NEWS FLASH: Willow Creek's BIGFOOT DAYS, 2010. "Bigfoot's Nifty Fifty" Anniversary

This weekend...

Willow Creek's BIGFOOT DAYS will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this Labor Day weekend. The theme this year is 

“Bigfoot's Nifty Fifty: 50 Years of Bigfoot.” 

That makes Bigfoot Days nearly as old as the 1958 Jerry Crew footprint cast newspaper article that made Bluff Creek, Willow Creek, and BIGFOOT world famous. The parade starts in the morning a bit after 10:00, and then the festivities move down to Veterans' Park for the afternoon, with vendor booths, music, food, and sometimes even Al Hodgson.

Read a brief article from the Tri-City Weekly:

Bigfoot Days Festivities Mark 50 Years in Willow Creek

They are adding a bunch of new activities this year, though perhaps not more Bigfoot stuff. Word has it there is going to be a firemen's muster and competition, just like in the old days before insurance liability problems.

We quote: "There will be lawn mower races, water slides, water balloon fights, a horseshoe contest, a logging competition and an obstacle course. A dance at Veteran's hall will end Saturday's festivities. Sunday morning, a disc golf tournament will take place at Creekside Park. For more information about Bigfoot Days, contact Trina Cardoza at (530) 625-4208 ext. 481." 

Visit the WILLOW CREEK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE for more information on visiting Willow Creek. READ MORE HERE.

Your loyal BIGFOOT'S BLOG reporter will be there, camera batteries permitting, documenting the event just for you.

Images: Bigfoot Days 2009, taken by Steven Streufert. Top image is courtesy of the WCK Chamber of Commerce.

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The BIGFOOT'S BLOG NEWS FLASH SERIES will be part of our never-ending struggle to be concise and pertinent to the news of the day, not just long-term philosophical quandaries. Look for these from now on to appear on this blog. One might also become a "fan/friend" our our BIGFOOT'S BLOG FACEBOOK PAGE to get even more urgent and excruciatingly crucial information on a daily, sometimes hourly, sometimes way-too-often basis.

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This blog copyright, save for "fair use" materials, 2003-2010, Bigfoot Books and Steven Streufert. 
Please cite the blog's main page with a link if quoting or borrowing. Thanks!

What Constitutes a BIGFOOT-SASQUATCH ENCOUNTER? Standards for Perception and Assumption (Part One); BF'S BLOG'S BIOGRAPHY, BLACK PANTHER SIGHTING!

WELCOME TO BIGFOOT'S BLOG, FROM BIGFOOT BOOKS, WILLOW CREEK, CA. MID-MAY, 2010 ISSUE.

Herein we hope you find our own possible Bigfoot Encounters interesting, and hope our own self-analysis may help to establish certain criteria for evaluating things we see or experience out in the woods, things that go bump in the night. We also would like to notify all of you that our obsession with overly-long posts of late (we can feel that book project coming on!) has pushed our blog back into a more-or-less thrice-monthly publication schedule. Read on! First, a few kudos, some news and quotes....

"Great job Steve. Keep publishing the truth and you can never go wrong."

--Kathy Moskowitz Strain, California BF Researcher

"Keep up the good work. I love the blog."

--Cliff Barackman, Oregon BF Researcher

"Just saw your blog post ...and wanted to thank you. For getting it."

--Autumn Williams, Oregon BF Researcher

"This was a really interesting interview. Thanks for sharing. ... You do like to live on the edge, eh?"

--Joshua Blu Buhs, BF Author and Independent Scholar, Sociologist, Historian of Science.

"I read your review of The Hoopa Project and wanted to let you know I appreciated it immensely. You have to fact check, and if you don't, I think you demean the field as a whole. I am glad there is someone like you out there keeping people in check with the facts and nothing but the facts. I enjoyed both of his books but none the less enjoyed your review for letting me know the veracity of the information I had consumed might not be 100%."
--Bryan, Humboldt County Bigfooter

Images, Incidental: From the "Legend of Bigfoot" gift center compound, Hwy. 101, South of Garberville and Benbow, CA. Other images from our own backyard, hillside forest, which goes on for thousands of acres and hundreds of miles into Squatch Territory for sure. Taken by Steven Streufert, 2008-2010. Remaining images are event or show/website promotional images from various websites.

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FIRST SOME NEWS...

Just announced by the upcoming OREGON SASQUATCH SYMPOSIUM: a special guest will possibly be none other than BOB GIMLIN! Details have not yet been announced, so check their website (link above) for further details. The picture of Bob below was posted on their web site recently, so it looks like he might really be there! Tickets are still available for general seating at a slightly raised $29.00. We'll be there, and so should you!

