Bloody Springs Road Berks County, Pennsylvania

September 29, 1757 some locals in the area had been meeting at the home of the Spatz family. Harvest season was in effect and several locals were helping out the family. Picking, peeling, slicing, and canning various fruits and vegetables went on for several hours that day. As night began to fall the the neighbors began to depart for their homesteads, while the Spatz family prepared for a comforting night of sleep.

As the family began to slumber in their beds, the weight of their eyelids grew heavier with each passing minute. Beginning to find solace in their peace and comfort, they were awakened by the family dog making bizarre sounds. The youngest son  vaulted out of his bed to take a peek. Upon opening the front door he was immediately struck by a bullet in the leg. Hurriedly he staggered back through the doorway and hastily slammed and locked the door before the intruders could gain entrance. The family rapidly collected their rifles and ammunition, and began to return fire. The family quickly realized they were severely outnumbered and were under attack by a native tribe of Indians.

As the group attempted to formulate a plan of escape, the attacking Indians were one step ahead of them. The family homestead was set ablaze while the family was still quietly gathered inside. In desperation they retreated into the stone walled basement and fought back the flames the best they could, pouring the remaining cider they had stored onto the gathering blaze.

The family stayed squandered in the basement for several hours, keeping as silent as they could. When the sun began to rise along the horizon the household thought they had out waited their assailants. As they emerged from a small basement window they were noticed by a young brave who rapidly alerted the awaiting tribesmen. The outsiders swiftly returned and began to assault the family members. Two of the children were tomahawked and scalped. The wife was bludgeoned with a butcher knife. The father and another son had their lives spared but were taken into captivity.

During all the commotion the youngest son had retreated into the woods for hiding. The Indians gave chase but eventually returned to the massacres. Stealthily the adolescent returned to the bloody scene as well. He stayed hidden behind a log while the natives finished off their work. He watched in awe as his family was brutally murdered before him, while his brother and father were led off to captivity.

The road is named due to the fact that the local spring turned a crimson color due to the blood that flowed here. The entire area was a hotbed of violent battles that occurred during the French-Indian War conclusion.
Numerous residents on the street believe there's much residual energy left nearby. Neighbors have experienced unexplainable phenomena, such as cold spots within their homes. Doors and windows have opened and closed without any explanation. One long time resident felt the presence of someone pushing her down a flight of stairs. With so much violence and spilled blood in such a close knit rural community, it should come as no surprise that there may be still be some restless souls.

Check out more on Bloody Spring Road here!

Jim Thorpe Jail and the Mysterious Hand Print

If you find yourself on a road trip through Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania go directly to jail. It will be an experience you won't regret or forget. The old Carbon County prison is a stately castle of solitude, full of history and mysteries.

Constructed in 1871 the fortress housed 27 cells and housing for the warden. Originally the prison housed both men and women, but on separate floors. But those who chose to not follow order would face solitary confinement in the basement. The reformatory was designed to hold the lawbreakers of society. More specifically the Molley Maguires, a group of men who fought for better working conditions within the coal mining industry that dominated the area. Unfortunately the mining companies in these times controlled every aspect of their workers lives. They provided them with a general store and housing, both of which the company would profit from. Many of these men would eventually be accused of various crimes throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Charges would often range from arson, burglary, theft, to even murder. The corporations also controlled the detective agency which investigated the men. The police force who would arrest and detain the men, as well as the prosecuting attorneys who would have no problems building a case. The accused never stood a chance.

On June 21, 1877 a day referred to as "The Day of the Rope" four men were simultaneously hung from the gallows that were placed inside the prison. Within the next 18 months three more Molley Maguires would be hung within these walls. One of these men believed to be Alexander Campbell pleaded his innocence until his death. While being escorted out of his cell he slapped his hand onto the off-white wall proclaiming "this hand print will remain as proof of my innocence." Now many men in prison have declared their innocence since the beginning of incarceration. But for over 100 years now past wardens have cleaned, painted, and plastered over this hand print. Yet continuously in cell 17 you can see the mark of a man who demonstrated his innocence over 100 years ago.




You may also enjoy the Molley Maguire park, and this prison.
Prison is located 128 W. Broadway Jim Thorpe, Pa.

