“Send lawyers, guns and money, the **** has hit the fan.” – Lawyers, Guns and Money, Warren Zevon (1978)

Imagine that after spending your entire existence striving to avoid human contact you suddenly realize that you’re going to have to devote all of your free time to hanging around a bunch of lawyers.

Could this be a major factor in our mystery?

If Bigfoot ever decided to show his face, he’d stand to make a fortune in appearance fees assuming somebody didn’t try and shoot and stuff him first. In addition, there could be a hefty windfall from lawsuits over using his likeness without written or verbal consent. Of course, that begs the question of whether or not Bigfoot can speak, read or write, but I digress yet again into potential foolishness.

In reality, however, Bigfoot is big business and a big star, whether he exists or not. His impressive resume includes appearances in advertising campaigns, television shows, movies, music, books, magazines, tabloids, sporting events and web pages.

For example, consider this scenario that could have taken place in my neck of the woods over the years. For starters, let’s say you and some buddies stop by Pizza Hut to tackle the old Bigfoot pizza (introduced in 1983 and consisting of “two square feet of pizza cut into 21 slices”). To burn off such a mammoth meal you then head for a local golf course to try out your new Sasquatch driver ($89 to $200 on Ebay). After the round you could stop at one of the old Bigfoot Amocos to fill up the tank for the ride home (consult Bigfoot Directories for nearest location). While there, you could grab a soda to pour into your Yeti tumbler along with some Jack Links beef jerky whose “Messin’ with Sasquatch” commercials are quite humorous. The product isn’t too bad either, just a bit pricey, perhaps on the offhand chance that they’ll someday have to compensate their star. Anyway, you get the picture.

Speaking of pictures, Bigfoot’s acting career dates back at least to the 70’s. Who can forget Steve Austin, The Six Million Dollar Man, periodically battling Bigfoot (portrayed by Andre the Giant and Ted Cassidy of Lurch fame)?

And Han Solo’s sidekick was technically a Wookiee, but let’s face it, Chewbacca was just an intergalactic Bigfoot while in the 80’s, Harry and the Hendersons would cast the furry beast as an animal that was just as curious about us as we were of him.

Of course, we can’t leave out Bigfoot’s Himalayan cousin, the Yeti or Abominable Snowman. A highlight of his movie career is the 1964 stop motion animation classic, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. It seems that the Bumble (or Abominable Snow Monster of the North) was originally a bad guy but changed his stripes after Yukon Cornelius and Hermie the Elf pulled his teeth or something. Later, the Star Wars series appeared to give another shout out to ape-like monsters with the ice cave dwelling Wampa in 1980’s Empire Strikes Back. The Abominable Snowman also appears in Pixar’s 2001 release, Monsters, Inc., entertainingly voiced by John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin of Cheers fame).

Should the disproportion of fictional portrayals dismay any of you true believers, don’t give up hope. For years you could just grab the latest edition of “The Weekly World News” to buoy your spirits. The publication decided to close up shop on their printed tabloid with a final issue in late August of 2007 but do not despair. They have elected to continue with an online version dedicated to the unusual, inane and, how do I put this…stupid. If you insist on believing anything you read, then you no doubt already know that Bigfoot is alive and well. In fact, he has recently recorded an album of duets with Elvis, robbed the Tooth Fairy and eaten Donner and Blitzen.

Bigfoot is no stranger to the world of sports, either. The NBA’s old Seattle Supersonics featured a mascot named Squatch that entertained at home games with a spectacular variety of antics and acrobatics. However, the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City and Squatch was last seen introducing his cousin, Slush, as the mascot for the Edmonton Rush of the National Lacrosse League (you indeed can find anything on the internet). In addition, Slush has now been joined by another cousin, Freez, who also performs during Rush games.

Getting back to a side note from the NBA, the Utah Jazz used to have a player that I always felt bore an uncanny resemblance to many eyewitness descriptions of Sasquatch. Mark Eaton stands 7’4” and played for Utah from 1982 through 1993, retiring as the second all-time leading shot blocker in NBA history. Imagine the sight of that figure strolling towards you out of the shadows.

