When I have fears that I may cease to be ~ John Keats
This is where they walked, swam
Hunted, danced and sang
Take a picture here...]
This land is the land of ours...~ REM
This is where they walked, swam
Hunted, danced and sang
Take a picture here...]
This land is the land of ours...~ REM
Sometimes the beginning of a story is like diving into a pool of water. The delay in jumping in is an anticipation of the cold or cool water , and its brief mini-shock to the body. But once the lunge is made everything is quickly alright and the water fun or exercise can begin and go on. Trying to start this particular story was more like jumping into 20-foot swells in the mid-Atlantic for me. Why? Because I deemed it as one of the most intriguing and important stories I've ever written up to this point. And as far as my articles go, that means for stories of the ghostly-type and similar things. So, with this opener written and out of the way, let us begin the dive.
As one starts reading they may initially think this is basically a history piece of some type. It is not, but I felt it necessary to give a feel to the reader of just that interesting history for this small state park area involved in the adventure you will soon be going on with me. That history will pass soon enough and then we will get into what really matters and what this is really all about, not that simple nature and history don't matter, they surely do.
At times, when I buy or check a book out of the library, I'll often go to the picture section before even reading the first few pages of a non-fiction book. Maybe you do the same on occasion, it is probably a natural tendency. However, here, on this one, I urge the reader not to do that, but to follow the story and pics from the beginning without looking ahead. In this way you can hopefully take this trip from the start to something fantastic at the end and experience this whole thing like I have done twice; three times actually, the third time with an associate, who if they hadn't been with me, this article would not even have been written, maybe not, that is.
So let us begin with a little selected history of Boone's Cave State Park in North Carolina, then go to that first visit of mine around 1990, and then finish up with the most recent return visit of May, 2015, with a startling revelation at the tremendously tall Cottonwood tree at the end. It is the hope of this writer to take you on this journey from beginning to end as if you were there yourself and experienced what was experienced by me and the helpful, photographer/co-owner of the site, Janice Gale.
Note: This trip and the pictures included in it happened and were taken in May 2015. The batteries died so the camera had defaulted to the original date, as the photographer had forgotten to update the date on the camera.
As one starts reading they may initially think this is basically a history piece of some type. It is not, but I felt it necessary to give a feel to the reader of just that interesting history for this small state park area involved in the adventure you will soon be going on with me. That history will pass soon enough and then we will get into what really matters and what this is really all about, not that simple nature and history don't matter, they surely do.
At times, when I buy or check a book out of the library, I'll often go to the picture section before even reading the first few pages of a non-fiction book. Maybe you do the same on occasion, it is probably a natural tendency. However, here, on this one, I urge the reader not to do that, but to follow the story and pics from the beginning without looking ahead. In this way you can hopefully take this trip from the start to something fantastic at the end and experience this whole thing like I have done twice; three times actually, the third time with an associate, who if they hadn't been with me, this article would not even have been written, maybe not, that is.
So let us begin with a little selected history of Boone's Cave State Park in North Carolina, then go to that first visit of mine around 1990, and then finish up with the most recent return visit of May, 2015, with a startling revelation at the tremendously tall Cottonwood tree at the end. It is the hope of this writer to take you on this journey from beginning to end as if you were there yourself and experienced what was experienced by me and the helpful, photographer/co-owner of the site, Janice Gale.
Note: This trip and the pictures included in it happened and were taken in May 2015. The batteries died so the camera had defaulted to the original date, as the photographer had forgotten to update the date on the camera.
A Selected History of the Park
Although I have no written proof from books, diaries, or Amerindian traditions that have been passed down, it is my contention that the Park and possibly even the Forks of The Yadkin, which Boone's Cave is slightly north of, were a sacred place for the Native Americans who came there before the arrival of the pioneers. Perhaps they passed through the area in hunting and raiding parties, perhaps they danced and sang in these areas but with a high reverence while doing so. This would apply to the Cherokee and Catawbas, others, and especially those from far in the past before these peoples were even permanently in the regions they came to occupy..
It must have been magnificent. A wild serpentine river teeming with fish of many species - bass, bream, catfish, and many other kinds. Chestnut trees with diameters up to 15 or even 20 feet, with some having canopy spreads of a 150 feet from one side to the other. Large animals such as woodland buffalo, perhaps, coming down on occasion from the Blue Ridge to forage in drought years. There were eastern elk, white-tailed deer; and all these hoofed beasts with their predators - like the timber wolves and panthers - roamed the area, and in the case of these wolves and mountain lions, they certainly made dens in the caves of the Yadkin Valley, including those at Boone's Cave and its close environs.
I've even read reports from the early 1700s, before the settlement period, that seem to suggest, for a short time, off the beaten path jaguars may have hunted and roamed far enough north to reach the central Carolinas. There is even a large river in upper South Carolina named way back then in the 18th century the Tyger River. In addition to these large mammals, including massive black bears, the Forks and Yadkin River were no doubt often covered by dense clouds and uncountable numbers of passenger pigeons and waterfowl.