Dreibelbis Station Bridge Spirits Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

You don't have to take a road trip to Sleepy Hollow to get spooked by headless ghosts. Hidden away on the roads of rural Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania rests a covered bridge believed to be haunted by such a spirit.

On a blistery winter night in the mid 19th century a man was traveling home in his horse drawn sleigh. A fresh snow had just fallen and covered the hilly roadways. He cautiously traversed his carriage through the slick, white powder. As the man made the turn to cross over the covered bridge he realized the bridge was devoid of snow. Unfortunately he was too late to come to a halt. When his snowbound vehicle touched the dry wooden timbers of the bridge, the man's horse became frightened and careened the sled out of control. The horse rose to his feet, tossing the owner from the sleigh. During the commotion the man found himself entangled within the reins of the horse. The reins had forced a grasp around the gentlemen's neck, the force of the horse cleanly swiped the man's head from his neck.

Several local paranormal groups have investigated the area and acquired some interesting EVP's as well as photographs. It's believed that on later winter nights a headless being can be spotted bumbling his way around the bridge. Perhaps he's looking for his lost severed head, or maybe he's still trying to find his way home.

Other nearby spots you may enjoy.  Witchcraft Road   Crystal Cave   Dragons Cave

Patriots Park Phantoms Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow, New York

Sleepy Hollow isn't just Headless Horsemen lurking around to scare the locals. They have their share of other ghost stories. Patriots Park located along Route 9 is thought to be haunted by the spirit of a revolutionary spy, and a man believed to be the model for Ichabod Crane. But not to worry another spirit who's thought to haunt the area, avoids the place.

September 24, 1780 Major John Andre is on his way back from an important meeting at West Point with an influential General.  As he was advancing into the village of Tarrytown he was approached by three gentlemen at gunpoint. The men began to question the Major, asking him his whereabouts and his intentions. One of the gentlemen was adorned in a Hessian coat. Major Andre believed the men were there to help escort him through New York. When informed he was mistaken, the men subsequently searched the Major. They found on him a pass signed by General Arnold. They also found letters exchanged between the Major and the General. The Major also held in his possession diagrams for West Point. Quickly the men realized they were now holding captive a British spy.

The men vehemently turned the Major over to the Continental troops who held him captive in nearby Tappan. Major John Andre's plan with General Benedict Arnold began to unfold through military trials. While Benedict Arnold ran off to Britain to acquire General status there, Major Andre was hanged by the order of George Washington. The Major eventually became quite enraged with his homeland as well as the United States. Britain refused offers for Benedict Arnold, which may have saved the Major, while the U.S. refused his request to be killed by firing squad.

Near the town of Sleepy Hollow today stands a monument to Major Andre. It's here that his spirit has been known to disturb late night visitors, even Ichabod Crane. An unnatural spirit has been seen and felt within the presence of the monument. Those passing by on quiet evenings have heard murmurings of a spirit reciting poetry. Strangely the Major himself was a published poet.

 

There's another apparition that's been spotted around the area of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, but this one specifically is believed to not haunt the Patriots Park area. General Anthony Wayne was in charge of American forces located along the Hudson. He was also responsible for the hanging of Major Andre. Locals have spotted General Wayne's ghost lurking along the banks of the river, but claim out of respect he avoids Patriots Park.

No matter how many ghost stories Sleepy Hollow may have, they all go back to the Washington Irving fabled phantom. The park is believed to also be frequented by another soul. Samuel Young a local man who lived in the area long ago is believed to visit the area occasionally. As a young man he was a schoolteacher and later became a lawyer, he was also believed to be the model for Ichabod Crane. It was in this area that Ichabod had first encountered the headless phantom that would haunt him until his demise.

...It was at this identical spot that the unfortunate Andre was captured, and under the covert of those chestnuts and vines were the sturdy yeomen concealed who surprised him. This has ever since been considered a haunted stream, and fearful are the feelings of the schoolboy who has to pass it alone after dark.-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Union Hotel Port Deposit, Maryland

The Union hotel in Port Deposit, Maryland has been accommodating weary road travelers since 1790. The hemlock logs that interlock the building were a welcoming sight for those who had been traveling and needed a hiatus. The seclusion of the place would surely offer a peaceful night of rest. With towering trees and a view of the river, morning sunrises were sure to delight those who were ready to tackle the open road again.