A final suggestion for you to get a glimpse of the remarkable power of Bigfoot would be at your good old neighborhood Monster Truck Rally. Although I’m not particularly a Monster Truck Rally sort of guy, I understand that Bigfoot is considered the original Monster Truck and can still be sighted on the circuit.

My man, Zac, found Yeti.  Not sure if the expression represents victory or alarm over the price tag.

As you can see, Bigfoot/Sasquatch/Yeti (or at least their likeness) has had quite an impact on American pop culture going on fifty years. Once again, I’m sure there are plenty of other instances out there that have either slipped my mind or are simply unbeknownst to me. But that’s another aspect that is part of the enjoyment of meandering across the internet with this blog. Thanks to readers comments and e-mails, I get to refresh my memory or learn some new things, useful and otherwise (but no less important to me) along the way.

Talk to you tomorrow. Troy

“I know it’s true, oh, so true, ‘cause I saw it on TV.” – I Saw It On TV, John Fogerty (1985)

“People tend to see what they want to see.” – Dr. Grover Krantz, Bigfoot buff

Over the years many films and documentaries have explored this mystery. Some good, some bad, but, you know, sometimes bad is good.

Back in the 1970’s there was a rash of documentary type films that graced television and movie screens. Among these were Erich von Daniken’s In Search of Ancient Astronauts narrated to the hilt by the great Rod Serling and adapted from the sensational (and highly illogical) 1968 book Chariots of the Gods. And on the heels of this sort of speculation came Schick Sunn Classic Pictures offerings such as In Search of Noah’s Ark, In Search of Historic Jesus and The Lincoln Conspiracy. Awesome stuff for a youngster and I watched and believed nearly all of them.

Not so much anymore.

Except, that is, for some of the Bigfoot stuff, old and new, which occasionally finds me scratching my head and thinking, “Well, maybe…” A little something called The Mysterious Monsters by the aforementioned Sunn Classic Pictures left quite a mark and I’ve been a Bigfoot fan ever since.

With the explosion of television channels in recent history the list of “monster hunting” programs has grown considerably. However, my frugality and fear of becoming a couch potato courtesy of the vast wasteland of the airwaves has made my home cable and satellite free since the mid 1990’s (I waste enough time on the internet anyway). Thus, I am not up to speed on the latest bunch of Animal Planet/Discovery/Learning/Outdoor Channel Bigfoot shows. I’ve considered playing some catch up online but time can be in short supply and I suppose most of it is the same anyway. Just change the time and place, add the tease of “the latest technology” and I imagine that we’re still right on the cusp of “proving the existence of this elusive beast, once and for all.”

So, I’ll leave the present endeavors for my fellow Bigfoot fans while I provide the following reviews. This list consists of documentaries that have included the good old “on the verge” tagline over the last forty five years as well as some “fictional” required viewing for the Bigfoot fan.

The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972) – A creepy documentary-type movie that used to show up on late night TV and scared kids like me. It deals with Arkansas’ Fouke Monster and while it hovers on pretty bad, that’s certainly part of the appeal. A buddy of mine lent me a copy of this one many years ago and unfortunately, I gave it back. According to promos, it’s one of those “based on real events” films. It would go on to spawn several other “Boggy Creek” pictures, some were sequels, some were not and I have no idea if they were as cheesy as the original.

The Mysterious Monsters (1976) – Back in 2011, I was able to purchase a copy of the film that captured my imagination all of those years ago at the West Cinemas in Galesburg, IL. After being tough to find for many years, the aptly named Cheesy Flicks Entertainment released the classic documentary on DVD in 2009. I’d longed to see this one again despite being afraid…afraid that it would disappoint. It didn’t, as it definitely lived up to the moniker of its new distributor. Peter Graves’ narration and his seeming sincerity are a treat along with the incredible 70s backdrop of sideburns, bell bottoms, horn rimmed glasses, reel to reel tapes, panel station wagons and a cigarette in every hand. Seriously though, the Patterson-Gimlin tape and appearances by much younger Bigfoot hunters Dr. Grover Krantz, Peter Byrne and John Green make this one worth the time. Notable quote (from Peter Graves featured as the opening lines of the film): “The facts that will be presented are true (dramatic pause for effect). This may be the most startling film you’ll ever see.” Yikes!