It must have been magnificent. A wild serpentine river teeming with fish of many species - bass, bream, catfish, and many other kinds. Chestnut trees with diameters up to 15 or even 20 feet, with some having canopy spreads of a 150 feet from one side to the other. Large animals such as woodland buffalo, perhaps, coming down on occasion from the Blue Ridge to forage in drought years. There were eastern elk, white-tailed deer; and all these hoofed beasts with their predators - like the timber wolves and panthers - roamed the area, and in the case of these wolves and mountain lions, they certainly made dens in the caves of the Yadkin Valley, including those at Boone's Cave and its close environs.
I've even read reports from the early 1700s, before the settlement period, that seem to suggest, for a short time, off the beaten path jaguars may have hunted and roamed far enough north to reach the central Carolinas. There is even a large river in upper South Carolina named way back then in the 18th century the Tyger River. In addition to these large mammals, including massive black bears, the Forks and Yadkin River were no doubt often covered by dense clouds and uncountable numbers of passenger pigeons and waterfowl.
Thus were the forks of the Yadkin River and just above it at the Boone's Cave area in the west-central Piedmont of North Carolina around the year 1750. A hardy Daniel Boone must have found the spot on his first long hunt the year before. Which must have been why an adolescent Daniel led his parents and kinfolk to this region when coming down the Great Wagon Road, after a short residency in Virginia, seeking a new home in the fresh virgin backcountry of Carolina.
The Forks and its vast a-joining forest were one of the last places to be settled in the Yadkin Valley because of their rather hilly and rocky soil - not to mention wetlands near the river in certain spots, like one part still is to this day in the park, but that now has a wooden walking trail through it.. Settlement by pioneer families had only started two or three years earlier than the Boone's arrival in the valley, and the rough hewn cabins and small rudimentary farms must have been in most places a great many miles apart. It was in all respects a true and untamed frontier wilderness.
The Forks and its vast a-joining forest were one of the last places to be settled in the Yadkin Valley because of their rather hilly and rocky soil - not to mention wetlands near the river in certain spots, like one part still is to this day in the park, but that now has a wooden walking trail through it.. Settlement by pioneer families had only started two or three years earlier than the Boone's arrival in the valley, and the rough hewn cabins and small rudimentary farms must have been in most places a great many miles apart. It was in all respects a true and untamed frontier wilderness.
Life was hard then for what might seem a flora and fauna paradise today. The menfolk built cabins and fences, cleared ground and used mules and oxen to pull-up stumps for crop cultivation, if they had any of these animals; they hunted, trapped and fished, and more often than not died young from their many labors. The females were toiling just as hard; raising children, tending to household and livestock chores such as slopping for hogs and their preparation for meals, again, if they even had them - and in fact, anything that was needed by them to do or assist in. Tough and nurturing are the words for these frontier womenfolk.
Some things in human nature never change. The younger women smoothed their hair with bear's grease, pulled their shifts tight to display shapely figures, and often exposed their buxom charms shamelessly - no doubt for ease and to catch the eye of any marriageable man. The men themselves often congregated in clearings for shooting competitions, while sipping what must have been fantastically good "stonewall whiskey" or brandies.
Some things in human nature never change. The younger women smoothed their hair with bear's grease, pulled their shifts tight to display shapely figures, and often exposed their buxom charms shamelessly - no doubt for ease and to catch the eye of any marriageable man. The men themselves often congregated in clearings for shooting competitions, while sipping what must have been fantastically good "stonewall whiskey" or brandies.
Park's entrance sign Boone's Cave at 110 acres is the smallest state park in North Carolina but I can tell the reader when walking its trails it seems much larger. Dedicated in 1909, it still retains some of the feel of that frontier forest. It's an isolated park located on the Yadkin River near Lexington in Davidson County, or just north of Salisbury. Boone's parents are buried in the small town of Mocksville in next door Davie County. The park even has a 169 foot tall Cottonwood tree, the tallest in the state, which will become important at the end of this story. There is also Boone's Cave, which is up the hill from the river, and which is equally important to this story as well.
Boone's Cave side view According to stories passed down over the years, the Boone family briefly lived in the cave while they constructed their cabin. A legend has it that Daniel once hid in the cave from a Cherokee raiding party which was attacking cabins and farms on the frontier of North Carolina and other states at the time. In the early 1750s Britain was still at peace with the Cherokees, so it must have happened several years later during the French and Indian War. Whatever the case, at least one brave was so determined to claim his scalp that he tried to wait Boone out. But young Dan'l outfoxed him by escaping through a tiny passage to the other side of the hill.
Now, on my first visit to the cave I didn't get to go inside which will be made plain why later on in the article. However, on the last trip in May of 2015, I was in it and it was really quite large, perhaps the size of a big bedroom, with a separate tunnel off to the left of the main cave. I've seen it written that the cave goes back some 80 feet. But with this one that certainly didn't appear to be the case, by any means, unless there's another cave the same size or bigger than I'm not aware of. At one time I thought there was one at the river itself but apparently there isn't. Perhaps, any small hole or tunnel has collapsed or been covered up over time?