Surprisingly through all these years not much has changed. The brothel which operated here closed shop shortly after the construction crews building the Conowingo dam left town. The current owner tore down all the siding that covered the beautiful wood for nearly a century. They also cleaned up the mess the vandals left during its abandonment time in the 1970's. One thing they haven't been able to get rid of though is the history surrounding this place.

Accompanying historic hotels are often tales of supernatural spirits haunting the lodge. I often attribute so many haunting's in hotels due to the nature of things that occur in these places. Promiscuous sex, rampant drug use, murders, and suicides often occur behind the closed doors. Usually behind a veil of anonymity and confidentiality. These unlawful transgressions undoubtedly left a few leaving this world earlier than expected. These lost souls are prime contenders to haunt us in their afterlife. The Union hotel has no shortage of these spirits still searching for the truth.

Employees at the restaurant have encountered numerous strange happenings throughout the years. A dormant clock on a shelf has been known to chime, even though it contains no clockworks to even operate. Wait staff have witnessed a cedar box slide on its own accord along the mantle it's been placed. Doors often unlock and open with no one nearby. Footsteps are heard throughout the building even when only one or two employees is present. Employees have passed on disturbing tales of viewing creepy child-like spirits lurking around the property, as well as a presence of dead infants.

The Union hotel is known for many things. Their food is quite often raved about. And their menu contains a plethora of unique choices you may not find anywhere else nearby. It's location along the Susquehanna river, while being tucked into the woods makes it a prime choice for a relaxing dinner. This may be the place you wanna visit if you're in the mood for great food and spirits. And there's plenty of those to go around.

Haunted Jericho Covered Bridge Kingsville, Maryland

Spanning the Little Gunpowder Falls in Maryland is a modest covered bridge surrounded by tales of haunting's and strange creatures. The Jericho covered bridge is located near the historic village of Jerusalem Mill and is the last remaining covered bridge in Harford county. The bridge was constructed in 1865, but it's quite possible an older bridge once crossed this area. And may be the reason for so many disturbances here.

The normal ghostly tales associated with covered bridges are all consistent here as well. Many late night passers have claimed to have their car stall on the bridge, only to not restart for several minutes. Some have claimed to have spotted hand prints left in powdery substances they have placed on their vehicles. What most claim to witness when passing through the historic structure is the images of people hanging from the trusses above them.

There have been legends and myths passed down through the years by nearly everyone in the area. Some believe local teens hung themselves in a suicide pact many decades ago. Others believe the bridge was used in the lynching of runaway servants and slaves. These may account for the strange hanging silhouettes that numerous have claimed to experience.

Other locals to the area have reported spotting a ghostly woman crossing the bridge carrying a basket of freshly picked flowers. The spirit of a young woman with a badly burned face has also been seen by paranormal investigators as well as curious nighttime visitors.

Even more strangely is the other creatures who seem to be associated with the bridge. There are myths about abnormal animals protecting the bridge. One creature has been described as being a monkey like creature, but grey in color and with a massive tail protruding out. Others have even claimed that there's a hideous red-eyed demon who stays nearby protecting the covered bridge from the unwanted. Maybe that explains all the hideous blood curling screams that have been heard near the bridge.

Constitution Drive Allentown, Pennsylvania

There's an unpaved road located in Allentown, Pennsylvania that has enough tales to make a horror movie. Constitution drive is a rural gravel road located within the city. The road stretches along the top of a hill with a view of the Lehigh river below. Descending the hill the area becomes more desolate and quite dense with trees. Your anxiousness is raised as you maneuver through hair pin turns with a steep drop to your left. The rumbling train blasting their horn does little to ease the tension. This train is one of the reasons tales are told about this mysterious road.

Several decades ago a local man was said to be walking his dogs along these tracks when a passing train struck the man. Instead of killing him, the man was severely maimed and lost one of his legs. The legend claims that the man was left there to fight for his life. His dogs patiently waiting by his side until he eventually passed a few days later.

Locals in the area believe the man and his dogs now haunt the area. Several witnesses have claimed to have seen dog prints in the snow with only one human foot print nearby.

 Glowing red eyes have also been spotted in the woods on darkened nights. Others have stated to hearing a loud a whistling sound emanating from the woods in every direction. The whistling noise has been known to be quite melodic and soothing,  as well as dissonant and disturbing. Several paranormal groups have investigated the area and have come up with EVP's as well as some unusual images.

