr


Losing Battle by Storytrail, on Flickr


Life Goes On by Storytrail, on Flickr


Hallway of Horrors by Storytrail, on Flickr


High Tide by Storytrail, on Flickr


Fire Damage by Storytrail, on Flickr


Stardust by Storytrail, on Flickr


I Don't Think He's an Axe Murderer? by Storytrail, on Flickr


We're All Just Dead Air by Storytrail, on Flickr

10 out of 10! Thanks for sharing.

Nice photos and great write up!

1.

Dark vs. Light by Bumblebee, on Flickr

2.

Potatoe Peeler by Bumblebee, on Flickr

3.

Overlook Hotel by Bumblebee, on Flickr

4.

Gone To The Strippers by Bumblebee, on Flickr

5.

Floored By Beauty by Bumblebee, on Flickr

6.

Clean Up Your Act by Bumblebee, on Flickr

7.

Technocolour Dreams by Bumblebee, on Flickr

8.

[Framed}[/url] by Bumblebee, on Flickr

9.

Two Sides Of The Same Face by Bumblebee, on Flickr

"Story get in here you've gotta see this!", Bumblebee shouts from the home office. The flatscreen monitor showing the latest posts on UER. Storytrail enters, wiping her hands on a dish rag, still cleaning up from dinner.

The rag drops to the floor as she looks at the screen. "Is that what I think it is?" She asks.

"Yes it is. Can you believe it?" Comes the reply

"But how? When? What is going on? How did this happen?" She says, at a loss for words as the gravity of the situation begins to sink in.

"I don't know but this isn't good. We've got to nip this in the bud immediately" Bumblebee replies.

There is a pause and silence fills the room as the URBEX power couple continue to look at the screen. The silence is finally broken when Story says, "Is there a write up too?"

"Oh yeah - a long one. Look.", as Bumblebb scrolls to the top revealing a long narrative.

"Is it any good?" Story asks.

"It's not his best work but still entertaining in its own way. That's not the important thing thing. You know what this means" he replies.

"You bet your ass I know what it means. We can't allow this to stand. Break out the Axe Murder set" Story says, the sweat beginning to bead on her forehead.

"Whoa babe! Let's not jump the gun here we're saving that one for when we need it" Bumblebee quickly answers.

"Damnit look at that! Those are the best photos he's ever taken. Do you have any idea what that's going to do to that guy's ego? Oh no he's got to go down and go down now. I refuse to let this Ulcer guy post something like that KittyKat and Cowboy thing and show us up. This is war and This shit ends TONIGHT!" Story shouts.

Thinking about it a moment Bumblebee knows she's right and begins the pre made upload. A few clicks and its ready.

He chuckles to himself than says, "So Mr. Ulcer you think you can have a good set. Well I'll show you, you Texas piece of shit what a REAL explore looks like. Rot in hell you bastard!"

And with that the "send" button was pressed. Peptic Ulcer, who had the best photographs of his life only a day before, had his entire world shattered by the visual and literary talents of the most powerful couple in Canada.

What ever happened to Peptic after that you may ask. Nobody really knows. Some say he jumped out of the 10th floor hotel room he was staying in. Others that he gave up the hobby forever - having resigned himself that he could never come close to the images he saw. Me? Well I know where he is.

After reading the post of Bumblebee and Storytrail Peptic just gave up on life. He drifts from town to town, bottle in hand always drunk. Sometimes he gets enough money panhandling to buy a disposable camera and he takes pictures of ladybugs and squirrels. He never has them developed though. He knows nothing will ever compare to the images he saw those oh so many years ago...

Posted by Peptic Ulcer

I had to wipe a few tears of laughter away after reading your reply. Remind me that I owe you a round...no no a single round won't do. Three rounds of drinks if you ever find yourself up here. Never change my friend!

Storytail and BvmbleBee... Your images are Spectacular! You both have such an unique style that complements each others work so very well. Its always a pleasure viewing your pics.

Great shots. That place is absolutely stunning

Posted by WhiskeyPapa 10 out of 10! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it.

Posted by Bvmblebee Nice photos and great write up!

Why thank you <3

Posted by Peptic Ulcer "Story get in here you've gotta see this!", Bumblebee shouts from the home office. The flatscreen monitor showing the latest posts on UER. Storytrail enters, wiping her hands on a dish rag, still cleaning up from dinner.

Agreed with Bvmblebee, this post was hugely entertaining, and a great read.

Posted by MisUnderstood! Storytail and BvmbleBee... Your images are Spectacular! You both have such an unique style that complements each others work so very well. Its a pleasure viewing your pics.

Thank you MisUnderstood! I really love that we are a team of explorers rather than individuals, I'm glad that you enjoyed the post!

Posted by southshore Great shots. That place is absolutely stunning

It certainly is! Wishing I could get back there now that I have a wide angle lens! Oh well... thanks for your comment!

Always love your writing, makes your posts some of my favorites. Some of the best pictures as well

Posted by enirus Always love your writing, makes your posts some of my favorites. Some of the best pictures as well

Thank you very much! It means a lot.

Beautiful place. Dig the shots!

Outstanding shots from an incredible place, very nice ya'll!

Posted by Benched_it Outstanding shots from an incredible place, very nice ya'll!

Thank you! Unfortunately we missed a pool out back!! Kicking myself now.

Posted by relik Beautiful place. Dig the shots!

Thank you very much!

These are stunning!!

Posted by birgitty These are stunning!!

Thank you very much!

What an incredible place !! Saddens me too to see places like this left to rot and crumble.

I loved your story and would of felt the same as you did....Fedge and I ran into a knife welding scrapper many moons ago that had us relatively wigged out too!!

Enjoy your posts and look forward to seeing them

Peptic Ulcer...your hilarious !!

Who the hell bring a axe with them exploring??

Great narrative Storytrail and excellent shots, as always, from both of you. Keep up the excellent work, I always look forward to your posts.

Awesome photos! One thing's bugging me though- what were those two doing with an axe? Where they scrapping, using it to gain entry, or just nervous about encountering criminals and went overkill?

Like many other questions about abandonments, the world may never know.

Posted by leafloving4x4gal What an incredible place !! Saddens me too to see places like this left to rot and crumble. I loved your story and would of felt the same as you did....Fedge and I ran into a knife welding scrapper many moons ago that had us relatively wigged out too!! Enjoy your posts and look forward to seeing them

Thanks!! We don't often run into others when exploring.. so to find two strangers who had a 'weapon' was very unsettling. I have a new post coming very soon! ;)

Posted by TheSwanStation Who the hell bring a axe with them exploring?? Great narrative Storytrail and excellent shots, as always, from both of you. Keep up the excellent work, I always look forward to your posts.

I have no idea, especially considering the potential charge if caught by police..... and thank you!

Posted by Aran Awesome photos! One thing's bugging me though- what were those two doing with an axe? Where they scrapping, using it to gain entry, or just nervous about encountering criminals and went overkill? Like many other questions about abandonments, the world may never know.

I think he honestly just wanted to use it to destroy the place. He was clearly using it on walls with the banging we heard, but we obviously didn't attempt to investigate further either.