SANJAY R SINGHAL, RA · 2015-11-25 · Everything was quiet, and I trotted along quite happily, enjoying the fine weather and the clear, blue skies. I observed a great deal of storm

SANJAY R SINGHAL, RA

Copyright © 2015 Sanjay R Singhal. All rights reserved.

FIELD REPORT 11.25.2015

Location: Illinois Beach State Park

Date: Wednesday, 25 November, 2015

Time: Approximately 0730am to 0830am, CST

Weather: Beautifully sunny and clear; cooler in the shade

Present : Myself only

Sanjay’s Note: Certain portions of this Report may be more subjective in their aspect; the reader’s gracious

indulgence is requested. Not all of these phenomena are understood; they are included here, nonetheless, as an

integral and vital portion of my investigation.

Items Noted:

I returned to Illinois Beach State Park on Wednesday, 25 November;1 I had not had an earlier opportunity,

although I had wanted to, as soon as possible.2 The weather was beautifully sunny and clear; there was almost

no wind, and the light, as the sun rose over Lake Michigan, was a splendid, golden colour.

As I drove into the park, I observed (what appeared to be) the same pair of does crossing the road before me;

they still looked quite emaciated and stressed.3 4 I continued to the carpark, and struck out on the vehicle-access

road heading west, parallel to the canal; I wanted to investigate the large ‘X’ formation I had observed several

days earlier.5 I had also brought three cans of mackerel, to be set out as gifts.6

Everything was quiet, and I trotted along quite happily, enjoying the fine weather and the clear, blue skies. I

observed a great deal of storm damage.7 Many large trees had fallen, and there seemed to be quite a bit of

debris everywhere. I became worried; would the large ‘X’ formation have survived such weather? 8

(Continued on next page)

1 I had last visited the park on 15 November. Sanjay R Singhal. Field Report 11.15.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The

Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/field-report-11-15-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 13 December

2015. Web. Accessed 20 December 2015. 2 I had recently spent several days in northern Michigan, investigating EC/DM in Manistee & Mason Counties. 3 It is reasonable to suggest that, in context, this area of the park may be close to their bedding or preferred feeding site. 4 Although Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been reported throughout the state, only one (1) case of CWD has been documented

for recording year 2015. Illinois DNR Author(s). Chronic Wasting Disease. Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/programs/CWD/Pages/default.aspx. 2015. Web. Accessed 22 November 2015. 5 Ibid, Singhal. 6 Well, you never know. 7 There had been some severe weather in the area since my last visit. Weather Underground Author(s). Weather History for KUGN

November 2015: 16 November to 24 November. Weather Underground.

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KUGN/2015/11/16/CustomHistory.html?dayend=24&monthend=11&yearend=2015&r

eq_city=&req_state=&req_statename=&reqdb.zip=&reqdb.magic=&reqdb.wmo=. 2015. Web. Accessed 20 December 2015. 8 This was, really, rather a silly consideration; in my own experience I have observed several seemingly fragile assemblies withstand

repeated severe weathers, and remain not only standing but, essentially, intact.



These photographs present views of the large, canine-type prints observed in the soft mud of the vehicle-access

road, bordering the marsh; the first image presents my old, black Timberland boot for comparison.9 The

second image presents a view of several other large, canine-type prints, moving along the road both north and

south. In both images, notice the clear, sharp impressions and depth of the prints.

As I turned onto the north leg of the vehicle-access road, I observed several large, canine-type prints in the soft

mud. They moved in a straight line,10 and I wondered if they might be Grey Wolf (Canis lupus).11 12

I continued along the road, and observed, across the wide, open marsh, the large ‘X’ formation, still intact and

still in situ at the edge of the forest. There was no discernible path or trail through the marsh; I would have to

make my own passage through.13

Well, I thought, in for a penny…in for a pound.

I entered the marsh.

