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Subject: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 12:31am 
I was told, hours ago, a story by my best friend's Great Uncle and Grandfather, that's very interesting in relation to this. I'm not going to use their real names, as his G-pa and Uncle didn't really even want me to repeat this to anyone . . . so much for that =)
My friend and I were discussing some recent BF sightings, interactions (etc.), as he is an avid fan of cryptozoology. He told me to ask his uncle and grandpa their BF story. I was thinking I was about to hear some comic book story, about being charged by 1,000 BF at Normandy or something quacked like that. His g-pa is a real comedian. I was in for a big surprise.

So we went into the living room, and Jay said to his g-pa, tell us the BF story from when you were hunting with Uncle Mike. At this point I was expecting the King Kong shot off the Empire state building story or something.
His g-pa's demeanor changed a bit, as if he was uncomfortable, and his brother (Uncle Mike) began to shift about as if he suddenly was uneasy. His g-pa started by saying to us that this is about his "only weird happening and it's weird as hell."

Apparently some time in the early 1950's, the two men were on a hunting trip in Upstate New York. They left the lodge on horseback and worked their way to their usual hunting spots.
As they rode, they saw off the trail, was clearing of broken and bent down trees. They rode over to it, and decided to set up camp there, as it seemed like someone had used it as such before.
Sometime around 8pm, when it was about completely dark, they heard crackling branches, and bushes moving around their campsite. The two of them got their guns, and loaded them up, assuming a bear or something of that nature had become curious.They sat at the fire, and watched the bushes. Whatever the animal was, it was circling the campsite.
After about 2 hours, the movement stopped. They sat in silence for about 20 minutes, watching and listening. Just when they were about to set in, and chalk the situation up to a wandering animal, a rock, came hurling in and hit the fire pit. The two of them nearly jumped out of their skin. They put their guns up towards the direction that they thought the rock came from. Right then, a decent sized tree behind them started to shake vigorously, like someone was shaking the trunk of it with one of those things they use to shake apples from a tree. They fired several shots around the tree, and something they hit screamed a noise they had never heard before, and whatever it was, ran off into the woods making an odd grunting noise and crashing through the thick bush/forest quite quickly.
They sat the rest of the night, until dawn, with guns loaded, back to back, defending themselves like they were under attack. At sunrise, they ran to the tree that they shot by. There was plenty of blood, and the tree was cracked at nearly 8 ft up, they assumed, from being shook.
Leaving the horses at the campsite, they began to follow the blood trail, and it ended about a quarter mile away. Something interesting they found at the end of the trail, was a tree with the bark shaved down to the live inside, and then long thin shavings of bark on the ground. . . and no more blood after that tree.
After I heard the story, I had a ton of questions. I started by asking why they thought it was a BF. They explained that they didn’t think it was BF at all, they thought it was a bear or some other animal.
Then Uncle Mike said, "It wasn't a damn bear ya dolt, you know what a bear sounds like when it gets shot, you know a bear doesn't shake trees to scare people, and you damn well know they don't throw rocks . . ."
G-pa replied, "(Chuckle) Well, maybe it was a Chicago Bear (Baseball team).(Chuckle)".
Uncle Mike added, " And that darn scream, Boy I tell ya, that sound was something I've never heard before out there. Sounded like a damn monkey, like in the movies when the monkeys go all crazy, only real deep-like."
Jay's grandma chimed in, "Tell them about the broken tree, and the horse!"
Jay's G-Pa made a face like he just didn't even want to talk about it, but he reluctantly said,"Ok, well the tree with the bark missing, also had some branches broken off. The thing is, the branches were broken off from about 10 ft' up on the tree, and these weren't twigs." He continued,” When we were on our way to the next site, we felt like we were being watched real closely, and at one point, the horses just stopped dead in the tracks. We couldn't get them to budge, even when we got off of them and pulled em with all our arm. We tried luring them with food, nothing would work. So, we just turned around and headed back to the lodge, and spend the rest of the trip drinking and playing darts and chess . . . about the least productive huntin trip we'd ever done."

Neither of them think it was a BF, but they both agree that they wouldn't be surprised. Neither could think of anything that could make the noise they heard, or perform the actions they observed. Not to mention carefully strip the bark from a tree, in such a careful manner, and rip a high up, thick branch, clear off the tree.

I'm wondering if these are the behaviors of any normal animals of this area. Or if anyone might have any opinion as to what else it might have been?
I'd love to think BF, but I keep agreeing with his Grandpa, that it was likely a bear. But the whole thing with the blood trail ending at the tree, and the odd tree shavings, and branches cracked off at such a high level? Seems weird. Almost sounds like something used the bark to bandage itself, or maybe the bark and branches to make some kind of like, walking device? I don't know, maybe I just had Bigfoot on the brain.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Slowdown posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 1:43am 
Great story, whatever it was. Reminds me of when I was a lad growing up in Oklahoma and I was camping out near a place called Tannehill by a creekside. Heard rocks being thrown into the creek for a good 30 minutes. Back then, I thought it was a person trying to scare myself and my padres. In retrospect, I wonder if it might have been something else.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: retsnom_rekees posted Sun, Apr 23 2006, 5:38am 
lol yer like fish jumping out of the water. sounds more likley then big foot skipping stones :-)
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: retake posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 1:59am 
Great story telling. You have talent, but you cover every possible objection a little too neatly. The truth has a way of being messier and full of unknowns. As a matter of curiousity, why didn't you mention tracks?
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Ether posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 2:53am 
Sounded like a real story to me. I wonder why some people seem to spend all
their time trying to debunk other people's expirences, it's almost as if they
feel threatened that these things might exist. Found_one, your story seems
very plausible. I've heard stranger myself, and expirenced stranger things also. Indeed, it doesn't try to cover all possible objections at all.
As anyone knows, no story can do that, as anyone can find an objection in any story, it's just a matter of how much they really want to argue.
The first thing that comes to mind for myself is that they are lucky they
didn't get attacked again. By whatever it was..., they may have fatally wounded
it but perhaps not before they were killed themselves. Pretty cool expirence. -Ether

