GHOST HUNTING AT BLACK STAR CANYON

There are several apps that you can now download to your phones.  One happens to be Ghost Radar and since we were going to be going to Black Star Canyon, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in CA, I thought it would be fun to give it a try.

What it claims to do is locate ghosts.   It has a like a radar screen on it and when a ghost or energy force is located it shows up just like planes do on the radar at the airports.

It also has tons and tons of words that a ghost is somehow able to manipulate and speak to you. 

I went with two friends and turned on the Ghost Radar.  Now I'm not saying it works or that it doesn't.  I'll let you decide for yourself.

My friend had the phone and she would tell me when and where a blip would show up.  I would hurry and click a photo in that direction.

It wasn't long after we started into the canyon that our first "hit" came.  Click.  The first photo was taken.

You can see for yourself that a distant away from us, there is an orb in the photo.

I also clicked several pictures where there was nothing showing up on the Ghost Radar.  Strange thing is there weren't any orbs in any of those photos. 

Again, I'm not saying if the orbs are ghosts or not.  I'm just taking you along on our hike and showing you the photos so you can decide for yourself what happened.

As we walked we noticed how dark and creepy it was out.  We talked about how because of that, our imaginations could really make us think we see or hear something.

Then we notice walking towards us there were some people ahead.  We could see their flash lights and hear them talking as they got closer.

It turned out to be four teens.  They were heading back towards the cars and I said "hi" as they were getting ready to pass by.  They stopped and asked if we knew of any of the stories about Black Star Canyon and where any of the locations were that people claimed to have have seen any.

I told them I used to give tours here and so I did know the stories, locations and have even had a few strange things happen to myself and to those who had been with me.

I told them that where we were walking people claimed to have seen a lady in white.  It was then that one of the guys got really excited and said "Oh man!  I told you I saw something.  I told you!!!"  The other guys then started to get nervous and was jumping around and saying things like "That freaks me out!"  and "I believe you now".

Turned out one of the guys said he saw the lady in white and she was standing by a tree back where they came from.  As he looked harder he saw her walk behind the tree and then before she was fully behind the tree she disappeared.

I told them they were welcome to come with us and I would tell them more stories and legends and show them the hot spots.  They were thrilled to go.  It was one of the boys birthday and they had heard stories and had always wanted to go.

We reached the mine area.  It's been closed off for many, many, many years.  Yet, several people claim to hear voices and yelling coming from the location.  They also have seen many shadow people in this location.

The boys walked over to check it out and low and behold the Ghost Radar showed a blip.  So, I clicked a photo.  If you look at the photo above you can see an orb right above the blocked off mine entrance.

Three of the guys moved away and was waiting for the others.  The radar went off again.  This time my friend told me there were two ghosts right were the three guys were.  Funny, there are two orbs in that photo.

There is also what looks like another fainter looking orb up higher on the right side but I believe that is actually part of the trees/bushes.  Also, the two yellow lights are signs.  They are glowing because of my flash.  I wasn't sure what the red glowing thing was that is to the left of one of the guys but I think it most likely is the reflection of another sign or post.

We stopped in one spot where turned off the flash lights and just listened.  Everyone was quiet and we felt like we were being watched or followed.  We heard some sounds like something or someone was walking in the bushes/tree area. 

We just brushed it off as most likely some kind of animals.  I did search for some kind of animal tracks on the trail perhaps of a mountain lion, rabbit or opossum.  There wasn't any.

When you look at the photo you can see what appears to be lots and lots of orbs. 

Were these the lost souls of the Indians that were massacred by the fur traders in the early 1800's?  Did we hear the foot steps of miners that had died on the job? 

Or was it just the noise of animals and perhaps the orbs are just dust.  After all, it was breezy there.  The only thing that makes me question of it was dust (because after all dirt and wind will make dust kick up) is that the other photos didn't show up like these.

We reached another area that we heard noise out in the distant.  We also saw what appeared to be two glowing objects.  Were the the eyes of some kind of animal peeking out and watching us?  Or was it something else?  Again, it's up to you decide.



For some reason my camera was unable to take a photo when it was pointed in the direction of the two glowing objects.  I stood in the same spot and pointed the camera in another direction four times and each time, the camera took a photo.  But, when I turned back to this spot...nothing would show up.