Legless ghosts and red eyed dogs aren't the only things strange going on here either. Many travelers on the road have claimed to have seen a group of maniacal albinos that will terrorize you if you cross their path. They will throw stones at your passing car, and if you breakdown near their property you will surely meet a dreadful fate. The home they occupy is pretty recognizable on the road. It seems to be the most intimidating, a large sign warning you of attack dogs certainly keeps your guard up.

Fortunately while traveling this road one day I had the opportunity to meet the gentleman who owns this suspicious property of deranged albinos. He didn't seem maniacal and certainly wasn't an albino. He was however very friendly and filled me in on a lot of information on how this urban legend about albinos may have originated. He told me the gentleman who owned the property before him housed quite a number of pot bellied pigs. Travelers on the road late at night could easily mistake the pigs for mini albinos. There red eyes glowing through headlights would certainly startle any late night rider on this mysterious road. A few local DJ's added to the hype by telling their listeners about a story of albino people living in the area. This only brought more people and added more speculation.

He also told me how the nearby mountain springs had been used during the prohibition era to produce moonshine. Various undesirables in the area set up camps in the area during this time, while they created their illegal booze. These past activities as well as over hype by locals has led to the strange attraction of many to the desolate road. Sadly that also attracts those with devious intentions. Due to its close proximity to the city, as well as being quite barren. The area has had its share of problems with illegal dumping, but also burglaries, arson, and rape. As for any delirious albino people I don't believe you'll find any here, but that one legged spirit may still be out there whistling in the woods.

Video ride down Constitution Drive

Mysteries at the Indian Echo Caverns

There are many strange mysteries associated with the Indian Echo Caverns, located near Hershey, Pennsylvania. In 1919 a couple of local youths in the area were exploring the cave, when they stumbled upon a mysterious box, decorated with strange designs. The contents inside proved more mysterious. Inside the box the boys discovered random coins from throughout the World, some possibly minted as early as 480 B.C.  Also included was some jewelry, moon rocks, and instructions on making diamonds from lightning. (BTW it doesn't work!)  The young man who discovered this intriguing chest held onto it for many years until he decided to share his discovery with others. Eventually the proprietor of Indian Echo Caverns purchased the abstruse trunk and it is now on display in the gift shop.

If these young men had been exploring the cave a hundred years before they may have encountered quite a surprise if they bumped into William Wilson. Between the years of  1802-1821 William made the caverns his home. After his sister was executed for the murder of her two children, the man began to seclude himself from society. It's believed a pardon was granted from the state to William's sister, but he was unable to deliver it in time to halt the execution.

 From that time on Wilson went into a state of delirium, withdrawing from society and retreated into the caves to spend the last decades of his life.  It's believed he kept an account of his life spent in the cave and the stories have been published in the book "The Pennsylvania Hermit"  Read book here.

The mysterious box the young men discovered is not believed to have been left behind by Mr. Wilson. But some believe William Wilson may have left something else behind...his spirit. In several neighboring counties where Wilson lived previously. his spirit has been seen on horseback galloping to the local jailhouse. His sister Elizabeth is believed to haunt the areas around the cave, though it's believed she was never in the cavern. While clearing trees to make room for a parking lot, several workers claimed to witness a young female spirit wandering nearby. These tales may seem like modern folklore, and perhaps its not the spirit of Elizabeth or William Wilson. But long before either of these tales came about, the Susquehannock Indians who occupied the cave were awfully dreadful of the Rainbow room. Even to this day over a dozen witnesses have spotted the apparition of a Native American man holding a severed head.

Phantom of Penn's Cave

The Seneca Indian tribe originally discovered the majestic beauty of Penn's cave. They would often use the cave as a refuge during bad weather. The natural creek that flows through offered them great opportunities for fishing, provided natural refrigeration, as well as supply clean drinking water. But there are much darker tales on ways they used the cave to their benefit.

