The Bigfoot Discovery Museum

Last year I attended Bigfoot Discovery Days III in Felton, California. The event was hosted by Michael Rugg, curator of the Bigfoot Discovery Museum.

Felton, California is probably one of the most beautiful towns I have ever visited and I would love to return there again this year for Bigfoot Discovery Days IV.






Guyism.com posted an article on Mike Rugg's museum a few months back noting that the museum was one of the top ten coolest roadside attractions in the United States. However, this year the museum has taken a tiny hit financially because of  the road construction that has closed off access to those who would happen to just drive by and might want to stop in.

Like I said, I would love to return to see  Bigfoot Discovery Days IV, and I urge you to donate to the museum to help make the event happen!  Heck, you can even donate through my website and I will present Mike with a big check just like Publishers Clearinghouse!

Please send your donations to:
Michael Rugg,
Bigfoot Discovery Project

CapriTaurus
P.O. Box 153
Felton, CA 95018

If you would like to make an online donation via The Bigfoot Field Reporter you will have to use Internet Explorer if you are not logged in to google. Add a note indicating that the donation is for The Bigfoot Discovery Museum.

Enjoy Mike's video's

(Mike, I hope you don't mind!)

What's Coming Up?

Artwork by Todd Neiss

This weekend I will be heading to Champ Camp at Button Bay State Park in Vermont.  We will look for the Lake Champlain monster during the day, and Bigfoot at night!  It should be lots of fun!



Unfortunately, due to lack of funds, I will not be able to attend Beachfoot this year! Boooooo! Sorry Todd!

I will be traveling to Oklahoma the first week of October to cover the Honobia Bigfoot Festival and Conference presented by the Talihina Chamber of Commerce.

Guest speakers to include Dr. Jeff Meldrum and Kathy Moskowitz Strain and Troy Hudson of the TBIG

I am working on several small projects that will allow me to get out and report from the field.

Please send me your event information and I will promote it for you at no cost here on this website.

My Favorite Website

I love Cliff's website.  I love his blog.  I encourage everyone to visit there.

Also, I encourage people who are in a position to do so, to donate to Cliff's research.

He is a 4th grade school teacher by trade, and in my opinion one of the BEST Bigfoot field researchers today.

                                           

"RESPECT THE SQUATCH!"

Can it be the Dark Spider?

Attention Entymologists

I have been presented with this little fella...does anyone know this guy?

Karen B. served in the military in Iraq and was curious to know what type of spider/insect this is.

Please share your thoughts with us!

Who is Wally Hersom? (and how can I get him to pay my salary?)

I am copying and pasting part 1 of a 3 part series.  It is quite interesting about how he funds the BFRO...

By GWENDOLYN DRISCOLL
Orange County Register

DEVIL PEAK, EL DORADO NATIONAL FOREST -- Wally Hersom is an intuitive man, with an instinct for when opportunity might knock.

It's not knocking now.

The soft-spoken, white-maned Hersom is standing in the dark on a remote mountaintop in northern California listening to the eerily quiet rustling of leaves.

"It's too quiet," he says. "It doesn't feel right."

Below him in the pitch-black hollows of this remote forest area, groups of men and a few women sit crouched, pointing $9,000 thermal imaging cameras at the darkness.
Every so often, one of them emits a blood-curdling shriek.

They are searching for a monster.

Hersom, 72, is the reason why. Over the past year the part-time resident of San Juan Capistrano has pumped tens of thousands of dollars into the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, an Orange County-based group of Sasquatch-hunters.

Hersom pays the salary of Matt Moneymaker, the BFRO's director. He has outfitted the group with ten thermal imaging cameras, as well as video recorders and night-vision devices.

Total cost: more than $100,000.
In the process, Hersom hopes to change the popular conception of Bigfoot believers from wooly-eyed weirdos to heroic hominoid hunters.

Hersom, like the more than two dozen people who joined him on this recent expedition to the El Dorado National Forest, believes that Bigfoot is a yet-undiscovered species of immensely strong, craftily intelligent and highly elusive great ape.

"I think the timing's right," Hersom says. "In the next 12 months, this thing is going to break wide open."

Moneymaker and Hersom speculate that Bigfoot has a nocturnal animal's acute night vision. The key to 'discovering' Bigfoot, if such a creature exists, is to mimic that ability.

"The only way we're going to (prove) it is if we can film in the dark," Moneymaker says. Wally has enabled the BFRO "to bring some technology to bear that has been out of reach of Bigfoot researchers."
Up on the mountain, Hersom stands silently while Moneymaker and his group of volunteers puts the equipment to use. Through the camera's glowing scope, the darkness transforms into a silvery landscape. But there is no Bigfoot to be seen.

Moneymaker tips his head and emits a piercing scream. Over the radio, the scattered group of BFRO members is instructed to do the same and to knock baseball bats against trees.