Other news regarding the OSS: David Paulides has mysteriously dropped out of his speaking commitment... [EXCISION]... Or perhaps Dave was afraid of seeing US there? Who knows? How odd! (OLD NEWS, SEE BELOW)
UPDATE!!! Folks, we don't normally remove things we've posted here on this blog, but this issue about Paulides seems to have stirred up a few problems. We had heard that there were issues about accommodations and transport for him, and these were contradicted by someone else. We corrected this and removed another epithetic statement someone else had said. We were given permission to post the REAL reason Dave would not be there, and we did. Now we've been asked to replace the updated statement we'd placed here with the following quote instead. We are doing this ONLY out of courtesy to the die-hard and dedicated organizing force behind the OSS. We don't want to step on any toes, unless it is deserved. We appreciate what he is doing, so here it is:

"Please put the following and only the following as the OSS final quote on the matter: The Oregon Sasquatch Symposium and David Paulides could not reach a negotiated agreement as to the structure on how he would attend this years event."

We'll leave it at that, and are moving on. Take it for what you will. It doesn't really matter, anyway. Right?

[END EXCISION/UPDATE]... Ugh.

For what it's worth, ticket sales seem to be doing well now, with or without Paulides, with many planning to attend, especially with Gimlin said to be "expected" to be there.

CLICK THE IMAGE OF THE SCHEDULE TO ENLARGE AND READ IT.

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Also... more shenanigans from Tom Biscardi's SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT, INC.? Did JAVA BOB really retire from the group, or was he trying to spy on STEVE KULLS in a secret undercover operation? Read about the bizarre interactions on the SQUATCHDETECTIVE BLOG.

One may also listen to the BlogTalk Radio show through the link on the Kulls link above... in fact, it should start playing automatically on either page. Will this bizarre stuff ever end? We reserve comment, for now.

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Apparently the OHIO BIGFOOT CONFERENCE AND EXPO 2010 (read the schedule summary via the Bigfoot Field Reporter site), organized by Don Keating at Salt Fork State Park, May 14th-16th, was a big hit this year. It apparently set attendance records at over 600 people, with folks overflowing into the lobby. We have been trying to get good reports as to what happened, but so far nearly all the reports are about the people there and the food they ate, not the information covered by the speakers. It seems it was mostly a social event, as all the the images seem to be of the folks sitting in restaurants or at BBQ picnics eating big plates of chow. Bob Gimlin was there, and wooed the entire crowd with his character, humor and sincerity. Tom Yamarone and his BardSquatching minstrelsy, too, seems to have been even a bigger hit than the grub at the lodge. Talking with Tom the other day we were told that there was nearly NO anger, competition, or dissension at this meet-up. How UNUSUAL! Could this be the future of Bigfooting? We hope so.

We wish we could have gone, but it seems that the Oregon event will be even BETTER with Gimlin now possibly attending, and Paulides out of the picture.

Listen to HENRY MAY's HBM's CRYPTO-CORNER on BlogTalk for the best recap we've found so far on the event. It lasts for an hour of streaming audio with the so-called "Walking Squatchopedia" himself.

Here is an ARTICLE about the Conference from a local paper. Thanks for the tip, Tom Yamarone!

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LOCAL NEWS: BLACK PANTHERS AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

Even stranger than a totally peaceful Bigfoot conference is the creatures that have been haunting the edge of the children's playground area at TRINITY VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, where our own daughter attends. They have seen a BLACK MOUNTAIN LION several times, lurking on the edge of the woods there, watching the kids at play.

Now, these mountain kids have all seen bears before, and would surely know the difference. Many normally-colored mountain lions have been seen there recently, including one mother with two juveniles. Scary! And the Department of Fish and Game say that they cannot shoot one until it attacks first. Is that insane, or what? We do not advocate the harming of wildlife, but hey, couldn't the school put of a ten-foot fence back there? Eh?

Parents are up in arms. We ourselves take it with just a small grain of salt: there have also been demons and aliens sighted on-campus there, by the "Mystery Club," of which our daughter is one of the founding members. It is undeniable, though, that there are a number of these panthers stalking the school campus. Teachers and administration have seen them, too. Scary, indeed!

More details will be coming in our future blog entries, so check back.
Late last night we sent this information to Loren Coleman, of Cryptomundo.com, and the next morning he posted an article about it.  Read it here:
SCHOOL FEARS BLACK PANTHER ATTACKS.
It is amazing how quickly things can become global news.

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FEATURE ARTICLE:

Was That a BIGFOOT-SASQUATCH ENCOUNTER, or What???

Our Own Experiences, under the Microscope....  PART ONE

"Twenty-four hours a day I have doubts--it drives me crazy. But the Sasquatch business is so intriguing that I can't give it up, come hell or high water. I've sunk so much time and effort in it now that I must go on searching. Besides, above all else, I want to know the answer. In the Sasquatch business you have to be crazy or dedicated. On one side you have all the big scientists in the world, the game biologists, the press and all the so-called sane people. An on the other side you have a nut like me. But look at it this way--once upon a time scientists didn't believe the world was round or that man would get to the moon."

--Rene Dahinden, BF Researcher, 1973 (from a newspaper article, recently posted on bigfoottimes.net)

“They’re shaking their heads at me, and I’m shakin’ my head at them. It’s REAL, end of story.”