One particular legend that's popular in the State College area tells the tale of a Lancaster county trapper, who fell in love with a local Seneca tribeswoman. In the early 1800's a Frenchman named Malachi Boyer scoured through the mountains of Centre county looking for game to trap. While camping at Mammoth spring near the town of Bellefonte the man was introduced to local chief O-Ko-Cho, the two quickly developed a kinship and exchanged gifts. The local chief had seven sons and one daughter named Nita-nee. The young woman was often closely guarded by her brothers, but one day Malachi caught a glimpse of the beautiful maiden cleaning a deerskin in the nearby stream. It's believed the two immediately fell in love with one another. Native American tradition would never allow the two lovers to maintain a relationship, smitten with each other, the two planned an escape. They were subsequently captured by Nita-nee's seven brothers and were returned to an angered Chief O-Ko-Cho. The Chief instructed his sons to take the man to the cavern of water and dispense of him.

The brothers following through with their orders dragged the man to the Earth's opening and threw him into the dark waters below. For a week the desperate man swam through the murky abyss hoping to find an exit from his inevitable doom. The only pathway out was being blocked by the Seneca tribesmen, exhausting all his efforts the man crawled to deepest recesses of the cavern to pass away. He vowed to not allow the Native Indians watch him suffer through his death. The brothers eventually retrieved his remains, weighted them down, and disposed of them in the deepest cavity of the cavern.

The young Nita-nee has had her legacy remembered forever, her name has been bestowed upon the mountains of the area, as well as the famed mascot of Penn State University. Malachi Boyer's legacy may have been lost but many believe his spirit may still live on. Centuries later it's said on quiet summer nights you can hear echoes from out of the cave that resemble a person crying for Nita-nee. Even in death maybe love still lasts forever.

Ghost Tour of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia

The light from the porch illuminated onto the tall gentleman who was standing nearby. The light cast his shadow directly in front of us, imposing a shadow of blackness as we approached the steps. Upon climbing the incline, he stepped to us with a somber greeting. We paid our fee and he took a seat. As we waited for others to arrive, we spoke briefly with the gentleman. His eyes casting out of the large brimmed hat he was wearing. His attire consisted of period dress for the time of the early 19th century. As the rest of our tour arrived the imposing gentleman arose and spoke out in his baritone voice. This was to be our guide for the evening. He grabbed his trusty lantern and we followed him into the cobblestone streets of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.

As we meandered throughout the hilly town, we stopped at several local landmarks thought to possess supernatural entities. The tour consisted of a visit to an old tavern haunted by spirits who never left. While in operation, the owner would often hear the sounds of someone falling down stairs. There were several accounts of unidentifiable phenomena that had convinced the owner the place was inhabited by lost spirits, from a period long passed. Since the closing of the establishment it has been rented out to several tenants, who don't seem to hang around very long.

 We also paid visit to a cave that was used as a secret lab for a doctor who conducted some very controversial experiments. An old hotel where some strange happenings have been occurring for over 100 years. As our guide led us to these destinations he told tales of grisly happenings that had occurred in the premises, as well as the strange events that had been taking place ever since. He would also throw in his own thoughts as to why he believed these haunting's had been happening.

One of the most disturbing tales he told, was of a former slave who had helped John Brown during his overtake of the federal armory in town. The bloody and beaten man was dragged through the streets of Harper's Ferry. The angry mob brought the battered man to an area known as hog alley. This had been a gathering place of the hogs who scavenged through the town, feeding on the trash that was not properly discarded. The hungry hogs aggressively tore the defenseless gentleman apart and quickly devoured  the carcass. Though the former slave was a criminal in the public's eye, it was later revealed that the only reason he helped John Brown during his raid on the armory, was so he could purchase his wife and children back, who were being held as slaves elsewhere. I found this particular tale to be quite disturbing, the mental images created in my mind and the sympathy I felt for this gentleman have still remained with me.

                                                          Hog Alley
                                                 
There were numerous destinations on the walk. The town is full of history and violence making it one of the best destinations for ghost tours. Several places we visited on the tour gave me a sense of something abnormal occurring nearby. My hairs would stand up on end, and I would feel a sense of an unnatural presence close. One particular place where I felt this the strongest, also consisted of a mass of orbs when photographed. Orb's are not something I'm 100% confident in, but I don't automatically dismiss their presence.