P.S. - A bear that could do all the things you mentioned would be just as
marvellous a discoverey as any Bigfoot, so either way "something" strange
was out their that night.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: (profile name not found) posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 6:03am 
I really hate putting it this way but it could have been anything like a bear or a large cat (although cougars are not supposed to be in New York) and Uncle Mike and G-pa's imaginations. Yep I bet they did exactly what they said. I have no doubt of it. It also sounds alot like a typical bigfoot encounter. Without them definately saying "We saw a big hairy man-thing and we shot it" no-one will know for sure. Sure is a great story though! Also, being such and old case, no-one will check it out. It would be worthwhile to go back to the same place and go camping to see what happens tho.

Thanks again for the story Found_one. It really makes me wonder if they DID have a bigfoot encounter.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 10:51am 
If anyone could tell me what animals would do the following, how, and why, it would be appreciated:

1) Carefully strip long pieces of living bark from a tree.
My thought : Maybe a bear, just scratching at it in pain ?

2) Snap Large Limbs off a high point on a tree.
My thought: Bear again, only thing I can think of that can reach that high, I think. And might have done it trying to climb up ?

3) Throw rocks.
My thought: This I have no clue, I have never heard of any animal except monkees, throwing rocks for any reason.

4) Shake a whole large tree vigorously.
My Thought: Maybe a bear, although, why ?

5) Stop it's bleeding, or cover up it's blood trail.
My Thoughts: Maybe they shot a human ?

6) Make the noise they heard.
My thought: NO clue, they are seasoned hunters, and know the sounds that most things make when shot.

7) Stop a horse dead in their tracks.
My thought: Bear ?


I really don't have an opinion as to what they encountered, but I feel if it wasn't something out of the oordinary, then it was a bear ?

But these guys know bears, bear actions, bear signs, etc. Uncle Mike is conviniced it was NOT a bear, and Jay's G-Pa doesn't even try and guess (He says he is to old to argue with Mike about it anymore).

I will ask Jay to ask them if they would show us the site, maybe go out there with us.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: (profile name not found) posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 12:30pm 
Tell you what. You read my profile, tell me what I saw and we'll both know each others answers huh? LOL

1)stripping bark...lots of animals do this from porcupines to bears looking for yummy insects to eat
2)Yup large animals climbing trees can do that
3)rock tossing could be just that..rock tossing! Something digging or flipping dirt (altho I have to add GOOD AIM!)
4)Scratching bears do this so does something climbing up unseen
5)Could be a shot human, or a wound that just didn't bleed too much. I've cut myself to the bone with a carpet knife and it only bled for a few minutes before it clotted
6)Ever read a post by RLT with various strange sound ID's? Go to Hominids and Shenron has one there (recently) Even a seasoned hunter can be fooled
7)Horses are skiddish. I've seen one stomp a snake just because it was there. If they smell something they don't like..they'll stop to sniff. Alot of animals do that


I'm not saying it isn't bigfoot. Far from it. I'm a total believer after all. BUT remember if Gramps is a joker, it might not all be the truth. As I said I've read alot of reports just like that one. Without them seeing something to say it was or was not ol' Hairy, no-one will know. I'd like to think it was a bigfoot.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 12:49pm 
1)Well see, they said it wasn't exactly stripped, he was hand gesturing while explaining, and it's sort of hard to explain what he was doing visually. But it almost sounded to me like bandages. The initial bark was ripped away, and thin strips of live wood were basically, peeled from the tree. Thats how I understood it, and the best way I can explain how he conveyed it to me.

2) Would it be climbing for safety ? Would a bear do this ? If it would, does the normal bear species in NY behave in such a manner when injured ?

3) One rock, accurately tossed at the fire pit. Thats more than good aim.

4) I can see that, but it didnt climb the tree, it stood there and shook it, until it was shot.

5) They didnt shoot a human. Unless it was someone who couldnt speak, and screamed like an animal. Maybe a quick healing wound, Any Hunters here that have shot something, and seen it stop bleeding before the heart stopped ?

6) I don't know the sound they heard, so I couldn't really make a comparison. I guess I could play some of the sounds for my friend's Uncle and G-Pa

7) These men were pulling them with everything they had, and the horses would only go back the other way, they would not go forward. Had to be something there, bear or whatever.

I don't know, I mean, I doubt it was a BF myself, but I wouldnt count it out.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: (profile name not found) posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 6:06am 
Because
1) He was re-telling what he was told and they didn't mention tracks
2) Could be that there were no tracks
3) To make you ask questions
4) He forgot the first time 'round
5) To make us all really mad!
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 10:40am 
Well, I just repeated what I was told. I don't feel I left anything they told me out.

