Stories From A New England Campfire
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A narrative of stories by John French
Published by John French at Smashwords
Copyright 2012 by John French – All Rights Reserved
Cover Photo by Shelly French Copyright 2009
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First Edition
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Dedicated to my father who always has a story for the campfire. My wife and mother for their encouragement. And to my children who are always eager to listen to my tales.
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Table of Contents
Daddy There’s Something in the Woods
For over a hundred and seventy years stories have slowly trickled through of a most horrifying, but as known, non lethal event. The myth started with the hardened men who spent countless nights in the White Hills where they made their living. These were truly the men of iron whose fables and legacies created the foundation for what would later be referred to as the mountain man. Therefore their words should not be taken lightly. For they are of a culture that does not stretch the belt of truth, but speak what they have seen in fact and no more.
These are men who dared to live under the shadows of the highest peaks, and hunt their prey in the darkest of ravines. They have brought forth stories of their observations and hearings, to those with hunger of the unknown that laid beyond the safety of the fields. It was those who heard the words spoken by the wanderers of the wild, who carried on the stories so that we could some day ourselves learn of their crossings.
One such story managed to work its way down the generations, hidden in text forgotten and unnoticed until recent times. The findings of the forgotten words were brought to light when interest in a similar story of present day pulled at the wheels of curiosity. The story implies that more than recreation and water circulate along the peaceful banks of the Pemigewasset. For those who have had an experience let them relate. However, to those who have not visited the river or have had similar dealings, lend an ear and take warning. For there are rare occasions in the wild for which some dare not utter a word. Moments of time that our present society merely sets aside, and for reasons officials do not speak.
I suppose an account of these earlier dealings in history would be in order before the most recent that I know of. There are few written accounts that can be found in regards to a haunting scream or crazed howl echoing along the Pemigewasset at night. This haunting sound was first reported by the trappers and hunters who scoured these parts in search of game. It is possible that earlier colonial accounts exist or native legend, but as of yet I have not had the luck in finding one.
The men in the early to mid nineteenth century who wandered these parts, would return from their ramblings with tales of strange happenings along the Pemi. On many of their lonely nights camped along the river, they reported to have had visits of frightfully shrill howling in the night. It was told that the screams and cackles were so loud, that one would think a war party was in their very lap. In every case though, not a thing or even slightest movement could be seen. In the morning tracks that were so earnestly sought for could never be found. Other than the sounds of terror, it would seem that the incidents had never occurred. And so it was for decades of scattered stories and written tales. There were a few more stories of similar instances during the twentieth century, but not as horrifying as the accounts of the early eighteen hundreds. That is until the story that was relayed to me of an account in that beautiful and peaceful part of the wilderness.
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Four canoes glided silently with the current of the river. The three families had been canoeing since late morning. They had originally intended to camp at a less secluded spot, but due to their late start they now found themselves looking to set camp deeper in the woods. While they searched for an area large enough for their party, they took in the peaceful surroundings that slowly slipped by. There were numerous song birds filling the air with their musical harmony. Their songs of nature were a wonderful touch to the vibrant colors of summer that stretched across the land.
It was such a peaceful place. Just a slight breeze of warm air added to the experience, and kept the bugs at bay that otherwise would have dampened their spirits. Gentle currents bled into swift rolling water then back to still waters again. Turning another bend gave them a new picture of their journey to stare at and enjoy. Soon the canoes drifted upon a small beach with a clearing just up over the bank. It looked large enough for their tents, and the beach would be great place to spend the late afternoon into evening.
They landed here and had a look around. The clearing was definitely just large enough for their tents. They tied the canoes off to a nearby tree, and wasted no time setting up the camp so they could enjoy what was left of the day. There were six adults and five children in their party, the children ranging in ages from nine to fourteen. The parents had planned this trip for some time now. They wanted their kids to enjoy the wilderness, just as they had experienced in their youth. This led to a ban of all electronic games and devices while in the wilderness. That did not go so well at first, but the kids soon learned that their surroundings offered much more than they had expected.
The campsite was established, and a fire ring was now being built for that night. The kids found refuge on the beach, and searched eagerly for adventure. The evening was spent with fishing, horseshoes, stories, and laughter. As the sun began its final descent over the western horizon, a campfire was lit giving a little warmth to the chilled air. The three families sat around the fire and talked. Their conversations were mostly of previous campouts and future plans. As they were talking the kids broke into the cooler holding the precious ingredients for their smores. Sticks were retrieved and fashioned into spikes to cook the marshmallows. It didn’t take long before everyone was partaking in this camping ritual.
After filling their appetites with the sweet taste of camp snacks, the families drew closure to the flames for a few campfire stories. Tales of the wild and rugged terrain that surrounded them kept the children’s attention. Soon yawns could be heard and eyes could be seen closing and opening. The parents sent the kids to bed, and began to prepare for sleep themselves. The fire now being low was smothered out, and the last of wandering soles turned in for the night. They had a long day of drifting and paddling tomorrow, so sleep was more than welcomed.
As in any part of the wilderness, the sounds of crickets and peepers charmed the campers to sleep. An owl could be heard in the distance as the last person drifted into the dream world. That night was relatively peaceful with only a few coyotes howling far off in the woods. The campers slept soundly snuggled in their sleeping bags. The canoes sat alone in the water anchored only by a rope secured to a large maple tree. Silence began to fall upon the river, and so also in the minds of the slumbering campers.
Sleep was soon taken as the campers awoke to a loud screaming noise. Voices were now filling the camp as they spoke to each other from inside their tents. Everyone had heard something, but they weren’t sure what. Mothers comforted their children as the fathers dismissed it as some animal calling out in the wild. As they lay again their sleepy heads to the ground, the sound seized the night louder than before. The men emerged from their tents and stood looking around the camp. The dim light from the flashlights they carried offered little view into the deep woods that hugged the small clearing.
They heard the shrill scream again, this time from another direction and much closer. It was apparently frightening to the kids and the mothers who remained in the tent. The fathers restarted the fire and threw enough logs in for the flames to light up the entire camp. They questioned each other to the noise attempting to discover its source. No one could quite figure out what could possible make such a noise though. Again the sound traveled through their camp. The scream now would not cease, and was piercing to the ears. Cackling and mad laughter could now be heard accompanying the screams. The men had the women and children all get into one tent away from the edge of the forest. The men stood between the fire and the tent, staring into the woods for some sign of movement.
The frightfully loud sounds continued, and soon carried to the waters of the river above their camp. Then whatever it was traveled downriver pass the clearing they were in. Just then a wind of immense trouble blew through the campsite and extinguished their large fire. The men now stood closer to the tent waving their flashlights in all directions. They franticly searched the trees and river for any threat that might appear. The sounds slowly died away as they traveled down the river. A slight warm breeze now blew across the camp, and their fire relit in a torrent of flames.
The men just stood staring at each other not understanding what had happened. Neither did they try to as they comforted their wives and children. They did not sleep well the rest of that night, if they slept at all. In the morning they discovered that their canoes had broken away. Two of the men went downstream finding three after a short search. They crammed themselves and their gear in the three remaining canoes and departed. Before they reached the car they had parked for pick up they drifted by the fourth canoe. It had been tossed into the high canopy of an old oak tree. They didn’t even bother to recover the canoe, or ponder on how it had made it to its perch high in the tree.
They kept this story amongst themselves for a few years. It never stopped them from returning to these peaceful waters though, and they have not had an experience like it ever again. Indeed some say shrill screams and the cackling of crazed voices can be heard along the river at night. I would assume it is mostly shrugged aside as coyotes hunting in the dark. For those few stories of late that involve an in-camp experience, there are no attempts to explain. None of the newer reports though are as eerie or mystifying as this, and closely relates to the earlier experiences spoken of by the hunters of old. Who knows if animals are to blame, or freak weather, or the supernatural? Either way, campers beware.
As years go by an accumulation of haunting tales find their way out from the deep wilderness of the mountains. These tales are carried like the wind by those who have experienced strange and unexplained happenings while venturing into our nation’s most rugged places. One such tale has manifested itself in the Appalachian Mountains in the North East.
When one plans to enter the unforgiving terrain of our vast wilderness alone, the thought of danger always lingers in the back of one’s mind. You plan as best you can in advance for possible injury, bad weather, getting lost, and other possible survival situations. You most likely have a hike plan with places you intend to camp and visit, listed down that you leave with a loved one. Most however, if any at all, ever plan in advance for a chance happening with something you can not explain. Something that may instill fear into your very bones, and limber the most hardened of characters.
And so it was with Ray Calley, a photographer and adventurer, who had planned a five day excursion into the formidable tangle of the mountains. Proper planning taken on his part would surely stabilize himself in case of misfortune, or so he thought as he once again packed his gear and finalized his hike itinerary. An extra set of those hiking plans would leave that night with his brother who was there to see him off. After a few cheerful spirits and conversation, Ray saw his brother to the door and bid him farewell. He then returned to his gear one last time to ensure all was in order. After taking careful steps going over his list, Ray then turned in for what would be a short night’s sleep.
He was awoken by his alarm long before the sun would rise above the horizon. He made his morning coffee and enjoyed the hot cup while watching the news. The weather report was still confirmed to be fair, and with that bit of good news he loaded the car and drove off to his destination. The ride was long, but the radio filled the space between his home and that of the mountains. A good stretch after his arrival, and a glance at the sun’s light now reaching above the land, was all Ray needed before venturing into the woods.
It didn’t take long before he was already far into his hike. He soon found himself high on the peaks overlooking the vast stretches of land that lay before him. Camera in hand, he steadied himself for the first of his photos he intended to take. Ray placed the camera safely back into his pack and was again headed off deeper into the forested void. A long day’s hike placed him near the bottom of a large cascade he intended to camp by for his first night. No time was wasted in setting up his small camp. Then afterwards Ray took the opportunity to photograph the cascade and surrounding area.
Soon after lighting the fire darkness fell upon the hills and his cozy camp, engulfing him in complete darkness save the light from the flames dancing within the ring of stones. He enjoyed a good hardy meal before safe guarding his food high in the trees from any curious bears. Ray sat by the fire for some time enjoying the tranquility that filled the northern air. It was truly peaceful here. A reminder of the stillness one could still escape to in order to momentarily relieve the burdens of the world. After watching the last flames fade into embers, Ray stood and walked to his tent where he would retire for the night.
Morning soon came and the sun opened its gates, releasing a flood of red and golden light that rolled over the mountains. Ray emerged from his quarters and gazed upon the scenery which surrounded his primitive camp. He rekindled his fire and retrieved his food. It had been a great and sound slumber he had enjoyed last night. A well needed rest to refresh his spirit for the days that waited. He ate a small breakfast of granola while waiting for his water to heat. Ray continued to gaze around at the open area he had chose. There were not too many like this among the thick and snarled pines of the forest. His moment of soaking in his surroundings was interrupted only by that of his small kettle now boiling with water.
It took two hot cups of instant coffee for him to fully wake up and energize for the hike ahead. He steadily broke down his camp and after insuring that the fire was properly dowsed, Ray started off downstream from the cascade. The watershed slowly led him deeper in the valley surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the area. For the better part of the morning he followed the brook that was now beginning to widen as it took on more tributaries. Stopping at a pool to take some photos, Ray decided to sit and have an early lunch before changing his course. Taking quick bearings with his compass, soon provided Ray with his new heading. Lunch was consumed in an orderly fashion followed by a quick replenishing of his water supplies. Then off he went into the thick hemlocks that now surrounded him.
Ray’s movements were slowed by the thick growth, but that soon gave way to a vast expanse of hardwood with little undergrowth. He began to see glimpses of mountain peaks towering the trees. Soon he came across another stream. This he followed towards its source. The trees began to open more now allowing easier travel. It was just past noon when he stepped out of the forest into an area strewn with rocks and boulders. Here he took more photos as he worked his way to his prize. A massive cliff now stood before him, and the waterfall he had been wanting to visit for years now. Its waters cascaded from the top in, and fell violently into the deep pool below in an explosion of white mist.
He wasted not a second taking pictures, and marveling over the awe inspiring spectacle that drew his every emotion. Ray dropped his pack and placed away his camera. He wanted to just sit for a time and enjoy this. He was beginning to think he would stop here for the day and make camp. It was such an amazing place so he wondered if he should just stay for two nights. Pondering on the possibilities of staying longer, and perhaps changing his plans to fit, he noticed movement by the falls. What appeared to be a rope was twitching around like a captured snake. His eyes followed the line upward to the top of the cliff. He could make out a large figure who seemed to be preparing to repel from the cliff face.
Watching the climber begin his descent, it dawned on Ray that this would be a great chance for some photos. Turning towards his bag, he reached in for his camera. When he turned back to snap a shot he could no longer see the climber or his rope. He stood in shock realizing the rope broke off and the person must have fell to his death. Then standing by the falls, Ray saw a giant of a man coiling his rope over his shoulder. Ray was curious and dumbfounded as to how this mountaineer had reached the bottom so quickly without injury.
He raised his camera and took a photo for good measures. That was when it finally sank in that the man was dressed inappropriately for the situation. He looked as though he had just arrived from the arctic. Heavy wool pants and dark boots were complimented by a thick winter coat adorning a hood with fur. The coat was brown and appeared to be that of animal hide. The man began to walk heavily towards him with swift long strides. He was carrying what appeared to be an ice axe, and his face bore snow goggles and a scarf of some sort.
The man did not veer in any way as he came towards Ray. He did not stop or change stride, and crashed through the brook as though walking through a puddle. This made Ray nervous. He had not expected to come across such a spectacle, and was not sure what to expect. Ray did know that he was miles from any trail or help. The large mountaineer stopped abruptly ten feet from Ray. He looked like someone who stepped out the pages of some wild arctic expedition book.
“Hello.” Ray offered as a gesture of good faith, but his visitor had no reply.
Ray took two steps forward but halted when the man spun around facing the opposite direction. As he spun Ray could hear a swooshing noise and felt a slight breeze push against him. This was the moment that fear seized Ray and caused his body to become stiff and noncompliant with his thoughts. He now knew that this was no man. A lunatic he might have been able to deal with, but what he was now experiencing was something he had no action for.
Ray quickly regained control and stepped backwards to his pack. Keeping an eye on his unwanted guest, Ray packed the camera away and put his pack on. He decided to attempt to leave the area in hopes that whatever this was didn’t attack him. He cautiously worked his way back downstream keeping visual contact with it. The figure still stood in the same place facing away when Ray stepped back into the woods. Ray gathered all the strength he could to work quickly on getting back to the pool he had had his early lunch at. From there he could follow the brook down to its intersection with one of the trails.
As soon as he reached the pool he looked back. He didn’t see any movement at all, so he filled this canteen and quickly moved on. He continued downstream until he came upon the trail he longed to find. Then without haste he made his way towards the nearest road. He continued to check behind him to make sure he was alone, and after passing a few hikers he felt safe once more. He slowed his march and finally stopped to rest. More hikers had passed by going in both directions. He dared not tell what he had seen. So he hid any fear he might still have had, and kept any conversation to a simple greeting.
It was getting late now, and he knew he wouldn’t make it out of the woods before dark. He considered hiking through the night, but knew that wasn’t the best of ideas. Walking in the night would place him in the position of taking a wrong turn or getting lost. He was only an hour from the nearest road after darkness stole the day’s last bit of light. So he stepped off the trail to bivouac for the night. He set up his tent in the dark with only his flashlight, and started a small fire.
The fire’s warmth and security soon made him feel stronger. He managed to make dinner and a hot coffee. Afterwards he just sat and stared at the flames. Images of the day’s events at the waterfall still haunted him. Ray could not believe or possibly explain what had happened. It was over now though, and he needed to start working out a larger problem. He had taken a trail he had not intended to use, but was definitely getting out of the woods tomorrow. He would have to hike to his car on the other side of the mountain peaks that commanded the region. It would most likely take him all day and a little bit of the night walking, but it was better than the alternative. He would have to leave before first light to get a good start. So he decided to turn in and attempt to sleep. He took a stick and began to poke at the fire.
‘
As he attempted to smother the flames he heard someone hiking on the trail. His heart nearly stopped in fear as he was still jumpy from earlier. He got his wits about him though knowing he was fine. He hadn’t seen it at all after the falls. The hiker’s stride was swift, and the footfalls heavy. Ray was reminded how the thing had approached him at the falls. He know began to breathe heavy as sheer terror took hold.
The footsteps soon veered off the trail and tromped through the woods directly towards Ray’s campsite. