Discussion

This weekend I was asked my thoughts about the Patterson/Gimlin film.  One thing I realize is that there is no way we will EVER know the God's honest truth because we were not there.  All we have to go on is hearsay and speculation and other people's theories.

Many have analyzed the film up, down and sideways and still cannot conclude with 100% authority that the film is real or fake.

I do not know all of the circumstances that lead up to the filming, and I was hoping that many of you will be able to give me your thoughts and opinions and theories, maybe shed some light on areas of which I am not aware.

What bearing is there to the fact that Rene Dahinden and John Greene were at Bluff Creek  prior to the filiming?

Was there really a terrible rain storm the night of October 20, 1967 that washed out the go road?

In 1967, how was it possible that a private plane was accessed so quickly after the filming?

So many questions.  Can someone answer these questions?  Share your thoughts.

I do have one observation to make.  I was at the Bluff Creek location last August and the terrain was rough.  As you can tell from the 1967 film footage, Roger was stumbling as he was chasing after the creature.  He finally had to stop and rest the camera upon a fallen tree so that he could film steadily.  In my opinion, a large man, wearing a heavy costume, would NOT have been able to traverse across that terrain with such ease and swiftness.  As you can tell in the Patterson film, Patty strides easily and purposefully across the creek and up into the treeline.

I would really like more input on this matter because I have not read every book or blog or article and I would like to know what other details I may be missing, or opinions that you might have to shed light on the subject.

Things That make You Go Hmmmmmm

By all accounts, I am a newbie to this field.  I'll admit it!  I have been reading up on for about 7 years and researching for 3 years, reporting for 2.

I have heard all kinds of theories and beliefs and assumptions and "scientific" explanations.  Kathy Strain has written a book about the ancient ones, the Native American Indians who tell their tales and pass their history down from generation to generation.  Their history includes lore of the "spirits of the forest".  Kathy is a scientist.  An Anthropologist and an Archaeologist.  I love hearing the stories she retells that have been told to her, and who am I to argue or dis-believe what the Native Americans have believed for thousands of years???  I am only in my 40's, they've got baskets older than me.

There are Bigfoot enthusiasts out there who also dabble in Ufology and the paranormal.  Are they so gullible that they will believe anything?  Do they try to imagine that all 3 mysteries can be combined in some way?  There are drawings and cave etchings also depicting the evidence of aliens, UFOs etc. in the Native American Indian's culture.  Who are we to argue with them?

You are probably wondering why I am babbling on here...well, I just received another email from a reader.  It baffles me, yet it also reminded me of something that happened to me over 2 years ago.  I only told Bob about it, and I attributed it to my eyes playing tricks on me, but now I am wondering if there was something to it!

Here is the email with the person's name omitted:

Hi Sharon, great to hear from you. I've had at least three experiences where I've encountered Bigfoot in a non-physical sense. In truth, there really is no other way to explain it, and I am still mystified & puzzled beyond my comprehension of what, exactly, did occur.


The first experience was at Salt Fork State Park in May, 2008, when I saw, with my own eyes, something cross the trail in front of me, less than 20 yards away. What I saw was very big, and very large, and walked upright. What I did not see, however, was any physical shape, but the merest, transparent glimmer of an outline. For several years I was extremely uneasy about even telling people what I had seen; I had no words to describe it. Then, I heard a radio programme where a former Marine described the exact same thing, and compared it to the film "Predator" where the alien creature is first seen only as a shimmering outline of sorts. That is exactly what I saw. To this day it terrifies me.

Not until this happened did I realise that bigfoot might actually be able to leave this dimension at will, or that bigfoot was, truly, a spiritual being. The indigenous peoples were right all along, as usual; I daresay I was so caught up in the physical evidence that I really downplayed the spiritual.

Sometime later (possibly even that summer), I was out at a bar with friends. I left the bar, and, walking to my truck, noticed what appeared to be a very large, dark figure standing next to my vehicle, on the passenger side. I did not really pay very much attention; the night was foggy, and I was very tired (I had not been drinking, as I had a long drive home). As I approached my truck, I became more & more uneasy, and felt extremely uncomfortable. I quickly unlocked the door, hopped in and drove away.

I was not alone, however.

The bigfoot-spirit was in the car with me, sitting in the passenger seat. He was enormous, filling up the space with his presence. I was terrified out of my wits, and kept asking him what he wanted. His only answer was "You know why I'm here."

He remained with me the entire ride home. Not until I entered the town where I live did he drift away, suddenly & quietly.

It is my firm belief that the bigfoot-spirit escorted me home through a very dark, very foggy night, over very dark roads, to ensure that I reached home safely. It is, actually, because of this that I began to explore shamanic meditation as a means of contacting bigfoot as one of my guardian spirits.

