While at the resort spa, Rose had a lengthy ghosty talk with two staff members while getting her tootsies massaged. While the ghost of Caroline Stickney, (the "princess" and the person the hotel was built for) had always been encountered in her room (known as "The Princess Room") the staffers informed Rose that the princess roamed the entire hotel and liked to play pranks. This information came in handy later.
The TAPS crew were stationed in five different known haunted locations in the hotel. I was in a group of 14, way too large for effective ghost hunting, but you take what you get. We started in the south tower. We stood in a construction zone filled with sawdust and pieces of equipment. When the lights went out, a large grid of blue light dots (think astrological conservatory) were shined on one wall. We were told to stare at them and see if any would dim or go out completely. Frankly, I felt pretty convinced that the human mind's need to make something out of nothing would make this technique pretty questionable, so I focused on my K-2 meter (a device that lights up when met with electromagnetic energy (EM) and has been used successfully to communicate with the dead by having them light the lights in answer to questions).
Once we eliminated any man-made sources of EM, three of us made a triangle of our K-2 meters and they immediately lit up. We asked a few questions, determining that the spirit was a female and had been an employee there. The spirit was definitely moving around because I could put my meter in the exact same location as another person who just got their lights to all light up and would get nothing. It was somewhat interesting, but a bit benign.
The next location was the Presidential Wing. In the Reagan Room, Rose and I experienced a cold draft in a corner that didn't appear to have a source. The next location was the Ballroom that also didn't have much going on at the time. However, in both cases, I kept my audio recorder on, so until I review my recordings, I won't know if anything was there with us or not.
At that point, about 12:30 am, Rose gave up the ghost and went back to our room (Room 157) to go to bed. I kept going.
The next location was the north tower. After walking up a dark, narrow staircase, I was met with Chip Coffey, sitting on a metal chair in what appeared to be a small landing. This space was quite different from the other tower. It consisted of a large horseshoe hallway with very small rooms, each with a small closet. Chip suggested that these were probably staff lodging at sometime.
I walked the hallway without any incident, but when I made my way back to the landing, there was one participant who seemed to have some K-2 hits as she sat on the floor, so I parked myself next to a wall and watched as she got the entity to turn on the K-2 whenever she asked. Another man sat down next to her and they put a flashlight in front of them as well as on a windowsill. Chip arrived and got the entity to turn on flashlights as requested, including dimming them and popping them on and off at request. As we attempted to speak to the entity, one gal asked "Were those your eyes that startled me in the hallway a few minutes ago?" The entity flipped on a flashlight for yes. That gave me a chill based solely on the creepy factor. When asked to turn on both flashlights, the entity could do that also.
The last location was The Princess Room. It was a large room with a four-poster bed, a fireplace and plenty of seating. I sat at the vanity table toward the corner. Everyone put out K-2's and recorders and started asking questions. Well, nothing happened. It felt like our aristocratic lady of the manor was not interested in answering our silly questions. Remembering Rose's encounter with the staff at the spa, I asked to the darkness "Do you walk through the entire hotel?" and every K-2 on one side of the room lit up to the red, the highest light. Several more questions were asked with no response. A man and woman had parked themselves on her bed. The woman asked, "Do you mind that I'm on your bed?" and there was no response. Then the man asked the same question and several K-2's went off at once again. He got off the bed. It seems that this turn-of-the-century woman didn't like a strange man in her bed.
I came back to our room at about 2:15, wiped. The light in between our two beds was on and I thought Rose was asleep. She rolled over and said, "I think there's something in here with me." Not that I didn't take her seriously, but I had sort of had my fill of encounters at that point. "Why do you think that?" I asked. "I've heard shuffling noises on your side of the room as if something is being moved." I thought that was interesting, but suspected sound transfer from another room.
Once I turned on the bathroom light, Rose turned out the nightstand light. I went in the bathroom and brushed my teeth, then came out to get my nightgown out of my luggage. While standing in front of my luggage, the main overhead light to the room was switched on. I turned, thinking that Rose had gotten up, but she was still in bed. I was amazed. I got in my nightgown, turned off the bathroom and main light and felt my way to my bed. Once in bed, I looked into the darkness and watched as something floated around the room, shifting the natural dynamics of play of light and dark in the room. Just as I was about to close my eyes, the main light in the room flipped on again. If I had had an ounce of energy left, I would have turned on some meters, but I got up, walked to the light switch and turned it off. Before I got back into bed, I stood at the end of my bed and said, "We're tired and we need our sleep. Please stop playing with the light." Then I fell into bed, and to my knowledge, the lights stayed out.
