Melissa George - Sasquatch Travels

Sasquatch Travels

By Melissa George

Melissa George 2018

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Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Cover Illustration Copyright 2018 by Melissa George

Cover design by Melissa George

Book design and production by Melissa George

Images from Morgue file

Research and Verification by Cari S George, Melissa George, and Marty George

This is not a work of fiction. However, names and places in the book have been changed to keep the identity of the people involved in private.

Before I tell you our story, let me first say that I had never given any thought to Sasquatch. Of course, I had heard the term, but that was about as far as it went. I knew there was a show on TV called Finding Bigfoot, but I had never seen it. I just didnt give any thought to UFOs or monsters. I was aware that some people did. But I was also aware that some people used drugs. I was as interested in one as I was the other. Neither had been a part of my life, and I was just fine with that.

My husband John and I owned a nice house in a well-established gated community. We had raised our daughter and put her through college. We both took early retirement from our community jobs and were comfortable. We had accomplished all of this without Sasquatch being a part of our lives. Now I wonder how we ever managed that one.

Looking back now, I wonder if we had just ignored it or if it was never brought up around us. I had never heard of Boggy Creek. And I was oblivious to Roger Patterson, Bob Gimlin, and Patty. Little did we know, that our retirement was about to throw us head over hills into a world that we never knew existed.

I have to say that Im thankful for all that I have learned. And for being able to help as many people as we have. It would have been awful to have lived my life never knowing that these creatures were real. Or, that I could make a difference.

I know that we are certainly talked about behind our backs by close friends and family. I guess thats a given. But when you find out that they are really out there; there is an overwhelming need to tell others. Even though, that may not be the best or smartest thing to do.

Chapter 1

I was making a pot of coffee one afternoon when my neighbor Jan came over. As we sat and chatted, she mentioned her feet hurting. She explained that she and her husband had gone up to the state park the day before and hiked up to some waterfalls. She talked about how relaxing it was to get out into the woods and walk. She said some of the scenery was just breathtaking. While listening to her talk, I thought that this might be something John and I could do. The walking would be healthy for both of us, and it may be something we could start doing on a regular basis. Jan was happy to answer all of my questions. I had never considered us to be a hiking kind of couple, but it actually sounded kind of fun. I couldnt wait to talk to John about it.

That evening over dinner I mentioned what Jan and I had discussed. I could tell right away that John was considering the idea. I told him what Jan had said about the scenery is breathtaking. I knew that was something he would be interested in. We often went on long drives just to enjoy the view. And we could always get in a little fishing; I knew John wouldnt pass up the chance to go fishing. It was pretty simple to convince him that this was something we should try.

The next day was Saturday, so we drove to town to buy a few items for what I hoped would be our new hobby.

I thought our local sporting goods store would be the best place to start, but we somehow ended up at the Bass Pro Shop. This happens quite a lot actually, so I wasnt too surprised. John was always searching for a reason to be in there. And this was the golden ticket for him; he got to shop and spend some money. I happily tagged along behind. We bought hiking boots, backpacks a small tent and a double sleeping bag. I didnt think the tent and sleeping bag were necessary, but the salesman told us it was better to be safe than sorry. I just thought his sales were on commission.

To wind up our shopping trip, we ran by the grocery store for bottled water and snacks to take with us on our first hiking adventure. I was beginning to get excited.

We had planned our trip for the following Monday. We thought if we went during the week, there would be fewer people and we could take our time and enjoy all the park had to offer.

I had gotten our lunch ready Sunday afternoon, and I walked out to the garage to call John. I couldnt help but see what he was doing. I almost laughed right there on the kitchen steps but quickly thought better of it. There was no need in making him angry with me before our trip.

He struggled to try to attach his fishing pole to the backpack shelf as I quietly approached him.

Lunch is on the table, I said. Not letting him know I had paid any attention to what he was doing.

Ill be right there; he mumbled laying down the fishing rod and moving toward his workbench.

I knew this hike was going to turn into a fishing trip for him, and I was fine with that, knowing that he was trying to be discreet about it was really funny. By now, I knew him well enough to expect it. As I headed back to the kitchen, I called out over my shoulder, when youre done, would you fix my fishing rod to please? I could hear him mumble under his breath. I laughed out loud this time. I knew that had been a few not so nice words directed toward me.

After seeing John with the fishing rod, I wondered if maybe we should take our little tent and sleeping bag. If the fish were biting good John wouldnt want to leave. I didnt mind fishing, but I wasnt as enthusiastic about it as John was. I would take a paperback book with me and be just fine while he fished the afternoon away. I would mention it to him during lunch.

The next morning, I was up before the sun and making coffee. I was really looking forward to spending a day in the woods, enjoying nature. Now that our daughter Tami had moved out and it was just the two of us, John and I didnt spend as much time getting out and doing things like we used to.

I had just finished scrambling some eggs and making toast when John came into the kitchen. I handed him a cup of coffee and said good morning.

He looked at me with one raised eyebrow. Youre in a good mood, he said after taking a sip of his coffee.

Im excited about our hike today, I told him. And Im sure youre ready to do some fishing, I added.

I cant argue with that, he responded. Its been a while.

After breakfast, I cleaned the kitchen while John loaded the car. As I laced up my new hiking boots, I thought about taking my camera. I loved taking nature pictures and then sending them off to have them enlarged. I had framed landscapes all over the house. I had wanted something new to hang over the couch, and this might be the perfect opportunity. I grabbed my camera and some extra batteries as I headed out the door.

The state park was roughly an hour and a half from our house. The drive had been excellent, and the weather was perfect. It was a warm Autumn day. The warmth of summer was still trying to hang on, but the air was getting that familiar nip to it that let you know winter was just around the corner. I was glad that I had brought us each a light jacket.