Many fine biographies have been written over the years on Boone but none have been able to state with absolute certainty that the park was the original place the family settled in when they came to North Carolina. The one unarguable fact being a deed taken out in 1753 for 640 acres at the forks of the Yadkin by Daniel's father, Squire. But anyone visiting the site as I did for the first time one day in 1990, should sense, by ambient and intuitive feel, that this was indeed the place. Now to that first visit, on which I didn't tote a camera along with me on the walk; but as things turned out, it wouldn't have mattered anyway - especially at the cave.
Now, on my first visit to the cave I didn't get to go inside which will be made plain why later on in the article. However, on the last trip in May of 2015, I was in it and it was really quite large, perhaps the size of a big bedroom, with a separate tunnel off to the left of the main cave. I've seen it written that the cave goes back some 80 feet. But with this one that certainly didn't appear to be the case, by any means, unless there's another cave the same size or bigger than I'm not aware of. At one time I thought there was one at the river itself but apparently there isn't. Perhaps, any small hole or tunnel has collapsed or been covered up over time?
Many fine biographies have been written over the years on Boone but none have been able to state with absolute certainty that the park was the original place the family settled in when they came to North Carolina. The one unarguable fact being a deed taken out in 1753 for 640 acres at the forks of the Yadkin by Daniel's father, Squire. But anyone visiting the site as I did for the first time one day in 1990, should sense, by ambient and intuitive feel, that this was indeed the place. Now to that first visit, on which I didn't tote a camera along with me on the walk; but as things turned out, it wouldn't have mattered anyway - especially at the cave.
Stone marker for the Boones- Carolinian's Archives photo
My first visit to this history and nature treasure happened in the spring or early summer of 1990. Having recently moved to a small town nearby, with a weekday off from work, I decided to check the place out after seeing it on a state road map. After pulling into, and riding down to the end this out-of-the-way park, I stopped in the small asphalt parking lot that had a picnic shelter and paths leading off in different directions. It was also apparent with no other cars about, that I was going to have this rather exciting new discovery to myself, at least for a while, that is, and that was definitely okay for exploring around a bit.
The path to the old reconstructed cabin - built around a pioneer fireplace that may well have been the Boones - was off a ways to the left, down a path through some woods. It was cool, but a bit disappointing with the crushed beer cans here and there and the almost obligatory graffiti scrawled in spots on the walls of the empty dwelling. However, Boone's Cave has since most fortunately been up-graded by the state and/or county and acquired a very fine park ranger with their own residence near the entrance to the site; and a facility with information plus bathrooms, a new cabin, a new canoe and kayak trail, and with a primitive camping site, too.
We shall hear from the park ranger later on in the story in the Richard's Experience section.
We shall hear from the park ranger later on in the story in the Richard's Experience section.
Leaving the cabin, I crossed over the parking lot to the other side, which led down quite a few wooden step rails to the cave. On reaching it, I had to stoop at the entrance, as the opening was no more than about three feet high or so. Looking straight ahead, it didn't seem that big but was intriguing to me considering its geology and Daniel Boone history. To the right there appeared an elevated granite slab and I remember thinking how very awesome that the great frontiersman himself may have once sat or slept upon it.
After looking around a bit, I peered to the left, down the detached, maybe 12 or so foot long tunnel. I was stooping in a position where I could see into both parts of the cave from the same spot. The rounded tunnel started off with a rather cone-shaped entrance, maybe four feet tall that tapered into a low granite ceiling near the end of it. In fact, neither the tunnel or the main cave is where an average adult can stand up straight.
After looking around a bit, I peered to the left, down the detached, maybe 12 or so foot long tunnel. I was stooping in a position where I could see into both parts of the cave from the same spot. The rounded tunnel started off with a rather cone-shaped entrance, maybe four feet tall that tapered into a low granite ceiling near the end of it. In fact, neither the tunnel or the main cave is where an average adult can stand up straight.
Cave opening Now, this may be a difficult and challenging part of the story for the reader, but I'll do my best to explain it as best I can. Peering to the left, down the tunnel to the left of the main cave, there immediately appeared before my eyes a sight to make a person turn and shake their head, which is exactly what I did. A second glance - and there, still before my eyes, not five or six feet away, staring straight at me, was the perfectly formed apparition- I know not what else to call it - of a Wolf! It was staring at me benignly, with just the hint of a smirk, and with what I can only call a palpable intelligence behind its startling red eyes. Indeed, it had a shimmering kind of electricity about it, although I was really mostly staring at its eyes and head, there was absolutely no doubt of the fact that it was a wolf, or something mimicking one, perfectly.