--James "Bobo" Fay, California BF Researcher, BFRO Member

For those of us who have not had an undeniable, irrefutable, face-to-face sighting of the large, hairy, cryptid hominoid, it is sometimes difficult to be utterly and absolutely sure of ourselves when it comes to Bigfoot. We ourselves, despite all of this time looking into the phenomenon, and hearing endless reports from witnesses, can say no better than that we are approximately 95% a believer. There is always the nagging possibility that we are, perhaps, just crazy after all. Why believe in something that we cannot absolutely prove, something we can't just go out and necessarily find if we want to? Could it be that this whole thing was born from a joke, and perhaps has continued all of these decades simply as a congregate collection of mis-perceptions and hallucinations combining with myth and legend generated by the popular media? Well, we think not; but we strive endlessly to be sure of things as we proceed as we ever do off into the realms of the unknown and the great Mysteries of the world, the mind, of being itself. 

What follows are some preliminary thoughts we hope will lead to a larger paper on Blobsquatching. We'll look at our own possible Bigfoot encounters, from the obviously false fleeting visions to more suggestive and convincing experiences that cannot just be explained away.

Recently someone we know fairly well claimed a face-to-face encounter with a Bigfoot up in the Trinity County mountains. At a distance of about 30 feet he stood before one and even spoke to it. The encounter lasted about two minutes before the creature (described as being much more like a man-like Neanderthal than an ape) turned and retreated back into the woods. Now, we wish we could have such an extended encounter. It would provide so many answers, as it has for this witness who no longer feels the need to prove that the Sasquatch exists. However, how can we, personally, know for sure? Maybe it was a tall tale, a lie, a self-delusion? None of these options seem, to us, very likely. The witness seems very sincere and sane. But, despite it all, the lingering questions of the human mind and perception and individual differences and motivations persist.

Even if we see such a thing ourselves, are there not some doubts that can remain about our own perceptual processes? Many who have seen a Bigfoot report a confusion of their previous reality systems, some even questioning their own minds and sanity. Sometimes there is even a feeling of having been somehow cursed or hexed--so great is the shock to the psychological system--a phenomenon especially notable in the old Native American recountings (see the book, Raincoast Sasquatch for examples). Others become serious true believers and advocates for the cause of Bigfoot, and spend their lives in pursuit of another encounter.

Not to get too close to issues of "multi-dimensionality" and mystical propositions (which are better left alone when one is trying to prove something), we think it can clearly be said that there is something powerfully strange about Bigfoot encounters, that somehow they exist outside of not only our known sense of the world, but also trigger a part of the mind with which we are fairly unfamiliar. Sighting encounters are not usually "normal" in the sense in which we see an elk or a bear. There is something odd about them, it seems, that triggers not only our vision but also something in the mind that is ambiguous, unclear, and yet deeply powerful. Confusion and conviction can occur at once, throwing the normal control we have over our own minds and reality somewhat into doubt. Also, how do we account for the differences in perceptions, even within the category of "Class A" sightings? How can one person see an ape, and another see some kind of proto-human cave man? And what is the real difference? Obviously, our perceptions are based not only on raw input, but in large part are formed of individual perspectives and interpretive biases.

Before we get into our own experiences, we'd like to note the classification system devised by the BFRO. BFRO uses "Class A," "Class B," and "Class C" categories to divide the most convincing reports from those that are merely suggestive, second hand or historical. To summarize, we quote in part:

"Class A reports involve clear sightings in circumstances where misinterpretation or misidentification of other animals can be ruled out with greater confidence. ... Incidents where a possible sasquatch was observed at a great distance or in poor lighting conditions and incidents in any other circumstance that did not afford a clear view of the subject are considered Class B reports. ... Most second-hand reports, and any third-hand reports, or stories with an untraceable sources, are considered Class C, because of the high potential for inaccuracy."

To these we would like to add our own somewhat humorous classes: "Class D" and "Class F," as well as "Class X." In our proposed Class D category would fit any indeterminate experience that though not fully known could have been a Bigfoot encounter. Often, an experience in this realm can FEEL like a Class A encounter to the experiencer; but because that thing falling to the forest floor could have been an acorn falling from a tree, and not something thrown by a Sasquatch, we have to be circumspect in our assumptions and reactions. This would also have to apply to unidentified animal calls heard out in the spooky hills at night. Though we have pretty convincing sound recordings that we think might be Bigfoot-originated, we just can't say they are so without some corollary evidence such as footprints or a sighting of the creature actually vocalizing or wood-knocking.

In Class F we would group all of those that are obvious hallucinations, products of inner mental problems of the witness, or hoaxes (such as anything seen in the presence of Tom Biscardi). In Class X we would group all experiences that are just plain "weird," that seemed perhaps hyper-real to the witness, but may include unknown factors of reality and perception that would otherwise be termed "metaphysical" or "paranormal." We distinguish these from the sequential lettering simply because we in no way would like to deny that they happen and that they may be "real" in a way we just cannot currently comprehend. Many things we now consider as having the "X-factor" may indeed someday be proven scientifically, and may become part of our ordinary reality. For current science, proceeding as it does by incremental induction, experiment and hypothesis, these things are just simply out-of-category. That does not mean they are not real. (And that does not mean there is anything wrong with science--that is the way it is supposed to work.)