At one point we came across yellow tape that said Caution.  It was tied to a tree but looked like it was torn down. 

One of the boys said he had a sinking feeling in his stomach as we were walking along this area.  Could it be where something bad had happened in the not so distant past?

The other side of the patch also had the tape.  Only it was on this side the Radar went off again.  On the upper right side you can see another orb. 

Now, I feel I must tell you that while we were there, it was so dark in spots that I couldn't really see what I was pointing the camera at.  It wasn't until I came home and downloaded the photos that I saw what the pictures caught.

We stood around and talked a bit.  We tried to put all the words that the Ghost Radar had spit out, together to see if we could figure out what was being said.

I don't remember all the words but there was material, roots, broken, end, Casey, Thomas and things like that.  We couldn't figure out anything. 

We had to turn around and head back to our cars because at 10:00pm the police come and give tickets. 

It was on our way back that we came across the scariest thing!

This giant spider was crossing the path.  YIKES!

As we were walking back, the radar went off a few more times.  Each time an orb or more was captured. 

You can see from the photos that these orbs are never in the same spots so I know it wasn't something on my camera.  If they were just dust, I believe there would be tons of dust from us walking, the wind blowing and all.  So I really don't think it's dust at all.  I doubt if they are bugs because I didn't notice any bugs and I highly doubt a bug would have followed us for three hours along the trail.  No, I don't have any reason for what would have made the orbs.

Plus, like I said, only the photos I took in the locations of where the Ghost Radar said there was something, had the orbs.

We had a fun time.  We were all tired from our hike too.  No one knows if we had any real paranormal experience that night.
 
But, just before the trail ended the my friend that was holding the phone with the ghost radar on it says she heard her name called from behind us.  She said it was clear and loud.  The only thing was... no one was behind us. 

What do you think?  Do you think the ghost radar works?  Do you think it's just a coincidence that the radar showed something was there and then those photos showed up with orbs?  Or do you think it was just the wind and darkness playing with our minds?

If you want to read more of the legends of Black Star Canyon you can read my old post from 2010 here.  You can also read my post about when I went to Black Star Canyon with another group here.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME

This morning I got up early to go help deliver over 55,200 boxes of cookies to the troops in our area.

That's a lot of cookies!

It was so organized and everyone knew just what to do though, so it went very smoothly.

The cookies were counted and matched up to the orders and counted again.  Then the girls formed lines and loaded them into the cars.  After the order was completed and signed for, the went and got the next order ready.

They were right on time and got them all packed up into the cars without a hitch. 

Way to go Girl Scouts!

Don't forget, that even though the cookies taste great, each box of cookies that you buy helps the girl scouts to pay for outings, meetings and teaching young girls to grow up to be strong women.

So please, support your local girl scout troops and buy a box or more.

 

IDEA'S FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

One thing I love to do is to go around town and try to find fun holiday items I can come home and make myself or teach my girl scout troop to make.

I thought I would share, a few of the Valentine's Day items I've found this, with you.

First is a darling way to give someone you know a candy bar to tell them how "sweet" they are.  Rather then just hand them the candy, use a heart punch on some scrapbook paper and then add some ribbon to.

Much cuter then just the candy wrapper, don't you agree?

Make a cute banner by printing out red X's and O's on some paper and then punch holes in the top to weave through some ribbon.  Don't forget to print out some pink hearts too. 

What a perfect way to give someone some kisses and hugs on Valentine's Day.

Also, making some tissue paper pom poms to hang with your banner is a great idea.

We have all seen the paper mache heart boxes at the craft stores.  How about coating them in glue and then sprinkling red glitter on them.  To the top of the box, print off a picture of a vintage Valentine's Day postcard, cut it to fit the box and glue it on the top.   Use a red pipe cleaner to outline the picture and if you want you can even highlight some spots on the picture with a little bit more glitter.

You could use real vintage Valentine's Day cards if you want but I personally wouldn't unless the card is already in poor condition and then you could cut around the bad parts. 

I love this idea.  It's almost like the hanging cones I've seen many times but rather then just hanging, you can punch out a piece of heavy card stock, cover it with glue and glitter and then you can add the cone to it so it stands.

Don't wrap the cone as tight as the ones that hang up.  The bottom should be opened so it will be able to be glued down to the base.

