14 November 2011
13 June 2011
There Might Be Giants
Type: Natural
Location: N 38° 39.846 W 078° 29.028
Traveling 530 miles we arrived at Shenandoah National Park located in Virginia. There we met up with other team members Zam and Redtail and proceeded to setup base camp. In between the inclement weather we were able explore the park, get in some hiking, wildlife viewing and nature talks hosted by the park rangers.
Located just outside the park Tankgirl and I headed to Luray VA and our final destination, Luray Caverns. The caverns were discovered in modern times in 1878, then called Luray Cave. People before us may have also known of the caverns as artifacts and a 500+/- year old skeleton have been found inside.
This limestone system is filled with several impressive formations including stalagmites, stalactites, drapers, straws, flowstone and columns to name a few. Some of the more popular features are the Great Stalacpipe Organ, Giant’s Hall and Pluto’s Ghost.
The Great Stalacpipe Organ is a system of strikers mounted on various sized stalactites and connected to an organ. When struck each stalactite produces its own unique musical note and can be played like a normal organ. Giant’s Hall is a massive chamber containing drapers and columns measuring some 60 feet in height. Pluto’s Ghost is a large, stark white column located in the dark Pluto Chasm.
Luray Caverns is a spectacular site to explore. It is open and accessible to all and can draw large numbers of visitors at times. Luray Caverns is open all year round and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood.
Click any picture to see the whole photo set. Or click here to see a slide show.
Location: N 38° 39.846 W 078° 29.028
Traveling 530 miles we arrived at Shenandoah National Park located in Virginia. There we met up with other team members Zam and Redtail and proceeded to setup base camp. In between the inclement weather we were able explore the park, get in some hiking, wildlife viewing and nature talks hosted by the park rangers.
Located just outside the park Tankgirl and I headed to Luray VA and our final destination, Luray Caverns. The caverns were discovered in modern times in 1878, then called Luray Cave. People before us may have also known of the caverns as artifacts and a 500+/- year old skeleton have been found inside.
This limestone system is filled with several impressive formations including stalagmites, stalactites, drapers, straws, flowstone and columns to name a few. Some of the more popular features are the Great Stalacpipe Organ, Giant’s Hall and Pluto’s Ghost.
The Great Stalacpipe Organ is a system of strikers mounted on various sized stalactites and connected to an organ. When struck each stalactite produces its own unique musical note and can be played like a normal organ. Giant’s Hall is a massive chamber containing drapers and columns measuring some 60 feet in height. Pluto’s Ghost is a large, stark white column located in the dark Pluto Chasm.
Luray Caverns is a spectacular site to explore. It is open and accessible to all and can draw large numbers of visitors at times. Luray Caverns is open all year round and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood.
Click any picture to see the whole photo set. Or click here to see a slide show.
12 October 2010
17th Street House Investigation
Type: Paranormal
Date: Sept 8th and 12th 2010
Location: Wyandotte MI
A normal house in a normal looking neighborhood, is it haunted? Read on and we’ll tell you what we experienced and you can answer the question for yourself. The reports on the house include voices, lights turning on/off and doors closing. The equipment used: digital voice recorders, KII and digital EMF meters and digital cameras.
This was a two night investigation with a small team the first night and a larger team on the second night. Upon arrival the first night we did a walk through snapping pictures and doing an EMF baseline sweep of the house. The new residents hadn’t moved in yet so the place was mostly empty (which made for easy navigation in the dark). Two areas in the house had elevated EMF levels. The first area was the staircase to the second floor and the hallway at the top of the stairs. When the lights were switched off the field dissipated. The second area was in the far corner of the basement located near the electrical box which was obviously the cause. However the field was fairly large and included the area around the furnace and dryer and wiring across the ceiling making a fear cage like effect. After noting these areas we settled into the investigation.
Our first session was on the second floor. Seemingly quiet and relaxed, we wrapped up after 30-40 minutes and moved to the main floor.
On the main floor, we setup in the front bedroom. We had a 40-50 minute session here and again all seemed quiet and relaxed.
