The What and Why of Bigfoot

Recently I recounted my own personal story of Bigfoot; a moment in my life, while not extraordinary, that led to a passion to know more and find the elusive “mythical” creature.  Some of you, however, have asked why a monkey blog, such as this one, is covering something not typically associated with the modern day ape.

A fair question.  And one I hope to expand upon here.  So, please, take my hand, and follow me past the jump to discover not only my reasons for its coverage, but also the colorful history of this great American icon.

Five Minutes With Bigfoot: A True Story

My search for Bigfoot began one sunny afternoon in my parents’ backyard in rural New Hampshire. First of all, to call it a backyard is disingenuous as it’s more of a rocky slope ascending into the forest that stretches for miles without interruption. Animal sightings are common there, but usually no more exciting than the random passing deer. But this one bright summer’s day, something else lurked amongst the tree trunks, birthing a passion inside me for discovery that I still cannot quench.

It started with the smell. A rich, wet, garbage-like stench that wafted in on the breeze. It wasn’t there during the hour previously spent outside in the back wheeling various garden detritus to and fro. It came in after that. Whatever was generating that smell had just arrived.

I never ruminated much on the clichéd saying of hairs standing on the back of one’s neck, but after feeling that stench wash over me, that’s exactly what happened. I froze where I stood. The smell was from an animal. I don’t know how I knew that, but I did.

And I felt watched.