The third incident, and possibly the most terrifying, was at Grand Mere Dunes State Park in southwest Michigan, in November 2008. While hiking with my good friend John W Castle, I became aware of...a presence...in the woods behind us, about 150 yards away. It was moving closer to us. I asked John if he heard/smelled anything, and he did not.

As we climbed to the top of a dune, I looked back down the path behind me. The presence was now at the base of the dune, and clearly following us. To create a diversion, John walked down the other side of the dune with his dogs, and I remained at the crest. Within only a few seconds, I suddenly realised it was standing right behind me.

I turned around.

It was...enormous, towering well over my head (I am 6'2"). It was very big, and very shaggy, and very...curious. I really think it wanted to know more about me than I did about him...! It stood there for some time, just looking at me. I did not know how to address it, or to even explain it to John. How do you tell someone that you see something that no one else can?

I am reminded of my old third-floor walkup in Chicago, when I lived there. Often, I would feel the presence of bigfoot, on my back porch! He would simply be standing at the back door, looking in over the transom. Other times, he would be standing in the alleyway, looking up at my apartment.

Was he trying to communicate with me?

I have always been able to "feel" a presence when I am out in the woods. Always. I know when they are nearby.

Recently, a collection of grasses, leaves & twigs was placed in my deckchair, on the back porch, within a two-hour time span. This is not the first time this has happened.

Sharon, I greatly appreciate your willingness to let me share my experiences. For so long I've wondered if I were the only one who had these encounters. Thank you, again.

As I read this, I could not help but wonder..is this guy pulling my leg?  Is he mocking me or others?  Who am I to judge?  As my readers know, I do not put people down or laugh at their beliefs.

Who am I to say what is out there?  I am no expert!  Are there people in this world who can communicate with another dimension?  50% of you will say no, 50% of you will say yes.  Who is right?  Who has irrefutable proof one way or the other?  Can it be both ways?

Could Bigfoot be flesh and blood AND a spirit?  Perhaps not at the same time, but perhaps when their physical presence ends, their spiritual presence begins?  I have no idea.

I don't want ANYONE quoting me as saying that I believe one way or the other.  I am simply putting this out there so you, the reader, the independent thinker, the one who doesn't KNOW all the answers can hear other sides to this mystery.

Now, I will tell you what happened to me 2 years ago.

It was a summer day and my husband and I had gone running at Hogback Ridge.  This is the area where Bob and I have been doing our backyard research.  We know that our "Bigfoot" activity dies down in the warmer months when the area is swamped with people. 

My husband runs faster than I do, he used to run cross-country in college.  My husband is big.  6'3" and about 300 lbs.  He has an athletic build with a bit of a gut, but, he is not out of shape by any means.

Anyway, we had done one loop on the trail and I had to use the facilities.  We had seperated a ways back because I can't really keep up with him.  The trail continues past the outhouse which is located at the front of the parking lot then back down into the woods.  I was leaving the facilities when I noticed "my husband" going past our car and ducking down.  About 75 feet away.  I laughed and yelled out, "I can see you! "  I figured he was going to jump out and try to scare me...as I ran towards the car, there was no one there.  I walked around the car, looked behind the trees and even looked at the leaf litter on the ground.  I was astounded.  I then assumed that I had been seeing things.  At that point my husband came running out of the woods about 100 yards behind me.  Then I realized I was just seeing things and he joined me for the last part of the run.

I told Bob about it and he just said hmmm.  Now these stories about vanishing Bigfoots are coming to light and I am thinking, "wow, did that happen to me too?"

I am not saying one way or another that I believe in the spirits or other dimensions, but I'll be damned if I close my mind to those possibilities.

If someone told me that their dead grandma was standing in their kitchen, who am I to call them a liar?  Their grandma was once alive with a physical presence...that is documented and proven.  But how do we prove that this person is now experiencing her grandmother's spirit? 

There is just too much that we don't know.  How can we?

Does Anyone Know the Story on This Video?

To me it appears that the "eyes" do not line up and the mouth is in a frozen stable position.  To me it appears fake, but I am no video expert.  A reader has sent this in and would like to know a professional's opinion..a professional on video images, not Bigfoot...we won't go there today

Champ Camp

I left my home with my 18 year old daughter at 3 a.m. to make the 10 hour drive to Button Bay State Park in Vergennes, Vermont.

It was raining the entire time we drove and by the time we arrived at the camp, the rain had dissipated to a drizzle.

The camp was already set up and Craig, Mike and Diana were waiting for the others to arrive.  I decided to entertain my daughter since it was raining and we took a drive towards Burlington to visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Company AND the Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory.

