Swamp Days

The Centre for Fortean Zoology

2007-04-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

It is not often that I hear enlightened thought in the world of "bigfoot." However, I was pleased to hear the comments of Jonathan Downes, the director of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, on the noted radio show, Coast to Coast AM with George Noory.
Let me say that Mr. Downes is an excellent researcher and investigator. I know this simply by his stance to actually "investigate." He does not preclude evidence (because it disagrees with his pet theories). Rather, he reaches conclusions based upon what is found.
So, I happily endorse his organization. I say to you, "pay a visit and learn!"

Check them out: http://www.cfz.org.uk/

Smoke and Mirrors - Be warned!

2006-07-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have stated this before and I will say it again: do not believe the fantastic stories about Bigfoot coming from the "Internet."

Since I ventured onto this medium (years ago) and established the Georgia Swamp Ape Research Center, all the way to today's SESARC incarnation, there have been multiple claims to have conclusive proof of "Bigfoot." Mostly, they are bunk and junk.

Some of the hoaxes have included: capture of a beast, new film, body parts, hair smaples, etc... However, when put to the test, these claims all seem to drift away into the obscurity of "yesterday's news."

Simple truth, if you DO have some type of "conclusive" evidence, let a major university break the news. I am certain that Dr. Meldrum would be willing to work with you on that particular eventuality.

For those that are new to "Bigfootland," my wise old mother (God rest her soul) had some sage advise: "Trust no living thing and walk carefully among the dead."

That being said, I conclude and wish you the best. I hope that one day we WILL have REAL proof of Bigfoot's existence.

Infrared may be an answer...

2006-07-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today, I was pondering the best way to deal with the alternative utilization of remote wildlife cameras. Certainly, these cameras have come a long way and are now primarily digital. However, I am uncertain if this is always the best alternative. I think that one should explore other recording mediums. In particular, I think the use of infrared film is beneficial.

I know that infrared film is a pain. It has to be loaded in absolute darkness. It requires particular filters. It has to be guarded for light seepage in the camera. Yes, it can be a pain.

However, it brings much to the "table" that ordinary film (or digital) mediums can't. It records light over the entire spectrum and can be used to illuminate body heat and capture details the others miss (e.g. it can eliminate the dark "blob" effect of low light photography).

Here is my suggestion: Find a game camera system that uses 35mm film. Next, modify the camera to accept infrared film. Then, find a place that does an excellent job in the development of exotic film stock.

I have some ideas about how to achieve the above:

The camera system can be modified using the following method. Once a game camera is obtained, measure the camera lens opening on the exterior protective box. Next, cut a slice of PVC pipe (e.g. 1-2 inches across - but very shallow - only 1mm above the natural rim of the camera opening) that will fit over the lens opening. Glue or affix the PVC slice over the opening as a mount for the neccesary filter (The filter will insure that you are controlling the particular area of the light spectrum). Next, since filters are cheap, glue it to your homemade mount and the fixed focused camera (containing the infrared film) within will automatically photograph the exact wavelength of light you would like to record.

I would suggest that a Kodak Wratten Gelatin Filter No. 25 (red) works well for most daylight applications. This filter blocks UV radiation and blue light; however, it passes red light that allows visual focusing. If you want to record only infrared radiation, use a filter that blocks all UV and visible radiation, such as Kodak Wratten Gelatin Filter No. 87, 87C, or 89B. Your choice of filter depends on what you are attempting to achieve. Personally, I would use a filter that blocks all UV or visible radiation.

Next, I would use a particular type of infrared film. In my opinion, Konica Infrared 750 or Kodak Hispeed Infrared films are acceptable choices. In my experience, the Konica is a better film. However, the Konica product can be hard to obtain. The Kodak product is more common and is usable with a filter . It should be your "back up" film choice. If you are lucky, you might find some Ilford SP816T. It is used primarily for police radar cameras. It is hard to find (does give a superior peformance).

Place the camera in a good location and cross your fingers. Certainly, you can expect some "different" sorts of photographs. The film will pick up light in a different way and may reveal things that go unoticed in normal photos.

Some final advice:

1. Load the film in the dark - absolute dark. You have to find a place where NO light is present.
If you need coaching - contact me - I have worked with Infrared film and can give you some insight.
2. Place foil over the film window at the back of the camera to insure no light can leak in and "fog" the film. Do this BEFORE you attempt to load the film in your "dark" room.
3. Find a GOOD lab that develops this type of film. These are rare in today's digital world. I do suggest the Rocky Mountain Film Laboratory ( http://www.rockymountainfilm.com/ ). They process many exotic film types and are reliable (if a bit slow).

I hope that this information is useful to you.

Anno Satanis - 1966

2006-07-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

On Walpurgisnacht (April 30) in the year 1966, Anton Sanzdor Lavey ritualistically shaved his head and declared the founding of the Church of Satan. He proclaimed 1966 as "the year One" of the "Anno Satanis." He said 1966 was the "first year of the Age of Satan."

Now, I am certain you wonder what this has to do with Bigfoot. I'll explain...

In researching Bigfoot sightings during the last few years, I have discovered some really active "window" "time-areas" for intense, strange sightings. The year 1966 is a standout year. It stands out above every other year (with few exceptions) for the sheer number of Type 2 sightings (and related strange events). It seems that during this one year, more strange sightings took place than in the majority of the 1950s, the 1960s, and the 1970s combined.

For instance, on November 30, 1966, near Brooksville, Florida; a Miss M.B. stated that while changing her flast tire on a lonely road, she was startled by a large, Bigfoot creature with "glowing green eyes." It was watching her change the tire. Further, another Brooksville, Florida woman; Mrs. Eula Lewis, was chased into her home by a "Bigfoot" with "roundish head and shoulders." (sound familiar?) It was described as swinging its arms at her dogs before retreating.

