A few weeks ago you'll surely remember we had our GT-R's coolant changed as part of its 25,000 mile service. I'll also call on you to remember a post I did the following week showing the information gauge reading 120-degrees F. The story there begins with me forgetting to turn North on Highway 15 near Ontario / Fontana California in an attempt to head to Death Valley. The story really begins with me winding up at the wreckage, heat, stink and depression of Salton Sea.
Picking which of the condemned buildings to shoot in front of was impossibly easy: If people are milling about doing God-knows-what inside, don't stop. It's a rule to live by. So I picked this, it was, I'm sure, designed as a retreat; a beach front club or bar where swank drinks would be served to swank customers in linen suits. Instead, as I stepped 10-yards from the GT-R, a young man stepped out from the rubblem wearing a T-shirt or a dress, I couldn't tell, scratching his head like he was trying to pull the words out yelled, "Hey....is that the new Mustang?"
"Yes." And then I ran away.
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant @ too frightened to read the odometer.
carguy622 says:
12:05 PM, 08/14/09
WOW just WOW. He needs to have his made card taken back.
brn says:
12:13 PM, 08/14/09
This is one of those cases when you ask what kind of drugs he was on and literally mean it.
wrinklebump says:
12:29 PM, 08/14/09
He may have scared the car all the way back to the dealer. Check the rear bushings when you get back.
mrryte says:
12:38 PM, 08/14/09
Well, not every male knows about or cares about the GT-R.
"Yes." And then I ran away.
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant @ too frightened to read the odometer."
LOL....thanks Mike. You made my day with this post.
carguy622 says:
12:44 PM, 08/14/09
@ mrryte: Even if he doesn't know what a GT-R is, I certainly hope he's seen his share of Mustangs, and knows darn well that the GT-R is not one.
Even my Mom would know the difference. He probably was on something.
Also, this is not the first time strange things have happened at abandoned photography sites. you may need to use the buddy system when you do this stuff next time Mike.
rick8365 says:
12:53 PM, 08/14/09
""Yes." And then I ran away." -
I don't blame you....in fact I don't think I'd even go there. Places like this give me the creeps. There is something about seeing places that were once fun and now abandoned (like a burned out amusement park) that freak me out. Your post was not only funny but educational for me - I never heard of the Salton Sea. I read up on it while eating my lunch and saw more photos too. All quite interesting.....and weird.
mrryte says:
01:15 PM, 08/14/09
@carguy622:
You're probably right.
Most likely he was lonely and just wanted to make some friendly conversation...
...I hope. :-?
ptcdawg says:
01:20 PM, 08/14/09
It's not reliable enough to be a Mustang...I hope you told him that.
ahightower says:
01:32 PM, 08/14/09
Hilarious story. Maybe it was the guy who modelled for the rear seat photo in the owner's manual.
I think I saw that location on a Steven Crowder PJTV video about absurd recipients of stimulus money.
carguy622 says:
01:34 PM, 08/14/09
@ ptcdawg: I was thinking of going there but changed my mind... good show.
By the way if anyone is into abandoned building photography I highly recommend www.opacity.us. Very creepy, but also strangely exciting.
rick8365 says:
07:34 PM, 08/14/09
"Maybe it was the guy who modelled for the rear seat photo in the owner's manual."
LOL!!
jeepsrt says:
10:20 AM, 08/15/09
My Wife and Brother and Sister in law went out to that same building in April '09. I was driving a rented Cadillac CTS and was afraid to park for too long. There were 3 cars out front and as Mike said, who knows what was going on in there.
hybris says:
02:19 PM, 08/15/09
I hope while running away you hit top speed for a good mile or two just saying.
But honestly I would be scared because while the creepy boy is asking questions you don't know who or what else maybe coming for the car, you, or both. Just a friendly safety tip avoid abandoned building in the middle of the desert and maybe carry .45 cal 1911 just in case.