The next morning, when I came out of the shower, I was surprised to see that my mattress (a very heavy mattress) was about six or seven inches askew on the box spring. Could this have been what Rose was hearing before I came back to the room. Since I was so tired and got into bed in the dark both times, it's possible. I sleep like the dead, so it is unlikely that I could have tossed and turned enough to have moved that heavy mattress that much.
But wait, I'm not done. On the trip back, we stayed at the haunted hotel I had stayed at years ago in Newtown, PA. Guess what? Absolutely nothing happened.
On the last day of the trip, we went to Eastern State Penitentiary, the oldest prison in the country. From an historical standpoint, it was fascinating, but it is also known to be very haunted, so much so, that when they developed their audio tour, they included a segment on the ghosts of Eastern State. Although there were a few tours running around, I tried to use any quiet time I could find to try some EVP. How paranormally active is this place? Well, Rose began reviewing audio tapes in the car on the drive home and discovered that at 11:30 am, I had asked if someone could make their presence known and a man's voice clearly cries out as if standing on one end of our hallway. We did not hear this, by the way. Again, I haven't had a chance to review my audio tapes yet, but there were a potential two more responses received at Eastern State and we were only there for about two hours. I can only imagine how active that place is at night and how much you might get if you were there all night.
So, all in all, a successful trip, both in terms of interactions with both the living and the dead. Thanks for all who have been patiently awaiting my post. I hope it was worth it.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
It is 2 something in the morning and I have to drive from NH to Philly tomorrow, so I'm going to have to keep the most important day we had here brief.
My day started by walking through the center of the lobby and coming toward me was Jason Hawes. He said hi and I said hi. You just had to have been there to really know the thrill of it all.
I sat in on a presentation about demons by a demonologist/exorcist. I learned a lot about demons. Did you know that exorcists have a smell scale for the level of demons encountered? I'm now just full of such fascinating facts.
Before one of the presentations, I went to a psychic table and had a $10 reading. It was so good and accurate that I gave her $20. Let's just say I got some important guidance on a problem and leave it at that.
Jason and Grant did a Q and A and it was great. They are so funny and down-to-earth. They had some unusual stories about cases they had been on.
And now, for the ghosts. I did vigils in five different locations in the hotel and we had some unusual experiences...but...I'm too tired to go into detail now. So you all will have to wait and hope I can find WiFi in Newtown, PA.
Aren't I mean?
My day started by walking through the center of the lobby and coming toward me was Jason Hawes. He said hi and I said hi. You just had to have been there to really know the thrill of it all.
I sat in on a presentation about demons by a demonologist/exorcist. I learned a lot about demons. Did you know that exorcists have a smell scale for the level of demons encountered? I'm now just full of such fascinating facts.
Before one of the presentations, I went to a psychic table and had a $10 reading. It was so good and accurate that I gave her $20. Let's just say I got some important guidance on a problem and leave it at that.
Jason and Grant did a Q and A and it was great. They are so funny and down-to-earth. They had some unusual stories about cases they had been on.
And now, for the ghosts. I did vigils in five different locations in the hotel and we had some unusual experiences...but...I'm too tired to go into detail now. So you all will have to wait and hope I can find WiFi in Newtown, PA.
Aren't I mean?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The wine and dine portion
Today was learning, not only about the other people sharing this experience with us, but also about aspects of what we do as "ghost hunters."
My day started with a lecture by Alan Blai and the Psychology of Parapsychology. Alan is a previous Roman Catholic seminary student who switched gears and got his M.S. in clinical psychology. He actually has all the work done on his Ph.D., but because he included parapsychology in the mix, his dissertation team is debating on whether or not to grant him his degree. His background also includes demonology and exorcism.
Alan gave a fascinating talk on how the brain works and why people might experience paranormal phenomena where there is none. I think the idea that struck me the most (because I have asked this myself) is what does a ghost hunter really have to offer a family being traumatized by a ghost? He gave the example of people who get an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena = hearing ghost voices on tape that were not discernible at the time) where the ghost says something like "Help me" and all they can do is run around with the recording, estastic that they got an anomaly without any considertion to the plea for help. It seems like ghost hunting should be more than the accumulation of data.