And they didn't mention any tracks. I don't think they were trying to indentify what they shot, just find it.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Cherokee posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 11:37am 
Good story Found_One. But I was a little concerned about them shooting at the shaking tree without seeing anything first. You said the grandpa was a comedian, thank goodness it wasn't one of their friends playing a joke on them. I know they were probably scared, but find out what you are shooting at first.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 11:44am 
Well, it was just them two on the trip. And though they didnt mention it, I am sure they tried yelling out to, or at whatever it was, before opening fire.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: (profile name not found) posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 12:36pm 
Convince someone to take you to the spot and camp out yourself? If it's possible I mean. Might not be anything there but camping is always fun. I'm going back to my sighting area this summer for a look around, and that was 21 years ago already. Who knows? I might be lucky and catch a glimpse of another one.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 12:56pm 
Actually, today I am calling my friend Jay at noon to ask him to get permission from his G-pa to go use his cabin. If we get permission, and I can get someone to come with me who knows the woods and survival stuff, then I am going to go check it out.

I will be trying to get some sophisticated camera equipment, from my friend who goes to a school for media. I'm thinking possibly about trying to put a supposed BF vocalisation on tape, and bringing a loud radio. Also, I am wondering if it would be possible to get female gorilla scent or something, and use it how hunter's use deer scent . . . maybe that will get it's attention.

F1- Hopes Gorilla Pee gets BF excited.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: (profile name not found) posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 1:17pm 
All excellent points. Who knows what the heck is out there right? At least you are willing to check it out. Alot of people would label them nuts and ignore what they said. Just a thought: try HUMAN scent? Take a woman with you? You never know stranger methods have been tried with little or no success. If we are related to bigfoot (however distantly) it could attract something? Good luck and let us know what you find.

Sorry about the skeptisism found_one but better from me than some of the others. Some people are not as polite as I am. Remember to look for tracks, scat, hairs or anything that seems abnormal. Just think: you could be the one who actually finds some really good evidence! And no, I can't answer your questions, but I can make suggestions as to what it COULD be.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 1:33pm 
I was thinking about that, my girlfriend actually suggested that to me in an odd way.

She pretty much finds the idea of BF and most other crypto animals, laughable.
I was talking to her about mywanting to go find them, and some of the methods I would try and use. She said, well women on the rag (that time o the month) are supposed to attract bears, maybe it would attract BF too.

Some of her other suggestions were (mind you none of them serious) :

- Leave them taco bell.
- Make my own prints, and pee on a tree, hoping to instigate it into defending it's territory.
- Kidnap it's baby
- Yell into the woods challenging it to a fight.
- Bring the Bigfoot Monster truck into the woods, in hopes BF is looking for a mate

etc., etc.

She doesn't really take the media idea of BF seriously, but she sure doesn't want to go on our boat anymore, now that she's seen a giant squid =)

And no worries about the skeptisism, I try and remain on the skeptical side, it's easier to see both sides that way. In fact, I would just chalk the whole story up to a bear, if i didn't know that my friend's uncle and g-pa were both seasoned hunters, well knowledged in the local flora and fauna.

Finally, You best believe I'll be taking multiple ziplock bags, rubber gloves, and tongs of some sort for gathering any poop, hair, or anything that i find.
And tooons of film.

If I had a clue how to make a cast, I would bring some of that stuff too, just in case.

I don't remotely expect to find any BF out there. But I wouldn't mind seeing some bears or otherwise.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: (profile name not found) posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 1:44pm 
You never know unless you try right? I wouldn't leave Taco Bell out, that'll scare them away! (hahaha) Peeing on a tree might help? I know someone who tries that! Don't kidnap anything! (LOL) We want you back in one piece! Other than that, all I can suggest is have fun and let us know what happens.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 1:52pm 
Well, in all the excitement, I couldn't hold myself til noon to call Jay.
He is calling his grandpa for the location as I type, and said that his g-pa will definately let us use the cabin, although he is asking anyway.

Now I just have to assemble my crack team of drunken explorers !
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 3:29pm 
Well

I just got some good news, and bad news.

Bad news first:

The lodge is likely grown over by now, as no one has been to it in about 20+ years. The trail to it, is probably overgrown , and the map they used to use to get to the lodge is buried in his Uncle's basement somewhere.

The land is now partly owned by some company, and parts are off limits to trespassers.

And his G-pa said the chances of the trail they used to use while venturing still existing, are very slim, since it has likely been covered up by forest.

Good News :
Jay is on his way to his Uncle's after work, to dig for the map.

The trail they used to use, was marked by copper wire, painted and wrapped around trees along the path.


F1- Hopes copper wire is visible after 40+ years of weathering.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Rangoon posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 1:43pm 
- Hopes copper wire is visible after 40+ years of weathering.

Not likely atall unfortuneately. However the general area would be as good as the exact point imho.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: archangel posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 1:53pm 
Cherokee, if something like that happened to you, you wouldnt shoot at it. I know I would have. How were they supposed to find out what they were shooting at when it was dark and something big was shaking a tree right next to them. I doubt a human could have done that. If I feel threatened like that I would shoot.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Cherokee posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 3:29pm 
True, very true. I know I probably would have shot out of fear also. But in the back of my mind, I would wonder if someone was playing a joke on me, and would worry about shooting them.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 3:33pm 
I don;t even have a gun. . . do you think I would need one if I go out there ?
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 4:29pm 
Actually, a gun probably wouldn't do me much good, since I've not ever practiced with one, and I think I'd rather be mauled by BF than shoot it.

At least then if someone found me, there might be DNA evidence that BF exists, and I'd take that sacrifice.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 4:46pm 
Ok I'm going to stop debating with myself now . . .


F1 - Needs his keyboard taken away
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Datu Puti posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 12:26pm 
heh, taking your girlfriend with you to a backwoods cabin sounds nice whether bigfoot is around or not, romantic even. using her as bait sounds a little unromantic to me, though. and if you guys find a weird book and a tape recorder in the cabin, DON'T PLAY THE TAPE! :)

-dan
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 1:07pm 
LMAO!
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: kybrowncoat posted Mon, Apr 10 2006, 4:26pm 
LOL!
And if you do play the tape, bring a chainsaw.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 4:47pm 
F1, please understand I make this post with the most respect. I think you've had your leg pulled. Here's why...