At the instant of perceiving that what the eyes beheld was real, my entire body exploded in a brain stem adrenal rush, causing a full bore flight or fight response, the likes of which I'd never before, nor have ever since, experienced. Something so unexpected as this can hit you like a lightning bolt, except with the lightning, one usually has a warning of stormy weather coming, while with this, there was no warning at all or anything to put it into an understandable perspective. That is until one learns to open up and be responsive to things beyond the usual five sense reality - there are some of us who think that that is all there is. At any rate, flight won by a long mile that memorable day my friends, and it was a heart-pounding, seemingly Olympic winning dash away from the tunnel, back up the stairs and into to the car for a quick getaway.
About ten years later I made up my mind to make peace with this frightening entity that had the appearance of a wolf. Now it should be stressed to the reader that this was no pure fur, flesh and blood animal- it definitely belonged in the paranormal range of entity encounters. Besides, wolves had been exterminated or run off in the central-west Piedmont of North Carolina about 150 to 200 years ago for those who think it could have been a purely physical creature staring at me with those red eyes and electric-like shimmering head, including, what little I saw of its body.
Anyway, on this second hurried visit I noticed bulldozers were knocking down some trees on the other side of the river and as I went down the steps to the cave I had a deep feeling my friend wouldn't be there that day, and it wasn't. Although I would have liked to have tossed a piece of venison into the tunnel, it was out of deer season so some other piece of meat sufficed. Still, at that time, my inclination was to believe it was the spirit of a mother wolf and the meat-tossing was a kind of peace offering. Maybe it just made feel better about the whole thing. After throwing it in I immediately left the park, not to return again for 15 years and, unintentionally, capture the most amazing thing photographed by an accompanying companion in 25 years of being interested and intrigued by the mysteries of this world.
At the instant of perceiving that what the eyes beheld was real, my entire body exploded in a brain stem adrenal rush, causing a full bore flight or fight response, the likes of which I'd never before, nor have ever since, experienced. Something so unexpected as this can hit you like a lightning bolt, except with the lightning, one usually has a warning of stormy weather coming, while with this, there was no warning at all or anything to put it into an understandable perspective. That is until one learns to open up and be responsive to things beyond the usual five sense reality - there are some of us who think that that is all there is. At any rate, flight won by a long mile that memorable day my friends, and it was a heart-pounding, seemingly Olympic winning dash away from the tunnel, back up the stairs and into to the car for a quick getaway.
About ten years later I made up my mind to make peace with this frightening entity that had the appearance of a wolf. Now it should be stressed to the reader that this was no pure fur, flesh and blood animal- it definitely belonged in the paranormal range of entity encounters. Besides, wolves had been exterminated or run off in the central-west Piedmont of North Carolina about 150 to 200 years ago for those who think it could have been a purely physical creature staring at me with those red eyes and electric-like shimmering head, including, what little I saw of its body.
Anyway, on this second hurried visit I noticed bulldozers were knocking down some trees on the other side of the river and as I went down the steps to the cave I had a deep feeling my friend wouldn't be there that day, and it wasn't. Although I would have liked to have tossed a piece of venison into the tunnel, it was out of deer season so some other piece of meat sufficed. Still, at that time, my inclination was to believe it was the spirit of a mother wolf and the meat-tossing was a kind of peace offering. Maybe it just made feel better about the whole thing. After throwing it in I immediately left the park, not to return again for 15 years and, unintentionally, capture the most amazing thing photographed by an accompanying companion in 25 years of being interested and intrigued by the mysteries of this world.
Animal bone display Richard's Experience and a Comment From the Park Ranger: Five or six years ago when I began writing again after a long layoff from some newspaper and magazine article work, which included interviews and ad selling, one of the initial stories I laid down was a condensed one about that first visit to Boone's Cave Park. It just seemed the right time and was one of the stories I wanted to get off the bat first. In other words, it was important to write it down as one of the beginning 60 articles of mine on a large writing site, in addition to co-authoring a book for charity.
That story received many comments, including a kind one by the new park ranger, who stated that although they felt nothing evil in the place, she did sense its long history and ancient spirits in certain spots. Whether she meant that last thought imaginatively or literally, I don't know, but was mighty grateful for her input and feelings on that 110 acres of magnificence that is entrusted for her to watch over. No doubt she, or whoever may be there now, knows it very well.
That story received many comments, including a kind one by the new park ranger, who stated that although they felt nothing evil in the place, she did sense its long history and ancient spirits in certain spots. Whether she meant that last thought imaginatively or literally, I don't know, but was mighty grateful for her input and feelings on that 110 acres of magnificence that is entrusted for her to watch over. No doubt she, or whoever may be there now, knows it very well.
One of, if not the most, intriguing comments on that first story came from a man named Richard, who had no problem publicly posting his first name on it. The gentleman's sincerity and erudition came across strongly in the comment and I believe what he had to say about his own paranormal experiences near and in the park over his life.
Here is his account.
When a young boy Richard and his older brother would often play in the deep woods about and in the state park. One day the lads, by chance, came on a large grassy circle about twelve feet in diameter. Besides the grassy circle being completely out of place, they also observed what at first appeared, and turned out to be, a small pile of animal bones jumbled up in the center of it.