Next, we moved to the back bedroom for another session. Approximately 10 minutes into the session we heard a quiet “thud” come from the living room area. I went to investigate the sound while the other two team members stayed in the room. I noticed the closet door in the living room was resting against the strike plate. Without telling the other two, I opened the door and gently pushed it against the strike plate. Immediately Grim said “That’s it!” Explaining what it was, I looked for a cause and couldn’t find one (all windows were closed, etc…). After that I returned to the bedroom to resume the session. Another 15 minutes or so passed when a faint jingle sound was heard from the kitchen area. This time we all went to investigate the sound. Medic had placed some coins on the table in the kitchen when we first arrived and swore one had moved. Unfortunately we did not have any equipment in there to document it. We retuned to the room and continued the session again. Before we wrapped up, Grim and Medic experienced some personal sensations (goose bumps/heaviness). After listening to the recording there was one unexplained sound. It was a very loud and distorted sound, which none of us heard at the time of the recording. It could be a malfunction or something else. I have never heard anything like it before from that recorder.
Our next destination was the basement. Once again we held a 40-50 minute session and all was quiet.
The second night we had a larger team and were able to split into two groups for part of the night. Again the upstairs seemed quiet and uneventful. The living room as well seemed quiet. However we did get some recordings in the living room that sound suspicious and are still under review. The two bedrooms were uneventful as well.
The first team in the basement conducted an in depth EVP session. After a question was asked it sounded like there was a faint audible reply. After reviewing the recording no answer was heard, but we discovered the recorder picked up an answer to another question that was asked. The second team in the basement had to interrupt their session due to nausea and dizziness. They moved outside to get some fresh air. During this time they left their recorder in the basement where it recorded a “bang” in the empty basement.
You can listen for the answer yourself here. Note the reply is very faint and headphones are recommended.
Overall we were able to document a couple minor events and had some personal experiences that we were unable to document. Personally I would say it’s a pretty quiet house all in all.
Date: Sept 8th and 12th 2010
Location: Wyandotte MI
A normal house in a normal looking neighborhood, is it haunted? Read on and we’ll tell you what we experienced and you can answer the question for yourself. The reports on the house include voices, lights turning on/off and doors closing. The equipment used: digital voice recorders, KII and digital EMF meters and digital cameras.
This was a two night investigation with a small team the first night and a larger team on the second night. Upon arrival the first night we did a walk through snapping pictures and doing an EMF baseline sweep of the house. The new residents hadn’t moved in yet so the place was mostly empty (which made for easy navigation in the dark). Two areas in the house had elevated EMF levels. The first area was the staircase to the second floor and the hallway at the top of the stairs. When the lights were switched off the field dissipated. The second area was in the far corner of the basement located near the electrical box which was obviously the cause. However the field was fairly large and included the area around the furnace and dryer and wiring across the ceiling making a fear cage like effect. After noting these areas we settled into the investigation.
Our first session was on the second floor. Seemingly quiet and relaxed, we wrapped up after 30-40 minutes and moved to the main floor.
On the main floor, we setup in the front bedroom. We had a 40-50 minute session here and again all seemed quiet and relaxed.
Next, we moved to the back bedroom for another session. Approximately 10 minutes into the session we heard a quiet “thud” come from the living room area. I went to investigate the sound while the other two team members stayed in the room. I noticed the closet door in the living room was resting against the strike plate. Without telling the other two, I opened the door and gently pushed it against the strike plate. Immediately Grim said “That’s it!” Explaining what it was, I looked for a cause and couldn’t find one (all windows were closed, etc…). After that I returned to the bedroom to resume the session. Another 15 minutes or so passed when a faint jingle sound was heard from the kitchen area. This time we all went to investigate the sound. Medic had placed some coins on the table in the kitchen when we first arrived and swore one had moved. Unfortunately we did not have any equipment in there to document it. We retuned to the room and continued the session again. Before we wrapped up, Grim and Medic experienced some personal sensations (goose bumps/heaviness). After listening to the recording there was one unexplained sound. It was a very loud and distorted sound, which none of us heard at the time of the recording. It could be a malfunction or something else. I have never heard anything like it before from that recorder.
Our next destination was the basement. Once again we held a 40-50 minute session and all was quiet.
