This represents about half of the photos destined for this page (at least, from my first and currently only trip to Centralia.) Thumbnails to follow. Pardon the descriptions of the photos below, I'm putting on some extra drama for its own sake.

The early afternoon arrival is quickly followed by a survey of the blasted ground that awaits. The area we visited that appeared to be the hotbed (!) of smoke and devastation did not seem to be previously inhabited. However, a couple of lone ex-row houses not far down the road indicated that there may indeed have been houses right where we were standing.

Amid the smoke and debris, a few brave souls ponder their fate as the descent begins...

As the descent continues, the choking smoke begins to overpower our three intrepid explorers.

Spend too long in this oxygen-starved rancid coal-smoke, and you'll soon have no problem remembering what, exactly, it was you had for your last meal. In a moment worthy of a Quentin Tarantino film (well, maybe not), the group emerges from the densest patch of smoke as onlookers fail to react in any visible way.

Finally, it is time to flee this place, and find some more smoke, and perhaps some crack. El Smokey Crack awaits! Crack Ho! Run away!