beyondtheforestblog.files.wordpress.com · Web view12/26/2015 · Sanjay’s Note: Certain aspects of this report may be more subjective in their perspective; the reader’s gracious

SANJAY R SINGHAL, RAFIELD REPORT 12.26.2015

Location: Illinois Beach State ParkDate: Saturday, 26 December, 2015Time: Approximately 1100am to 0100pm, CSTWeather: Overcast and dreary, some wind; high wavesPresent: Myself, Smith Jerrod*

Sanjay’s Note: Certain aspects of this report may be more subjective in their perspective; the reader’s gracious indulgence is requested. Not all of these phenomena are understood, yet are reported nonetheless as an integral and vital portion of my own investigations.

Items Noted:

I returned to Illinois Beach State Park on Boxing Day;1 Smith Jerrod* again accompanied me. The weather was foul and cold, with freezing rain later in the afternoon. We accessed the reserve from the north side near the marina, and started along the main path; it ran south, turned east for a bit, and then turned south again, crossing a deep canal via a wide footbridge.

As we were walking, a woman with two large, playful dogs came up the path; she was quite friendly and the dogs were rather high-spirited, running and barking furiously. We played with the dogs for several minutes and chatted with the woman; she was friendly and personable.

We crossed the footbridge; to the southeast, across a wide expanse of marsh, I had a sudden, strange impression of something, lurking in the tall grasses near a solitary tree.2

“Smith,” I said, “I hate to say this, but I don’t think we’re alone out here.” 3

Smith considered my statement, and looked across the marsh, towards a solitary, fire-blackened tree.

“You know what, Sanjay,” he said after a moment, “I think you’re right.”

“And, that’s not all,” I continued, “There’s something on the west, too.”

“Yes,” Smith agreed, “There’s definitely something there.” 4 5

1 I had last visited Illinois Beach State Park two days prior. Sanjay R Singhal. Field Report 12.24.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/field-report-12-24-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 24 April 2016. Web. Accessed 29 April 2016.2 The sense of a presence in the woods, albeit unseen and unknown, is not uncommon to EC encounters. Chris Bateman. Archaeologist Digs for Proof of Sasquatch. Union Democrat. http://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=22545 [link no longer active] Reprinted BigfootEncounters.com: http://www.bigfootencounters.com/articles/strain.htm. Date Unknown. Web. Accessed 16 October 2014. 3 The realisation that one is not alone in the woods can be overwhelming; at other times thrilling. Needless to say, it is far from dull. Paul Schnabel. Possible Vocalisations Heard by Deer Hunter in the Chequamegon National Forest. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation. http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=11026. 24 March 2005. Web. Accessed 25 September 2014.4 Smith Jerrod* and Chuck Johnson* remain the only two fellow enthusiasts who have been able to corroborate my impressions regarding a presence in the woods. Further research and analysis of these behaviours may provide some unique insight pertinent not only to my own investigations, but to the comprehension of EC as well.5 It is reasonable to suggest, in context, the presence of two EC; this is, however, an entirely subjective statement.

Copyright © 2016 Sanjay R Singhal. All rights reserved.

SANJAY R SINGHAL, RA

The first photograph presents a view looking across the marsh, where I first had the impression of something lurking in the tall grasses, near the tall, fire-blackened tree; the second photograph presents a close-up of the

same tree. Further analysis of this image has proved inconclusive.

“I hate to say this again,” I said, “But I really do think we’re being watched.” 6 7 8

We continued along the main path, now heading south; Smith and I continued to look into the woods for possible signs of movement. We both maintained an impression of being watched, from both the marsh to the east, and the woods to the west.9

Suddenly, Smith stopped, and gestured at something.

“Sanjay,” he said excitedly, “Look at this!”

Smith had observed a large slanted-branch assembly in the woods, approximately twenty yards (20yd, or 18.288m) off the main path; we quickly walked over to investigate.

The assembly was quite simple: a long, straight branch slanted towards the main path, supported by an arched branch. Both appeared to be the same species; curiously, they were rather dark, and I observed areas of fire-blackened bark at their base.

“Look at this, Smith,” I said, “The ends of these branches have been twisted off, and inserted into the ground, but they are still able to be pulled free.” 10 11

6 Scopaesthesia, sometimes referred to as the Psychic Staring Effect, was first explored by Titchener in the 19th century. Further laboratory experiments to replicate this effect appear to have failed. EB Titchener. The Feeling of Being Stared At. Science: Volume 8; pp 895-897. 1898.7 Rupert Sheldrake. The Sense of Being Stared At: And Other Aspects of the Extended Mind. New York: Random House; 2013.8 Scopaesthesia has been reported almost universally by EC investigators, researchers and enthusiasts. Meldrum describes it as a strongly subjective feeling, which cannot be quantified…and I think he’s right. Dr Jeff Meldrum. Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science. New York: Macmillan Publishers; 2007.9 Ibid, Meldrum.10 Similar branches, inserted vertically into the ground, have been observed in Comins, Michigan (Oscoda County); it is reasonable to suggest, in context, a regional variant of this behaviour, although further research and investigation is required.11 Reports of saplings inserted forcefully into the ground are somewhat common to EC-related encounters and branch assemblies. Amy Bennett. New York Bigfoot Society Field Report: November 2013. New York Bigfoot Society. http://www.newyorkbigfootsociety.com/fieldreportnov2013. 2014. Web. Accessed 18 January 2015.



