CROSSVILLE —
What is it about Bigfoot or Sasquatch that interests me, I mean people, so much? What is it about this mythical creature that has spawned myriad searches, articles, websites and even its own television series?
Bigfoot has never been captured but thousands of sightings occur each year. The descriptions are varied: some say he is 7 feet tall, others believe he is at least 14 feet tall. Some say he is black. Others swear he is brown. A few think he weighs 300 pounds: others are convinced he is an 800-pounder. A few things everyone agrees on: he is ape like; furry and walks vertically with his long, ape arm in full swing. Eye witnesses also claim they hear thunderous noises from the brush before spotting him, or it, or maybe even, her.
Bigfoot sightings have been around for more than 400 years although he wasn’t officially named until 1957. No one has ever captured the bipedal creature. He remains elusive to this day. His roaming is not indigenous to the United States either. Big foot has been spotted in Australia, and other countries, while apparently migrating and living on deer and vegetation.
A few years ago while visiting Yellowstone National park, our tour guide told us of a time when Bigfoot sightings were running rampant through the national park. Park rangers, having heard enough to form an unofficial investigative team, began tracking Bigfoot. Turns out, the sightings were nothing more than a college student in a costume. A situation, park officials said, could have become dire if someone had elected to shoot at “Bigfoot” in an effort to prove the species existence.
Bigfoot hoaxes are commonplace. Many tapes and pictures have been taken and posted on the internet as proof of the species existence, only to be later determined as fake.
The top twenty most common places for Bigfoot sightings are: Estes Park, Colorado; Georgia; Mount St. Helens area; Lembo Lake, New York; Quebec; Mantee County, Florida; the Ukraine: Siberia; Ketichan, Alaska; Marble Mountain, California; Ontario, Canada; Nova Scotia; Poland; Eastern Texas and Bluff Creek, Utah.
Don’t despair, Tennessee has its share of Bigfoot stories too.
The last account of Bigfoot in Tennessee featured the manlike ape looking in a window and “aping” the homeowner’s movements!
After reading numerous accounts; watching some on-line videos and reading some stories, there were a couple of things I gleaned from the Bigfoot tales: there is always a lot of noise in the brush, woods, or forest before the actual sighting.
Secondly, no one ever seems to be frightened by Bigfoot. He doesn’t seem to be aggressive or confrontational, usually just meandering off when spied.
I decided to poll the students, second through tenth graders, at the TAD Center regarding their beliefs in Bigfoot. Literally, one half believes: the other half placed him in the same category as Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.
Regardless of whether you believe in Bigfoot or not, you have to admit it is fascinating on some level. Sort of like the Loch Ness Monster. But that is another monster for another day.
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The annual “Celebrity Waiters Event” is slated for Thursday, March 14th, at the Cumberland Mountain State Park with all proceeds going towards Relay for Life. The dinner features a catered meal, entertainment and live auction. Tickets are $25 per person. Call Sherry Lawson at CMC at 931-459-7051 for additional information regarding this happening.
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Tickets are on sale for the annual TAD Center’s Fundraising Fashion Show featuring the latest in spring clothing and accessories from Gigi’s and the Screen Door.
The show is slated for Monday, April 8th, from 11-1 at Fortes on the Square. The $20 ticket price includes the fashion show and meal. There will also be door prizes and a silent auction. Tickets are available at Gigi’s and the Screen Door.
Lifestyles
Around the Town: Do you believe in Bigfoot?
- Lifestyles
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Watch for rhododendron borers and carpenter bees
Inspect rhododendron shrubs showing wilted or dead branches. In early February I noticed one of the main stems on a rhododendron by my driveway had broken off. Thinking a photo might make a good illustration for an article on pruning to remove damaged limbs, I took a picture with my digital camera. However, when enhancing the image, two oval holes with the longer part aligned lengthwise on the stem caught my eye. One was right at the break, the other further down. Those holes looked like borer damage.
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Veterans a big part of Fair Park
The week before Veterans Day, Fair Park Senior Center interviewed some of the folks at Fair Park Senior Center who had served the country in the service. Over 70 men stated they had served and one woman. Giving up a lot to serve, sharing that common bond, only they can understand. No matter which branch or which war, they all share a deep passion for this country.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Neilson in concert May 31
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC.
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Events planned at Cumberland Mtn. State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park has several special programs planned. All programs are considered PG-13, which means parental guidance is recommended.
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Lots of choices promised for Roan Mtn. hike
The Plateau Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association holds a leaderless hike every Wednesday morning. These are typically five to seven miles in length. For additional information, contact Bill Harris at 484-9152 or visit the Plateau Chapter Blog at http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com.
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AROUND THE TOWN: Welcome summer with a few good books
The unofficial start to summer begins this weekend with the Memorial Day Holiday. Although summer does not officially begin until June, for most of us, this first warm weather holiday is the preview of about three months of boating, fishing, camping, vacationing, picnics, family reunions and cook outs.
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Schatz named May artist of the month at PCAC
Jessica Schatz, the artist of the month at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She also remains busy as an interior designer, specializing in staging and new construction, and is also a pet portrait photographer. In addition, she donates her photography services, photographing homeless pets in order to help them find homes.
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Folksinger to perform May 31 in Pleasant Hill
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC. The Shalom Center for Continuing Education, a non-profit educational center is sponsoring this appearance of the nationally well-known artist.
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127 Seniors plan for annual picnic
On May 17, the members of the 127 South Senior Center had an enjoyable time socializing and playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by John Bohrman, with the prizes furnished by Dr. M. Stewart Galloway, M.D.
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Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Pleasant Hill Elementary honors volunteers
Mary Ann Kotus-Huff, principal of Pleasant Hill Elementary School (PHS), recently welcomed volunteers to the annual Volunteer Tea. It was held in the gaily decorated new all-purpose room of the new annex. Volunteers were treated to sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers and cupcakes.
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