Posts in category “Backyard Exploring”
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Finding and Exploring Canadian Cemeteries

I like the history of the old cemeteries. That's why I take my camera and respectfully enter old cemeteries in the city or nearly forgotten cemeteries in rural areas where the church itself might be just a rural ruin now.

It's a shame to see graves which have been moved. It still seems disrespectful, even all these years later. I like to photograph the old headstones and admire the engraving/ carving/ sculpture.

People like to explore cemeteries and graveyards for assorted reasons. Some are urban explorers, some are genealogists researching family histories and some want to discover more about local history.

Myself, I'm an urban explorer in rural Ontario. I often see small cemeteries or just a few plots leftover on a farm. It would be nice to have them remembered, those people who became our history.

How and What to Photograph in a Cemetery

Each headstone that you photograph should be done from a few different angles, try to get the shadows as highlights on the letters and engraving/ sculpture. A stone which you can read at the time will be harder to read in the photograph when you are back home. Give yourself every chance at getting a good, clear photo. Take more than one photo from up close and farther back.

Morning light is often the best light for cemetery photos. In older cemeteries it was traditional to bury people facing east. There are always exceptions to this rule. If you can return to the location a few times, experiment and find the best time of day and the best weather (cloudy, sunny, rainy) to work for the stone you want to photograph.

Bring aluminum foil (or a large sheet of white bristol board/ paper) to add illumination to the stones. Set it at the foot/ base and move it around to catch and reflect the light onto the headstone. White bristol board will give a glow to the stone rather than a shiny reflection.

Bring water in a spray bottle. Wet the stone and let it dry a little. Water will remain in the crevices but dry from the flat areas. This will add some texture and make the stone easier to read in your photograph. Take photos before you wet the stone so it can be seen as it is (unless you really only want to read it).

When taking a photo of an individual stone - fill the screen with it as much as possible. Turn the camera so you are taking a tall rectangle rather than the squat square standard photo. (If you've never done this before you should read more about basic photography). Tilt the camera for the stones which have settled on an angle, few of the old headstones are perfectly in place.

Some headstones will be flat on the ground. Avoid getting your shadow caught in the photograph. Take the photo from an angle, try moving to the side or take the photo standing at the top of the stone instead of the base. Whatever works to keep your view of the stone clear from your own shadow.

Bring a gentle brush to remove dirt from the stone. Don't do anything that will harm the stone. Avoid chemicals and cleaners which will cause the stone to become more porous (shaving cream has been used to clean the stones but it also weakens them which causes them to deteriorate sooner).

Carefully pull weeds from around the stone. A stone already on the ground could be fragile and crumbly where the weeds have been making inroads. It's great to see more of the stone and give it a break from the crowding weeds but it would be a shame to have a chunk of it fall apart once the weeds are no longer supporting it/ keeping it in place.

Cemetery of the Hydrangea
Haunted Victoria Canada Graveyards: Ghosts at Old Burying Ground, Ross Bay Cemetery, Pioneer Square

Provincial Resources

For Canadian Cemetery Explorers

Other Resources

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Urban Exploration and Architectural Salvage

Some architectural salvagers will use the photos and locations found by urban explorers in order to find locations where they take (steal) vintage and antique stuff from old buildings. They don't follow the rule "take only photos; leave only footsteps".

Architectural salvage is the stuff (doorknobs, screen doors, window frames, light fixtures, fireplace mantels, etc.) taken from an old building to be reused. This sounds like a good idea, recycling. But, it doesn't always happen in the most ethical circumstances.

There are more sources for old building parts and vintage items than abandoned houses. So, don't assume anyone who salvages is unethical. Any building up for demolition is a good source for architectural salvage. You can also try junk yards, estate auctions and flea markets.

As an urban/ rural explorer (someone who finds, explores and photographs abandoned buildings) the architectural salvage people are a bit shady. Not all of them. But some will use the photos and locations found by urban explorers in order to find locations where they take (steal) vintage and antique stuff from old buildings.

This is not something I consider ethical. Yes, I walk around the old places. No, I do not take anything with me when I leave. Take only photos; leave only footprints.That's the rule for real urban explorers. We are explorers, not thieves, litterers, graffiti painters, or vandals.

I resent people who use my photos of old places in order to harm or steal from them. I try to be careful about who I give locations information to. But, there is no way to be really sure about anyone, even others who do take explorer photos. (You don't know what else they do when they are there).

However, each time someone takes something from an old building, there is a bigger chance the old place will be demolished or sealed up by the owner. The owner does not have to live in a place in order to own the building and it's contents. Anything on that property is not yours to take. So don't take it.