The screams and knocks are meant to mimic the alleged noises of a 'real' Bigfoot.

The hope, Moneymaker says, is to trick the creatures into coming within filming range.

Does Hersom ever feel ... er ... a bit ridiculous?
"I'm just going to play it by ear," Hersom says. "I'm going to go as long as it feels right for me."

Hersom says he has only heard Bigfoot, but many within the group report more intimate encounters.

They describe a giant ape-like creature that walks on two feet and appears to have its own language (called "Samurai" for its sing-song resemblance to undubbed ninja movies).

Bigfoot is also, some say, capable of projecting a paralyzing telepathic feeling of fear that stuns both humans and animals alike.

Moneymaker uses the term "infrasound" and calls the experience being "zapped."
Why then, would anyone pursue an encounter?

Moneymaker describes the discovery of Bigfoot as a "historical prize."

But for many members of this (mostly male) group of enthusiasts, the quest itself is the lure.

"Part of me really likes the mystery of it -- the not knowing, the seeking," says Robert Leiterman, who works as a park ranger in Humboldt County.

Leiterman is one of a half-dozen past and current Orange County residents who have joined Hersom and Moneymaker on this expedition to northern California.
Does it bother BFRO members that nothing will come of this night spent in the cold mountains of California?

"I'm a little bit discouraged that we didn't hear anything," Hersom says. "They're not everywhere all the time."

Good timing is Hersom's stock in trade. But even he admits "there's some luck involved."

"Some people say: Bigfoot will find us; we can't find Bigfoot," Hersom says.

Don't Kill the Messenger

I'm not going to write about Mr. Mike anymore.

I am not going to post anymore stories over at Cryptomundo.  Even when I am asked by the owner of the website.

I was under the impression that Cryptomundo readers wanted to hear stories and articles about Cryptids.  Not for writers to bash each other.

I wanted to provide entertainment and insight to investigations and reports from all over the United States.  I didn't claim that I was responsible for any of the content or the events that transpire.  I just wanted to share what I know and hear with my readers.  If you don't agree, that's fine.  There is no reason to belittle me or hurl insults.

I am here for your entertainment.

Am I going to turn the world of Bigfoot research on it's ear?  Most likely not.  Am I going to write a best seller and make millions of dollars?  No.  Am I going to bash a witness or tear apart somebody's story just because I don't believe it?  Absolutely NOT!  That is not my place.  I simply wanted to supply you, the reader, with information that is said out loud and said behind closed doors.  You can draw your own conclusions, debate the issues, but don't kill the messenger.

And for the record, Lan is not the only capitalist pig in the business...when you see/hear Lan you know exactly what you are getting!  A loud-mouth, self-centered, egotistical, attention-loving, ratings grabbing prick!
I say to you, beware of capitalist pig's in sheep's clothing...they are out there, and some of you worship the very words they write.  You buy their books.  You pay their speaking fees.  You pay for them to attend your conferences.  Don't be so quick to judge.

*Sanjay Singhal writes: Sharon, I'm so sorry to hear of your experiences on cryptomundo; I encountered a similar situation two years ago after MK Davis's enhancements of the Patterson film. However, that is a story for another day.
Sharon, Mr Mike is not the only person who is having these experiences. I am so relieved to know that I'm not the only one who has encountered Bigfoot in this fashion; for a very, very long time I thought I was going barking mad, or at the very least, temporarily insane. I didn't know what I was seeing, or experiencing, and it has taken a very long time to understand the phenomena of this level of activity.

The Ghost of Bigfoot and Mr. Mike

I want you to open your mind and listen to a story.

Throw away the notion, just this one time, that you are omnipotent.  Allow yourself to wonder  and speculate without making hasty judgment.

I am about to tell you a story.  The incidents have been retold to me, as Lan Lamphere had told to him.

Could Lan have been lied to?  Could I have been lied to? Could you have been lied to?  We don't know.  We probably won't know for awhile.

A couple of weeks ago, a story was reported that a man was seeing bigfoots in his back yard.  Next to the freeway.  In the middle of town.  Well, it wouldn't be the first story about a bigfoot in someone's backyard.  Or by the freeway.  Or running through town.

At this time I am told that Mr. Mike is not crazy.  Mr. Mike is being taken care of.  Mr. Mike is not being taken advantage of.   Mr. Mike is seeing things.  Mr. Mike is being observed by professionals.  Scientists who research the paranormal.

The History channel film crew is into the second week of filming, and they are baffled as to what is occurring. The evidence they are capturing is extraordinarily mind blowing and unexplainable.  They are having spikes of activity on their FLIR thermal imagers.  They see nothing with their naked eye.  But at the same time the heat images appear on the FLIR, Mr. Mike sees them.

Bigfoots.