Similarly in Winona, Mississippi; William and James Cagle witnessed a 7-ft Bigfoot with 8-in diameter red eyes, that "waved" its arm at witnesses' passing truck. While up in West Virginia, a Bigfoot-like creature was reported to have stalled a man's car. The report stated that the creature was observed on the side of the road. The gentleman's car stalled when he observed the creature's hair (which was long and shaggy) suddenly "pointed staright up." Later, his friends returned for him in their bus and the creature departed (However, it did return shortly and stall his car again. The witness stated that the car's points were burned out).

Also, during this same year (around November/December) in West Virginia, the Mothman was making apperances around Point Pleasant. It appeared after a large number of UFO sightings.

The Mothman was described as being from 5 to 7 feet tall, gray in color, winged and headless, with glowing red eyes. During 1966 the creature was observed flying across the West Virginia sky at speeds estimated to be near 100 mph. It reportedly had a high pitch shrieking scream.

1966 was a strange year. It was the first year of the "Age of Satan," it was the beginning of Mothman, it had numerous Type-2 Hominid sightings (with glowing eyes), and there were a plethora of UFO sightings (with occupant landings). It was the most active year I have yet to examine.

In addition, I have found many strange events occurred on or around November 30th of that year. These events seemed to reach a climax on that date.

In 1966, did Anton Lavey open some terrifying door into another, infernal world?

I challenge you to look into the "Anno Satanis" for yourself.

Research on the edge...

2006-07-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

If one looks into the abyss long enough, the abyss is apt to look back.

That statement haunts those who pursue the "Forteana" of our age. We look for the unknown with a curiosity and compulsion. We seek that which is not easily described. We look into places that most people want to ignore (and avoid). It is a quest to unravel the mystery behind the mirror.

It seems that our world is rife with unexplained events. We have many strange creatures among us. We have mystery lights, UFOs and spectral occurances. We hear stories of ghosts and "goblins." Fish fall from the sky like rain. Swamp monsters that raise up out of the primordial ooze to frighten us. Giant men, who suddenly materialize, grin at us like a"Cheshire Cat," and dissipate into the unknown. Many more instances could be noted and examined in this BLOG.

Why do these things happen?

I don't know why. I can't answer the question. These things happen and are reported. More often than not, they are reported by sane, conservative, solid citizens. They are recounted by people who are visibly shocked to have experienced them (and have nothing to gain from the report).

It seems that these "cosmic jokers" delight in knocking our worldview askew.

I think the goal of every responsible researcher is to examine all the evidence available. It is easy to assume "facts" about an incident. Yet, we do ourselves and the person experiencing the event a disservice, if we disregard what they tell us. It is arrogant on our part.

I know this: there are strange things afoot in our world. I have reports of many different phenomena that defy logical explanation. Some might be spurious. Some might be the "God's honest truth." It is not for me to judge. It is for me to investigate, relate, and surmise.

The edge is a perilous place. It is easy fall over the "rim" and into the chasm below. We must resist this headlong run into blind acceptance. Yet, we must not discount the relevant evidence which accompanies these events. It is this balance on the "edge" which becomes perilous.

Some reports are easy to believe. Other reports are less so. However, we must look at each incident with fairness. Even the most bizarre report may teach the researcher something.

I can not help but to recount a "Bigfoot" report I recieved years ago. The report originated in a rural, south Georgia town.

The person(s) reporting stated that they witnessed a large, hairy creature cross the road in front of their car one early morning. In every way, the report seemed like a standard "Bigfoot" report. Yet, their report included information that changed the banality of their experience.

They stated that the creature continued toward the distant woodline, crossing a large cow pasture. It easily stepped over a tall fence during its retreat. The unknown "something" reached the middle of the pasture and stopped. Then, its long hair "stood straight up," accompanied by a buzzing sound and it slowly dissapated from view.

I can shed no further light on this report. I take it as it was given. It was an earnest report. I believe that the person(s) who witnessed it were serious. There have been similar reports across the world. Who am I to say it did not happen as described?

I'll file it under strange and unexplained. It is just another example of the "Cosmic Jokester" behind the mirror.

There are strange things afoot in our world. We pretend to understand them. We conjecture over their meaning. We pretend to have theories and reach our own "scientific" conclusions.

In the end, we are looking for doorknobs with the lights off.

The Matrix of Coincidence

2006-07-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I welcome you, fellow voyager, into the world of the strange. It is a world of mystery and enigma. It is a maze which seems to change from moment to moment. It is a maze from which we can never escape.
I plan to share my observations with you. I hope to explore the riddles that confront each of us. I want to enlighten and open your mind to new possibilities.
"Welcome to jungle, we've got fun and games..."
Indeed, life is a jungle. At times, it can be dark and foreboding. It can hide the true nature of our vision and show us things that we never wanted to see. It beakons to us and calls to our curiosity. It reveals secret knowledge and gives us no understanding. That is life.
The Matrix of Coincidence is a prime example. It reveals information to us when it seems to think we need it. It allows us to encounter the strange in our everyday life. Then, it laughs at our shock and inability to comprehend what we were just shown.
I like to say that, "Something is out there." I say that because I believe it. I believe that we are dealing with forces beyond our understanding. It taunts us like some cosmic court jester and moves on to another victim. It skips away from our understanding and leaves us wondering.
Something is out there. Don't you forget that. Don't you ever forget it. It stands and looks at us from the other side of the mirror. It moves in the corners of our vision. It is waiting for you today. The question remains, "What will it reveal to you?"