I could be wrong about this but most Eastern hunters stopped using horses for hunting trips long ago. Not saying they didn't, just that it stikes me odd. Horses are still used somewhat in the south for quail hunting. They get quite a bit of use out west. But even in the 50s, NY would have had a pretty extensive road network. Also, they mention a hunting lodge or cabin. Chances are, this would already be in some decent territory. There would have been little need to ride out farther and camp. Again, not saying they didn't. Just strikes me as odd.

Second red flag, unless you got the time wrong. I can only assume that if they were bothering to 'ride horses out and camp' that they were probably hunting deer. Deer seasons, especially gun deer seasons are right in late fall in the north east, especially back in the 50s before seasons were extended, so by 8pm, it would have been dark for nearly three hours, not just 'about nearly dark'.

Third, experienced woodsmen would not shoot blindly at a shaking tree. Newbies might, but not experienced woodsmen. There are quite a few of those on this site and I would be interested to know how many of them would.

Fourth red flag. According to the story, the spent one night at this campsite, spent part of the next day following the blood trail and then, although there is no time frame given, it seems they moved to the next site, or attempted to. Was this the same day they followed the blood trail? If so, why didn't they stay and hunt there? If they were too frightened because of the previous nights events, why did they not return to the lodge then?

Fifth, the horses balking. That's fairly common. I was riding one once that wouldn't go through a gate. I had dismounted and tried to lead her through but she wasn't having none of that. My cousin finally came around me and rode his horse through and she followed him. This means nothing but I find it hard to believe that experienced horseman and presumedly experienced horses would act that way. A momentary balk yes, but absolute refusal? Not impossible, I admit but still sounds funny to me. And then, the fact that these experienced woodsmen would give up so easily, after going through all the trouble of trying to get this hunt underway just seems strange to me.

All in all, and please understand, this is only MY opinion, which is worth what you're paying for it, you've been taken it. I may very well be wrong about all of this but were I in your shoes, I wouldn't get too excited about it.

Gerry - sorry if I offended you in any way.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Rangoon posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 7:49pm 
Third, experienced woodsmen would not shoot blindly at a shaking tree. Newbies might, but not experienced woodsmen. There are quite a few of those on this site and I would be interested to know how many of them would.

I think I would have suspected a human first doing the tree shaking and not fired till something came into the camp proper, that I could see and not waste ammo. Not that someone trying to scare armed hunters in the dark doesn't deserve to be shot but that's how I would play it. I do supposed that if the situation un-nerved someone enough they might consider the shoot first, bury the idiot later a good strategy. Discretion is the better part of survival imho.

I don't know if horseback hunting was entirely done up in NY in the 50's. Too bad McCall can't comment; that's his AO up there. That area can be pretty wild even today though many people seem to falsely think the east is all urbanized and such.

goon
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Ether posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 9:38pm 
Without actually commenting on whether this was a Bigfoot or not, I'd like to
maybe clear up some concerns brought up by Gerry. First, using horses for hunting is still used to this day, especially when packing your equipment in and out of very hard to reach areas, a horse or ATV cant be beat. Obviously ATV's wouldn't have been used by his Grandfather though... And yes they are used even in NY state. Like someone else mentioned not all of NY state is urbanized. 2nd, about the time of day, it would be difficult to remember such a small detail after half a century, but this is not even relative to the actual account, which is what happened afterwards. This would only be relevant in proving that the "entire" story was made up. Which I personally think is unlikely. Even then it is far from conclusive proof for assuming it is made up, especially after 50 years. Third, some "expirenced woodsmen" absolutley *would* shoot like that. As would someone who was unexpirenced. Could you blame them if something was throwing rocks at you and shaking whole trees violently? If it was a joker
trying to pull a prank, he would have to have a deathwish for doing so. Saying
they absolutley wouldn't have shot is a bit of a generalization isn't it? People are all different after all.
Fourth, they didn't seem to do what you would have done in that situation. This
is evidence of it being false? Are you serious?? Perhaps the complete strangeness of the situation caused them to want to look into it. Perhaps they were not scared enough to pack all the way back out, and instead decided to investigate. I have to wonder if you ever have been hunting yourself. Anyways,
the best answer to your question is, they did what seemed natural at the time.
Probably acting in the most logical way so they could give a fool-proof story to their grandson 50 years later never even entered into their head at the time. Imagine that. :P
Fifth, the horses balking. Well... horses can be stubborn creatures. And I don't think they "just" gave up as you put it. Sounds to me like they were probably replaying the previous days events in their minds and decided maybe the horses
knew something they didn't. And yes, horses can refuse to move in a certain direction if they sense danger. So will dogs. This is a natural instinct and has
been documented often enough that a quick google search will prove it.

Again I'm not saying that what they saw was BF. Who knows. I try to be fair. I call BS when I see a story that sounds completely ridiculous and I call BS when I see a skeptic pulling objections out of thin air that don't hold any water.
This is not meant to be negative, hopefully these answers will give you more
food for thought. -Ether
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 2:31am 
Ether, for something that is meant to be NOT negative, you failed! LOL! But that's okay. You're new here so all is forgiven. Let's go through some of this.

Point 1: You said...
I have to wonder if you ever have been hunting yourself.