This week a new TV show is starting on the National Geographic channel. It is called, Abandoned. The show is about people going to abandoned locations and finding antiques, vintage stuff, and so on which they salvage and then sell. I wanted to know if they are taking things without talking to the owner of the property first. I was surprised National Geographic would promote a TV show which encourages people to enter and take what they like from an abandoned location.

I had to search awhile, the information is not on the site at National Geographic (at least I couldn't find it). However, on the site for Reclaimed Relics, I did find a mention of them purchasing the items at the abandoned location from the owner. So, that's a good thing. It is still a shame for the stuff to be gone. But, better for it to be saved than just continuing to deteriorate inside an abandoned place.

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How to Pack and Prepare for a Day Trip

A day trip is simple, just the one day away. You don't need to put in a lot of serious planning, you don't need heavy duty packing. If you leave something undone at home - you will be back later the same day to finish it up. Just make sure you leave your home safe - turn things off and lock it up!

A day trip can be something you decide to do just because you want a change of scenery, feel frustrated or need to recharge your creative energies.

I really enjoy a day trip. Day trips can be impulsive or planned in advance. Either way, you don't need to bring a lot with you or plan your life around the one day you're taking off.

Where to Go on a Day Trip

  • Visit friends or family who live in another city or town.
  • Pick a restaurant you wanted to try.
  • Take the bus or train and go into the city for the museum, art gallery, etc.
  • Take the bus or drive out into the country, be rural for the day.
  • Travel around and try farmer's markets on a weekend day.
  • Look for local events like seasonal fairs and festivals.
  • Pick a town you heard something interesting about and go there.
  • Go to the beach. In winter it's cold but still nice to hear the waves.
  • Look into short excursions like ferry boat tours and ghost/ haunted walks.
  • Pamper yourself by going to a spa or enjoying some other luxury.

Check the Weather

Check the weather expected at your planned destination and along the route you plan to take there and back. You can expect seasonal weather but you might want to see if you're heading into a humid or rainy day or a day where the winter is going to dump a few inches of snow. This is also good to know for the driving conditions, if you are driving rather than taking a bus, train or plane.

Pack for the Activities Planned

If you know what you will be doing, make a list of everything you will need. Do this ahead of time so you can add items to the list as you think of them. Trying to think of everything last minute can leave you with something important forgotten at home. You really don't want to be the one person who forgot to pack a swimsuit for the beach.

If you are going to be active (swimming, hiking, etc.) you might want to pack your own shampoo, even though you only plan to be away for the day. Chances are you will find some where to have a quick shower to freshen up before heading home again.

Think of the little things which you may not need but could really wish you had packed, if you had planned ahead. If you don't end up using everything, then just bring it home.

Light Travel Links

What to Pack

Don't use a huge suitcase or massive luggage for a day trip. You're just going to be stuck carrying around a huge bag when you could be carrying everything much more easily and with less weight to haul around. Your actual bag to be packed should be light weight, as with any luggage.

  • Any tickets, documentation, government or insurance papers you need.
  • Any medicines and toiletries (shampoo, hairbrush, toothbrush, etc.) you need. Pack these as if you were planning the trip for an overnight stay, just in case plans change. Stash a light nightgown and a change of underwear too.
  • ID, money, wallet, credit or debit cards. Keep some cash handy too. One of the best things is stopping for farm fresh produce at the roadside stands.
  • A good book, possibly pens and paper too to keep yourself amused should you end up waiting for someone or something. (I'm into bookpacking myself.)
  • Your electronics of choice: camera, mobile phone, tablet, mini laptop, etc. Pack the chargers too if you haven't already charged the electronics at home.
  • Maps! If you are driving look for maps showing the back roads. Get driving directions if you need them.
  • Something to drink should you be in for a long drive. Stop for coffee if you want to but keep something with you in case you don't find a good coffee place.
  • If you are going anywhere fancy pack an extra set of clothes to wear so you aren't wearing the same travel clothes.
  • Consider items for first aid or wardrobe malfunctions.
  • Consider a sturdy pair of boots if you are the type to stop for interesting detours along the way.
  • Pack sunglasses for warm travel and warm socks for cold travel.

Of course, you won't need all of this for a day trip. Skip whatever you don't want to pack or carry around. If you can't fit more into your light backpack or travel bag then re-plan how much you are taking and leave some of it behind. The theme of the day is to keep it light. As long as you have the basic ingredients you can usually grab anything else you need along the way. Day trips, after all, are not that far from home.