It was fairly easy going, but I quickly discovered large, deep areas of freezing-cold water, which required some

rather spirited navigation through the matted tussocks and grasses. Sadly, I also discovered, rather quickly, that

my old, black Timberlands were no longer as waterproof as I had thought…or hoped. My feet were soaked

through within minutes, but I persevered.14 15

As I approached the large ‘X’ formation, I observed that the trees in which it was constructed grew on a low

rise, slightly above the marsh, and thus affording a clear view from the vehicle-access road; I also realised that I

had photographed the formation from the west, albeit unknowingly, on my last visit to the park.

9 My old, black Timberlands measured exactly four and one-half inches across the sole (4.5in, or 11.43cm). 10 Most wild canids, including Grey Wolf and Coyote, travel in a straight, clear line; domestic dogs, however, tend to wander about.

Tyler Freel. Wolf Tracks: How to tell if there are Wolves in Your Woods. Outdoor Life. http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/live-

hunt/2013/02/wolf-tracks-how-tell-if-there-are-wolves-your-woods. 11 February, 2013. Web. Accessed 20 December 2015. 11 Shellie Nelson. Grey Wolf Returned to Endangered List in Iowa and Illinois. WQAD. http://wqad.com/2015/02/23/gray-wolf-

returned-to-endangered-list-in-iowa-and-illinois/. 23 February 2015. Web. Accessed 20 December 2015. 12 University of Illinois Extension Author(s). Grey Wolf (Canis lupus). University of Illinois Extension.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/directory_show.cfm?species=wolf. 2015. Web. Accessed 20 December 2015. 13 The distance from the vehicle-access road has been estimated at approximately four hundred feet (400ft, or 121.92m). 14 Fortunately, I was wearing heavy, thick socks and so my feet were not as cold or as miserable as one might have feared. 15 This was the last time I wore my black Timberlands; after twenty-plus years of dedicated use, they finally, and completely, wore

out. Hopefully, I will be getting new ones for Christmas!



The first photograph presents a view of the marsh looking west to the large ‘X’ formation, highlighted in red;

this is where I stood on the vehicle-access road, just before entering the marsh. The second photograph

presents a view of the large ‘X’ formation approximately halfway through the marsh.

The ‘X’ formation was quite large, much larger than I had anticipated; it stood nearly fifteen feet (15ft, or

4.572m) tall, and nearly as wide; it was clearly artificial, although I could not imagine why anyone would go to

such trouble. The marsh rendered passage nearly impossible;16 who would have done such a thing? 17

I examined the formation further, taking several photographs; in the early morning light, the verso was in deep

shade, rendering views of it useless with the camera. Nonetheless, I was able to discern many details.

The two long, slanted branches forming the ‘X’ appeared to be driftwood; they were bleached white, and

presented long, sharp, jagged ends.18 19 I could not determine their species, other than the wood grain was quite

fine, and smooth, in sharp contrast to the upright, living Black Oak (Quercus velutina)20 tree which supported

them. One of the branches had been inserted quite forcefully into the ground; I could not budge it.21 22

Curiously, the two long, slanted branches were held in place by an upright, living sapling; the sapling stood just

behind, and had been gently arched over to support the slanted branches. At their juncture, I observed several

smaller, interwoven branches, holding the formation in place.23


16 My old, black Timberlands, sadly enough, were sufficient proof. 17 The careful reader may make his own inference; I know I certainly did. 18 It is reasonable to suggest that, in context, the driftwood was carried from the beach, approximately eight hundred to a thousand

feet further east, through heavy, wide marsh and thick clumps of trees (800-1,000ft, or 243.84-304.80m). Why such a behaviour

should occur is as puzzling as the sudden appearance of the formation itself. 19 It is also reasonable to suggest that, in context, the sudden disappearance of footprints from the beach, followed by the appearance

of the large ‘X’ formation considerably inland, may be related. Further investigation and research may provide confirmation of same. 20 Ivan L Sander. Black Oak (Quercus velutina). USDA Forest Service.