Does Mr. Mike have a gift?  Is he seeing spirits?  Do the bigfoots have powers to travel within another dimension;  a world where very few have access to?

If you believe in ghosts, UFO's, *UHO's or the paranormal, even just a little...then there is no reason why you couldn't consider this possibility.

Mr. Mike is a living, breathing, sane human being.  Mr. Mike has a gift.

You are now free to close your minds.  Thank you for your time.

*UHO's-Unidentified Humanoid Objects
**Correction, I had said the crew was there for two weeks.  They are into their second week. 
                                

Rare Primate Caught on Camera

The Horton Plains slender loris was discovered in 1937 and was last spotted in 2002. Scientists had thought the species had died off.

However, researchers working with the Zoological Society of London in Sri Lanka had managed to photograph the rare creature and subsequently were able to capture the Loris and give him a full physical examination.

The habitat for the Loris will probably not sustain the species much longer due to the deforestation of Sri Lanka. The island is being divided into sub islands separating the animals from their future mates.

Craig Turner, a conservation biologist for the ZSL claims, "They can't move to one another, they can't mate, breed, so it has real implications for the future persistence of the species."

Every year, across the world many of species of insects and animals are discovered and re-discovered. Let's not give up hope that what we seek is out there.

Let's make others aware of our damage to this planet. We have to make small changes.

If you would like to make any size donation to the ZSL, please click here.

On another note, notable researcher Peter Byrne has co-founded the International Wildlife Conservation Society, Inc. which operates out of Nepal, India.

The result of the society's work is the Sukila Phanta or White Grass Plains, Wildlife Reserve.  Originally designed to encompass 60,000 acres, the park in recent years has been increased in size to 200,000 acres and, mainly due to it's remoteness, has remained pristine and unspoiled, as well as only minimally explored.

Maybe we will never get to travel to Nepal or Sri lanka, but we can do our part to better the world we live in, locally or globally.



 d.

Attention East Coast Organizations

I am in the process of compiling a list of all of the East Coast Bigfoot organizations.
I will promote your websites free of charge.

Please submit a comment including your website link and the name of a contact person.

This project is huge so I am beginning with the East coast and will expand westward in the near future!

Thank you for your cooperation!

Part 2 of Cliff Barackman's Research in the Oregon Cascades

The knock came from the thick woods to Will's north. It seemed to be responding to either the sound of the car door shutting, or to the dome light being turned off. Either way, the sasquatch was monitoring Will's campsite. I thought it best to not walk up the road quite yet in case my presence would shut down the situation. Being patient, I decided to sit in the dark and listen a while longer.

About twenty or thirty minutes later, another knock came from Will's north. This time, it was a double knock. Multiple knocks always give me pause. Often (but not always), multiple knocks occur in quantities that match the number of people present. This could be just a coincidence considering I usually go bigfooting either alone or in pairs, and I usually hear one or two knocks. Still, in the light of recent primate research, this sort of coincidence deserves some thought. They might be counting us and communicating our numbers to other bigfoots nearby.

After this double knock, Will suggested that I join him. I readied my mobile thermal imager and took the long dark walk to Will's camp. I moved at a snail's pace both to thoroughly scan my surroundings in hopes of capturing a sasquatch on video, as well as to not crash Will's party, so to speak. After a ten minute stroll, I came upon Will sitting on his tailgate scanning the woods with his thermal imager.

We engaged in a whispered conversation detailing our experiences and assumptions of the previous knocking events. Directions from where the sounds came from were indicated without pointing into the woods (it is my opinion based on an experience I had several years ago that sasquatches don't like to be pointed at). Before too long, another loud and clear knock rang from the dark woods to the north. Was this a signal that another human (me) had joined the first? Was there another sasquatch listening nearby to interpret these signals, whatever they might mean?

Giddy like school children, we strained our ears to hear whatever the forest might tell us about the ape man (or is it man ape?) we suspected was nearby. For quite a while, the forest gave us nothing to go on besides the usual clicks and clacks of the night. Eventually, we heard the most dubious knock of the night which seemed to come from quite a ways to the west of our location. I cannot say with much certainty that this was a knock, but it was significantly louder than the other snaps and noises the forest makes. It was just too distant to tell.

After another long silence, I decided to head back to my camp. The walk was long and slow as I scanned the meadows and marshes that dotted the roadside. I returned to my truck and settled down to listen once more. Shortly thereafter, Will radioed me to tell of another loud, clear knock this time coming from his south. It seemed that he had been flanked without knowing it. This knock was to be the last of the night.

Recordings of two of the knocks have been posted on my website. You can hear them by clicking here. As usual, the recordings do not do the sounds justice. You just had to have been there...

Morning brought another onslaught of mosquitoes and warm temperatures. We walked through the woods and on the roads looking for signs of our nocturnal visitors from the night before. Finding nothing, we debated about what to do.