The brothers were presumably amazed and whispering among each other about this weird anomaly they'd stumbled upon, when suddenly, the woods became deathly quiet, even the usual forest noises seemed to stop, as a low growling noise began from no particular direction that sent the boys high-tailing it back home as fast as their little legs could carry them.
Here is his account.
When a young boy Richard and his older brother would often play in the deep woods about and in the state park. One day the lads, by chance, came on a large grassy circle about twelve feet in diameter. Besides the grassy circle being completely out of place, they also observed what at first appeared, and turned out to be, a small pile of animal bones jumbled up in the center of it.
The brothers were presumably amazed and whispering among each other about this weird anomaly they'd stumbled upon, when suddenly, the woods became deathly quiet, even the usual forest noises seemed to stop, as a low growling noise began from no particular direction that sent the boys high-tailing it back home as fast as their little legs could carry them.
View of south Yadkin from part of Baptism Rock- Carolinian's Archives photo
After many years had passed and Richard had grown-up, the frightening experience with the bones and growling had faded somewhat in memory, and unable to be excised completely from his thoughts or come to peace with, placed where it should be, on the backburner of one's mind concerning unsettling encounters from early youth. Richard had once again started going to the park to walk some and fish. He and his brother, however, were never able to explain what that whole thing was about or meant way back then when they were children in those dark woods.
Now, at this later date, many years in the future, Richard one time found himself fishing from near or at the picture above on the Yadkin River, as it later turns into the Pee and Great Pee Dee Rivers on its long way to the Atlantic Ocean. In the comment, he mentioned that on this particular day, he abruptly eyed what appeared to be a large black dog staring at him from across the water, perhaps a hundred and fifty feet away. There was a glowing, shimmering mist about the animal and he later recalled thinking it was more wolf-like than dog-like.
Within minutes of spotting this creature or...apparition, he heard a hearty laughter coming from behind him, and when he turned to look, there stood a man in colonial or frontier-type dress, maybe ten or so feet behind him, who then slowly vanished before his eyes. Richard wrote that he wasn't so much frightened as just amazed, and of course, just plain-out curious as to what was going on and what it could all be.
Unfortunately, after pondering on this experience in the days to come, the man become wary of visiting the area again and remains so to this day. Who can blame him; but my advice to Richard was to keep in mind, although these entity's or powers seem to choose the times when they reveal themselves, we ultimately have the power of good on our side, which I and other folks who feel the same, believe can protect us if we learn to be open to it.
Now, at this later date, many years in the future, Richard one time found himself fishing from near or at the picture above on the Yadkin River, as it later turns into the Pee and Great Pee Dee Rivers on its long way to the Atlantic Ocean. In the comment, he mentioned that on this particular day, he abruptly eyed what appeared to be a large black dog staring at him from across the water, perhaps a hundred and fifty feet away. There was a glowing, shimmering mist about the animal and he later recalled thinking it was more wolf-like than dog-like.
Within minutes of spotting this creature or...apparition, he heard a hearty laughter coming from behind him, and when he turned to look, there stood a man in colonial or frontier-type dress, maybe ten or so feet behind him, who then slowly vanished before his eyes. Richard wrote that he wasn't so much frightened as just amazed, and of course, just plain-out curious as to what was going on and what it could all be.
Unfortunately, after pondering on this experience in the days to come, the man become wary of visiting the area again and remains so to this day. Who can blame him; but my advice to Richard was to keep in mind, although these entity's or powers seem to choose the times when they reveal themselves, we ultimately have the power of good on our side, which I and other folks who feel the same, believe can protect us if we learn to be open to it.
| The Return Visit to Boone's Cave of May 2015: In May of 2015 I and photographer and co-owner Janice Gale of the Carolinian's Archives, decided to take a two night stay in central North Carolina to visit several historical and mysterious sites for material and pictures for future articles on the website. Our first excursion was to Boone's Cave. It was easier to find thanks to GPS than it had been with those two previous visits, despite the map. We first noticed the new ranger's house on the right which was very nice and homey-looking with what appeared to be a log cabin like wood in its construct. We then came to the new faculty with the restrooms, and some kind of D. Boone memorial. A path to the new cabin started from there and we decided to go down the trail and visit it first. |  Approaching picnic shelter and car leaving |
At the beginning was a display case of park animal bones shown in the photo that starts off this section of the story. Kind of weird but cool, and yes, it did remind me of Richard and his brother's eerie discovery. On coming into sight of the cabin it was obvious that care had been taken in building it to look realistic. The dwelling did have a freshness to it but wasn't at all disappointing or unappealing, quite the contrary in fact.
Approaching new cabin- Carolinian's Archives photo
As can be seen from this gallery of pictures the new cabin was just that - new. Although it lacked the old world feel and fireplace of the original cabin, which I would guess stood at this spot as the stone marker in the ground states so; but that first visit had made seem more about a hundred feet away towards the river in a wooded area.
