Locked In!

There's nothing like getting more than you bargained for on a ghost hunt, even if that comes at the price of being terrified. Last night, Mike and I investigated the Ellenville train station and other buildings on the property. Barbara Bleitzhofer of Shanley's Hotel had told us about the place, and we thought there may be the spirits of a few old railroad employees still lingering, and hoped to get some shreds of paranormal evidence. We did not expect one of the most amazing nights of ghost hunting we have ever experienced.

While the full story will appear in the new Ghost Investigator Voulume 7 this fall, I just have to share some highlights. The train station is now a jewelry factory, and part of the former waiting room is a showroom. When Mike and I first entered the room something immediately caught my eye--a heavy chain bracelet hanging on a display stand was swinging back and forth!

It was the only thing moving, and once it stopped we tried to recreate the motion by jumping up and down, blowing on it, etc., but the only thing that could reproduce the way it was swinging was to actually physically push it. A short time later this incerdible phenomenon was repeated when a single earring among hundreds started swinging forwards and back. Very cool stuff!

While the station had amazing things happening it was all fairly benign. Not so in another building. As soon as we stepped inside it felt awful, like something was out to get us. I hate to tease everyone, but I won't go into the full details here. Suffice to say a lot of scary things went on, and we finally had enough and were quite anxious to leave. However, when I went to open the door to the outside, I found it was locked!

I admit I was really getting freaked out when I couldn't turn the deadbolt, and then Mike with all his strentgh couldn't get the door open either. Whatever this evil entity was, it had somehow managed to lock us in with it! I started banging on the glass and Mike was flashing his maglite so we could get the owner's attention outside, and when she came up to the door, she was able to easily pull it open without using her key!

Fortunately, even in our near-panicked states, Mike had the presence of mind to say that we should take a picture of the door when we were trapped inside, and my photo clearly shows the deadbolt in a locked position.

Words cannot describe the pyschological impact of getting locked inside a haunted site! Clearly, this is one of the most remarkable things that has ever happened in ten years of investigating.

The Paracast

A lot of radio show hosts ask them same questions, "What's your scariest story?" That's fine, but for me it's nice to be able to dig a little deeper sometimes. David Biedny and Gene Steinberg of The Paracast did ask those deeper questions, and the result is two hours of thought-provoking discussions where I speculate and expound on life and death, good and evil, and how it all might relate to haunted activity.

The show is broadcast tonight on KLAV-AM 1230 in Las Vegas, 9-11pm EST, or you can download and listen anytime at www.theparacast.com

Paranormal Police Gets New Headquarters!

I am very pleased to announce that my ghost hunting partner Michael Worden has a new web site: www.paranormalpolice.com . It just launched today so there isn't a lot of content yet, and it will be under construction for a while, but please continue to check back as he will be posting his appearances, latest investigation news, and most importantly, updates on the book he is currently writing.

Mike is a real police detective who knows how to conduct an effective investigation, and he brings years of experience with both the living and the dead to his work. He and I have shared many a frightening and fascinating case, and his technical skills and personal insights have always been very valuable assets.

Please check out his site and bookmark it, and drop him an email to let him know that you want to stay informed about all the latest developments at Paranormal Police Headquarters!

SAVE ROLLING HILLS!!!

I received the follwing from Rolling Hills owner Lori Carlson. Please pass it along and help if you can. It would be a shame if they lost this place. The benefit will take place on July 14.

For Immediate Release:

A group of concerned citizens who have dubbed themselves The Rolling Hills Preservation Society have announced their plans to host a benefit that will take place on July 14th at The Days Inn in Batavia NY. The property known as Rolling Hills was, in its past, the old Genesee County home as well as a tuberculosis center, orphanage, carriage house, and tavern among other things, dating back to the late 1790s. Because of recent events including unforeseen expenses to keep the facility open for visitors, it has become necessary to raise money to pay back taxes and other financial obligations. The benefit is for that purpose. Several local and regional bands, performing a variety of styles, will provide music for the event. There will also be raffle baskets, silent auction and split club tickets as well as an opportunity to donate directly to the cause. All proceeds will go to fund the preservation of Rolling Hills. A donation of $12.00 per person will be expected, and the doors will open at 4:00 pm. For more information please contact: Kirk McWhorter at mcrecord@rochester.rr.com

Visit the Rolling Hills Ghost Hunts Website for more information and to view other Events scheduled to help this cause. www.RollingHills-GhostHunt.com.