The trail carried me downhill to a small creek that emptied into a tannic-stained lake. A bloated trout lapped against an algae-draped concrete dam at the far end of the lake. Peering over the dam I saw a collection of buildings in various states of ruin – some in shambles, others destroyed.

 

 

I approached the central building and stepped inside. It smelled of must, decay and abandonment. There were few effects among the dust and fallen timbers: a shaky table, broken dishware and animal scat.