It might be helpful at this point to quote Arthur C. Clarke's three "laws" of prediction, from his essay, "Hazards of Prophecy: The Failure of Imagination":

1.When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is probably wrong.

2.The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.

3.Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

Or, as Sci-Fi writer, Larry Niven, put it in corollary to the last point, "Any sufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from technology."

We have seen "Bigfoot," along with a whole lot of other strange monsters, many times. That is, while driving for 12 hours through the night--one's mind and eyes tend to grow tired or bored, and strange forms begin to appear. Once we thought we saw a man in a white shirt walking in the highway--it turned out to be a plastic grocery bag blowing in the wind. We've seen many a Bigfoot standing in the tree-line, or moving in the shadows, or even in the middle of the road. We've also seen demons, aliens and very large white rabbits. Obviously, all of these are almost certainly "Class F" in nature. Though one could have been a Bigfoot, we seriously doubt any were.

A few times we have gone out into the woods with people from out of town, and we found that sometimes just a nut falling from a tree or a deer moving in the brush is enough to raise the pulse and get these folks believing that Bigfoot are everywhere. This is a known condition: SQUATCH-ON-THE-BRAIN; or as we term it,"Squatchlucination," where the desire to see a Bigfoot overrides the natural perceptual skepticism and gives rise to monsters from the Goblin Universe (as Dr. John Napier termed it). 

If one lives in a natural, forested area long enough one learns just how many strange noises and creatures are out there in the night. When we first moved to Willow Creek we found ourselves hearing the horrible shrieks of demons in the hills at night. These turned out to be foxes, however horrifying within the imagination. One night the most horrible screams were heard, complete with horrid thrashing about in the brush. Though it was one of the most deeply terrifying sounds we've ever heard come from an animal, it turned out to be two raccoons fighting (or mating?). Go figure. There are owls, doves, squirrels, woodpeckers, and so many other beings that make noises that could be construed as Bigfoot. One has to learn to rule these out. Now when we hear such sounds while outside on our porch we don't even jump; though we do listen closely, if not to see Bigfoot then to understand what interesting things are living out there, or maybe to see a mountain lion or a bear. We have seen both of the latter on our own dirt road recently. However, there are other things that just don't fit into these "Class D" boxes.

There are much better cases that are very  convincing, even though they fall just short of an actual sighting. Here is how we wrote about our own very close, non-sighting encounter with something big and wild in our very own backyard, June, 2008. We can't explain it at all, save with the Sasquatch hypothesis. We live at the top of [excised for personal security after threats of violence against this blogger, July 3, 2011], in a [excision] at the dead end of the road, near the top of the [excision] Ridge which is [excision] from Brush Mountain Lookout's ridge and Friday Ridge Road to the [excision]. There have been numerous recent Bigfoot incidents reported out there lately....

"In the dark of late night/early morning something came down the hillside up from my cabin. Sitting smoking out on my enclosed porch I thought at first it was just another deer coming to eat my lettuce and chili peppers. I heard what sounded like a tripping sound in the brush, some big thing making a crack and crunch in the underbrush, followed by three distinct bipedal "whump, whump, WHUMP" footfalls. These were very heavy, thunderous things, to the degree that I could feel the concrete under my feet on the porch firmly vibrate about 30 yards away from the creature. This was followed by a heavy crash of something falling into the brush below. This was no bear, sure wasn’t a deer—I’ve seen and heard these critters up on my road. And if human it would have had to have been an incredibly big or obese man. And why would a big human be out walking around in the dark, dead end, dirt road mountainside, middle-of-nowhere woods at nearly three in the morning? I tried to observe it, but it crept back into the woods a little ways beyond the porch light, and then did not move at all. It did not flee farther.

My flashlight was inadequate in power and batteries to pursue or see it. I stood there at the edge of the woods for about 15 minutes waiting for any sound or sign. None. I didn't want to pursue and scare it off, or get eaten by whatever it was. Then I decided to duck back into the cabin where I could continue listening and looking without being seen. I knew it was still out there. Once inside for a few moments I heard movement, as the thing went down into the neighboring vacant house’s yard. Through the open window I heard two under-the-breath grunting sounds, something like a bear’s growl crossed with a pig’s snort. Quickly outside I was once again unable to spot anything. The next day I saw a depression in the weeds where the thing had fallen down. There were two further depressions in the plants that looked a lot like big footprints. I could see some metal pipe and wooden construction debris under the herbage where the thing had apparently gotten hung up. Whatever it was I cannot say; and whatever it was it was very big, and incredibly sly. It escaped into the dark of night without another trace, but its impact upon the ground and upon me was undeniable. For what it’s worth, it FELT like a sasquatch.”

As is often said: Examine the Witness, not just what was witnessed. In the interest of that, please see the Biography below for further clues.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT TIME! This one just got too long, so look for PART TWO in a week or so.

Images, above: the forest line in our backyard, very squatchy! Photo by Steven Streufert. Also, a Google Earth view of our road, to the left of the photo, which is completely surrounded by woods.