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/quercus/velutina.htm. Date Unknown. Web. Accessed 11 May 2015. 21 Similar branches, inserted vertically into the ground, have been observed in Comins, Michigan (Oscoda County); it is reasonable to

suggest, in context, a regional variant of this behaviour, although further research and investigation is required. 22 Reports of saplings inserted forcefully into the ground are somewhat common to EC-related encounters and branch assemblies.

Amy Bennett. New York Bigfoot Society Field Report: November 2013. New York Bigfoot Society.

http://www.newyorkbigfootsociety.com/fieldreportnov2013. 2014. Web. Accessed 18 January 2015. 23 This type of ‘composite’ branch assembly had been observed just the week before, at Area D.



These photographs present views and close-ups of the large ‘X’ formation, include the arched sapling

supporting the long, slanted branches as well as the numerous, smaller components interwoven about the

juncture of same. Although not readily apparent in these images, it should be noted that, for the purposes of

this Report, the juncture is approximately eight to nine feet (8-9ft, or 2.44-2.74m) above the ground.



The first photograph presents a view of a long, twisted-off branch observed behind the large ‘X’ formation; it is

not known whether this is a natural or artificial manipulation. The second photograph presents a view of the

deer trail, leading north through the trees, which I followed back to the vehicle-access road.

I recall, quite vividly, that I had begun to look around;24 I realised that I was, most likely, not alone, although I

did not observe any signs of movement, or anything else.25 Nonetheless, it was time to leave.26

I opened the cans of mackerel, and set them in a row on the ground;27 the smell was awful, but I presented them

with good wishes and gratitude for such a beautiful assembly. I then wiped my hands, and looked about for

another way to return to the vehicle-access road.

I did not wish to return through the marsh;28 my feet were quite cold and my boots were hopelessly

waterlogged. Looking to the north, I observed a narrow deer trail through the grasses, and decided to follow it;

it remained on the high ground, heading north through the trees, and I made good time.

Regrettably, the high ground ended, and I was faced once again with deep, cold water and tall marsh grasses; I

slowly, and carefully, picked my way through, and emerged onto the vehicle-access road with thoroughly

soaked and freezing-cold feet. It was neither a pleasant sensation nor experience.

“This is a fine kettle of fish,” I said to myself, “Now I know what the hobbits felt like!” 29


24 The feeling of being surrounded, especially in the woods, is also not uncommon, pertinent to EC encounters or presence in the area.

Scott Carpenter, writing as Joe Black. Bigfoot in the Background? The Bigfoot Field Journal. http://bf-field-

journal.blogspot.com/2013/08/bigfoot-in-background.html. 1 August 2013. Web. Accessed 11 October 2014. 25 Similar situations have been reported in Michigan, and elsewhere. Kim Fleming. Hunter has Unnerving Experience at Bear Den

Lake NE of Gaylord. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation. http://www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=43889. 19 January

2014. Web. Accessed 19 September 2014. 26 This feeling, although entirely subjective, is not uncommon to EC encounters; although this was, in fact, probably the first occasion

where I recognised it as such. It was not the last time, however. BFRO Author(s). US Air Force Retiree Encounters Bigfoot in

Sulphur River Bottoms near Cooper Lake. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation.

http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=7568. 15 December 2003. Web. Accessed 12 October 2014. 27 I had brought a can opener with me, obviously. 28 Upon review of the aerial maps, I should have progressed west; the vehicle-access road was quite close, but I did not realise it. 29 The Tolkien enthusiast may recognise the source of this statement, with some humour. JRR Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings: The

Fellowship of the Ring. London: George Allen & Unwin; 1954.



These photographs present views of the direct-registered White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) tracks

observed in the soft mud of the vehicle-access road; in the first image, notice what appears to be a bipaedal

gait. However, no further inference should be made, without additional evidence and/or documentation.