The first photograph presents a view of the large, slanted-branch assembly as first observed in the woods; the second photograph presents a close-up view of the large, slanted branch component. Notice the twisted-off,

fire-blackened end; we pulled this from the ground for documentation purposes. The third photograph presents the aligned view of the opening in the trees, with Smith Jerrod* looking through the trees towards same; the

fourth photograph presents a close-up view looking through the opening in the trees.

“Not only that,” Smith observed, “The bark colour is darker than the surrounding trees.” 12

I could not determine the species; I considered Red Maple (Acer rubrum), but was not certain.13

Smith stepped around to the base point of the slanted branch; suddenly, he called me over.

“Sanjay, look at this!” he exclaimed, “Look at this!” 14

12 As defined by Sanjay R Singhal, the four (4) features which define a branch assembly are as follows: clear, present interweaving of components; multiplicity of component species; multiplicity of component sizes; and visually contrasting component species colours, bark, and textures. To this may be added the application of long, slender components supporting large, heavier ones, and/or the stripping of leaves and twigs from the components, although these are not always observed.13 Russell S Walters and Harry W Yawney. Red Maple (Acer rubrum). US Forest Service Sylvics Manual, Volume Two. http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/acer/rubrum.htm. Date Unknown. Web. Accessed 18 August 2015.14 I really must credit Smith for his observations and insights regarding the large, slanted-branch assembly!


SANJAY R SINGHAL, RAI followed his gaze; I could not almost not believe it. The slanted branch was oriented directly to an opening in the trees; through it, I observed the path, far beyond, as though a window had been opened in the forest.15

“This is incredible!” I said, repeatedly. “You can look straight across the marsh!”

I looked through the opening in the trees again.

“Smith,” I said, after a moment, “That’s not all. Look at this; there is an ‘X’ formation across the main path, adjacent to the marsh.” 16

“Do you think,” Smith asked, “That it is saying ‘do not cross the marsh’?”

“Well, it certainly might,” I agreed, “And this could have a human origin, as well.” 17

We were immensely excited; the possibility of a non-human origin, of course, filled our thoughts.

We continued along the main path; both Smith and I maintained a strong impression of something in the woods to the west.18 Curiously, we both felt an impression of trespass; we did not feel welcome.19 20

“Smith,” I said, “Something does not want us here.”

“Yes,” he said, “I know.”

From the main path, I was able to point out the large ‘X’ formation; it was much closer than I had realised.21 We explored several areas off the main path, but we could not access the heavy, deep marshes; I did not have tall boots, nor did Smith.22

Some distance to the south, we found a bit of raised ground which seemed to access the woods; however, a deep channel blocked our route. I could not leap it, nor did I wish to step through it; as I was looking about, I observed something else.

“Smith,” I said, “Look at this arched branch!”

15 A useful, and informative comparison may be made to the branch assembly alignments observed at Area D in the autumn of 2011. Ibid, Singhal. Field Report 11.13.2011: Area D. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2014/12/26/field-report-11-13-2011-area-d/. 26 December 2014. Web. Accessed 30 April 2016.16 For the purposes of this Report, it should be noted that the apparent ‘X’ formation was, in fact, an optical illusion.17 It should not be assumed that only EC make trail markers; it is reasonable to suggest and to consider, in context, the Boy Scouts or a similar organisation. The Inquiry Net Author(s). Trail Signs: Traditional. The Inquiry Net. http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/skills/b-p/signs.htm. 3 July 2013. Web. Accessed 30 July 2015.18 Ibid, Bateman.19 The feeling of trespassing, although not widely reported, has been described by others pertinent to the nearby presence of EC. Oregon Bigfoot Author(s). Oregon Bigfoot File #01275. Oregon Bigfoot. http://www.oregonbigfoot.com/report_detail.php?id=01275. 25 June 2005. Web. Accessed 31 October 2014.20 Feelings of being unwelcome, while nonetheless subjective, are not infrequently reported pertinent to EC encounters. Brad Bacon. Possible Vocalisations Heard while Training Hunting Dogs near Atwater. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation. http://www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=28730. 20 January 2011. Web. Accessed 12 September 2014.21 For the purposes of this Report, it should be noted that there are two (2) main paths, one on either side of the large ‘X’ formation; the main path to the east is much further away than main path to the west is considerably closer. Nonetheless, there is considerable deep, heavy marsh throughout. 22 As one may imagine, I was not about to sacrifice another pair of good boots.