The tour was done fantastically! Our guide was a walking historian, he had mentioned to us that he also worked in Gettysburg and Antietam. He was a perfect mixture of mystique, knowledge, humor and eerieness. The ghost tour at Harper's Ferry has been rated as one of the best in the country. It's not difficult to see why, situated in a charming town still lost in a history of violence and bloodshed. And a tour guide who gives you just the right amount of giggles, thrills, and chills.

Spirits in Schuylkill County Prison

The county prison in Schuylkill county rests majestically on top of the hill overlooking the city of Pottsville. The fortress bears the resemblance of a medievel castle. A large brick tower looms in the front keeping watch of all that's going on below. The prison began it's operations in 1851, in less than 5 years the prison had doubled in size. Behind the lovely brick castle facade hinds a dark and gloomy past. The county prison was a popular place for numerous hangings. The first execution in the current prison took place in 1875. Two short years later the county would host it's most famous hanging. A 6 man gallow was constructed to hang Mollie Maguires convicted of murder. Over the years many more hangings and executions took place on the property, but none were as famed as the nationally known Mollie Maguires.

Numerous prisoners who have had the unfortunate chance of visiting the prison claim the place is full of spirits. Unexplained screams in the night go reported, ghostly spirits have been spotted by former guards as well as inmates. A number of employees on the graveyard shift have often heard chains rattling, particularly near the midnight hour. Are their ghostly spirits roaming around the dark halls of this local legend, or are imaginations just running a little higher when confinement is felt? Maybe they'll let me spend a night there, but do I have to commit a crime!

Legend of Hell's Funnel

On the outskirts of Strasburg, Pennsylvania, there is a ghostly spirit known to haunt the rural surroundings. Off of a seemingly pleasant rural route, lies a dark history. Legends abound telling the tale of a man and his mill.

Early in the 20th century while working feverishly one day in his mill, the man sustained an accident. The sharp spinning blades from the mill dismembered the gentleman's hand. Since the area was quite remote, phones and neighbors were scarce. The man rushed to his home which sat on the property, his wife could do nothing but watch her husband suffer and bleed to death. Being so distraught over the loss of her husband, she took her own life.

The area surrounding their former home is thought to be haunted by the spirits of both. There is a small lake near the home where most of the apparitions have appeared. I've heard stories that people have seen a woman in a white dress walking around the lake, as well as hovering above. There are also tales of those who have been scratched on the arm while approaching the lake.

On a nighttime visit to Hell's Funnel, Outta the Way didn't notice any apparitions, though we did spot a few orbs in photographs and felt an unsettling feeling. "No Trespassing" signs are posted liberally around the area, and Outta the Way asks that you respect these wishes. Besides, maybe it's just my horror movie fascination, but don't all these hand-less spirits usually fashion a hook in the afterlife?

Spirits at New Bethel Cemetery: A Personal Experience

As we drove along Hawk Mountain road the full moon illuminated the sky, as a thin vapor of fog began to come across the mountain. When we made the turn onto New Bethel Church road all of our pulses sped up for a fleeting moment. We all began to feel our trip was about to get more exciting.

I pulled the car into the New Bethel Church parking lot. Cemeteries rest on either side of the parking lot, that's why we were here. Pennsylvania's first known serial killer, Mathias Schambacher is buried in this rural church graveyard. Many late night visitors have witnessed strange flying lights flickering throughout the area, and felt a strange abnormal presence nearby.
Mathias was known to have killed at least a dozen people during the mid 1800's. Many believe these lost spirits may still be roaming the area, as well as the spirit of Mathias himself.

I hopped out of the car to take a look around for Mathias' gravestone, while my passengers sat admittedly frightened in the vehicle. I stepped into the older of the two cemeteries with only the moonlight guiding me along the path. As I strolled around amongst the dead, I felt a presence around, but nothing overwhelming. While meandering about I spotted colored lights reflecting off a tombstone in the far. The lights seemed to change from red, to blue, to yellow. As I attempted to whisk off and investigate I was directed to return back to the automobile. Gradually approaching the car my passengers were reporting hearing strange noises and wanted to leave immediately. Before we could leave I needed my cohorts to verify the flashing lights I had observed, both passengers exited out of the vehicle to substantiate my findings. We all stepped back into the vehicle to maneuver ourselves on our way.

