Street Photography in the Middle of Nowhere

Gravel road photography is my term for driving around out in the country and taking photos. It\’s one of my favorite ways to spend my time.
Gravel road photography is street photography from out in the middle of nowhere. Finding your subject matter as you wander the back roads.
Photos added to this pool should have been taken within 1000 feet or 333 meters of a gravel, dirt, low maintenance, etc… road.

Street Photography in the Middle of Nowhere

            <blockquote>Gravel road photography is my term for driving around out in the country and taking photos. It\'s one of my favorite ways to spend my time.

Gravel road photography is street photography from out in the middle of nowhere. Finding your subject matter as you wander the back roads.
Photos added to this pool should have been taken within 1000 feet or 333 meters of a gravel, dirt, low maintenance, etc… road.

Source: Flickr – Gravel Road Photography

Posted to Ontario Barn Preservation – Cars in Barns Are Barn Finds

This is the post I wrote about old cars being found in even older barns, for the Ontario Barn Preservation newsletter, January 2023.

Cars in Barns Are “Barn Finds”

I like to photograph old buildings, farm houses and barns included. I’ve met a lot of people who also have an interest in old places. Not everyone is about photographing them. Some will salvage, some will vandalize. As a general rule I choose not to do either. But, there have been times I saved plants from a garden at a house long abandoned. Once, I brought back a green Pyrex mixing bowl which I found way out in the field as I was walking back after photographing an abandoned farm house. Sadly, that house has been demolished now, but I still use the mixing bowl. I have never vandalized, or left garbage around. Take only photographs, leave only footprints.

There are people who especially look for cars, vehicles other than farm machines, in old barns. Some of them just want to see the old cars, some want to try buying them from whoever still owns the barn and cars, and others wreck them. They call them barn finds.

Ethan Minnie explores a barn which has several cars. Sadly, this location has been publicized and vandals have found it. Ethan knows what kind of cars they are. Another view of the same location from Freaktography.

It would be nice to know the story behind all these cars left, neglected and abandoned. I did find that it was someone who won the lottery and bought a lot of cars. Then went bankrupt. But, why not sell the cars rather than go bankrupt, or just leaving them all there? It seems there must be more to the story.

A Few Links to Barn Finds:
Hotcars
Driving.ca
Barn Finds

Most of the videos about barn finds don’t include a story, or give away the location. At least I hope they avoid letting others know where they found them. It’s not just about trespassing but respect for whoever owns the property and everything in/ on it. Even the vehicles themselves. Dust and animals will happen, no one should deliberately cause harm, to vandalize.

If you’re interested in cars, especially old cars, you can find a lot online about barn finds. I’ve seen people posting photographs and videos from Canada, the US, Europe and Asia. You may have a car or two in your own barn. I guess some people intend to fix them up and sell them, or showcase them. At some point, when its covered in a thick layer of dust and animals tracks… it might be time to find a buyer for it, as is. Let someone else treasure it and (hopefully) have the time, energy, and resources to get it on the road again.

I have a problem with keeping books, thinking I will make use of all that information… some day. I do understand hanging onto things, cars, books, or any of thousands of other things we value.

Urban Combing and the Lost Art of Found Objects

            The lost art of found objects. (It sounds great as a phrase but I don't think beach-combing (or urban combing) has ever been lost).

Every where you go there are little things to be found. Most people would call it bits of junk. But, its all in the eye of the beholder. An assortment of bits of things found while urban combing can build a whole story, or maybe become part of a creative project.

How to Start Urban Combing

You won’t need to buy or carry around a metal detector. Keep something like a spare make up bag, a pencil case, or something smaller you can fit into your pocket or purse and use it to gather what you find. Get home and sort out (was dirt off) your findings. Make notes or start a scrapbook. Photograph the results of each excursion.

Urban combing can be a hobby, free and good for getting exercise strolling around the neighbourhood (or while travelling). Its psychogeography.

You’re not walking off with someone’s treasures just the little bits of flotsam and jetsam from urban life.

Like beach combing but in an urban setting.

Being a little land-locked, it’s not possible to go beach combing in Long Eaton and urban combing is probably the next best thing. Here are lots of bits and pieces I recovered from my garden whilst digging the mud and also a few odds and ends from my walks with the dog.

Source: Urban Combing – Allison Giguere.

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 trip button

Extra 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.

Source for the Road Trip Button – Etsy – Happy Your Heart

The Idea of Road Trips with a Micro Car in Ontario

            There are small cars and then there are micro cars. Not so easy to find in Ontario. You would have better luck in Europe and Asia than North America.