The second night we had a larger team and were able to split into two groups for part of the night. Again the upstairs seemed quiet and uneventful. The living room as well seemed quiet. However we did get some recordings in the living room that sound suspicious and are still under review. The two bedrooms were uneventful as well.
The first team in the basement conducted an in depth EVP session. After a question was asked it sounded like there was a faint audible reply. After reviewing the recording no answer was heard, but we discovered the recorder picked up an answer to another question that was asked. The second team in the basement had to interrupt their session due to nausea and dizziness. They moved outside to get some fresh air. During this time they left their recorder in the basement where it recorded a “bang” in the empty basement.
You can listen for the answer yourself here. Note the reply is very faint and headphones are recommended.
Overall we were able to document a couple minor events and had some personal experiences that we were unable to document. Personally I would say it’s a pretty quiet house all in all.
Team members: cyc0tik, grim, kat, medic, scooter, tankgirl
18 September 2010
Marlborough
Type: Rural
Date: 7.10.10
Location: N 43° 51.608 W 085° 50.442
For the next destination the team traveled northwest 230 miles to the town of Baldwin, Michigan. There we headed south out of town to find the country roads that would take us to our final destination. Traveling down a rustic road we spotted a large cement structure standing alone in an overgrown field. We knew then that we arrived at the Marlborough cement factory ruins. After gearing up, we headed out and began our exploration of the ruins.
Before arriving at the main structure, we stopped to investigate some smaller cement pieces randomly lying around. These pieces had very ornate detailing on them and precision lines, very impressive.
Moving on to the main building we could see large areas of crumbling cement exposing the metal skeleton underneath. We located the entrances into the building on the far side. Inside some of the rooms, large cement chunks littered the floors. Seeing that most of the room’s ceilings were missing, except for the supports, we deduced that the ceiling had now become the floor. Investigating each of the rooms, you could still find some objects that looked liked they were part of the original factory along with other miscellaneous debris.
After completing our survey of the first building, we trekked down the trails to search for the other reported structures in the complex. Down the trail, we found some large metal tubing, a cement outbuilding, a pile of old equipment/machinery and a long angled wall stretching out into the forest.
Shortly after passing the “retaining” wall, we spotted some larger structures through the canopy. Navigating that direction we came to a collection of large archway constructions. Standing 15 to 20 feet tall, they were impressive works resembling an ancient aqueduct system. These archways were possibly railway passages that were used to move materials.
After exploring the archways, we moved on to a nearby structure that contained small tunnels or passage ways. Some of the passage ways lead through to the other side, while others were a dead end.
Another brief trek down the trail we found what possibly looked to be large storage buildings. Some of the earthwork around these buildings allowed access to what would be the top or roof of the building, if one existed. Instead we walked around on the top edges of the walls. After The Professor reviewed the photos of the site, he informed me that some of the buildings were built with reinforced corners. So I’m guessing whatever they contained was of considerable weight.
The next structures we found, I could not guess a use for. There were some elevated platforms and small rooms. Could they have been a section of the roof or an elevated platform above the storage areas? As for the small rooms, were they some type of kiln or furnace?
Pressing on, we came to the local access road and we concluded we had found a large percent of the complex and wrapped up the exploration.
Construction of the factory begun around the late 1800’s and was completed in the early 1900’s. When completed, it was reported to be one of the world’s largest cement factories. The size was enough for a whole support town to be constructed around the factory and it was only in operation for a handful of years before shutting down. One claim was that the nearby lake’s marl deposits (an ingredient in making cement) ran out. Another claim is that changes in the industry made the factory obsolete. After it closed, many of the buildings on site were destroyed to reclaim the steel rebar for the war effort leaving us with the remains we have today. The accuracy of the history listed here is unverified but should at least provide a general guideline. Here you can find a mix of industrial buildings, aqueduct like archways and underground bunker-like passageways, a very impressive site to explore.
Click any picture to see the whole photo set. Or click here to see a slide show.
Date: 7.10.10
Location: N 43° 51.608 W 085° 50.442
For the next destination the team traveled northwest 230 miles to the town of Baldwin, Michigan. There we headed south out of town to find the country roads that would take us to our final destination. Traveling down a rustic road we spotted a large cement structure standing alone in an overgrown field. We knew then that we arrived at the Marlborough cement factory ruins. After gearing up, we headed out and began our exploration of the ruins.