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BIGOOT'S BLOG BLOGLI-BIOGRAPHY

Found in the Files:

A Small Biography we wrote before our appearance on the SquatchDetective internet radio show. Who knows? Maybe some of you actually might be interested to know just who "we" are, eh?

Steven Streufert blogs about Bigfoot at Bigfoot's bLog, http://bigfootbooksblog.blogspot.com/, and runs a general purpose used book shop, Bigfoot Books, in Willow Creek, CA, the heart of Bigfoot Country.

In the usual way of kids of the seventies, he read through the paranormal section of his local library, but was especially intrigued by the classic books on Sasquatch, particularly those of John Green. Through such shows as In Search Of... the interest grew. He first saw the Patterson-Gimlin film at a local drive-in, and it has apparently never ceased to replay in his mind.

Born in Milwaukee, WI, Steve grew up in Santa Barbara, CA, and then essentially followed the redwoods and the wilds to Santa Cruz, and then to Humboldt County. After studying Literature at UCSC and then Humboldt State University, he achieved two MA degrees. While working in antiquarian book shops he became enamored with the mysteries of the past, and listened to the Art Bell Show nearly every night. These two alternate forces eventually led to a disillusionment with academia. Faced with the choice of an urban professional life, Steve chose to remain in the woods and seek a free and alternative means of living. After completing his school work he found his mind opening to other things that had long been buried by theory and philosophy: the things in the woods, and those strange Bigfoot statues in Willow Creek began to call.

An obsession with bears and the wild combined with a constant interest in unexplained things led to the creation of the humorous Church of Bigfoot, Scientist, but also to a reconsideration of the possible reality of that manlike creature said to lurk in those hills. An encounter in 2000 with something big and brown moving through dense and deserted overgrown forest land in the hills outside his cabin in Blue Lake gave him pause. Judging from the way the dogs reacted, and the heaviness of the crashing in the brush as the thing moved away, only a vague brown head seen fleetingly moving through the understory, he found himself thinking, WHAT IF....

Though he moved to Willow Creek in 2001 with only a vague knowledge of the things that had gone on there in the fifties and sixties--not even knowing where Bluff Creek was--living there provided a nearly constant Bigfoot exposure. As he likes to say, "People search the world over for the mysterious Sasquatch, but in Willow Creek we see Bigfoot every day." He attended the International Bigfoot Symposium there in 2003, and found himself convinced by the evidence, but he remained skeptical and analytical about the human dimensions of the phenomenon.

After founding his shop in 2005, he found himself increasingly meeting Bigfoot researchers and field investigators. Al Hodgson, still living in Willow Creek, was the first to show up. Pretty soon everyone from James Bobo Fay, Tom Yamarone, Cliff Barackman, Robert Leiterman, Joyce Kearney, Matt Moneymaker, Jeff Meldrum, and many others were visiting his shop. He also increasingly found himself the recipient of reports of sightings and footprint finds of Bigfoot coming from locals (including the Native Hupa and other tribes), as well as reports from the researchers. Now he increasingly finds himself in the old role of Al H., seemingly bombarded by Bigfoot culture and reports of its activity in the area.

Steve first published on Bigfoot in the North Coast Journal (Road to Bluff Creek: With the Faithful on the Sasquatch Stations of the Cross), and then started blogging about all of this in 2008. Feeling that having read about 70 books on the subject finally left him qualified, and feeling that there was a role in the field for a critical voice that could address local issues as well as the larger international controversies, he couldn't resist. At first he wondered how he could blog only about Bigfoot, but now finds that he has to exclude a large portion of what he hears to keep a focus on important issues.

He has been up in the Bluff Creek area a large number of times now. In the summer of 2008 something big and heavy came crashing down the hillside behind his small cabin, which sits at the end of a dirt road just south of Willow Creek. He can't explain what happened in any other way than to say, it HAD to be a Sasquatch.

"Alas! Why does man boast of sensibilities superior to those apparent in the brute; it only renders them more necessary beings. If our impulses were confined to hunger, thirst, and desire, we might be nearly free; but now we are moved by every wind that blows and a chance word or scene that that word may convey to us."
--Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, in Frankenstein, or, The modern Prometheus

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ANGRY BIGFOOT SPEAKS!

Me told hu-man all be nice in Ohio. Me decide me be nice, too. Me hold up bouquet of flower to first Bigfoot hunter me see. So come out here and give me hug. Me in Bluff Creek at secret spot near Bluff Creek Resort dumpster. Me jump out, scare, then hand you flower. Me so nice me even give you big hug, maybe crush you flat as river rock. Maybe it last, me change name this thing me write to Happy Bigfoot Speak. Or maybe Peace Brother BF. Me smoke green plant grow up here. Me learn hu-man word, "Irie," and me feel Jahlove. Who this Jah, anyway?
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This weblog, website, soapbox, or whatever you call it is copyright 2010, Steven Streufert, Bigfoot Books Intergalactic. Sharing and borrowing is allowed (and often practiced by us, too) if you give full credit and citation, and a fair and nice link back to our page. Spread the word! Thanks!