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Make Your Own Road Trip Kit

I'm an urban, rural and industrial explorer. Mainly, I venture out, trying various roads in rural Ontario and look for abandoned houses, old buildings  ghost signs, stone flowers, and other interesting (and usually old) things which I then photograph.

As an explorer I take along a few things, travel light is always a good idea. So I bring my map book, better shoes than sandals and my camera. Other explorers bring along a lot more gear. Some get pretty loaded down and really must spend a lot, not just on the gear itself but the methods of carting it all around too.

I prefer to keep it simple. But, on a longer road trip, when we plan to go farther and stay overnight... I pack my nightgown, one change of clothes, shampoo, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste. I like to bring a good book to read too, but that's on the side. I've begun bringing my mini laptop, not every time. I still like to travel light, even though we take the car. (I used to travel across Canada on the Greyhound bus and the VIA train).

Things to Pack into a Road Trip Kit

Organize and plan as you pack. Some things you may not need and others you may be really glad to have.

  • maps and/ or map book
  • walking boots/ shoes
  • camera
  • pens and paper
  • snacks and beverages or coffee money
  • sunglasses (optional)
  • driving music
  • reusable cup (a green touch)
  • napkins and/or hand sanitizer
  • lip balm (optional)
  • trash basket/can/bag.
  • mini laptop or something similarly useful
  • flashlight
  • sewing kit for fashion emergencies

Good Things to Have for a Road Emergency

It can happen... if you're driving around in a car you should be prepared for trouble. Before you leave for a longer trip check more than just the level of fuel in the tank. Check your tires especially, during road trips and explorations, it's the car tires that seem to have any problems, if there are any problems.

The Road Safety Kit for the Car

  • Standard car tools. However, these are only as useful as you are. Bring the tools in case you find someone who can use them, even if you can't do much with them yourself.
  • Road flares, in addition to your hazard lights.
  • Extra clothing, blankets and boots for dealing with cold, wet and mucky weather, or waiting for help in the car.
  • Window washing fluid, salt and sand. The salt and sand are for under the car, not the windows.
  • Flashlight, useful for checking the engine in the dark or seeing who has come to your rescue.
  • Emergency cell phone, if you have one.
  • Snacks, pick something that won't be stale when you get hungry stuck somewhere.
  • First Aid Kit.

road tripExtra Links for Road Trip Travellers

Don't Forget to Travel Light

What you pack up for a road trip depends on how long you plan to be away (in general) and what you will be doing while you are away. Some things you can buy on the road. But, whatever you take with you, whatever you buy along the way and whatever you keep with you... at some point you're going to be the one picking it all up and hauling it around.

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Stone Flowers: Sculpted from Rock

(http://www.flickr.com/groups/stoneflowers/)

I take photos of flowers carved in rock/ stone. Stone flowers are found on old buildings, cemeteries and other likely places. They have an aged, weathered beauty. Flowers are one of the things I especially look for when I explore old buildings.

I especially like flowers carved or sculpted from stone. It must be because I really like rock, history and flowers. So a combination of those things is pretty appealing.

Have you taken photos of stone flowers? Where did you find them?

Consider this a great time to test drive your digital camera's black and white feature. Stone sculptures tend to look great photographed with black and white film. In the age of digital cameras you can take the photo without changing film (as digital cameras don't use film). Just change the settings on your camera before you take the photo. Or, when you are looking at your photos, try giving the photo the black and white look using a photo editor.

Stone Flowers Sculpture

Is it Carving or Sculpting?

Should you wonder, carving is the method of sculpting. Sculpture covers more than carving. However, carving is all about shaping the stone (or other material used) by removing chunks of it according to a plan. For most of history the stone carvers tools were a hammer and chisel.

Modern stone carving uses heat and lasers to shape and cut the rock. This probably saves a lot of fingers and hands when it comes to stone carving.

How to Carve Stone

Start as Pumpkin Carver

If you really want to be a stone carver start with a pumpkin. See how the planning goes, start using the tools and then practice the skills you need. A pumpkin will be softer than stone but also a lot more forgiving and easier on your hands. Plus, a pumpkin can be put out in the garden to be composted but any mistakes you make in stone are... well, made in stone. Stone is pretty permanent.

I'm at the level of pumpkin carver myself. As much as I admire and love to photograph the flowers carved in rock, I don't see myself trying to learn that art. I'd rather stick to photography, illustrating, writing and sewing sort of stuff.

Stone Flowers I Have Found

Stone Flower
Cemetery of the Hydrangea
Stone Bouquet