These photographs present views of a curious, small ground-based branch assembly observed just off the main path, as we continued south and as we attempted (unsuccessfully) to access the large ‘X’ formation. The first

image presents my view of the assembly from the main path; the second image presents a close-up of same. The third and fourth images present close-up views of the assembly; notice the use of multiple component species,

with multiple bark colours, and textures. Although it is reasonable to suggest, in context, an orientation across the marsh to another location, there is insufficient evidence and/or documentation to confirm same; further

investigation is required. A non-human origin should not be considered exclusive to this assembly.

“What about it?” he asked me.

“It’s directed to the channel,” I said, “And it suggests, once again, not only a direction of travel, but that something must be stepped ‘over’. What do you think?” 23

“I think you’re right!” Smith said. “I think you’re absolutely right.”

“I’m always right,” I agreed, laughing, “Even when I’m wrong, I’m right!” 24

23 Ibid, Singhal. Field Report 09.02.2012: Area K. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/05/31/field-report-09-02-2012-area-k/. 31 May 2015. Web. Accessed 30 April 2016.24 Despite my protestations to the contrary, I have, at various times, made a few incorrect statements. I’m only human.



The first photograph presents a view of the large ‘X’ formation, viewed from the west across the marsh, from the main path on the west side. The second photograph presents a view of the long, gracefully arched branch,

suggesting a direction of travel, and something to be stepped ‘over’ in order to continue.

We returned to the main path, and started walking back to the carpark. Again, Smith and I both felt extremely uncomfortable; we both maintained an impression of discomfort, especially to the west.25 The rain came up, freezing cold and miserable.

We returned to the carpark and left the area.

Respectfully submitted,Sanjay R Singhal, RA

*Name(s) changed for publication**The Blueberry is (or was) my car: small, round, and blue

FIELD REPORT 12.26.201525 A pervasive feeling of discomfort is not uncommon to many EC-related reports and encounters. Oregon Bigfoot Author(s). File #00672. Oregon Bigfoot. http://www.oregonbigfoot.com/report_detail.php?id=00672. May 1996. Web. Accessed 24 October 2014.


SANJAY R SINGHAL, RASUMMARY

Substantiation of this Report may be provided by my own field work at Illinois Beach State Park, which began in the summer of 201526 and also by the eyewitness testimony of Smith Jerrod, who accompanied me and who observed the same phenomena; Mr Jerrod also made numerous comments and observations relevant to my own, which not only assisted but clarified my investigations. Further substantiation may be provided by published accounts on the BFRO website,27 and others;28 however, I am unaware of other persons conducting research and/or field investigations in this area of Illinois.

The combination of physical, visual, audible and/or olfactory events described in this Report are as follows:

1. The large, slanted-branch assembly observed in the woods;2. The twisted-off ends of same, inserted into the ground;3. The orientation of same to an opening in the trees across the marsh;4. The small, ground-based assembly observed near the main path;5. The use of multiple component species, bark colours, and textures;6. The possible orientation of same across the marsh and/or into the woods;7. The long, arched branch positioned near the channel;8. The possible orientation of same in the direction of travel;9. The possible indication of same to step ‘over’ the channel.

These behaviours, and the history of my own experience(s),29 30 31 may be considered sufficient to suggest the presence of EC32 at Illinois Beach State Park, in the late winter of 2015.

A number of subjective events also occurred. While these cannot be considered conclusive evidence, neither should they be discounted. Although it is reasonable to review the impact of non-objective stimuli in this Report, such effects, while personally quite vivid and at times overwhelming, are nonetheless nearly impossible to substantiate with any measure of certainty.

26 Sanjay R Singhal. Field Report 06.28.2015b: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/field-report-06-28-2015b-illinois-beach-state-park/. 17 October 2015. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015.27 BFRO Author(s). Lake County, Illinois. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation. http://bfro.net/GDB/show_county_reports.asp?state=il&county=Lake. 2015. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015.28 T Hesaurus [sic]. Bigfoot Sighting in Woods in Zion. Topix. http://www.topix.com/forum/city/zion-il/T0VMMVTMUA35M0G6D. 20 January 2015. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015.29 Ibid, Singhal. Field Report 11.15.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/field-report-11-15-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 13 December 2015. Web. Accessed 20 December 2015.30 Ibid. Field Report 11.25.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/field-report-11-25-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 20 December 2015. Web. Accessed 24 April 2016.31 Ibid. Field Report 12.24.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/field-report-12-24-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 24 April 2016. Web. Accessed 29 April 2016.32 EC, in this context, stands for “Elder Children”, as usual.


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beyondtheforestblog.files.wordpress.com · Web view12/26/2015 · Sanjay’s Note: Certain aspects of this report may be more subjective in their perspective; the reader’s gracious