In Search Of – Leonard Nimoy (Spock of Star Trek fame) hosted this series that was great fare for a youngster as I never knew what manner of mystery was going to show up on the tube. The original series aired from 1976-1982 and began with the disclaimer that “This series presents information based in part on theory and conjecture.” It also seemed to conclude with a statement along the lines of “We are on the verge of solving this mystery…” Thirty-five years later I can’t help but wonder if we are “still on the verge” or truly know the answer but just won’t admit it because it would ruin all the fun.

A&E Ancient Mysteries: Bigfoot (1994) – Nimoy also narrates this documentary which is pretty standard Bigfoot history. One puzzling segment features a video shot by a pair of Bigfoot hunters, Scott Herriot and Daryl Owen, in California in October of 1992. For one thing it’s hard for me to figure out what they are claiming as a Bigfoot and for another, I can’t recall seeing this footage on subsequent programs. Regardless, I still enjoy this video and it serves as a solid introduction to the subject.

Sasquatch Odyssey: The Hunt for Bigfoot (1999) – Four of the most renowned experts (three are now deceased) who probably have a combined 200 years worth of Sasquatch experience share their thoughts on the elusive creature. Their history, feuds and banter are worth the price of admission. I also enjoyed the aspects of the film showing that “Bigfoot” is truly about more than just some large, hairy mystery.

Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science (2003) – I was eager to see this documentary when it originally aired on The Discovery Channel back in 2003. I was unable to have anyone record it but have since purchased a copy of the DVD. A cast of experts from various fields are assembled to analyze evidence such as footprints, video, vocalizations and potential sources of DNA. The researchers do their thing and then report in with their conclusions. Personally, I found this video interesting as it employed science over speculation to resolve the mystery once and for all. But guess what? Oh, I suppose you already know.

Harry and the Hendersons (1987) – Yes, I did, purchasing this one for the kids, of course. Despite being a Sasquatch fan, I’d honestly not seen this one, never had a desire to do so but eventually figured that it was the right thing to do. Not so much, as I wound up paying little attention. The whole time I couldn’t help but wonder if a classically trained star of stage and screen such as John Lithgow ever wondered as I did during the course of the film, “What am I doing?” It also reminded me of the night I watched Xanadu in its entirety, which not so coincidentally led to my decision to live without a cable bill all those years ago.

As noted previously, I’m out of the loop on a great deal of newer Bigfoot programming. Therefore, I am now counting on you guys and gals to provide reviews of the latest batch of “monster hunting” shows so I can invest my YouTube time wisely.

Talk to you tomorrow. Troy

“Thank God for kids there’s magic for a while.” – Thank God for Kids, The Oak Ridge Boys (1982)

A number of years ago I went off on another Bigfoot blogging adventure. Part of that project consisted of recruiting the offspring to assist via a glimpse of the perspective I had back in the 70’s. Today’s posting will be a blend of “old” and new from this bunch who were introduced to Bigfoot at an early age.

Artist’s renderings from the four kids over the years.

Children are interesting creatures in their own right. Those little sponges can flatter a parent when showing an interest in your passions such as baseball, music or fishing. They can also embarrass with a bit of colorful vocabulary or a raised voice when frustrated. Nothing too mysterious either way with these small humans, as it’s not hard to figure out where they get it. And, I suppose their Bigfoot affliction would reside somewhere midway between the proud and the uncomfortable ends of the parenting spectrum.

For example, our boy, Jayce (now age 8), used to don a camouflage hat and a pair of his sister’s pink boots to roam the house while wildly gesturing and repeatedly saying, “Find Bigfoot.” I found it entertaining to play along (minus the pink boots). But every time we got close, we somehow proceeded to chase him off instead of attempting a capture of our elusive subject.

Jayce hunting in 2011 and again in 2017 with brother, Zac. Attire varies over the years but still hot on the trail and full of imagination.

My girls also displayed interest and in hindsight I am glad that I jotted down a few tidbits from those conversations. For now, with one a teenager and the other approaching, Bigfoot is generally just an afterthought, indulged only when one of their little brothers gets the bug. However, there was a time…

Helena quotes at age 7 (now age 13):
“Put a trap out, a log he could trip over and maybe his mask would fall off.”
I inquired what to use as bait to trap Bigfoot to which Helena replied, “Berries.”
“It’s not scary, it’s just weird.”
“I hope it’s a guy because it’s kind of scary looking.”