Regardless, the new place was very nice, clean and contemplative. It even had a garden set between wood railings and what might have been tall crossbeams for hanging wild and domesticated animals to drain. I could be wrong or only partially right about that however. That frontier fireplace was really the only thing missed at the up-dated place. There is every good chance in the world that this was the Boone's warming construction of handmade bricks or something. I wonder what they did with it? Surely it, or its parts, are somewhere & secure.
Regardless, the new place was very nice, clean and contemplative. It even had a garden set between wood railings and what might have been tall crossbeams for hanging wild and domesticated animals to drain. I could be wrong or only partially right about that however. That frontier fireplace was really the only thing missed at the up-dated place. There is every good chance in the world that this was the Boone's warming construction of handmade bricks or something. I wonder what they did with it? Surely it, or its parts, are somewhere & secure.
After hanging around the cabin and garden for maybe 15 minutes, we decided to go to the place that we, or rather more, me, really wanted to go on this trip. That was the cave, of course. As we proceeded down to the end of the road and walked to the right, we began discussing my startling experience there almost twenty-five years before. Walking the steps down I mumbled once that I really didn't want to go inside it and photographer/co-owner of the website, Ms. Gale, would have to go in and take digitals while I held a flashlight at the two openings.
On arriving we stooped down to look inside and Janice said no way did she want to go in either. Something came over me right then that was totally unexpected. Very carefully, I walked in a ways, sat on the granite slab that was inside, took a few photos, and then checked the corners by crawling all around on my hands and knees, and yes, I went down the tunnel. I wanted to be in the exact spot where that wolf entity had appeared.
Before you know it, a feeling of bravado came over me, too, and I began demanding in a fairly determined voice, a bit loud one in fact, for the entity to reveal itself. In a stern voice I began saying things like "Show Yourself!", or "I'm not afraid of you anymore. Show yourself and let me get some proof, I'm not scared of you at all anymore." Vocalizations of that sort.
I then exited and we started taking digitals of the inside with a helping flashlight that didn't help and didn't do too much good. About all we got was darkness, blurry objects and shadows so the pictures aren't included. Nothing really happened except for crawling around, getting knee-skinned and my called-out challenges, and after sitting out front talking a bit we went down to the river.
Before you know it, a feeling of bravado came over me, too, and I began demanding in a fairly determined voice, a bit loud one in fact, for the entity to reveal itself. In a stern voice I began saying things like "Show Yourself!", or "I'm not afraid of you anymore. Show yourself and let me get some proof, I'm not scared of you at all anymore." Vocalizations of that sort.
I then exited and we started taking digitals of the inside with a helping flashlight that didn't help and didn't do too much good. About all we got was darkness, blurry objects and shadows so the pictures aren't included. Nothing really happened except for crawling around, getting knee-skinned and my called-out challenges, and after sitting out front talking a bit we went down to the river.
| | Now folks, I always respect nature and park rules and never intentionally disregard signs not to pick flowers and stuff, and down a ways from the main cave was some very old steps and a much smaller cave. We obeyed the sign that said stay off the steps and don't go inside.. Anyway, I was careful not to disturb anything like rocks and such in both spots. |
We got to the river and found ourselves on Baptism Rock. For many generations, who knows how long, this was the place where believers were baptized by being dunked in the water. After looking at the water, I made-up my mind to walk down to the right, on the river bank, to see if I could find that elusive riverside big cave, whether it existed or not, I just wasn't sure. Wasn't long after that fruitless little trek that I suddenly wanted go see the tallest cottonwood tree in the state; maybe the tallest one east of the Mississippi. This tree, by the way, has held the interest of scientists and other people from all over the world for some time, especially the United Kingdom.
Baptism Rock view at narrow part of the south Yadkin River- Carolinian's Archives photo
It wasn't long going down the path to the tree that we realized this was going to be a bit longer walk than we had originally thought. The little mosquitoes were out in merciless numbers but we soldiered on, with me at least, determined to see it. As we got closer there appeared some very tall trees that almost had me fooled me into thinking that they were the famed cottonwood.
On approaching the stupendously tall tree to read a small marker next to it, photographer Janice snapped the stunning picture you see below. We had no idea what had been captured on digital in that flash of a second. Not till later when Janice was uploading the memory card to the computer. Standing around in another room, I suddenly heard her in a low-pitched voice say "Oh my God, what is that?" I hurried to the screen and in less than two seconds intuitively felt we had caught something remarkable. You can bet we studied that picture very thoroughly and with great fascination..
So, for your enjoyment, interest, wonderment or just plain pondering; not to mention any skepticism, at least to the image, that will hopefully be laid to rest in just a bit, here it is. Although Janice was moving when the picture was taken, most interesting is the image appears to not only be standing still but in movement itself. Just very unusual when it finally dawned on me. It also seems as if it wanted to get into just the right place for the perfect, best, or most optimal picture to be taken of it; perhaps, with even Yours truly in the photo? If this is so, then it succeeded in that endeavor brilliantly.