The next speaker was Jeff Belanger whose books I enjoy reading. He is one of the few writers writing on the subject of the paranormal who actually writes well. He spoke on discovering legends and explaned why legends are real and become part of our existence whether or not they are based on fact or fiction.
I then took a NAP!
Dinner was a banquet with a long, but lively auction for a foundation for children with cancer. I bid on and won a K-2 meter that has been used by the TAPS team. At this point, I feel like a TAPS Groupie/Slut, but it was for a worthy cause.
Tonight, I plan to roam the halls with my meter, avoiding the Group I investigating teams, and see what I find. If I do have anything interesting happen, I'll jump back on and share!
My day started with a lecture by Alan Blai and the Psychology of Parapsychology. Alan is a previous Roman Catholic seminary student who switched gears and got his M.S. in clinical psychology. He actually has all the work done on his Ph.D., but because he included parapsychology in the mix, his dissertation team is debating on whether or not to grant him his degree. His background also includes demonology and exorcism.
Alan gave a fascinating talk on how the brain works and why people might experience paranormal phenomena where there is none. I think the idea that struck me the most (because I have asked this myself) is what does a ghost hunter really have to offer a family being traumatized by a ghost? He gave the example of people who get an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena = hearing ghost voices on tape that were not discernible at the time) where the ghost says something like "Help me" and all they can do is run around with the recording, estastic that they got an anomaly without any considertion to the plea for help. It seems like ghost hunting should be more than the accumulation of data.
The next speaker was Jeff Belanger whose books I enjoy reading. He is one of the few writers writing on the subject of the paranormal who actually writes well. He spoke on discovering legends and explaned why legends are real and become part of our existence whether or not they are based on fact or fiction.
I then took a NAP!
Dinner was a banquet with a long, but lively auction for a foundation for children with cancer. I bid on and won a K-2 meter that has been used by the TAPS team. At this point, I feel like a TAPS Groupie/Slut, but it was for a worthy cause.
Tonight, I plan to roam the halls with my meter, avoiding the Group I investigating teams, and see what I find. If I do have anything interesting happen, I'll jump back on and share!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Post from Mt. Washington
I'm starting this at the witching hour because it took me a half an hour to figure out how to get on the WiFi here. After 13 hours of driving in the past two days, I doubt I can tie my shoes let alone maneuver through the world of invisible connections. Of course, that is why I am here...looking for those invisible connections.
All the trials of the last two days seemed worth it when we turned the corner and saw the majestic red and white hotel nestled before the snow-capped White Mountains. The staff act like it is still 1902 and fall all over themselves to be helpful, although we had to wait two hours for our room to be cleaned. This also was worth the wait since our room is ginormous, complete with fireplace and enough space to open up a dance hall.
The whole hotel is quite grand: intricate moldings, stained glass, and Corinthian columns abound. The lobby is larger than a football field and is one high-backed couch grouping in front of either a fireplace of large window with mountain views, one after another. The lower level has gaming rooms, an indoor pool, shops and restaurants.
Today was introductions, a lecture and gallery reading from Chip Coffey, and an hour with a paranormal stand-up comedian. Jay and Grant hung in the lobby and were very available, which was nice.
I came back to the room tonight to find Rose bemoaning her decision to spend two hours in the spa tomorrow. She tried to talk me into going with her, but I'd rather take the time to explore this monolithic hotel.
But what about ghosts, Kellie? Well, our investigation is Sunday night. Tonight, I'm tired, so will be giving up the ghost. Tomorrow should yield more paranormal stuff plus an investigation of our hallway, which is quite creepy.
More tomorrow.
All the trials of the last two days seemed worth it when we turned the corner and saw the majestic red and white hotel nestled before the snow-capped White Mountains. The staff act like it is still 1902 and fall all over themselves to be helpful, although we had to wait two hours for our room to be cleaned. This also was worth the wait since our room is ginormous, complete with fireplace and enough space to open up a dance hall.
The whole hotel is quite grand: intricate moldings, stained glass, and Corinthian columns abound. The lobby is larger than a football field and is one high-backed couch grouping in front of either a fireplace of large window with mountain views, one after another. The lower level has gaming rooms, an indoor pool, shops and restaurants.
Today was introductions, a lecture and gallery reading from Chip Coffey, and an hour with a paranormal stand-up comedian. Jay and Grant hung in the lobby and were very available, which was nice.