Carly quotes age 5 (now age 11):
“Is it real? It could be a man in a suit.”
“Is Bigfoot nice? Does he want a friend? Maybe he just wants a friend.”
“We can trap him and say, ‘Are you the real Bigfoot?’”
I again asked what to use as bait to trap Bigfoot and Carly answered, “Humans.”

Jayce age 2 (now age 8):
“Turn it off, it’s pretty scary.” By the way, he still starts out brave but generally winds up with a similar response these days as he subconsciously backs away from a video playing on the television or computer.
Jayce age 8: “He doesn’t want to hurt people, he just wants them off of his territory.”
“He is a Wookiee.”

Zac age 6: “He doesn’t want to eat 10-pound bass.”

Bigfoot is well represented in our home

I’ll wrap up this entry with a final anecdote about my children’s quest that took place during a Labor Day weekend trip to Quincy, Illinois. Back in 2011with a brand new and future Bigfoot hunter on board we stopped a gas station/convenience store to take care of our business, stretch out and grab a snack. Jayce and I did our thing, tagged off for Julie and the girls and then waited in the van with sleeping little brother, Zac. More than several minutes later, Helena and Carly returned with the telltale grins that indicated something up the sleeve.

They’d found Bigfoot!

Right on the label of a large piece of Jack Link’s beef jerky and bought it for dear old dad; very thoughtful although a bit on the pricey side. It reminded me of one of those television commercials; “Gas – $60, big old chunk of jerky – $6, Bug Juice – $3, your children finding Bigfoot – priceless.”

Yep, not hard to find this version, if you know where to look.

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” – Proverb

Talk to you tomorrow. Troy

“Who are those guys?” – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

I’ve got this image of Bigfoot exasperatedly uttering this phrase repeatedly (similar to the movie) as he peers through the thickets and undergrowth at the ever encroaching human presence. Of course, I also suspect that he knows all too well who we are in a general sense and it’s no wonder he avoids us. After all, a handful of us decimate his forests, burn up his stomping grounds, leave our trash laying all over the place and make a heck of a racket in and around his woods.

And we mustn’t forget the “hunters” who have been chasing his legend since 1958 when the Bigfoot phenomenon is generally acknowledged to have gone mainstream. The discovery of large tracks in northern California led to the coining of the creature’s name and when the Associated Press later picked up the story, “Bigfoot” captured the imagination of the nation.  .

And the hunt was on.

That hunt is still going strong some fifty years later. Just turn on the tube or search the web and you can follow some new band of legend hunters who are out there looking to solve the mystery with all of the latest high tech gear at their disposal. However, my heart lies with a band of old school Sasquatch seekers that have been collectively referred to as “The Four Horsemen of Sasquatchery.” Unfortunately, three are no longer in the hunt and the lone survivor is in his nineties. But these guys ruled the 1970’s when they helped hook a wide eyed eight year old boy for life.

Peter Byrne (born 1925) – Byrne, an Irishman, personifies my version of the big game hunter of yesteryear. Which he was for a time in the 1950’s and 60’s, and I suppose still is considering Bigfoot is a larger than life quarry. A slight Irish accent and polished delivery is as much a trademark as his typical safari guide garb which often consists of khaki pants, a button up shirt beneath a hunting vest, a fedora perched on his head and a scarf wrapped about his neck. Byrne is part Indiana Jones and part Marlin Perkins (the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom guy who, by the way, also searched for the Yeti), He has utilized a charismatic persona to raise plenty of funds to support his habit throughout the years. After spending a number of years trekking the Himalayas in search of the Yeti, he later joined a Pacific Northwest expedition with a couple of the hunters below. His being an “outsider” contributed to a rift which lasted a lifetime. For a time he also operated the now defunct “Bigfoot Research Project” based in Mount Hood, Oregon. Notable quote (regarding his ability to raise funds for research/expeditions): “I’ve done it three times to the extent of possibly $3,000,000 I have spent of other people’s money.”