WILLOW CREEK BIGFOOT LANDMARKS: A Brief Touring Guide, plus BF Odds and Ends

WILLOW CREEK BIGFOOT HOT SPOTS!

With the procrastinated tax season upon us, not to mention our kid out of school on Spring break, we have had little time for blogging lately. Bigfoot, however, has still been hot on our trail. Somehow we just can't avoid the Big Hairy Guy. We've received interesting emails from Peter Byrne, John Green, and others who appreciated our HOOPA PROJECT Book Review last week. Also, a source on Bluff Creek history, who wishes for now to remain anonymous, has contacted us and we had a VERY interesting and revealing four hour long conversation at the shop. We had a nice visit from BFRO investigator and author, Ranger Robert Leiterman, too (see below for some of his interesting video links). With the Bluff Creek basin still closed to public access for the season, this kind of thing keeps us going, for sure.

This week you'll find a Bigfoot odds-and-ends with a decidedly Willow Creek focus. This is how we intended our blog to operate at its conception; however, larger global issues of Sasquatchery often have overwhelmed our intention to stay local. Planning a trip to Willow Creek and Bigfoot Country this summer or in the future? Check out the listing below of all of the Bigfoot hotspots. No, we don't mean actual sightings, but rather those encounters of a more cultural and infrastructural variety.

All of this is covered more in-depth, though not as up-to-date, on our older BIGFOOT BY THE ROADSIDE website. Check it out!

This week AL HODGSON, famous Willow Creek Bigfoot Elder (see our three-part interview with him by clicking his name, above), came in to the BIGFOOT BOOKS shop for a visit. He's always in a bit of a hurry to get back and care for his wife, but he managed to spread more Bigfoot good will. He left us with an absolutely fabulous redwood BIGFOOT SCULPTURE. This was made back in the day by someone in Crescent City, but Al could not recall the guy's name. Apparently they were meant to be put out onto the market, but never made it. Now prominently on display at the shop, our BF stands about 20 inches tall, and is damned proud of it.

Images: The Al Hodgson-gifted Bigfoot statue, on the back porch at Bigfoot Books, Willow Creek. Photos, Steven Streufert. CLICK ALL IMAGES TO VIEW ENLARGED FOR DETAIL.

Before that we had a very nice visit from Bruce and Janet of the SENTINEL WINERY, makers of the tasty BIGFOOT RED WINE.

We found out that Cinnabar Sam's Restaurant in Willow Creek is no longer the exclusive distributor of this higher quality general table wine. Selling for $20.00 at Sam's can make it a bit steep for everyday, non-dining usage; but they assured us the wine can now be found more cheaply in the $14.00 and under range at the regional grocers, Ray's (with an affiliate in the former Bob's Market location in Willow Creek, and in Hoopa) and Murphy's. Also, you might want to drop in and visit the winery in our fine town for a visit and tasting. It is located up past the US Post Office, over the hill on Country Club Road, past Kimtu Park turnoff, and then to the left on Patterson Road after the bridge over the Trinity River.

"Sentinel Winery was founded in spring of 2006 by Bruce and Janet Nelson. The 2-acre Covey Lane Vineyards and the winery are both located on the Nelson’s estate one-half mile from the Trinity River near the Trinity Alps Mountains in Willow Creek. All grapes used in making the wines are grown in the Willow Creek Viticulture Area and all wines are estate bottled. Bruce and Janet Neslon invite you to call for an appointment for a private barrel tasting and a visit with them on their wonderful front porch."

Image: The faces behind Bigfoot Red, on the front porch at Bigfoot Books, Willow Creek. Photo, Steven Streufert.

Sentinel Winery

Bruce and Janet Nelson

2263 Patterson Lane

Willow Creek, CA 95573.

(530) 629-2338

nelson@sentinelwinery.net

Speaking of CINNABAR SAM'S (read another set of reviews HERE), famous for its historical-themed interior and hearty pre- or post-Bigfoot field research meals: the business is up for sale. However, it remains open for hearty, mountain-style family dining. If you know of anyone interested in purchasing the building and taking over the business pass on the word. The owner, Steve Paine, is a font of knowledge of local history, and has shown a few Bigfoot-themed aspects in his business decor over the years.

Images: The Bigfoot Country banner once displayed on the front rail of Cinnabar Sam's. Also, the elusive ARGOSY on display. Photos by Steven Streufert.

In the glass case at the entranceway to the host and cashier counter be sure to see an original February 1968 ARGOSY MAGAZINE, with the exclusive first publication of photos from the PATTERSON-GIMLIN FILM, and an article inside by Ivan Sanderson.

Cinnabar Sam's Restaurant

19 Willow Way

Willow Creek, CA

(530) 629- 3437

The prime Bigfoot destination in the town of Willow Creek is, of course, the WILLOW CREEK-CHINA FLAT MUSEUM, with its BIGFOOT COLLECTION add-on building. Al Hodgson was intstrumental in the founding and maintenance of this fine little museum, and along with John Green helped set up a wing to house one of the finest collections of Bigfoot footprint casts in the world, inherited from early researcher, Bob Titmus. There are wonderful historical displays on Bigfoot History in the general Klamath-Trinity area, including the PGF and the Jerry Crew footprint finds of 1958.

