An unexpected journey - Thread - Urban Exploration Resource

We all have rituals we perform, most of the time without even thinking about it. Every Sunday, I get up early, put the top down on the roadster, drive to Shipley's doughnuts and purchase a koloche for me, a chocolate filled for my father, and a plain glazed for mom. I then go to their house, have coffee and discuss the news of the day, whats been going on in their lives (the coffee helps here) and how my kids are doing. I've been doing this for years.

Today, the subject of the Baker Hotel came up and they never like discussing my explorations. I was surprised when my dad stated that he wanted to "go exploring" south and west of town. We agreed on a time and I went home to ready my gear. I charged the camera, lightened the load on my bag, found some spots I've had my eye on and even got a book of day trips from Houston in case he just wanted to drive around, see some small towns and maybe have lunch.

He arrives an hour later and before we are out of the neighborhood has blazed up a doobie and we are both getting mellow (has done WONDERS for my back today). We head out and I ask what he had in mind. I suggested an old industrial site due south from Katy about an hour away. I knew it was an easy explore and one he would probably enjoy.

Unfortunately, his idea of "exploring" was to drive around a 5 mile radius and look at all of the new construction that hasn't slowed down with the oil bust (the Katy area, just west of Houston, is nothing but suburban sprawl as far as the eye can see - Kerouac would have a field day with this place...). This was not at all what I had in mind for my Sunday afternoon exploration, but I have to be honest, hanging out with the old man, getting a nice buzz and shooting the shit turned out to be good time nonetheless.