Took a trip out to Gary / Chicago this past weekend. The police raided our quiet party, but let us be after they realized we meant no harm. I wanted to get a few more pictures, but this will suffice for now.

The full gallery is posted on the newly launched Detroit Ruins.

Expect some unique wedding pictures in the next blog.

Posted by Nicole Rork on July 02, 2007 | Chicago, Exploration, Gary, Photos | No Comments »

I stopped by Hobart (Seth’s hometown) before meeting up with DK to pay my respects to my friend, Seth Thomas, one of the greatest explorers in the Midwest area. This utility box is a stone throw away from where Seth was hit. It was a disheartening sight to see. After looking at this graffiti tag and unfolding the events that happened on September 23, 2006, I realized my own mortality and how short life can really be. Make the best of it. Miss you everyday, Seth.

After leaving Hobart, I headed over to City Methodist Church in Gary and met up with DK. Seth’s memorial was still intact and it held its own during this past winter. I added a couple of photos to the memorial as well.

City Methodist will never be the same. It doesn’t feel the same. A part of Gary died with Seth, a piece that can never be replaced. I didn’t want to stay in the church long, it didn’t feel right. After the church, DK and I conquered Gary.

DK

DK

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Miscellaneous photos from Chicago:

Only a few people will understand this

Apostle of Hustle

Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird

The “L”

Waiting for the train

Beautiful gothic style church.

John Hancock Center

West

North

South

West

Outside of Olive Garden

John Hancock Center

I paid him a dollar for this picture

Sanctuary of the Fourth Presbyterian Church

The cloister next to the church’s courtyard

Tree + moon

Posted by Nicole Rork on April 23, 2007 | Chicago, Exploration, Gary, Misc, Music, Photos | 1 Comment »

Some of you may know Seth Thomas and some of you may not.

Seth Thomas Memorial Site Seth introduced me to the industrial and (mostly abandoned) city of Gary, Indiana. When I came down to Gary to check it out, Seth showed me around the city and welcomed me to come back whenever I was heading to Chicago. Aside from being a dedicated urban explorer, he was an amazing photographer. His pictures speak for themselves.Over time, Seth became one of my close friends. We spoke on a daily basis even though we should have been working. He just got a new job in Chicago, was looking to buy a new car and finish up his degree in Mechanical Engineering.

This past weekend, Saturday, September 23rd, and one day shy of his 24th birthday, Seth passed away in a tragic accident doing what he loved to do - taking photos. Seth was an extraordinary and brilliant young man whose life was taken too soon.

In honor of his life and legacy he left behind, I am sending out a limited photo of the City Methodist Church in Gary, Indiana where Seth and I first met almost a year ago. After I heard about his passing I figured the least I could do for him was honor him in one of his favorite places of all time. All donations will go to his family to help cover the funds. All of the printing, shipping and PayPal fees will be covered by me.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the picture above, please use the donation link below. Photo sizes will be a 5×7.5″ full frame to fit an 8×10 frame. There is no set price for this photo, donate however much your heart desires. I will be placing orders every Friday until October 27th that way I can mail out a check to Seth’s family by Monday, October 30th. You will receive your photo within 1-2 weeks depending on when you placed your order. All photos will be shipped flat.

Thank you for your continued support! Nicole Rork

Posted by Nicole Rork on September 27, 2006 | Chicago, Exploration, Gary, Misc, Photos | 1 Comment »

Posted by Nicole Rork on April 03, 2006 | Exploration, Gary, Photos | No Comments »

This must be about my 50th blog intro post. I start a blog and delete it a month later because I never keep it updated. Anyway, I’ll try to keep this updated more than once or twice a year. It’ll probably be a lot of nonsense and/or lots of photo posts. The purpose of this blog is to serve as a temporary home for photos that haven’t quite made it to my main site yet. Check out my livejournal, that’s updated on a regular basis. A lot of people have been asking me what camera I use, check the equipment list before leaving comments about it. I just bought a new lens and I’m having a lot of fun with it, so you can expect a lot of photo updates as I play around with it. Onto the photos…

Posted by Nicole Rork on March 07, 2006 | Detroit, Exploration, Gary, Misc, Photos | No Comments »