Places That Were I took a road trip in early 2015 through half a dozen of the western states. I was gone 17 days, visited over 60 abandoned sites, drove 4000 miles, and took 5000 pictures. It was an incredible experience.

Along Desert Center’s main road a long-abandoned Texaco station stood amid an unpaved corner lot, Its rusty awning hanging crookedly over a row of dented gas pumps. A sign jutted out over the roof, proclaiming in faded block lettering, "24 Hour Service", oblivious to the boarded up windows and graffiti-covered walls below it.

It was strange to think the desolate town had been home to thousands of airmen and their families until the military base closed in the 1940s. Now all that remained was a post office and scores of abandoned buildings.

A few drivers pulled over to snap photos before returning to the freeway. I parked in a small patch of shade and got out of my car to give the languishing remains of Desert Center the thorough examination they deserved.

Down the road near a grove of decapitated palm trees, I spotted a school. Sunlight glinted off shards of glass that clung to rusting window frames. I sprinted across the parking lot, excited to get a closer look at the beautiful decaying structure. I imagined students of years past, trudging across the yard, dreading another day of class. They would have thought I was insane. And they would have been in good company.

When I told my friends I was taking a 17-day road trip to explore abandoned places, I was met with more than a few raised eyebrows. But I was undeterred. Urban exploration had become my greatest passion. After months of researching abandoned places, I was thrilled to finally be on the road.

I crossed the playground and a row of rusty farm machinery, including an antique tractor with a hand crank starter. Remembering the farm equipment exhibitions my dad took me to when I was a kid, I snapped a few photos to send him the next time I had internet access.

An open door led into a classroom with pieces of fallen ceiling and broken cabinetry scattered across the warped linoleum tiles. An upright piano caught my eye. Many keys were missing and panels had been removed, exposing a network of wires attached to harp-like assemblies.

A hallway led to a massive room that once served as a dining area and auditorium. Sunlight streamed in through holes in the ceiling, illuminating a little stage overflowing with stacks of tables and chairs. I took dozens of pictures, deperate to capture every beautiful detail of the place.

I could hardly wait to see what other abandoned treasures Desert Center had waiting for me. And only three days into my epic road trip, I had so much more to look forward to.