Before arriving at the main structure, we stopped to investigate some smaller cement pieces randomly lying around. These pieces had very ornate detailing on them and precision lines, very impressive.
Moving on to the main building we could see large areas of crumbling cement exposing the metal skeleton underneath. We located the entrances into the building on the far side. Inside some of the rooms, large cement chunks littered the floors. Seeing that most of the room’s ceilings were missing, except for the supports, we deduced that the ceiling had now become the floor. Investigating each of the rooms, you could still find some objects that looked liked they were part of the original factory along with other miscellaneous debris.
After completing our survey of the first building, we trekked down the trails to search for the other reported structures in the complex. Down the trail, we found some large metal tubing, a cement outbuilding, a pile of old equipment/machinery and a long angled wall stretching out into the forest.
Shortly after passing the “retaining” wall, we spotted some larger structures through the canopy. Navigating that direction we came to a collection of large archway constructions. Standing 15 to 20 feet tall, they were impressive works resembling an ancient aqueduct system. These archways were possibly railway passages that were used to move materials.
After exploring the archways, we moved on to a nearby structure that contained small tunnels or passage ways. Some of the passage ways lead through to the other side, while others were a dead end.
Another brief trek down the trail we found what possibly looked to be large storage buildings. Some of the earthwork around these buildings allowed access to what would be the top or roof of the building, if one existed. Instead we walked around on the top edges of the walls. After The Professor reviewed the photos of the site, he informed me that some of the buildings were built with reinforced corners. So I’m guessing whatever they contained was of considerable weight.
The next structures we found, I could not guess a use for. There were some elevated platforms and small rooms. Could they have been a section of the roof or an elevated platform above the storage areas? As for the small rooms, were they some type of kiln or furnace?
Pressing on, we came to the local access road and we concluded we had found a large percent of the complex and wrapped up the exploration.
Construction of the factory begun around the late 1800’s and was completed in the early 1900’s. When completed, it was reported to be one of the world’s largest cement factories. The size was enough for a whole support town to be constructed around the factory and it was only in operation for a handful of years before shutting down. One claim was that the nearby lake’s marl deposits (an ingredient in making cement) ran out. Another claim is that changes in the industry made the factory obsolete. After it closed, many of the buildings on site were destroyed to reclaim the steel rebar for the war effort leaving us with the remains we have today. The accuracy of the history listed here is unverified but should at least provide a general guideline. Here you can find a mix of industrial buildings, aqueduct like archways and underground bunker-like passageways, a very impressive site to explore.
Click any picture to see the whole photo set. Or click here to see a slide show.
Team members: cyc0tik, grim, scooter, shovel, +1
26 August 2010
Perseid Skywatch
Type: Natural
Date: 8.12.10
Location: Northwestern MI
On the afternoon of Aug. 12th the team started to assemble at our northern destination and construct base camp. After camp was set a recon mission was in order to locate a dark and clear observation site. Finding three potential sites, we returned to camp and fired up the cook stoves for a quick meal and some down time before the big show.
After packing up our gear, we headed out arriving at site #3 around 10pm EDT (UTC -4 hours). The night sky was clear and dark but high humidity created low haze/fog all around (a perfect setting for some shambling zombies!). Even before we were setup the show was underway with a bright earthgrazer streaking across the eastern sky.
After about a 3 hour observation period we were counting 60+/- meteors per hour. During this time we got to test out some new equipment. First off was the sky pointer, a green laser pointer. This pointer is extremely useful in accurately pointing out objects in the night sky and they can be had for an affordable price. Next up was a new Canon DSLR camera. Fighting the humidity and fogging issues, several images were taken of stars and The Milky Way but no meteors were captured.
After that session we packed up and moved to an alternate location for a better view of the Northern sky. Here we observed another handful of meteors totaling over 200 for the night. We saw everything from faint fast shooting stars to bright streaking fireballs over the course of the night. Later on in the evening/morning the meteors came in bursts of 2, 3 and 4 in quick succession followed by a time of inactivity.
