Bigfoot
This lovely Image was drawn for me by my good friend Wyatt Ballenger- For more of his work click here.
Our first stop is Bluff Creek, California. Home of the famous Bigfoot Sighting video taken in 1967 by Rodger Patterson.
Before we go into the woods I want to make sure you have a good understanding of who Bigfoot is!
Here is a nice document that I have written up about the history of Bigfoot sightings in North America. This should cover most of the information you will need to know before we make the trek up to the Pacific Northwest.
Bigfoot, otherwise known as Sasquatch, is located in either the Pacific Northwest or in Western Canada. The word Sasquatch is actually connected to a native language of the Pacific Northwest! The name comes from a Salishan word, "sæsq'ec" which is one of a race of hairy man-monsters rumored to inhabit the woods in Native American lore.
Bigfoot is from 6 to 15 feet tall, and could be a remnant of Neanderthals. His quiet movements have kept him hidden all this time, but some records state that they heard a high pitched cry which may indicate his existence in the area. He has been part of North American lore for over 400 years, but records of him are more recent. Some believe Bigfoot is part of a species of ape-like creatures, but others believe he is alone.
The first known sighting of Bigfoot's footprints are credited to David Thompson in 1811. Of course there have been many more since then.
This photo is located in Rogue park, Ontario, Canada by William Brooks. There are also video records from 1967 that are pretty evidently showing a Bigfoot meandering through the woods. This video is prompting our visit today of course!
Photo by Andy Murdock
Alright, now that we are here let's do a supply check. Do you have your camera? Check. Water? Check. Big furry coat so that Bigfoot will feel comfortable in your presence? No?! Well why not? Ugh never mind. Tent? Okay, so you have a tent, but not a Bigfoot disguise. No... I get it, it's fine. I'm going to make sure to fill my pack with all the necessities and you can carry our food supplies.
I've got a flashlight, bug spray, cute fluffy hat, car keys, Starbucks cold-brew.... don't judge me, and my journal. Perfect. Alright, get your hiking boots on and let's start trekking.
Alright, I think we have walked pretty far out past the campsites and tourist attractions. We can start to settle down for the night. I hope you know how to pitch a tent because I do not. What people have said is to talk like normal, start a campfire and pretend like we are not paying attention to our surroundings. The environment might make him want to wander over here. I have some s'more materials and I will record from the tree. Just make sure to not fall asleep.
Photo from The Bigfoot Scenic Byway
Did you know that there are actually reports of Bigfoot in every state except Hawaii? I wonder if he travels much? The modern story of Bigfoot actually originated in 1958 when a journalist, Andrew Genzoli of the Humboldt Times, wrote about a relative of the abominable snowman living in the area. The Abominable Snowman, or Yeti as he is more popularly called, is another example of this species that Bigfoot is part of.
Genzoli thought the footprints would make a fun story for a Sunday morning, but this sparked something within people. People published follow-up articles of the footprints, prompting his name. There is even a cast of a footprint found here in Bluff Creek. He is an important relic of our time, symbolizing the importance of environmentalism and saving our planet. He seems like he might be a good guy. I hope he knows how much he is doing for us... ya know? Anyway I'm going to go get some shut eye. Do you mind keeping an eye out for the big fella?
*The Next Morning*
Good morning! Did you see anything while I was asleep? I need to make a cuppa.... oh..... you konked out didn't you? I told you to keep watch! We could've missed him!
WAIT! What is that? Look right there! Its a patch of fur caught on the tent. I have to grab one of my plastic baggies. We could test this and see if there are any DNA matches. I left my video camera rolling up in the tree, so I will check that. Next time... don't fall asleep. That's super inconvenient of you.
The tapes are wiped... whatever left this fur is definitely used to hiding itself well. Good thing I had a backup idea.
Photo from Wikipedia
Right there, I hid a camera in my tent! Bigfoot would never intrude on people's personal items. What is that... could it be? I am not quite sure, the camera is not clear enough, but it is so convincing. We will take the sample of DNA back to my place. I have lab equipment in my study. This is the closest I've gotten to proof of one of these lovely creature's existence. Let's pack up. We've given him enough of a scare as it is. It's time to visit the chupacabra next.