And, as Ms. Brenda Barnes (a photography expert) pointed out so insightfully after examining it, since the photo is digital, it is not any malfunction of the camera nor is it a flash issue since we were in the light of mid-day. A double exposure or anything like that can also be ruled out. With thousands of photos taken over time by or with me in the photo nothing even remotely like this has showed up on them, and with the backstory that you've maybe just read, and the particular setting and so on...well, it just super adds to the likelihood that this is something authentically remarkable in our humble opinion.
SO FINALLY, AFTER THE BRIEF HISTORY AND LONG BACKSTORY, HERE IT IS
On approaching the stupendously tall tree to read a small marker next to it, photographer Janice snapped the stunning picture you see below. We had no idea what had been captured on digital in that flash of a second. Not till later when Janice was uploading the memory card to the computer. Standing around in another room, I suddenly heard her in a low-pitched voice say "Oh my God, what is that?" I hurried to the screen and in less than two seconds intuitively felt we had caught something remarkable. You can bet we studied that picture very thoroughly and with great fascination..
So, for your enjoyment, interest, wonderment or just plain pondering; not to mention any skepticism, at least to the image, that will hopefully be laid to rest in just a bit, here it is. Although Janice was moving when the picture was taken, most interesting is the image appears to not only be standing still but in movement itself. Just very unusual when it finally dawned on me. It also seems as if it wanted to get into just the right place for the perfect, best, or most optimal picture to be taken of it; perhaps, with even Yours truly in the photo? If this is so, then it succeeded in that endeavor brilliantly.
And, as Ms. Brenda Barnes (a photography expert) pointed out so insightfully after examining it, since the photo is digital, it is not any malfunction of the camera nor is it a flash issue since we were in the light of mid-day. A double exposure or anything like that can also be ruled out. With thousands of photos taken over time by or with me in the photo nothing even remotely like this has showed up on them, and with the backstory that you've maybe just read, and the particular setting and so on...well, it just super adds to the likelihood that this is something authentically remarkable in our humble opinion.
SO FINALLY, AFTER THE BRIEF HISTORY AND LONG BACKSTORY, HERE IT IS
JUST A LITTLE SPECULATION: Over the next few minutes I eliminated several things, like it being a bird, a reflection, or some kind of lens glitch. My thoughts then turned to it, maybe, being a nature or guardian tree spirit. If any tree would have one, this wondrous cottonwood was it. But then Janice suggested that after my declarations in the cave, the entity may have become interested in me and followed us to the tree, where it either did (which I believe to be the case) or did not give us that shot and it was only taken by accident. I first talked to a person who is versed in these matters and they said it appeared benevolent and I feel the same way about it.
Another well-regarded friend said they had seen something similar near a relative's grave and believed it a higher spiritual being attached to the venerable tree. I sure hope so and do not know if it was the wolf entity experienced 25 years earlier or is something else. The inclination, gut feeling if you want to call it that, is that it was not the wolf but a separate intelligence with a rounded appendage - even shapeshifting quality to its appearance; and yes, even a bit like Caspar with the rounded part of it on the tree, but only initially. Who knows what it is? I sure don't. What it is, is what it is, period.
In late June a person I know to be a very busy and popular writer, that has a great deal of knowledge with this kind of thing, was able to remark that they knew what it was. Here is their answer: The entity is called a Dryad, an elemental entity, and is attached to the king-sized tree. "She", the elemental spirit, felt curious about and was comfortable with me, and probably allowed her image to be taken. The person also said the veil between our world and theirs is growing thinner. They are attached to old trees and are now learning to trust humans again.
Although I'll keep an open mind on all this, you won't find me disagreeing at the moment with this wise and
intelligent person's interpretation, either. There are photos of the scene without the watermark if they are ever needed. And without meaning to offend anyone's sensibilities, cottonwoods can be either male or female, and the discerning eye might wonder if this as a male tree, with its height and the protruding knob leaking sap; all the more fitting, in a sense, if this towering wood truly is a nymph's home.
Another well-regarded friend said they had seen something similar near a relative's grave and believed it a higher spiritual being attached to the venerable tree. I sure hope so and do not know if it was the wolf entity experienced 25 years earlier or is something else. The inclination, gut feeling if you want to call it that, is that it was not the wolf but a separate intelligence with a rounded appendage - even shapeshifting quality to its appearance; and yes, even a bit like Caspar with the rounded part of it on the tree, but only initially. Who knows what it is? I sure don't. What it is, is what it is, period.
In late June a person I know to be a very busy and popular writer, that has a great deal of knowledge with this kind of thing, was able to remark that they knew what it was. Here is their answer: The entity is called a Dryad, an elemental entity, and is attached to the king-sized tree. "She", the elemental spirit, felt curious about and was comfortable with me, and probably allowed her image to be taken. The person also said the veil between our world and theirs is growing thinner. They are attached to old trees and are now learning to trust humans again.
