explore – patvachonphotography

Sunsets and Abandoned Cars

Posted on June 28, 2016June 28, 2016 by patvachonphotography

In my many travels I had seen these vehicles off the highway and had wanted to go investigate them. I arrived recently around sunset to look at them further. With the Sun setting I managed to capture some beautiful images. . I had hoped to stay after dark and capture some images with the night sky but unfortunately the mosquitoes made it known that if I were to stay they would bring all their family members to feast on me. It was definitely worth the trip, and next time I will make sure to bring along some bug spray.

photo by Pat Vachon (www.patvachonphotography.com)

explore

Alternative history

Posted on May 9, 2016May 16, 2016 by patvachonphotography

photo by Pat Vachon (www.patvachonphotography.com

photo by Pat Vachon (www.patvachonphotography.com

On our last day in Northern Georgia, we met up with a friend who took us to Hardman Farm. An 1870’s estate that had amongst its owners a post civil war pharmascist and a state govenor. Normally Iam not overly eager to go on these tours. While usually unique, I find them overpriced. In this case the cost was $12/person, which is ridiculous.
The reason our friend John was taking us here though made it very much worthwhile, as John was in the unique position of being both the grandson & great-grandson of the head caretaker for the estate.
We decided to not let the tour guide know that he was a relative. The tour guide tour was somewhat bland. The guide either didn’t know information or had been given somewhat inaccurate information.
The tour consisted of a short (20 minute) guided tour of the house and then a self-guided tour of the grounds. After the tour guide had left, John gave us more insight into life at the Hardman Farm. He showed us things like where as a kid he would have Easter egg hunts. Where his grandfather & great-grandfather kept a moonshine still even though it was the prohibition era, and where a member of his family had her wedding reception.
He pointed out the 2 different houses his family resided in, before taking us over to the church and cemetary that was built on the estate and that his family is buried on alongside some of the previous owners.
It was a fantastic time, where we got in some first hand knowledge of the day to day operations of life on a govenor’s estate.

explore

Old vs New in the South

Posted on May 4, 2016May 16, 2016 by patvachonphotography

I did something I love while down here in the South. I went exploring. I made a stop at what was originally a mid-century small town hospital. It has seen other uses since then. Most notably the original home of the Cabbage Patch Kids. Old BLGH

As you can see now it sits empty. It is sad fact of North America that buildings that once served a purpose for so long are simply cast aside for newer, more modern or bigger. The new home of the Cabbage Patch Kids is very much like that.

new blgh

Although it is an amazing piece of architecture, it is sad that the old building is only a short time away from being vandalized. One thing I never like to see is buildings just being left to rot (although I must say it makes for amazing photos).

I’ve also been exploring what I must say the South seems to be known for, and that is Antique Stores. We visited 3 different towns so far and have seen some interesting examples of Vintage items as well as various crafts from local artisans. I have thoroughly enjoyed checking them out. It is definitely one of both me and my wife’s favorite past times.

photo by Pat Vachon (www.patvachonphotography.com

explore

Exploring an old rail bridge

Posted on April 26, 2016May 16, 2016 by patvachonphotography

I have been looking for places to go take photos here in Peterborough. I had already explored some of the most common places. I’ve gone to Jackson Park, Beavermeade, millennium park. And have also explored some of the railways here in town.
I’m fascinated by bridges, and from a photographic point of view they are beautiful as a backdrop.
I recently discovered that there is an old bridge on the University campus. I had seen maybe 2 pictures of it on different social media and had gone looking before in my car. I had gotten a glimpse but didn’t have the time to get out and look at it more closely.
With my wife and children out of town for the weekend I thought what better time than now to go explore and find it.
I drove onto campus and located it, it took me about 5-10 minutes to figure out where I could park to getting close.
As I walked to it i started taking some pictures, as I got closer I was amazed that it was in great shape.
The tracks had been long removed, in fact I saw no evidence minus a small trail that the tracks were ever there.
The bridge is the type that turns on am axis to fo across one of the many canals in Peterborough. It is now permanently over land.
As I got a closer look I was amazed at how little graffiti is on it, (There is some).
When I have gone exploring in the past, almost every abandoned place I had been had been hit by graffiti. Some can be nice but most is just people being stupid in my opinion.
I explored the bridge for about 2 hours during the day. I then had to go to work, but that night a friend of mine, his wife and another friend came with me and we took some night portraits on the bridge.
Was a very exciting place to visit and can’t wait to go back again in different seasons