Closed duing much of the off-season, the Museum is open most days during the summer. It covers local history, culture and wildlife in one wing, and Bigfoot in another. They have a good selection of Bigfoot knick-knacks to purchase in the gift shop area. Also of interest is the LOG BOOK at the entranceway, which is chock full of visitors' Bigfoot sightings and encounters. Check it out.

Willow Creek-China Flat Museum

Highway 299, Willow Creek

(530) 629-2693

(Located right by Ray's Market and Gonzalez Mexican Restaurant)

Right down from the Museum and the Mexican restaurant one will find the JIM MCCLARIN OH-MAH  BIGFOOT STATUE. This is the one, the famous and historical redwood carving that was in progress and nearing completion at the time the famous Bluff Creek Bigfoot film was shot. It is also just down the street from where Roger Patterson called Al Hodgson to announce the good news.

This statue traditionally guards the entrance to Bigfoot Country at the junction of Highway 299 and the BIGFOOT SCENIC BYWAY, Highway 96, which leads up through Hoopa into the Bluff Creek area (see MAP below). Drive the highway north until you get to Happy Camp, CA, and you'll have traversed the richest zone of Bigfoot history in the world, in our own humble opinion. Stop in Orleans to get into the PGF zone (go up Eyesee Road about 16 miles then turn left on 12N13), or stop at the mouth of Bluff Creek, at the bridge where it flows into the Klamath River for a dip in the water and some great views.

The statue sits just outside of the Willow Creek CHAMBER OF COMMERCE's Visitor Information Center. There are brochures here, some maps, and during open hours a helpful local elder who can tell you more than you know how to ask about the area around here.

Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce

Highway 299, PO Box 704
Willow Creek, CA 95573

(530) 629-2693

Images: Save for Byway logo, by Steven Streufert. CLICK TO ENLARGE to view.

A little ways eastward on the 299 and one will find another Bigfoot Mecca, here at PATRIOT GAS STATION.

There is a fine and amusing mural done by Parrish Signs and large Bigfoot statue on display. Just don't climb on the Big Guy's feet! They are slowly crumbling to bits under the weight of gawkers posing for photographs with The Creature.

They used to sell Bigfoot novelties here, but have since moved on to more profitable beer, liquor, tobacco, snacks and lottery tickets, not to mention hookahs and CIA ball caps. It's still a great place to get your picture taken with Bigfoot.

Patriot Gas/SPEEDEX

39143 Highway 299, Willow Creek

(530) 629-3241

Images: Above and below, save for the map, photographed by Steven Streufert, 2005-2010.

Just driving around Willow Creek will reveal Bigfoot-related sightings everywhere. Head down the 96 and you'll see a Bigfoot Crossing sign at the WILLOW CREEK MOTEL. There is another one in front of the BIFOOOT MOTEL on the 299. Both of these are, of course, good stopping places for much needed Bigfooting rest. If you stay at the Bigfoot Motel you might just be sleeping in the very room where the Pacific Northwest Expedition was founded and had its original meetings involving Titmus, John Green, Rene Dahinden, and Tom Slick himself. Be sure to check out the BIGFOOT CAGE located in the back by the pool. Hilarious!The Willow Creek Motel has a BIGFOOT'S DEN in the fenced-in yard, but we have yet to find out what is housed in there.

Bigfoot Motel

39039 Highway 299, Willow Creek

(530) 629-2142

Willow Creek Motel

Highway 96, Willow Creek

(Just after the bridge over Willow Creek at the Trinity River)

(530) 629-2115

Just across the street from Cinnabar's you'll see a large full-wall BIGFOOT MURAL on the ACE HARDWARE building. It is huge. See the long, narrow image in the upper banner of this blog--just click it to see our photo montage of artist DUANE FLATMO's creation.

The theme is "Bigfoot in the Community," with the creature helping out with local trades and industries in five different locations along the wall. This is one you can't miss, and you might just learn something about the REAL history of the little hamlet of Willow Creek.

Willow Creek ACE Hardware (formerly Robert's Merchantile)

39166 Highway 299

Willow Creek, CA 95573

(530) 629-2425

Go over Country Club Road and the Trinity River Bridge, then left on Patterson Road, and you will come soon enough to the BIGFOOT SUBDIVISION, near the golf course.

There you will See BIGFOOT AVENUE and its companion, LITTLE FOOT COURT. The WILLOW CREEK GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB there used to be named after Bigfoot, but they changed it for some unknown and un-Squatchly reason.

Willow Creek Golf and Country Club

Bigfoot Drive, Willow Creek

(530) 629-2193 or (530) 629-2977

Drive east from downtown Willow Creek about one and a half miles and you will come to our own shop, BIGFOOT BOOKS, which of course has many Bigfoot books (over 100 titles for sale at this point) and knick-knacks, as well as yours truly sitting at the desk probably blogging and internet bigfooting rather than actually getting any work done on the books. Besides Bigfoot, we have a full building stuffed to the rafters with used books in all subject areas.