By staying one more night, we would run the risk of shutting down any activity. However, the sasquatches might be a little ticked off that we were there again and come down on us a little heavier than they had before. We eventually decided to stay one more night instead of moving locations.

The day passed at a leisurely pace since we had nothing in particular to do. While on a drive, Will saw a large black bear run across the road ahead of his vehicle a few miles from camp. Later in the afternoon, Will's brother joined us for the night in his own vehicle.

Unfortunately, no bigfoot activity was noted that night. In a way, this was fortuitous because I had a "control group" sort of night against which I could gauge the knocks from the previous evening. If there had been several loud knocks that night as well, it could have been possible that these sounds just happen there for some other reason.

It had been a great weekend. Hearing the unsolicited howl on Thursday night was a real treat. Getting six knocks the following night was even cooler, but mostly because the sasquatches were much closer. I can't wait to get out in the woods again. I won't have to wait very long, either. More on that soon.

Comment from William Mayes

Every time I open a comment I get nervous inside. Believe it or not, I do get some nasty email!

William Mayes sent me a comment on the Mr. Mike situation and although I wanted to let this story fade away, I felt that William actually read between the lines of my story and he understood what was not said.

William Mayes said...

'Why would a person with mental problems be in charge of a 90 year old blind person? What were the qualifications of the people who claimed that Mike has dementia. Were they Psychologists?
I listened to the show and Mike seemed not only sincere but very sensible. One wonders that an organization that makes money off the mystery of bigfoot might be worried that if that mystery disappears then their whole reason for existence is gone.' ~W. Mayes

We all heard Mr. Mike. I do not know enough about dementia to diagnose the severity of one's condition. But if I were to practice Psychology 101, I would think that Mr. Mike's story might have been a little more...well...demented!

His story in fact, mirrored the accounts of many eyewitnesses! He said they were big, he didn't claim that they were giants towering over his house. He said they were very loving towards one another and had a lot of contact with each other. He didn't claim that they were violent animals trying to break into his home and eat him and his sister. I would think a person with dementia or hallucinations, or a crazy attention seeker would come up with something more unbelievable.

There is more to this story folks. You might not hear another word about this for 6 months to a year...then one day you will be watching television and see something that makes you say...."oh crap!".

Respect the Squatch!

My good friend Cliff Barackman recently returned from researching in the Cascade Mountains.

Read his blog for a re-cap of his adventures!

Click here...I dare you!

Champ Camp!

This is one event that has me so excited. Who says that adults can't or shouldn't go to summer camp!

Attend Champ Camp! Feel like a kid again! Laugh, swim, camp out in a tent, tell campfire stories, make s'mores, take a cruise on Lake Champlain! So much to do.
Treat yourself!

Believe It Tour Champ Camp July 23-25, 2010

Champ Camp Scenic Lake Cruise

Champ Camp lake Cruise A scenic, narrated cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen offers amazing views of the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks of New York. On the cruise you'll get to hear some fascinating American Indian folklore tales, stories about some important historical figures that visited the area, and even a few interesting legends about the lake and it's inhabitants. You also have a great opportunity to see the distinctive geography of the area and the beauty of the lake from a unique perspective.

Plus don't forget to bring your camera and keep your eyes open for a possible Champ sighting. The lake's largest mass sighting of Champ, the Lake Monster, was aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen in the summer of 1984.

Educational Workshops (Optional)

Campfire Storytelling
There's nothing more exciting than a good folklore tale or spooky ghost story told around a roaring campfire. Pull up a chair and join your host as he shares his good old-fashioned storytelling magic with you.
Lead by: Michael Esordi. As Believe It Tour Founder, Michael brings his interest in the art of storytelling to the camp with some classic tales.

Nature Hike
Explore the amazing beauty of Lake Champlain with a nature hike along one of the nearby trails. Follow your guide as you learn about the area, the unique geography, and the native plants and animals that make the lake their home.
Lead by: Diana Smith. Believe It Tour explorer and avid hiker, Diana has extensive experience backpacking into the most remote areas of the United States.

Lake Creatures Big and Small
This workshop, led by a marine biologist, will explore the fascinating creatures that live in Lake Champlain. Learn about the diverse life in the lake that ranges from the enormous lake sturgeon to the tiny, monster-like opossum shrimp.
Lead by: Katie Archambault. A lover of all things aquatic, Katie's degree in Marine Biology has allowed her to be in the field exploring marine science throughout Maine.

Water Ecology
Get an in-depth look at the lake as you learn about the role of water in the lake ecology and the importance of water quality on the lake life cycle. Learn what water quality is, the chemistry behind it, and how to test it.
Lead by: Craig Woolheater, President of Innerline Technologies, the only licensed green plumber is Northern Texas. He's also the founder of Cryptomundo, co-founder of the Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy, and an avid Bigfoot researcher.