I'm 51 and have hunted since I was 14. I'm not Chuck Adams, Jack O'Conner or Craig Boddington but I've spent some time in them thar woods, have crawled through swamps, crossed streams (and fallen in), tramped through black brush so thick you can't see more than 10 feet in front of you, crossed a field with a big ass bull (more than once...it was a shortcut), all after dark, killed a few deer and a whole bunch of small game, been elbow deep in gut piles, built a damn fire in my hand to warm up, sat in a kitchen with my boots frozen to my feet, waiting for the laces to thaw out so I could untie them, been lost for the better parts of entire days, been shot at, nearly run over by deer, had rabbits run over my foot, had chickadees perch on my cap, was nearly run over by a black bear and had the snot startled out of me by flushing ruffed grouse, snorting deer, close flying owls and squirrels who enjoy sneaking up behind you with in five feet before making any noise. I've probably pissed on half the trees in Gladwin County, Michigan (and on myself, what with shrinkage in winter and icy fingers) and used enough leaves to wipe my ass to fill several dozen large lawn bags. I've played hide and seek with deer, squirrels, fox, pheasants, rabbits, crows (the crows have always won too!), picked up half frozen garter snakes in November and carried them around in my pocket, pretended to eat rabbit sh*t (raisenets...it's a great joke to play on young hunters) and told my share of tall tales, embellishments and out right lies. Yeah, I've done a wee bit of hunting.

Point 2: You may be correct about the horses but I still think that it's quite rare and was back then, especially in the east. Would you happen to be able to give me any references on packing in on horses? I won't say I'm right on this.

Point 3: Time of day...you're right but I also mentioned the fact that no exact time reference was provided for this. It may very well be that the translation is off and this all occurred well after dark. It's just not very clear in the written, second hand story. Your point is valid, although no more conclusive than mine at this point.

Point 4: I don't know who you hunt with, but I've yet to meet anyone in my circle who would commit such a fool hardy act as shooting at sounds, especially at night. No offense, my friend, but those type would NOT be hunting with me! But my real point was that, especially since we're talking about an incident which allegedly happened 50 years ago, I rightfully have to question their level of experience at that time. Although I knew my very first year not to take sound shots. So yes, it is a generalization but I think it's a valid one, in light of the experience these gentlemen supposedly had.

Point 5:
Anyways,
the best answer to your question is, they did what seemed natural at the time.


False. Experienced woodsman may arm themselves, they may take alert status, but without a target, the natural thing is to NOT shoot, especially when a human life may be at stake, even if the prankster is a fool. The 'natural' act of any hunter who is worth a damn is to ALWAYS be sure of his target. Rule Numero Uno of gun safety...NEVER point your weapon at anything you aren't willing to destroy. Okay, maybe that's number two with treat every gun as if it were loaded as number one. Still, you get the idea. We're talking upstate New York in the 50's, not Viet Nam. I respectfully disagree with you as to this being 'natural'.

Point 6:
Probably acting in the most logical way so they could give a fool-proof story to their grandson 50 years later never even entered into their head at the time.



Completely irrelevant. The incident either happened or it didn't. The story, as told, is as consistent with irresponsible behavior from 50 years ago as it is with being a tall tale today. Logic has nothing to do with their behavior if the incident is true and it has nothing to do with fabrication.

Point 7: I'll readily admit I know little about horses. I've done very little riding. But I know some horse people and I've heard tales of balking horses and I've heard remedies for it. Not saying it always works though. So I really don't need to google anything. I do know that outfitters out west some how normally get their horses to go where they want them to when they want them to. After all, they stand to lose substantial amounts of money if they don't. But it's a point I'm not totally able to argue with. It just seems funny to me. Call it instinct. Yeah, people have that too. A Google search will prove it.

So, to sum it up, you've made some decent points and I can't say with certainty I'm right. In fact, I remember my original post, I stated as much...i.e., this is just my OPINION. But when I read the stories and apply what pathetic little bit about hunting I do know, my half a century of being around people in all sorts of situations, having been on the tag end of tall tales myself and enthralled young un's with my OWN tall tales, I just wouldn't be getting to excited over this one.

In other words, I've got plenty of food for thought...I just don't know if all of it is edible...

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Ether posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 4:44am 
Gerry, about the post, sorry. Reading it now, it does seem negative. I think I read a few too many of Retakes silly objectional posts and took it out on you. Again, sorry bout that. But as for the actual content I stand by what I wrote, and I also was very quick to point out that I could give no better conclusion then yours, I don't know what was out there. Except for the fact that it is obvious you have plenty of expirence hunting, I will have to respectfully disagree with some of your conclusions. You say you would not shoot as his friends grandfather did, but I question how you would know that for certain unless faced with a similar situation. When I read his post, about how he described the entire tree shaking as if an apple picker was shaking it I could not imagine what kind of strength that would have taken to do a feat like that. Faced with an unknown beast of such power, in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night, how can anyone really say what they would do? Maybe you know for sure what you would do, but I would say most people don't. It's easy for people to say they would go by the books, especially when in the safety of their homes but when traumatic situations happen to you, especially without time to think, most times people just don't act rationally. But seriously, with a tree of any decent size I think it's safe to say it was no prankster doing that. Anyways whether a bear or something else, it is a very interesting story. -Ether
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 1:29pm 
No need to apologize Ether. You don't know me or my experiences so no damage done. You and I are cool, as far as I'm concerned.

As far as shooting, I think I can be pretty definitive in saying I wouldn't and the people I hunt with wouldn't either. You're right, I've never been in that exact circumstance. The closest I've come is hearing something scream at me, very loudly and very close, just after dark (about 6:30 on a November evening). We had just come in from the hunt (one of those times when dusk found us on the wrong side of a marsh and it was go two miles around it or wade through it and save a mile and a half...damn that water was cold!) Anyway, not only did we not shoot, we continued to put away our weapons (they had been unloaded in the woods since we don't like to walk around with a catridge in the chamber after dark). Now, I'll admit this is not quite as frightening as the tree shaking. But we didn't know what it was, it sound large and angry but we remained very calm, even while discussing the possibility of a cougar.