By the time we returned to camp, Bill Dranginis and Dave McCollough had set up camp, and Mike and Diana had the grill going with some good eats!

The camp activities began at 7 a.m. on Saturday with a yoga class on a grassy plateau overlooking the beautiful Lake Champlain.  Diana Smith of the Believe it Tour is a certified yoga instructor and she took the time to guide us through the poses.  It was amazing!  The weather had cleared and the view was breathtaking!

We then changed into our hiking clothes and headed off to the Nature Center.  We were joined by a family of 5 who were very interested in the Champ Camp activities and asked many questions of Diana who was leading the nature hike. 

We headed down to the shore and Diana helped us identify fossils in the rocks.  I loved this part personally.  Lake Champlain used to be a body of salt water that was cut off from the rest of the ocean by glaciers millions of years ago, and just knowing that the rocks contained fossils of creatures and plant life from that time is simply fascinating!

We then returned to the camp and watched a video about the bottled water industry.  It was eye-opening and informative.  Craig Wooheater spoke about water ecology and what we need to do to preserve water as a natural resource on this planet.

The next presentation was on casting techniques presented by Mike Esordi and Bill Dranginis.  My daughter was a participant, sticking her tiny hand into the dirt, to be cast in plaster of Paris. 

While the plaster was drying, Diana Smith, who is also a micro-biologist as well as a certified yoga instructor, gave an enlightening presentation on evidence gathering.  She showed us the proper way to retrieve hair and blood samples.  She stressed the importance of documenting every step of your research. 

It is important for Cryptozoologists to utilize scientific approaches to research in order for scientists to begin to consider our research as credible.  At the onset of every outing, start making notes in your journal.  What time you begin your hike, at what point you find evidence.  Photograph the evidence.  Write down the condition of the evidence and the circumstance in which you made the discovery.  Indicate time of day, weather conditions, if there are other people in the area.

One startling revelation was that when you collect a hair or blood sample, not only do you mark and seal your evidence, but you should be storing it in the proper container.

For all of these years, we have been taking hair or blood samples and placing them in a plastic baggie.  It was revealed that the hair or blood sample will be come charged by the static electricity created by the plastic and the static will eventually pull apart and destroy your sample!

The best envelope used for evidence collecting, from a forensic standpoint, is the glassine envelope.  "Not only can you see through them, they are made of paper so they will also breathe. Ideal for trace evidence."

We then had a little bit of a break and Rachel and I went to a local restaurant and grabbed some lunch, when we returned it was time for arts and crafts!  Bruce had returned and had set up his Taj Mahal of tents, much to the chagrin of our neighbor across the lot.  'Nuff said.

We painted our Champ Camp plaques, then donned our sailing gear to head off to Burlington to board the Spirit of Ethan Allen to embark on our voyage of Lake Champlain and to hopefully catch our glimpse of the elusive one! (No, not Abe Del Rio)

We raced through the city, tires squealing, pedestrians flying, just in time to board the SOEA.  A large wedding party was boarding so we had to wait.  Did I mention it was 4000 degrees outside?  We finally made our way to the Lido deck, and prepared for our journey.  The captain let loose of his horn without warning and we were off.  The cool lake breeze whisked away the heat of the sun and we toasted each other, the Believe it Tour pirates.

Mike was fortunate enough to get an on camera interview of one of the ship's crew members, and he told tales of his sighting of the creature.  Mike plans on including him in the activities next year for Champ Camp II, to be continued indeedy.

Unfortunately, we did not see the creature, but we did have about a dozen teenagers "moon" us as we passed by the Acapulco-like diving cliffs off the port side.  The ship then headed back to dock and we then headed downtown for some dinner.

As luck would have it, the rain returned and put a halt to the radio show and the night canoe trip we had planned to plant Bill's underwater "eye-gotcha" system in the lake.  We stayed up for a bit, huddled under the canopy tent, then retired one by one, drained from the activity filled day.

I awoke the next morning and cleaned up the camp while others slept; I am antsy like that.  By 8 am the sun was burning off the morning dew and I could just tell it was going to be a scorcher.

Bill had canoed out and set his camera in the water, and I look forward to see what he captured on film!

The others arose and were heading out to the overlook to participate in Diana's yoga class and I said my goodbyes to them all.  I had a long drive ahead of me and had to return to work on Monday morning.

I encourage all of you to attend next year's camp.  There was talk of chartering a boat for Bill's underwater camera system and for our own Champ hunt.

Congratulations to Mike and Diana for the production of the event.  It was well thought out and highly informative and entertaining.  I can only imagine that Champ Camp II will be even more fun and I expect there will be more participants!

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.