Soon after we cross the Utah state line, we see “Vanishing Point” spray-painted on an object we don’t recognize, marking the entrance to Cisco, an old ghost town. We can’t resist; it’s almost too fitting. We are about to vanish as well, or at least we feel like we are. We have to explore.
A quick photo shoot of our vanishing point.
We pull off the highway, park on the side of the road, get out of the car, and walk around the town. Graffiti covers the dilapidated buildings and abandoned vehicles, and we’re free to admire the sometimes beautiful and frequently strange art.
I feel a weight lifting from my shoulders. I’m curious about what I see. It is relaxing to have the time to walk and explore. This is our portal—our wardrobe—to a parallel world; this is our vanishing point.
Just us.
As we investigate further, we find a missing persons wall, filled with flyers and photocopied pictures of all shapes and sizes, inside one of the buildings. When the wind whips through the broken windows, the photos seem to come to life. It gives us both chills; it’s like looking in a serial killer’s den and seeing his collection of obsessions. I think of Jeffrey Dahmer’s menu board. We are definitely creeped out. My mind likes to compound these situations and now I’m thinking about putting the lotion in the basket as we continue to explore.
When we return from our trip, we learn Cisco is one of the most iconic ghost towns in America. The sign that grabbed our attention refers to the cult movie Vanishing Point, filmed partly there. Other movies, most famously Thelma and Louise, contain scenes filmed there as well. On a darker note, Cisco is known for shots occasionally fired near disrespectful tourists by the few reclusive residents who still inhabit the town.
I decide to see if I can scare Kristy and make her think someone is behind her.
“What are you doing there? Oh my God!” I shout, looking in terror over her shoulder. Her skin puckers into goosebumps, and she runs out of the building. Great success!
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