I've never been frightened in the woods. At least not of animals. I've worried about getting lost, freezing to death, breaking a leg, stuff like that. And I'm also lucky in that I very seldom panic. I guess it's just not my nature. And the one or two people who weren't completely safe to be with, never hunted with me again...and with one exception, they were all neophytes. The experienced guy I refused to hunt with was only guilty of walking through the woods with his safety off. So I'm pretty certain how I and the circle I hunt with would react. I will give you the point that it is unfair of me to make the blanket statement I did, since I've not hunted with all 750,000 hunters here in MI. LOL So I'll concede although I stand by my OPINION that it would be rare for an experienced hunter to get that frightened and to panic like that is, I think, NOT natural. But your point stands, my friend.

Also, if you see farther down, Found One has explained why horses may have been used as these people evidently owned and raised them. I still can't discount this entire story being a hoax but F1 has the benefit of having been there to observe these two men as he heard the story so I have backed off my opinion somewhat.

As for you and I, all is cool? I hope so. If I came across as an arrogant, sarcastic ass I apologize. I am. LOL But I have my decent moments too.

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Ether posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 7:45pm 
Gerry considering the post you were replying too, I think you did rather well, lol. -Ether
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Mon, Apr 10 2006, 12:04am 
LOL! Thank you, Sir.

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 9:41pm 
Damn, I just wrote such a long reply, and the site logged me out before I could post it.

Gerry, your opinion is valued as much as any, if not more than most, persons on this site. I appreciate you weighing in on this for sure. But I have to tell you, regardless of whether they encountered a BF or not, the account is true.


Basically, I don't know enough personally to answer a great deal of those problems you have with the story.

I do know the following, they own and raise horses in Old Brookville, which may be why even if it wasn;t necessary, they decided to ride them. It also may be that the horses were on their first true wilderness venture.
As for the issues with times and days and such, it could be that i wasn't listening hard enough to catch that, I was trying to process two men's recount of the same story. Not to mention, they're old, so their memory may not keep the amount of days, and specific times to well.

As for whether they are pulling my leg or not. No, they are definately not, I say this because, when Jay's G-pa jokes, or lies, you can tell, and he always makes it obvious, usually by exaggerating something absurd.

Their faces when telling the story, were full of emotion, fear, amazement. You could tell they definately encountered something out of the norm.

As for them being "experienced woodsmen", I may have wrongly applied this title to them, as I am from Long island, and experienced woodsmen to me, are pretty much anyone who's been camping/hunting in real wilderness, on many occasions. So my bad if I gave them more credit than they are due.

In my opinion they were definately telling me the truth, although they may have, in their old age, become fuzzy on some of the more minor details.

If there is anything you'd like me to directly ask them, please post it up, or hit my email adress.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 2:36am 
Thanks F1. As I've replied to Ether, I may very well be wrong on this, although I'm not sure I am. But you were there when the story was told and therefore, in a much better position to judge the credibility of these gentlemen, so I won't second guess you. You're explanation about the horses does answer that particular question well enough for me. If you do decide to explore this further, I hope I AM wrong and you find something amazing. If you do, you better make sure you tell us! LOL! Thanks for not taking offence at my questioning, as none was meant. I will withdraw my opinion and climb on the fence on this one. Good luck, my friend.

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Bryan63 posted Mon, Apr 10 2006, 6:42pm 
Been hunting for 32 years, and I would not shoot blindly at a shaking tree in the dark, dont care how scared or uneasy I was, I mean, I have a loaded weapon and could easily see to take a clean kill shot in the light of the fire. And I never take a shot unless I see what it is I am shooting at as well as what is aroung and beyond it.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: MizLinda posted Tue, Apr 11 2006, 2:44am 
Yeah, I am not hunting centric, but I have to say that , I, would not shoot blindly into the dark... period.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Wed, Apr 12 2006, 3:39pm 
I totally agree Bryan, totally. Unfortunately, there are people who do, sometimes with tragic results.

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: transposed2TN posted Sun, Jun 11 2006, 4:22am 
Gerry, I have to disagree with you on a few of your statements.

I've known plenty of friends over the years who used horses for camping, hunting, and other remote trips into the outdoors. I'm only 31, so if it's outdated I guess someone forgot to tell us country folk. ;)

Good catch on the hunting season's. However, even though it's not neccessarily the right thing to do, have you never hunted out of season? I couldn't tell you how many people I've known to hunt out of season, at night, or to hunt things like Gators which they shouldn't have. They could have all been hunting something aside from deer, like small game, varmints, etc., or been stalking in preparation for hunting later on.

As far as shooting at a shaking tree... If I were miles from nowhere at night, and something was circling my campfire, threw a rock at it, and started shaking a tree how I would react would depend largely on what my senses and gut feelings told me. I would expect that I would yell a warning, or fire a warning shot, but if a man were spooked enough I think it's a pretty believable course of action for him to take. Having encountered the unknown in the woods and had my hair stand on end, skin start crawling, and been overwhelmed by a chilling, ominous feeling that has caused me to head home in a hurry, gun in hand, I can't blame them for what they did.

Also, somethings which struck me as interesting were the facts that they were apparently WW II Vets, experienced hunters, and were traveling with their guns unloaded. That tends to make me think they were probably pretty spooked to do what they did, especially to spend the night back to back guns in hand.