I came back to the room tonight to find Rose bemoaning her decision to spend two hours in the spa tomorrow. She tried to talk me into going with her, but I'd rather take the time to explore this monolithic hotel.
But what about ghosts, Kellie? Well, our investigation is Sunday night. Tonight, I'm tired, so will be giving up the ghost. Tomorrow should yield more paranormal stuff plus an investigation of our hallway, which is quite creepy.
More tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Starting to Get Excited about Mt. Washington
April 7, 2010:
It is starting to sink in that I'll be in New Hampshire on April 23-27. Rose and I are going to be part of a TAPS investigation at the Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, NH. I've been reading about the previous experiences at prior events at the hotel and have tried my darnedest not to get too excited. After all, there will probably be about 150 to 200 people there. Rose and I have discussed, with a certain amount of skepticism, their ability to conduct meaningful investigations with that many people, but are trying to keep an open mind.
In preparing for the event, I have only one word to share: batteries. I'm probably going to limit what I take to a thermal gun, a compass, a K-2 meter, a camera (still) and an audio recorder. When the Ghost Hunters team investigated Mt. Washington for their show, the hotel appeared to be a hot area for EVP, so I may take a couple of digital audio recorders so that Rose and I can both have one in hand.
Just in case Mt. Washington Hotel doesn't provide an interesting investigation, we are hedging our bets by stopping at Eastern State Penitentiary and staying at Ye Olde Temperance House in Newtown, PA.
The Temperance House was the first hotel I ever visited that was very active with a spirit. I stayed in a little attic room called the Michael David Room. The moment I walked into it, I knew I was not alone. This was about a year before I started ghost hunting seriously and was on business, so it never would have occurred to me to bring equipment.
The first night, I explored the town and had to be honest with myself that I was actually afraid to walk back into my room. When everything closed down and I went back to my hotel room, I felt watched. I pulled the covers over my head once in bed, I really did! I was awakened by the faucets in my bathroom running full throtle. I got up, turned them off, and went back to bed. This happened two more times that first night. On the second night, the faucets turned on again after I had been in bed only a matter of minutes. This time, I got up, stood in the middle of the room with my hands on my hips and said, "I have a busy day tomorrow, I need my sleep, so you need to stop turning the faucets on. I can't play with you tonight." They didn't turn on again.
One of these sites should yield something. I plan to Blog during our travels and hope that I have more to share than the weather and the food quality.
It is starting to sink in that I'll be in New Hampshire on April 23-27. Rose and I are going to be part of a TAPS investigation at the Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, NH. I've been reading about the previous experiences at prior events at the hotel and have tried my darnedest not to get too excited. After all, there will probably be about 150 to 200 people there. Rose and I have discussed, with a certain amount of skepticism, their ability to conduct meaningful investigations with that many people, but are trying to keep an open mind.
In preparing for the event, I have only one word to share: batteries. I'm probably going to limit what I take to a thermal gun, a compass, a K-2 meter, a camera (still) and an audio recorder. When the Ghost Hunters team investigated Mt. Washington for their show, the hotel appeared to be a hot area for EVP, so I may take a couple of digital audio recorders so that Rose and I can both have one in hand.
Just in case Mt. Washington Hotel doesn't provide an interesting investigation, we are hedging our bets by stopping at Eastern State Penitentiary and staying at Ye Olde Temperance House in Newtown, PA.
The Temperance House was the first hotel I ever visited that was very active with a spirit. I stayed in a little attic room called the Michael David Room. The moment I walked into it, I knew I was not alone. This was about a year before I started ghost hunting seriously and was on business, so it never would have occurred to me to bring equipment.
The first night, I explored the town and had to be honest with myself that I was actually afraid to walk back into my room. When everything closed down and I went back to my hotel room, I felt watched. I pulled the covers over my head once in bed, I really did! I was awakened by the faucets in my bathroom running full throtle. I got up, turned them off, and went back to bed. This happened two more times that first night. On the second night, the faucets turned on again after I had been in bed only a matter of minutes. This time, I got up, stood in the middle of the room with my hands on my hips and said, "I have a busy day tomorrow, I need my sleep, so you need to stop turning the faucets on. I can't play with you tonight." They didn't turn on again.
One of these sites should yield something. I plan to Blog during our travels and hope that I have more to share than the weather and the food quality.
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