Although I'll keep an open mind on all this, you won't find me disagreeing at the moment with this wise and
intelligent person's interpretation, either. There are photos of the scene without the watermark if they are ever needed. And without meaning to offend anyone's sensibilities, cottonwoods can be either male or female, and the discerning eye might wonder if this as a male tree, with its height and the protruding knob leaking sap; all the more fitting, in a sense, if this towering wood truly is a nymph's home.
About eight or nine pics were taken at the tree, one with me back-hugging the cottonwood, and no other photos showed the image. It really was a magnificent tree and was probably spared all these hundreds of years because it was near the river and almost in a wetland. Some other trees were apparently spared, too. The walk back on a new path turned out to be much farther than we expected and we finally came out at the facility. We then walked down to the car and departed. We'd been alone the whole time except for a car that was leaving as we pulled down to the shelter parking lot at the start.
Photos and videos of anomalous objects are not uncommon these days. Some are surely real and many are not. But a lot of them, and what makes this one unique in my opinion, is that most of them, are of things like UFO's, aliens, hominids (bigfoot, etc.), human- appearing ghosts and such. The camera and SD are in a secure place with copies being made and unfortunately, a watermark to prove absolutely and unequivocally that the photo is of Carolinian's Archives ownership.
Classical Greece was the home of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and so many other people of genius. I haven't seen any Parthenon's being built lately either. The point being, maybe photos and videos would have been taken way back then if they'd had them by these no-nonsense folk that were the first to record and classify, in exquisite, scientific-like detail these entities; they certainly didn't seem like they writing about any fantasies or fables. For the most part, the all-inclusive name they've generally been given nowadays is simply dryads.
We all, or most of us, I take for granted, would like to see any other purported photos or videos of these beings to compare this one to them. After a thorough search on the internet, I found but very few and none of them impressed me at all; except for one I feel almost certain is genuine and shows a more female-looking, ethereal image as it appears to glide towards a large tree at night. Its passing by apparently triggered a trail cam.
In conclusion, I hope the reader enjoyed this little adventure through the Boone's Cave area , which at least with the granite cave, maybe the whole park, I believe to be a conduit, or even permanent home, for paranormal forces - some at least, seemingly benevolent- that interact with people occasionally, and, whether the visitor is aware of it or not.. However, this should in no way keep any believer in the mysterious, unknown or paranormal from going there with friends, family, or even alone to this very nice and unique place..
At some point in the early years of settlement, or near it, the cave acquired the name of the Devil's Den. Perhaps, these people, experiencing paranormal activity or entity appearances around the area or in the cave, may have only had a religious perspective to put it all in. But, and in finishing the story, I do hope many of you who haven't been there get to see and explore this wonderful park, and for those who do go there regularly or on occasion,
I'm glad you enjoy the good time you have there in fun, peace, contemplation, history and nature.
For more info here is the Davidson County link:http://www.co.davidson.nc.us/ParksAndRecreation/Boone%60sCaveParkInformation.aspx
Photos and videos of anomalous objects are not uncommon these days. Some are surely real and many are not. But a lot of them, and what makes this one unique in my opinion, is that most of them, are of things like UFO's, aliens, hominids (bigfoot, etc.), human- appearing ghosts and such. The camera and SD are in a secure place with copies being made and unfortunately, a watermark to prove absolutely and unequivocally that the photo is of Carolinian's Archives ownership.
Classical Greece was the home of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and so many other people of genius. I haven't seen any Parthenon's being built lately either. The point being, maybe photos and videos would have been taken way back then if they'd had them by these no-nonsense folk that were the first to record and classify, in exquisite, scientific-like detail these entities; they certainly didn't seem like they writing about any fantasies or fables. For the most part, the all-inclusive name they've generally been given nowadays is simply dryads.
We all, or most of us, I take for granted, would like to see any other purported photos or videos of these beings to compare this one to them. After a thorough search on the internet, I found but very few and none of them impressed me at all; except for one I feel almost certain is genuine and shows a more female-looking, ethereal image as it appears to glide towards a large tree at night. Its passing by apparently triggered a trail cam.
In conclusion, I hope the reader enjoyed this little adventure through the Boone's Cave area , which at least with the granite cave, maybe the whole park, I believe to be a conduit, or even permanent home, for paranormal forces - some at least, seemingly benevolent- that interact with people occasionally, and, whether the visitor is aware of it or not.. However, this should in no way keep any believer in the mysterious, unknown or paranormal from going there with friends, family, or even alone to this very nice and unique place..
At some point in the early years of settlement, or near it, the cave acquired the name of the Devil's Den. Perhaps, these people, experiencing paranormal activity or entity appearances around the area or in the cave, may have only had a religious perspective to put it all in. But, and in finishing the story, I do hope many of you who haven't been there get to see and explore this wonderful park, and for those who do go there regularly or on occasion,
I'm glad you enjoy the good time you have there in fun, peace, contemplation, history and nature.
For more info here is the Davidson County link:http://www.co.davidson.nc.us/ParksAndRecreation/Boone%60sCaveParkInformation.aspx
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