Use crape paper, ribbons, pipe cleaners, tinsel or what ever other types of embellishments you like to finish off your cone.   Fill it with candy and you are sure to make a loved one feel very special.

These little cups would be so easy to make. 

As you can inside, the base starts with a little paper cup.  Then just wrap the outside with some crape paper.  Here they sewed it together so the ruffles were nice and even.  But, you could just glue it on.

You could add a handle to the cup if you like or leave it without one.

I would also add a little heart or flower or something to the cup to fancy it up a bit.

These would be perfect for a party filled up with candy hearts.

There are so many wonderful ideas if you just look.  A lot of what is out there can be made at home for pennies on the dollar.  Who doesn't like to save money?

However, if you don't have the time to make your own, you can always buy them.  Or buy one and save the idea for later next year.

VINTAGE PICNIC BIRTHDAY PARTY PART 2

We sat up one picnic table with tons of candy for the kids to snack on while we waited for everyone to show up. 

They were going to need a lot of energy for all the games coming up.

Once most of the people showed up we started to eat.  There was tons and tons of food for everyone to enjoy.

We had several kinds of sandwiches to pick from, fruit salad, potato salad, macaroni salad, a veggie tray, lots of different kinds of chips to pick from, snack mix, chocolate covered Oreo cookies and lots more. 

The kids really enjoyed being able to pick the food and drinks they wanted then wonder over to a blanket or quilt to eat at.

I was happy to see they all ate a lot and didn't just fill up on candy or junk food ahead of time.

The parents all ate at the picnic tables but the kids spread out and I could hear laughter and giggles from all over.

Let me tell you, these kids can eat and eat a lot.  I think they really like being able to pick whatever they want and be able to go back for as much as they like.

After eating it was time to play some games.  Keeping with the vintage picnic theme we did a sack race.

We used old pillow cases as the sacks.  It was funny because some of the kids had never played sack races and they thought it was so fun.  Simple, cheap and fun!

We also played tug of war.  Another vintage game that they loved!

Each side pulled and pulled with all their might.  They had no idea they were not only having fun but were getting some great exercise with these games as well.

When one side could no longer hold on, there were screams and moans on one side...

and cheers and screams of joy on the other. 

But, there was laughter and excitement from both sides.  It didn't really matter who won and who lost.  They all just had fun.

They also had a blast playing egg toss. 

 Every one picked a partner and then they would toss the egg back and forth to each other.  Every time the caught the egg without it breaking everyone would take a big step backwards.  If the egg broke, the team would be out. 

The last team standing won.  Thankfully, none of the eggs broke on the kids. 

But, soon the park had lots of broken eggs all around.  We could not leave them there for others to step in so the kids all pitched in and picked up all the eggs.

My favorite game was a scavenger hunt in the park.   Why was it my favorite, you ask?  Well, by this time I was tired.  So, I picked several teams and sent each time off with the list of what to find.  Each team had a parent with them and they had to photograph each item and bring it back to show me.

This meant the kids were all gone for over 20 mins and I could pick up some and even got a little rest time until they all showed back.

Everyone ended up getting several prizes though out the day and when they got back from the scavenger hunt they all got more as they were all winners!

Trinity opened up all her gifts and took pictures with everyone as she did so.

One of the great things was Trinity not only invited her friends but she also welcomed their little brother and sisters too.  She didn't want them to feel left out.  She has such a big heart and is always so kind to everyone. 

It was then time for cake!  We had a white cake with a cheesecake filling, chocolate cupcakes and red velvet cupcakes to pick from.

Everyone sang happy birthday to Trinity.

She blew out the candles.  Oh no, that boy in back of her looks like he is ready to push her into the cake!  He wouldn't do that would he?  No.

But, one of her other friends would smash a pie into her face!  Everyone had a good laugh over that.  Even Trinity!  What a good sport.

After she cleaned up and everyone had their fill of cake, it was time to say good bye.  Another year down.  Trinity is now 11 and each year she grows up more and more and just when I think she couldn't be any better of a kid, she is. 

I know the party was hit with the kids because many of them said they wanted to have the same kind of party.

I only wish I took better pictures.  Trying to take photos and run a party is hard.  I forgot to change the setting on the camera so they didn't come out that great. 

Even though I only had two weeks to pull it off, I think everyone had a very good time.  I know I did.

Happy Birthday Trinity!  I love you more then words can say!