Track Casting and Evidence Gathering
This unique class will cover the basics of track casting and how to gather evidence using standard scientific methods. This exciting workshop will show you where and how to look for tracks, how to make a cast once you find some tracks, and how to preserve and collect any field evidence or samples you might find when you're out exploring.
Lead by: Michael Esordi and Diana Smith. Michael has traveled throughout the United States where he has utilized his tracking skills in the field for the last 15 years. Diana is a Microbiologist that was trained in environmental and scientific collection techniques.

Create Your Own Champ
This fun and creative workshop is for all ages. Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart this class will help you design your very own mixed media cryptid creation as you let your imagination run wild.
Lead by: Michael Esordi. A graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design Michael is a life-long artist and creator of the Believe It Tour characters.

Morning Yoga at the Lake
Nothing could be more relaxing or centering than being outdoors and doing yoga by the lake. Connect with nature in a new way as you start your day with a gentle, but exhilarating hatha yoga class for all levels.
Lead by: Diana Smith. Believe It Tour's very own Yoga Alliance registered Yoga instructor.

Champ Camp Cookout
Join us for a delicious welcome barbecue cookout. What a great way to start the weekend as you enjoy good food, great conversation, and meet the other folks on the adventure.
Lead by: Michael Esordi, Diana Smith, and Craig Woolheater.

More Talks and Workshops... (TBA)



© 2010 Believe It Tour™

Overnight AM, Mr. Mike, Dementia, and Bigfootery Antics

I just got off the phone after a quite lengthy conversation with the now well known to you, Lan Lamphere of Overnight AM radio.

Overnight AM is an internet talk show that touches on many subjects. A successful radio show is designed to entertain, enlighten, instigate discussions and encourage people to open their minds and consider other points of view.

Lan’s interests have never been Bigfoot oriented as it is well known that he is a UFO enthusiast.

When William Birnes came to his good friend Lan about Mr. Mike, (and yes his name is Mike) they had no idea how cruel and devastating the shark filled waters of Bigfoot Research could be. As I stated in my previous blog post, the people in this field can be quite nasty to one another, even their so-called friends.

Lan wants you all to go away. He doesn’t care if you listen to his show ever again.

The story of Mr. Mike will most likely end tonight as far as Overnight AM is concerned but not without a bang. Overnight AM is not a dedicated Bigfoot show and Lan would like to get on to producing his show as he has done for the past 9 years.

I have a statement from Lan that I would like to pass on to you, the Bigfoot community.

“The reports of Mr. Mike’s encounters with Bigfoot have been highly exaggerated and over exaggerated not on the part of Overnight AM but on the part of Mr. Mike. He is suffering from a form of dementia. Now this is according to the researchers that were there. Whether that is true or not I do not know because I was not there. I only have the Bigfoot community and these researchers inside of it and their integrity and moral compass to go on. That’s all I have. That’s all that anyone who listens to this program has. But there’s more to this story than just hallucinations or chain of events that have led to him reaching out to this radio show and to UFO magazine. There’s more to it than meets the eye. And I think that the story falls within the realm of the pretentious and mean nature of the Bigfoot community as a whole rather than falling back to Mr. Mike’s “alleged” mental illness, hallucinations or instability.”

Overnight AM did not make any claims that this event was real. Mr. Mike’s opinion and testimony was confessed on Overnight AM in his own words.

Did Lan hire a private investigator? Yes. Did the private investigator discover any negative information about Mr. Mike? No. Did the Bigfoot community attack and shred the story as the witness told it? Yes. Do you trust that any Bigfoot Research group is going to tell you the truth about what they found on the property? Even when people in this field turn on each other every day?

Tonight Overnight AM will put the Mr. Mike saga to rest. But rest assured my “friends” the story is not over.

In the words of the infamous Bill Green, “To be continued indeedy!”

And I can guarantee that The Bigfoot Field Reporter will be the only place to get the real story.

More will unfold in the weeks to come, but ask yourself who do you trust? Who can you believe?

The Fun Never Ends

While I was resting from our mountain hike yesterday, I finally was able to get a signal on my cell phone.

Message after message began pouring in.

Craig and Monica both resigned from the board of directors and the entire TBRC organization altogether.

I am aware of the details of the resignations, but it is not my place to reveal that information.

Another message came from Lan Lamphere, the Overnight A.M. internet radio host who has caused us so much excitement this week.

Lan asked me to call him because he wanted to share with me exclusively the details of the Mr. Mike story that he will be revealing on his show Monday evening.

So after my long day and night of squatching, I returned home at 5 a.m. and went to bed immediately. Within 3 hours I was wakened by that darn cell phone going off and people telling me that Chris Noel of Impossible Visits, and Loren Coleman of Cryptomundo had blown the Mr. Mike story out of the water.

Still needing much sleep and now a very crabby reporter, I sent Lan a message and asked him if I should even bother telling his story since everyone else seems to have the answers they need. I told him I wasn't looking to waste any more of my time.

Lan calmly told me, "Just call me Monday".

So while I am not sure what Lan will be telling me tomorrow night, I can conclude one thing from this weekend.

People will do many things for attention. Little old ladies who want company. Old men wanting to feel important. Friends turning on friends in the name of Bigfoot.

There are so many personalities involved in the Bigfoot arena.

Internet radio show hosts hunger to see more than 35 people in their chat rooms.

Bigfoot Organizations trip over themselves to be the first on the scene to investigate a sighting.

Blogging fingers fly to tell you their interpretation of stories, events and witnesses.

And what I have seen this weekend has really got me thinking about how disgusting and dirty the whole Bigfoot business really is.

Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, whatever you want to call it has been around since before we were born and will still remain a mystery long after we are dead.

For us to turn on each other, to stab our "friends" in the back, to argue Bigfoot politics, to run around trying to profit off of Bigfoot-mania is the sole reason why the creature is more civilized than us and will outlast us all.

Tune in tomorrow for more drama tomorrow night. I can hardly wait.

Saturday, July 10, 2010 Follow-up Report

I headed out with my cameras and audio equipment to check out the property in Dunbar, PA , located in Sasquatch sighting rich, Fayette County.

I was meeting with a fellow researcher who had invited me to come along with him to check on the latest report, one of 4 (alarms going off) by the 66 year old twin sisters who own the property of the multiple sightings.

I arrived at the location to find him, the sisters and approximately 14 feral, mangy cats ranging from 6 weeks to 16 years old.

The sisters were so pleasant and were so happy to show me around the property. There was a large hole in the ground where their beloved homestead had been. The home was built in 1876, but due to years of neglect and abandonment, the sisters had the fire department burn it to the ground.

The sisters are confessed insomniacs and visit the property several times throughout the day to feed the cats and reminisce.

The following report is from the first sighting the sisters experienced in July 2009:

'Witness stated that she and her sister arrived at their family property around 8:30am to feed stray cats and check the property. One sister remained in the car while the other fed the cats. The property is enclosed by high, thick bushes, preventing anyone from seeing into the property from the road, driveway, or other surrounding properties. As the witness walked past the thicket of bushes, she noticed movement along the bushes to her right. She observed a 3 to 4ft tall, gray, fur covered creature picking blackberries from the bushes. Startled and unsure of what it was she was looking at, she stood perfectly still for what seemed like minutes. Shortly the creature must have detected her presence and swiftly escaped through very tall grass. It was at this moment the witness noticed a much larger, taller creature walk out from behind the tall bushes. The taller creature had dark, long hair with a gray beard and built like an extremely large football player or weight lifter. The taller creature stood and stared at the witness for a moment, before turning and attempting to exit through the thick briers/vines. It seemed to be frustrated when it became entangled in the vines, turning and walking further along until it found an opening to pass through. No sound or smell was experienced by witness. Upon further investigation by paranormal researchers, it was determined that the taller creature was over 9ft. tall. Gender was undetermined. Witness stated that the smaller creature appeared to have layers of fur (rabbit like) on its back. The sister remaining in the car did not have any knowledge of this sighting until later.'

The property is abundant with blackberry bushes and abuts acres and acres of Pennsylvania game land.

He and the sisters took me on a tour of the area and eventually took a 5 mile hike through the nearby mountains. We rested for about an hour, it was now early evening.

I then began to ask the sisters question about all of the sightings they have had in the last year. Since their first sighting in July, 2009 the sisters have had 3 more sightings. Here are the reports as they were submitted:

January 5th, 2010-Two sisters driving along ***** Rd. witnessed a large hair covered creature walking up an embankment from a creek, crossing ***** Rd. (dirt road), climbing up the hillside into the woods on the other side of the road. Later investigation revealed two shelter-like structures, a footprint, and a deer carcass.

May, 2010-Witnesses observed a dark hair covered figure walking quietly through the trees on their property at around 2 am in the morning. No dogs were barking and no other people were around. Witnesses could hear the figure stepping on branches as it slowly moved through the trees, and could see its silhouette from the street lights on the road below the tree line. The figure was approximately 25 to 30yds away. The witnesses lost sight of the figure suddenly (suspecting it may have crouched down out of sight).

July 3, 2010-While working with her sister cleaning up brush and mowing grass on her property, the witness heard something walking around in the brush. When she walked over to the driveway to see if she could see what it was that was making the noise, she encountered a 3ft. tall hair covered creature standing on the footpath, within 10 feet from where she was standing. She did not get a good look at its face, due to it turning quickly and running extremely fast back through the brush. No noise or smell was noticed. Follow-up investigation did not reveal any tracks or hair samples. Further investigation is required.

It was a very enjoyable day yesterday.. The weather was gorgeous, the night was clear. Any day Squatching in the woods is a good day...whether you have activity or not.

The sisters loved having company. They talked non-stop from the moment I arrived at 12:30 p.m. until I left at 12:30 a.m. They even invited me to their Family Reunion next weekend.

I feel that there is abundant Sasquatchtivity in the area due to the numerous sightings by other witness as well as the sisters, however, I am not sure that all of the sightings submitted by these sisters are legitimate.

It is my observation that they are not seeking any publicity, however, they crave the attention that comes with eager researchers who will sit and listen to their stories. They are well versed in the history of Dunbar and can tell you stories about George Washington, Christopher Gist and the beginning of the French and Indian War.

My time with the sisters was very enjoyable and I hope there will be conclusive evidence collected in that area in the very near future.

APOLOGY!
In my haste to report I failed to respect that this was also an on-going investigation site for the PBS. There are many sightings reported in this county and general area that it did not occur to me that I might have given away a location in my report. My apologies to Eric Altman and the PBS.

Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Squatching

Well Mr. Lamphere sure has gotten us all worked up into a frenzy! Good job Lan!
However, we can't afford to get sucked in just yet, so let's get back to what we do...

This weekend I will be out in the field following up on an incident that occurred last weekend...I will not disclose who gave me the information or where the incident took place.

I will return with pictures and hopefully a good story.

Here is a taste of what the witness has reported:

'While working with her sister cleaning up brush and mowing grass on her property, the witness heard something walking around in the brush. When she walked over to the driveway to see if she could see what it was that was making the noise, she encountered a 3ft. tall hair covered creature standing on the footpath, within 10 feet from where she was standing. She did not get a good look at its face, due to it turning quickly and running extremely fast back through the brush. No noise or smell was noticed. Follow-up investigation did not reveal any tracks or hair samples. Further investigation is required.'

The alleged incident took place on July 3rd at 2 pm.

In the words of Bill Green, "To be continued indeedy!"

Lan Lamphere Responds

Lan Lamphere, host of Overnight AM has posted the following statement:

We introduced the story of “Mr. Mike”, who claims that he is experiencing repeated Bigfoot sightings in the backyard of his home, on July 3, 2010 when “Mr. Mike” joined the program and we found ourselves inadvertently making history.

I’ve met with some criticism due to a badly placed headline on my website that the skeptics have already begun using as a means of detracting from my efforts to validate, and verify, the story of ‘Mr. Mike’s’ Bigfoot encounter. I take personal responsibility for that mistake.

The headline on my web site was placed very quickly due to being up against a deadline for the beginning of the show on July 3, 2010. Of course I wanted to grab peoples attention, but not mislead the world. I should have stopped to rethink my words of choice, but I didn’t. I was in a hurry to get on the air as I was running behind and had hardly been able to prep for the show after spending 11 hours on the phone with virtually every person in the field of Bigfoot research, or trying to reach them.

It’s not often that I make apologies on my radio show, or on my web site. Most of the time it is not needed. But this event has quickly become larger than the show. I’ll be the first to admit that when we decided to cover this story on the show that the topic was viewed as a venue to bolster our listening audience because of world wide interest in the subject of Bigfoot. It’s not like we don’t choose to cover the strange and unusual on Overnight AM. The whole radio show was built around, and for, strange and sometimes unprovable subjects and speculation. But then the story became ‘real’ based on our own research, conversations and other historical evidence. It was then that I choose to stop, back up and re-evaluate my position, and my responsibilities to this audience, which frequently happens when hind-site becomes 20/20.

Because ‘Mr. Mike’s Bigfoot encounter began to show signs of being a very real, and scary event, I uncharacteristically re-positioned myself, and the show, in my commitment to discover, and report, the facts rather than focusing on the entertainment. However, It’s not my responsibility to take the position of trying to single handedly save a sacred cow from slaughter if a story doesn’t pan out just the way the audience expects. In fact, I’ll be the first to slam a knife into it and carve myself out a fat steak to chew on.

BFRO

On July 3, 2010 I stated on air inside an interview with “Mr. Mike” that we had plans to send a camera crew to his location and document the events around his home regarding what he calls Bigfoot. I also said that we would not leave the Bigfoot Research Field Organization out of the loop, and welcomed their participation. Since then, some members of the BFRO have become critical of this story, without knowing all of the facts.

It’s for that reason that I have elected to forgo the inclusion of the BFRO in any field research and have turned over the responsibility of hand picking a team of qualified experts to investigate these events to Mr. Bill Birnes (UFO Hunters – History Chanel / Publisher of UFO Magazine/Author).

The Camera Crew

The Camera Crew will consist of one, or more, trained professionals inside of the field of wildlife photography. This is the arena that I’ve had the most inquiry about, and have received the most advice on, over the past seven days via email and phone conversations.

The World Responds

At this time the story of Mr. Mike’s experiences have met with open ridicule and support from opposing factions inside the arena of interested Bigfoot enthusiast. That was expected. I appreciate healthy skepticism just as much as I appreciate healthy interest and enthusiasm. My position has been to establish the credibility of Mr. Mike, and his story, before money, time, effort and energy was spent on what could easily be, or become, a farce or scam not only on me, but on this audience.

I do not enjoy being removed from my postion as a talk show host and forced into the arena of investigator. I said that we would move quickly on this story on July 3, 2010 in Mr. Mike’s first interview on Overnight AM, and I was serious. I just didn’t tell the audience what I had in mind to validate Mr. Mike’s story. I had a story on my hands that couldn’t be confirmed, but had body and form. Sure the story was a great avenue for a Overnight AM show. It was right up my alley. A great entertainment avenue for any listener who was interested in the subject of Bigfoot. But after listening to the show again, and again, and again- I came to the conclusion that Mr. Mike was telling the truth and I decided to act on it. I even went as far to write Bill Birnes a email after seeing that this story was beginning to build more momentum, and that the character assassination of Mr. Mike, myself and anyone else involved, was a real threat. If we were going to do this we had better commit to it 100%. Otherwise we would be placing ourselves in a precarious situation if this story wasn’t investigated and acted upon correctly.

What’s happening now?

Time schedules were rearranged. I’ve slowed the progression of the investigation. Specific people are being sought out with plans to contractually bind them to Security-Nondisclosure Agreements for the protection of Mr. Mike, the creatures (if any) and anyone else involved in this story. A feature length article is being prepared for Overnight AM’s Intrepid Magazine. Right, wrong or indifferent.. the story continues.

E-Mails and Messages received

I am going to post some of the emails and messages that have been sent to me to share thoughts and provoke discussion regarding Lan Lamphere and Mr. Mike.

"I listened to the Lan Lamphere's 'Overnight AM' show last night as he continued his interview with "Mr. Mike". Pretty wild stuff going on for sure! To believe that mulitple bigfoot creatures have decided to homestead in this man's front/back yard to avoid the biting mosquitos, is wild by anybody's standards! Not saying I don't believe it, but come on! The fact that this guy lives by a busy highway in a populated neighborhood and the only thing separating these creatures from the neighbors is a thicket of tall bushes is rather bizarre. I truly hope that this isn't another "Art Bell interviews Bugs from the Texas Panhandle" parody! If proof (pictures/video) isn't presented to the outside world very soon, then I guess we can say we've all been sucked in again, just like the "Georgia bigfoot in the freezer hoax"! I keep wondering why we are so gulible to believe these stories, and then I remember it's because we so badly want to prove to all the naysayers that these creatures truly do live among us! Argh! The things we go through for research....LOL! Hopefully this won't end up being another hoax that makes our research look like a bigger joke among the non-believers!

I wish they would at least reveal the name of the state or which timezone this is taking place in. Since Lan indicated that it was late where this "Mr. Mike" was calling from, I have to believe that it must be somewhere in the eastern standard timezone. Wouldn't it be wild if it's in PA or OH? Wonder if this "Mr. Mike" has attempted to leave food out and if so, have they taken it? Lamphere's should allow listener's to give suggestions for testing the creatures reaction to certain objects, food items, noises/sounds, etc. This may be the closest anyone ever comes to being able to research the creatures level of intelligence.

I guess we'll continue to listen and hope that we aren't being sucked in to another Internet radio hoohaha! Funny how this reminds me of when people would gather around their radios back in the 40's and 50's to listen to shows like the Green Hornet, Fugitive, Phantom, and of course the infamous Orsen Wells "War of the World". People got caught up in the show hype and actually believed the characters were real! hmmm?"

and another...
"Before I go to bed and this is all fresh in my mind I thought I would mention something that really jumped out at me tonight. Did you notice how the person from findbigfoot or whatever it is, on Facebook, kept spamming the chat room with links to their Facebook page and then Lan or lance or whatever his name is started saying over and over about the findbigfoot Facebook page and its 5000 members? did you notice that?
Well, today whoever is the owner of the Facebook page posted this over and over Quote:"We have spoken with Lam Lamphere today, "Mike" will be on the show tonight."
hmmm so they had spoken with Lam or Lan today and then this big promotion goes on tonight? and of course they are stringing everyone out all they can but that is just marketing.
This is all very strange indeed and as you and I discussed earlier, what is this about a water supply being there now? and 6 more? a PI hiding in the bushes and 5 small shadows approach him? midget vampires? the ninja PI is grunted at by something small? maybe it was Mr Mike as he sounds like he is about 7 years old?
This is a really weird one and I would not be surprised if we do not hear more on it or it slowly vanishes into the mist known as the internet fueled by the googles"