Overall the event was an entertaining success and the weather was perfect less the high humidity. The sky pointer was a big hit and The Professor gave an educational presentation on the night sky.
Date: 8.12.10
Location: Northwestern MI
On the afternoon of Aug. 12th the team started to assemble at our northern destination and construct base camp. After camp was set a recon mission was in order to locate a dark and clear observation site. Finding three potential sites, we returned to camp and fired up the cook stoves for a quick meal and some down time before the big show.
After packing up our gear, we headed out arriving at site #3 around 10pm EDT (UTC -4 hours). The night sky was clear and dark but high humidity created low haze/fog all around (a perfect setting for some shambling zombies!). Even before we were setup the show was underway with a bright earthgrazer streaking across the eastern sky.
After about a 3 hour observation period we were counting 60+/- meteors per hour. During this time we got to test out some new equipment. First off was the sky pointer, a green laser pointer. This pointer is extremely useful in accurately pointing out objects in the night sky and they can be had for an affordable price. Next up was a new Canon DSLR camera. Fighting the humidity and fogging issues, several images were taken of stars and The Milky Way but no meteors were captured.
After that session we packed up and moved to an alternate location for a better view of the Northern sky. Here we observed another handful of meteors totaling over 200 for the night. We saw everything from faint fast shooting stars to bright streaking fireballs over the course of the night. Later on in the evening/morning the meteors came in bursts of 2, 3 and 4 in quick succession followed by a time of inactivity.
Overall the event was an entertaining success and the weather was perfect less the high humidity. The sky pointer was a big hit and The Professor gave an educational presentation on the night sky.
Team members: cyc0tik, grim, the professor, redtail, scooter, tankgirl & zam
09 June 2010
We’ve Got Cows
Type: Natural
Date: June 7th
Location: Dundee, Michigan & Lake Township area, Ohio
On the evening of June 5th weather conditions were aligning themselves for a violent outbreak. Dundee, Michigan, Lake Township, Ohio and other parts of the Midwest and Canada were hit hard by extreme weather.
Location: Dundee, Michigan & Lake Township area, Ohio
On the evening of June 5th weather conditions were aligning themselves for a violent outbreak. Dundee, Michigan, Lake Township, Ohio and other parts of the Midwest and Canada were hit hard by extreme weather.
The Dundee tornado was reported as an EF-2 on the Enhanced Fujita scale with top wind speeds of 135mph and touched down at 2:17am. From our on site survey the damage looked worse west of town along MI 50. There structures had severe damage with many being totally collapsed. One house in particular on MI 50 was totally collapsed with a flattened SUV in the driveway and sitting 100 yards away in a field was a reclining chair from the residence.
From our walk through of downtown Dundee the damages looked less severe, which is fortunate seeing the area is more populated. The bulk of the damage was broken and uprooted trees that resulted in downed power lines and poles and some structural damage. Some large commercial buildings near US 23 suffered damage as well.
There have been no reported deaths in Dundee. There were several reported injuries and damages I would estimate at a million dollars plus.
Next the team traveled down to northwest Ohio. In the Lake Township area a reported EF-3 tornado with wind speeds up to 165mph touched down at 11:30pm. The damages here were greater and you can easily make out the path of the tornado. Many homes, building and other structures were completely leveled.
The Lake Township High School took a direct hit from the tornado causing damage and partial collapse of the building. Debris from the school littered the surrounding fields for 100’s of yards.
Nearby residential areas were also effected by the storm. Local authorities had a majority of these areas restricted and have established evening curfews for safety and the protection of local residents.
Parts of Illinois and Canada also reported damage from the storms. The Fermi II nuclear reactor in Newport, Michigan also sustained damage causing the plant to go into emergency shut down.
Tornadoes in the Midwest are not new by any means but are not as numerous as in the plains and tornado alley. With this being the case the people of the Midwest may not be as educated and aware of severe weather as people in other parts of the country. Being unaware and unprepared can easily lead to more injuries and fatalities. A little planning and knowledge might just save your life in the event of severe weather. The links below provide information on what to do before, during and after a tornado.
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html
http://gohsep.la.gov/factsheets/whattodoinatornado.htm
click on any photo to view the full set
team members: cyc0tik, grim and shovel
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