As for the fourth issue, I probably would have done the same. They waited until light to track it and probably got spooked when they felt watched and the horses got spooked and decided to move to a different site. Seems reasonable to me.

Horses, and many animals tend to have more heightened and attuned senses as I'm sure you're aware. If a horse or animal gets spooked, there's usually a reason. These animals had probably made this trip before and were used to the outdoors and many of their sights and smells. If BOTH of them locked up and refused to move, something's wrong. It's just like how the forest can grow deathly quiet when something's going on or your dog may bark at something you don't even know is there.

You made some good points, but I think you're being a little pessimistic in your view. However, I'm definitely biased. Having run the hills, swamps, rivers, and woods since I was a little kid, I've seen and heard a few things which weren't supposed to be, which brought me here. Haven't you Gerry? ;)
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Rangoon posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 7:03pm 
Found_One,

Could you talk to your uncle and ask what was the nearsest town in upstate NY? I have been quite a few places up that way and wonder where that was.

goon
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Z-Man posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 8:15pm 
That is a very likely story, Found_One. Seriously, many bigfoot sightings are by people on horseback, as Sasquatch seems to be attracted to them. And the call, that sounds like other sightings (or, uh, expieriences). This story sound very true, and your G-pa's (yes, I use that term too) strange, uncomfortable behavior makes it sound like he was embarrassed to tell about an expierience with something widely dismissed as a fraud. Cool story.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sat, Apr 8 2006, 10:12pm 
Well, it wasn't my Uncle, it's my friend's Uncle. But I'd be happy to ask jay to ask him asap.

I am fairly sure I remember him saying something about Ticonderoga, or Saratoga.I am fairly sure I have heard of Saratoga, but I deifnately never heard of a place called Ticonderoga so I don't know if I heard right, or if these places/names even have any relevance.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 2:12am 
Ok, the cabin was in the Ticonderoga Region. South of the Town of Ticonderoga, and west of Lake Champlain. Jay's G-pa said it was near a lake or a pond.

He said he can't remember if the place where the cabin was, actually had a name, because most of the "towns" up there were just considered part of the region, and were named only by the very few (if any) residents who lived there at the time. They always just called the spot "Cattle's Back Hill" because of the shape the hills took from a certain view.

I am trying to find these places on google, but having no luck.
The only lake or pond I can find on my atlas west of champlain and south of Ticonderoga is unamed. So I don't know, maybe the poor old guy just doesn't remember anymore. Who knows.

I think I will have to ask him myself, and maybe show him a map or something.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 2:38am 
I think showing him a map is a great idea. Even if he can't remember exactly where it was, he may be able to put you close enough. Cattle's Back Hill sounds like it's unique enough that if you can get in the general area, someone may be able to put you closer.

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 4:41am 
They have to fix that auto log out thing . . .
I just wrote the longest reply ever, and went to send and boom . . . gone.

Gerry your reply to Ether was well written, and very funny.
Your points are well made.

I replied to your replies with some detail, and if I wasn't so tired from typing the reply that just was lost, then I would attempt to rewrite what I just painstakingly wrote for roughly an hour and a half . . . (Unemployed at the moment)

Maybe tomorrow I will have regained the hand energy to do over.

F1 - Declares Shennanigans on the submit button.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 1:33pm 
LOL! That's okay F1. Both you and Ether have presented good cases so I've backed off somewhat. Don't want you to wind up with carpal tunnel. But if you do decide to investigate this further, I know I'd be extremely interested in anything you find. And I understand the unemployed thing. I've been out close to two years now with an injury, although I'm technically employed. I just don't work. LOL!

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 3:11pm 
i'm Unemployed because I don't want to work at McDonald's, and IBM won't hire me . . .

More or less, I am underqualified (according to employers) for the jobs I want, and waaaaaaaaay over qualified for the jobs I can get.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: MizLinda posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 7:43pm 
Hahahah... I have the same problem on the other end of the spectrum... IBM made me retire and I am overqualified for the jobs that are available! Just keep sending out the resumes, you have to send out a lot before you get anything but "don't call us we'll call you" letters. I got my foot in the door with IBM by knowing somebody who knew somebody. They don't advertise their openings very well. Networking probably works best, you never know when you will meet someone who knows someone, you know? And you'll have to start at less $$ to get in. Anyways, good luck!
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: myworld posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 8:21am 
It could be Lake George, here's a shot of South of Ticonderoga, West of Lake Champlain.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Alwayswondering posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 10:26am 
hey folks! Try using terraserver. It is an arieal view of the area. it would just give you what the area looks like in real life. hope this helps ya some.~AW
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 2:51pm 
Nah, they would have known Lake George.

The body of water would have to be small enough to be somewhat irrelevant.
But big enough to be considered a lake or large pond.

I think I have the water marked off on my map.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Rangoon posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 11:18am 
South of the Town of Ticonderoga, and west of Lake Champlain

Bingo! That's in a hot spot! I would be very interested to know the name of that pond if it has one

goon- thanks alot!
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 2:30pm 
Bad News:
I have 6 road maps, and 2 atlas's, none of these have pond's and lakes labled, just shown as bodies of water.

Good News :
Google Earth has given me 3 good possibilities, that I have marked off on one of the atlases. I have this gut feeling that I have the exact spot marked off now. But I have to wait to see.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 4:01pm 
Gerry,

I just wanted to clear something up. They weren't firing in a panic, or at nothing, and they repedately tried to communicate with it verbally, I thought I had conveyed that. I believe I said that they were shouting at it, if it were human it should have responded, instead of throwing a rock and shaking a tree. I am fairly sure they were as sure as possible that it wasn't a person, without actually seeing it.