Bigfoot Books,
Steven Streufert, Bookseller

40600 Highway 299, P. O. Box 1167

Willow Creek, CA 95573

(530) 629-3076

Just next door to our lot one may take repast at THE EARLY BIRD, a basic fast food and take out pizza restaurant, and home to the world famous BIGFOOT BURGER. The sandwich has two patties inside of a foot-shaped bun, and is normally too big for the appetites of the non Bigfoot-sized customer--we heard there is a half a pound of beef used in each one. Inside the big bright yellow building one may view one of the cutest and silliest pieces of Bigfoot art out there in the mural on the back wall: Bigfoot romance, with donuts and coffee roasting over the campfire! They also have a snack market and a nice selection of fishing poles, reels, bait and tackle. The bake-at-home pizzas they make are quite good, too.

Early Bird Restaurant and Market

40640 Highway 299

Willow Creek, CA 95573
(530) 629-4431

Go farther down the 299 to the east and you'll come to BIGFOOT CONTRACTOR SUPPLY, another hardware store but with a builder's emphasis. They have a small shelf behind the counter of Bigfoot gift goodies, from shot glasses to t-shirts, most of them from the Bishop company line.

Bigfoot Contractor Supply

41212 Highway 299

Willow Creek, Ca 95573

(530) 629-2459

Even PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC (PGE) gets in on the fun. The sign near their electrical service center, just off Highway 96 outside of town, reads "BIGFOOT AREA"

There is a small but nice thrift shop in town called BIGFOOT BOUTIQUE. They have a carefully selected choice of good, used goods, and very cool owners, too. You're unlikely to find Bigfoot items in there, though, as we at Bigfoot Books have probably bought them all up!

Bigfoot Boutique Thrift Store

39094 Highway 299

Willow Creek, CA 95573

(530) 629-3753

And let us not forget one of the major draws to Willow Creek: gonzo river rafting. Outfitters used to abound around here, but now only the best remains: BIGFOOT RAFTING COMPANY. Give it a try, if you dare going through Hell Hole. The office is located right under the back deck of Cinnabar Sam's.

Bigfoot Rafting Company

Off 299 and Willow Road

(530) 629-2263

And, last but not least, if you head northward on Highway 96 you will supposedly find BIGFOOT PODIATRY. Now, we don't know if this is just a long-standing joke, or if there really is a foot doctor out there, but if your feet ache after a long bigfooting hike maybe give this number a try.

Big Foot Podiatry

2339 Highway 96

Willow Creek, CA 95573

(530) 629-2555

Image to right: The Al Hodgson Bigfoot cast from Bluff and Notice Creeks, in replica, here for size comparison at the foot of the Museum's giant redwood Bigfoot Statue. Photo and foot in Converse shoe by Steven Streufert.

 

One should definitely go to the SIX RIVERS, LOWER TRINITY WILLOW CREEK RANGER STATION, also along the 96 just out of town. The ranger in there not only can tell you some good Bigfoot stories, but also has (if you ask--they are stashed away in the desk) the great Six Rivers Forest Atlas of topo maps for sale.  They are a bit expensive, but very useful indeed if you intend to go up into the Bluff Creek Bigfoot Zone. Get your fire permits here for free before you go, folks.

 

Willow Creek Ranger Station, Lower Trinity

United States Forest Service

580 Highway 96

Willow Creek, CA 95573

(530) 629-2118

Click the link here for an interactive MAP OF WILLOW CREEK on Google Maps. The map at left shows the Bigfoot Scenic Byway.

BONUS LINKS:

Ranger Robert Leiterman, author of "Yeti or Not, Here We Come! Bigfoot in the Redwoods," and other fine fictional Bigfoot books, visited us in the shop a few days ago. He has been making some good videos of Bigfoot field research and posting them on the BFRO VIDEOS section on YouTube. The videos linked below involved a visit Robert took with Bigfoot researcher and witness Bart Cutino to the location of his thermal nighttime sighting up in Washington. The re-enactment is quite interesting.

LINKS, just click them to view, or go to the main BFRO Video page above:

* Bart Cutino sighting -- daylight reconstruction

* Wenatchee National Forest -- Leiterman and Cutino
* BFRO main web page (Bigfoot Field Researcher's Organization)

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ANGRY BIGFOOT SPEAKS!

You always drive around look at statue of me, painting of me, thing named after me. No hu-man ever bring Bigfoot beer! Ever bring me no Bigfoot Burger? Any hot hu-man fe-male ever ask me out on date? No way, Jo-se. Me sit and drink berry juice, gnaw salmon head, gulp deer gut. It no party out here for Bigfoot. Life hard when you wild and free. But at least me wild, free, not like slave hu-man on dumb vacation.

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This blog and most photos on it copyright 2005-2010, Steven Streufert/Bigfoot Books. They may be used with citation and a kindly link to our site, preferably with email notice to us as well. Otherwise, go ahead and steal for non-profit purposes, ye filthy pirates! Arrrr!