As we approached the exit I decided I wanted to take a few photos of the historic church. As I attempted to snap some photographs my camera seemed to keep malfunctioning. Every picture taken was showing up as total blackness, the church is completely unrecognizable in every photo. Once back in the car my traveling companions were in even more of a panic, the strange noises they heard earlier were back, and louder this time. I was ordered to exit out of there immediately. I proceeded to put the vehicle into drive and steer us back into some civilization. We merged back onto the road when a loud gasp was exhausted by both riders. I slowed us down to a halt, "what?" I exclaim! A light just flashed across the road they remark. I question their sincerity, both of their imaginations have been on overdrive all night. I immediately dismiss their sighting and continue down the road. Then it happened! A flashing light flew right across the road, into the trees and vanished. I glanced around hoping to see some sort of explanation as to what had just occurred. All of our pulses were now pounding, heartbeats sped up, and adrenaline began to pump through our veins.

We advanced slowly down the backwoods road, fear and tension building to an overwhelming high in the car. Was the evil spirit of Mathias Schambacher right here in our grasps. Every stone flying off the road caused a little more unease in my guests, I began to speed up the pace after seeing the paleness in their faces. An overcoming sense of fear had crept into all of us at this point. As my brain raced trying to calculate an explanation, there it was. It appeared before all of us. We sat in a bewildered state of disbelief, none of us spoke, for none of us were prepared for what we were witnessing. Finally the answer to our strange mystery was right there before us, something we are surely not to forget anytime soon...

two men in a pick-up truck spotting deer!

White Lady of Buckhorn Mountain

High upon the Buckhorn mountain in Altoona, Pennsylvania, used to sit a luxurious hidden resort. Young honeymooners would often traverse the dangerous curvy roads just to spend quality time in this romantic getaway. Many believe numerous visitors never actually made it to their destination. A particularly treacherous stretch of road known affectionately as the "Devil's elbow" often led to the untimely death of unfortunate couples. Over many decades the resort eventually fell on hard times and was closed for good. Today the mountaintop is a advantageous location for several radio and television transmission devices.

Late one evening, a technician who had just finished some repairs on the equipment, was preparing for his journey back down the mountain. While navigating his way through the treacherous curves, he spotted a female in a white shimmering dress, attempting to hitch a ride. The overzealous driver was struck by her beauty and came to an immediate halt. Pulling over, he offered her a ride, in which she gladly accepted. The man began to go forth on his adventure home, feeling smitten with such a beautiful woman by his side. When he again attempted to soak in her stunning beauty, he realized she was gone, just as quickly as she appeared.

Chickies Rock & the Supernatural

Approximately one month ago hundreds of spectators flocked to the Chickies Rock county park near Columbia, Pennsylvania. The park offers a panoramic view of the Susquehanna river flowing mightily below. During the flood of 2011 this was a safe place to view the wrath of Mother nature, though most weren't aware they were deep in the presence of a supernatural wrath.
Since the first settlers discovered this majestic place, several abnormal occurrences have been witnessed. The Susquehannock Indians who occupied the land were said to have seen numerous spirits inhabiting the area with them. They passed along tales of love-struck and love-stricken couples ending their own lives by jumping to the jagged rocks 200 feet below. But its not just the natives who have witnessed spirits. Numerous ghostly figures have been spotted at the park for centuries. It's not shocking considering this area is known prominently for numerous accidental deaths as well as countless suicides.
But ghostly figures aren't the only strange thing happening here, the area is a prime hunting location for cryptozoologists. Ever since the natives first settled in the area, a small strange hairy creature has been spotted throughout the dense woods. The albatwich or apple snitch is a 3-4 feet apelike creature thought to roam this particular area near the river. The Native Americans from the past were so fearful of the small creatures, they carved their image into their battle shields in order to instill fear in their enemies.
They are named apple snitches due to their uncanny love of apples. It's said the creatures would often steal the apples of unsuspecting picnickers, then discard the cores by throwing them at the startled couples.

It's believed that this strange species is now extinct or close to extinction. In the 1950's as well as in the 1970's, numerous park visitors spotted an odd manlike creature roaming about the woods. As recently as a few years ago another of these creatures was spotted on the other side of the river. Locals throughout the area often hear what resembles the sound of a cracking whip. The same scare tactic the albatwich was thought to have used to scare away predators.

In case your planning any visits to this county park, be wary of any spirits materializing, and you may wanna bring along a few apples. Just in case!