As for where they were shooting, I have to imagine they had a pretty good idea where it was. If it were between the tree and them, they would have seen it, at least to some degree. I feel they must have been shooting the area just to the right and left of the tree, assuming part of the animal or whatever it was, was poking out.

Which apparently was a correct target assumption, as they managed to hit something.

Like I have said, and will say again, they DO NOT claim it was bigfoot.

And while it may be my opinion that it may have been a BF, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

For certain, they did go on this hunting trip, and they did shoot something that was behaving out of the oordinary for any animal thats known in the area . . . or that I know of I guess.

F1 - More than happy to hear all opinions, feelings, hunches, and especially theories !
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Mon, Apr 10 2006, 12:08am 
Understood and accepted. Still not something I would do but then again, I wasn't there. Good luck on the search and I hope you come up with something. That would be too cool!

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: forestgal posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 4:06pm 
F1,
If you go camping, I'd forget the supposed BF calls. If they are real I think they'd only alert the BF you're looking for them. Take a flute or a guitar or something. Even a trumpet. Have a jam session and put up IR surveillance cameras facing into the places around you something could hide. Or if you can't afford the cameras, bring a flash camera and a dog that might alert you to the direction to snap. (I would say shoot, but I don't want to confuse.)

I hope you get to go and look. Do take along someone with woods knowledge, though.
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Sun, Apr 9 2006, 4:17pm 
"If you go camping, I'd forget the supposed BF calls. If they are real I think they'd only alert the BF you're looking for them. Take a flute or a guitar or something. Even a trumpet. Have a jam session and put up IR surveillance cameras facing into the places around you something could hide. Or if you can't afford the cameras, bring a flash camera and a dog that might alert you to the direction to snap. (I would say shoot, but I don't want to confuse.)"

Well, I have been considering bringing a harmonica, as it makes sounds that could be misidentified as natural. I have dogs, but none of them would be worth a poop out in the woods. As for camera equipment, I am working on getting some professional equipment from 5 town's college.

As for a woodsmen, I have 3 potential volunteers, but I have yet to even start to consider planning to go there yet. So contacting them is way down the line even.

Thank you for the advice =)
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Mon, Apr 10 2006, 12:09am 
Harmonica huh? Need a bass player? LOL!

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Mon, Apr 10 2006, 1:21am 
haha, Sure man !
Dojn't know where we gonna plug it in though . . .

Unless BF wired up the mountains . . .
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Mon, Apr 10 2006, 6:00pm 
Well, I could get my hands on an acoustic, although I don't care for the floppiness of the strings on the ones I've fooled with. Or...buy a WHOLE bunch of extension cords!

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Mon, Apr 10 2006, 10:17pm 
I think I have enough extension cords in my room to link us up to the nearest plug . . .
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: MizLinda posted Tue, Apr 11 2006, 3:20am 
If you don't I have a few 50 - 100 F.'rs to help out... heeh, still want to see the Bacon Boy on an upright bass...
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Wed, Apr 12 2006, 3:44pm 
Honey, I'm an expert at playing with my upright...

Seriously though, never tried one. Although both serve the same purpose, they are actually two different animals, requiring different techniques. What little I know will transfer, as far as music and theory are concerned, but I'd have to change my technique and I have NO experience at all with fretless.

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Wed, Apr 12 2006, 3:42pm 
You know what would happen, don't you F1? In fact, with my luck I can guarantee it. I'll get all set up, miles and miles of extension cord run through wilderness, swamps, over mountains and through streams and when I get ready to plug in, I'll find that I need a three prong to two prong adapter...which will be back at the cabin...

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: MizLinda posted Tue, Apr 11 2006, 2:51am 
never underestimate those floppy strings... I know of several acoustic bass players that could knock your socks off... Actually, I do prefer acoustic bass.. a much more fundamental sound...if that makes sense...don't know what it is..(must be acoustic, eh?) but yes, definitely a different sound. particularly the wash tub bass...got one dude comes to the Strawbery Fest... don't know how he does it with just one string...but, it works, so?
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Gerry Bacon posted Wed, Apr 12 2006, 3:56pm 
MizLinda, wouldn't take much to knock my socks off! LOL! And I know what you're talking about. Playing accoustically is much different than playing electric, whether it's bass or guitar. An accoustic player can't hide behind effects and gimicks and many of the bluegrass artists are absolutely outstanding musicians! Believe it or not, I do enjoy bluegrass. I'm not a country fan but I think bluegrass music transcends country...and rock for that matter! I'm afraid that many of our younger artists and rock fans have never really listened to good bluegrass music played live and have no appreciation of the skill level required to be good.

As for floppy strings, I'm simply going by the feel I've had off one or two which may or may not have been properly set up. But I think overall, accoustic basses and guitars have lower tensioned strings. I think it has to do with vibration rates. An electric instrument depends on the pick ups to transmit the sound so the strings can be tighter, vibrate less and still produce music whereas accoustic instruments depend on the resonance of the body and more on true string vibration rate, although A at 440 is the standard for tuning. I just think that rate is achieved differently.

Accoustic bass WILL have a much more fundamental sound. They are very close, in dynamics anyway, to the double or upright bass. I think the body size prevents them from achieving the exact same sound but they come much closer than electric. But than again, the electric bass is a relatively new invention. But any instrument played well sounds good. Now all I have to do is figure out the 'play well' part!

Gerry
Subject: Re: My friend's Grandpa and Uncle's BF(Possible) Interaction
From: Found_One posted Wed, Apr 12 2006, 3:21am 
Got the location.

We're working on planning the trip now, any suggestions are welcome.


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