Although a small car is better when it comes to using fuel. They appeal to me because you use them for small trips around town, like picking up groceries, going to the post office, and so on. Also, you may not require a driver’s license for driving them. Which means less insurance, and much less expense for a vehicle overall, as far as I know. I could be wrong and it may depend on how micro the car is, how many tires it has (some have only three). The idea needs more research for Ontario. So far I haven’t turned up anything that really says much one way or another.

I especially like the BMW Isetta car. The door is on the front of the car. So you just step in close the front of the car and go on your way. Only one door, and not much room for passengers of course. But fine for some groceries, luggage, camera and related things you would want for a short trip somewhere.

There is something charming about a tiny car, however you use it. I could see it as a vehicle for road trips. It would be easy to pull over and photograph places, no worry about having enough space to park.

Micro North – Located in Coldwater, Ontario.

Micro Cars

There are small cars and then there are micro cars. Not so easy to find in Ontario. You would have better luck in Europe and Asia than North America. Some of the cars have only 3 wheels. One of my favourites is the BMW Isetta. It opens from the front, where the engine hood would be in most cars, the front door is to enter the car with the Isetta. I’ve seen a couple of others which are the same.

I’d like to drive one. Not for long trips but nice for a road trip, a day trip. A simple vehicle for simple jaunts to get groceries and all those little around town, or city, things.

Micro North – Located in Coldwater, Ontario.

Traffic Calming Measures and the Driver-less Cars for the Future

Other than direct police enforcement, I feel all traffic calming measures are unsuccessful.

People choose to speed, go through stop signs and red lights regardless of posted speed limits, etc. Speed bumps and such cause damage to local cars, over time. Roundabouts and those sticks in the middle of the road are more likely to cause stress to drivers, which could threaten safety for cards and pedestrians. I do not support any of these and I live on a street with several schools, churches and traffic.

I myself have been hit while going through a pedestrian crosswalk where one car chose not to stop, though others already had. I have seen a pedestrian hit at the crosswalk in front of the Zehrs grocery store, in the parking lot. I have seen a pedestrian hit crossing at the stop sign (not jaywalking). People, drivers, have cell phone brains and do not either care or pay attention. There is no real deterrent to bad or careless driving. Pedestrians and bike riders are not better, just more at risk for their own carelessness.

I don’t have a solution to offer. But, I have seen the traffic calming solutions not working at all. Drivers still speed, far beyond the posted speed limits. But speed is not the only issue causing accidents. Traffic calming seems to be something the city can say they are doing to help shut up the people complaining. Ironic, that those same people are also speeding and ignoring driver and pedestrian safety.

I think the driver-less cars will be the best thing to come along for road safety. Whenever they become commonplace.

For Sale in Montreal, a Purple Smartie Car

I know it’s not intended to look like a purple Smartie (candy in Canada) but it does. Pretty fancy and almost a million dollars to buy this Lamborghini. If you were homeless with this car you would need to get a storage until to park it in and live in yourself. It would be a shame to live in the car itself and have it looking worn and messy. This is what I thought of after thinking of having this car myself.

Bench By Bench with Rebecca Kennel

            <a href="http://benchbybench.com/">Victoria: Bench by Bench</a>

Another idea for backyard explorers, public benches in parks, along trails, anywhere you can walk to. Some benches have been built for people to take a break during a walk. Some give people a place to sit, read awhile and admire the scenery or a great view. Some were donated as memorials with a plaque for a family member, local business or celebrity.

So far I can’t find a copy of the book, but that happens with local history books published by the author/ photographer. Rebecca Kennel lived in Victoria, BC. While there she wrote a book about the public benches in Victoria, BC. She photographed them, wrote about their history and the surroundings. It looks like a charming book and I have emailed her (if she gets email at that address still) and maybe I will be able to get a copy, if there are any still in print. I can find the book on Amazon, but it is out of print, no more copies expected. I was hoping for better news, but not surprised.

I found a personal site Rebecca kept, until 2018. She had moved from Victoria to a town in Saskatchewan. She was/ is looking after her Mother and her husband, Galen, has passed away. I don’t know what she has been doing since then. I found a YouTube channel, Twitter account, and a Facebook page but nothing is updated. I hope she is still ok herself. There are two posts about her book on her YouTube channel.

The site for the book has a backup link on her personal domain. I’m leaving that link in case the other site disappears.