I walked slowly along the vehicle-access road; the sun had risen further and in the morning light everything was

beautifully rendered with golden colours. The landscape was strangely beautiful; I revelled in its sparseness

and austerity. As I turned onto the north-south road, I observed several unusual tracks in the mud; upon closer

examination, I realised they were probably direct-registered White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus).30 31

Some of the tracks appeared to present a bipaedal gait, suggesting a possibility of DM;32 it was really quite

confusing. “Well,” I said to myself, “Either these deer seem to direct-register an awful lot, or….”

I returned to the car, and left the area.

Respectfully submitted,

Sanjay R Singhal, RA

*Name(s) changed for publication

**The Blueberry is my car: small, round, and blue

30 University of Illinois Extension Author(s). White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). University of Illinois Extension.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/directory_show.cfm?species=deer. 2015. Web. Accessed 7 August 2015. 31 Direct registering of tracks is quite common in White-tailed Deer and other ungulates, including Pronghorn (Antilocapra

americana) and Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus). Wilderness Arena Author(s). How to Identify White-tailed Deer Tracks and

Signs. Wilderness Arena. http://wildernessarena.com/skills/tracking-and-signs/how-to-identify-white-tailed-deer-tracks-and-signs.

12 May 2015. Web. Accessed 20 December 2015. 32 For various reasons, which I cannot disclose here, I prefer to address this creature by its initials, rather than its full name.



FIELD REPORT 11.25.2015

SUMMARY

Substantiation of this Report may be provided by my own field work at Illinois Beach State Park, which began

in the summer of 201533 34 35 36 37 and which has now continued, at somewhat irregular intervals; further

investigations have been planned with Smith Jerrod, and others. Further substantiation may be provided by

published accounts on the BFRO website,38 and others;39 however, I am unaware of other persons conducting

research and/or field investigations in this area of Illinois.

The combination of physical, visual, audible and/or olfactory events described in this Report are as follows:

1. The large ‘X’ formation observed bordering the marsh;

2. The use of long, straight driftwood branches, which did not originate at this location;

3. The use of intertwined branches to bind the larger component branches together;

4. The use of a long, gracefully arched sapling to support the long, straight branches;

5. The location of the large ‘X’ formation, in a nearly inaccessible area of the marsh.

These behaviours, and the history of my own experience(s),40 41 42 43may be considered sufficient to suggest the

presence of EC44 at Illinois Beach State Park, in the late autumn of 2015.

33 Sanjay R Singhal. Field Report 06.28.2015b: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest.

https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/field-report-06-28-2015b-illinois-beach-state-park/. 17 October 2015. Web.

Accessed 18 October 2015. 34 Ibid. Field Report 07.02.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest.

https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/18/field-report-07-02-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 18 October 2015. Web.


https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/12/11/field-report-07-19-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 11 December 2015. Web.

Accessed 13 December 2015. 36 Ibid. Field Report 08.16.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest.




Accessed 1 November 2015. 38 BFRO Author(s). Lake County, Illinois. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation.

http://bfro.net/GDB/show_county_reports.asp?state=il&county=Lake. 2015. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015. 39 T Hesaurus [sic]. Bigfoot Sighting in Woods in Zion. Topix. http://www.topix.com/forum/city/zion-

il/T0VMMVTMUA35M0G6D. 20 January 2015. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015. 40 Ibid, Singhal. Field Report 10.23.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest.

https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/01/field-report-10-23-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 1 November 2015. Web.

Accessed 7 November 2015. 41 Ibid. Field Report 11.01.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest.

https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/07/field-report-11-01-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 7 November 2015. Web.





Accessed 20 December 2015. 44 EC, in this context, stands for “Elder Children”, as usual.



A number of subjective events also occurred. While these cannot be considered conclusive evidence, neither

should they be discounted. Although it is reasonable to review the impact of non-objective stimuli in this

Report, such effects, while personally quite vivid and at times overwhelming, are nonetheless nearly impossible

to substantiate with any measure of certainty.

Documents

SANJAY R SINGHAL, RA · 2015-11-25 · Everything was quiet, and I trotted along quite happily, enjoying the fine weather and the clear, blue skies. I observed a great deal of storm