Rene Dahinden (1930-2001) – Born in Switzerland, Dahinden relocated to Canada in the early 1950’s and claimed to have caught the Bigfoot bug after hearing a news story on the radio. He would briefly join Peter Byrne and John Green (see below) as part of a 1960’s Pacific Northwest Bigfoot expedition before personality conflicts and creative differences sent him packing. He would then continue his solo pursuit and was known for doggedly guarding his research. However, he was much less secretive with his opinions on the topic as well as his thoughts on the other hunters. Such tidbits were entertainingly delivered with the combination of a noticeable accent, slight speech impediment and often colorful language. He pulled no punches and at times came off as more than a little bit rude, for instance referring to Dr. Grover Krantz (see below) as “meathead” in one interesting exchange. Yet, he was not without a sense of humor as shown in his role as a spokesman for Canada’s Kokanee Beer (video here). In addition, he was rumored to have been the inspiration for the Bigfoot hunter in the 1987 film, Harry and the Hendersons. Notable quote (concerning others not viewing footprint casts as physical evidence): “How would you feel if I hit you over the head with one of them footprint’s plaster casts? Don’t you think that would be physical?”

John Green (1927-2016) – Green kept the lowest profile and remained the most low key of this foursome. However, he was not averse to sharing his feelings on the quest; he just always did so with less flair or publicity. A retired journalist from British Columbia, he amassed one of the largest Bigfoot sighting databases in the world. After taking part in the previously mentioned Pacific Northwest expedition, he would relate that the group consisted of too many high strung and stubborn individuals. Even that brief joint effort of Green, Dahinden and Byrne was long enough to foster some lasting animosity despite fifty years of water under the bridge. It is also worth noting that with Green’s passing, there are no longer any surviving witnesses of the 1958 Sasquatch tracks in Bluff Creek, California that put Bigfoot on the map. Notable quote (concerning some of the fringe hunters equating Bigfoot with UFOs or interdimensional travel): “I don’t find anything attractive in explaining a mystery by bringing in another mystery.”

Dr. Grover Krantz (1931-2002) – The late Dr. Krantz was a professor of physical anthropology at Washington State University and represented one of the first (and few) academics to take an interest and later offer up a belief in a creature that might not even exist. As a result, he caught a fair amount of grief from his peers and wound up seeming rather weary from this burden in his later years. Krantz investigated the subject with a scientific approach carefully analyzing and measuring the evidence presented to him, primarily footprints and the Patterson-Gimlin film. He also theorized that Bigfoot was a surviving population of an extinct genus of ape that formerly inhabited eastern Asia some 300,000 years ago. Notable quote (concerning a life of academia paired with a drive to find Bigfoot): “This hasn’t been fun at all. It’s something that’s got to be done. I will be very happy when it’s all over.”

The degree of conflict and unwillingness to share notes at times among this bunch was legendary itself. Yet despite a significant amount of agreeing to disagree, criticism and bad blood over the years, this group actually had much in common due to their passionate pursuit. Among the similarities was the fact that none of the four ever provided indisputable proof of anything. But their tales still tell of a most excellent adventure.

I’m unsure if there are any such fireworks among the latest breed of Bigfoot hunters but it would certainly be tough to top the relationships between these four legendary figures who have left the quest to a new band of hunters.  Some of the current major players in the ongoing mystery include Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, an Idaho State University professor of anatomy and anthropology, Daniel Perez, longtime publisher of Bigfoot Times newsletter, Matt Moneymaker, head of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and apparently some fellow called “Bobo” (almost sounds like a regional name for the creature, perhaps from New Boston, IL or somewhere).

Okay, so I’m admittedly out of touch with the current Bigfoot crowd but as far as I can tell, they haven’t found anything more compelling than the old guys. Today’s world is considerably heavier on showtime, glamor and saturation than back in the day, and while the pursuit still excites, I truly don’t know how many “hunting” shows I could take. Good, old Sasquatch still appears to be an elusive sort though, so perhaps he can evade yet another generation. I kind of hope so, as I know a couple young boys who has somehow developed quite an interest.

Talk to you tomorrow. Troy

Fifty years ago today, Bigfoot was reportedly shot.

On film, that is.

“Baby what a big surprise, right before my very eyes.” – Baby, What A Big Surprise, Chicago (1977)

Or was it?

That all depends on which side of the fence you are on in regards to something called the Patterson-Gimlin film.

Former rodeo rider turned Bigfoot hunter, Roger Patterson (1926-1972), and his friend, Robert Gimlin (b.1931) were exploring the Bluff Creek area of Northern California on the afternoon of October 20, 1967. When the pair later emerged from the wilderness, they carried with them perhaps the most intriguing and likely the most controversial piece of Bigfoot evidence yet produced. This startling video, while only fifty three seconds (953 frames) in duration, has given rise to decades of debate.

All of these years later, the Patterson-Gimlin film continues to raise eyebrows and questions. Is it hominid or hoax? Is it an unknown primate or a guy in a monkey suit? Why didn’t they shoot it? Was one of the pair hoodwinked? Why does the creature simply saunter off rather than bolting from the intruders? The list goes on and on.

The pro- and anti-Bigfoot camps agree to disagree on the legitimacy of the clip with a fervor often reserved for debates over politics, religion, Cubs vs. Cards, Ginger or Mary Ann and so on. The pros view their opponents as close-minded and unwilling to listen while the skeptics label the believers as crackpots or dreamers. Regardless of allegiance, only one crowd’s belief is ultimately correct.

The story of the film goes like this.

Patterson and Gimlin were allegedly out on an expedition to film some background footage for a proposed Bigfoot documentary and wound up in the right place at the right time. Both men were on horseback when the creature was spotted in the creek bed and Patterson’s mount spooked causing him to fall to the ground. He was then able to grab his camera from a saddlebag and proceeded to shoot the film as he ran towards the creature. The initially jumpy footage shows Bigfoot walking from left to right seemingly in no hurry at all to ditch his pursuers, both of whom were armed with rifles (although they had previously agreed not to shoot in the event of an encounter). Towards the middle of the footage, the film stabilizes as the creature continues on his way and eventually disappears into the trees as the film runs out.

This was the clip that sold me on Bigfoot back when I first encountered it in a documentary, The Mysterious Monsters, at the old West Cinemas in Galesburg, IL. Even now, it’s somewhat creepy to watch the hulking, hairy creature lumbering across the screen. And of course, Frame 352, which has become “the” Bigfoot icon, can still make the hairs on the back of the neck stand up even though I’m well beyond that nine year old kid. There’s just something eerie about the subject nonchalantly turning to look directly at the camera (and me) before continuing on his way.

Frame 352 and close approximations provide a lasting image.

The debate over the authenticity of the film’s star continues to this day. Some special effects experts state it is clearly a man in a monkey suit and point out flaws. One man later came forward with the allegation that he made the suit while yet another individual has stated that he was the man in the suit. Others in this field dismiss such statements citing the shortcomings of the techniques and technology in 1967.

Bigfoot researchers, skeptics, academics and amateurs utilizing modern technology have analyzed various aspects of the footage only to wind up with differing opinions. Gimlin sticks to the claim that he wasn’t duped by his partner and the late Patterson steadfastly maintained that the subject in the film was the real thing. Noted Bigfoot researcher Peter Byrne relates that a dying Patterson did express one change of heart in stating, “You know we should have shot that thing: then people would have believed us.” Whatever the case, it’s still a pretty cool piece of video that leaves a lasting impression.

In putting together today’s posting, the lead in lyric was the first bit of song that came to mind and despite considerable reworking of this piece I never once considered changing it. I did find it interesting though, upon later realizing that the first two lines of the song are as follows;

“Right before my very eyes, I thought that you we’re only fakin’ it.”

What do you think?

I also can’t resist adding one last tidbit of information although it is potentially useless in the future to anyone beyond me and my wife, Julie. Today marks the sixteenth anniversary of my asking Julie to marry me and she said “Yes” on the first try. You see, I’m no dummy as I wisely chose an important date so as not to wind up forgetting as the years go by. Not that there’s anything wrong with choosing mythical holidays like Valentine’s Day or Sweetheart’s Day. It’s just that, for better or worse, I’m admittedly more Bigfoot than Cupid.

Talk to you tomorrow. Troy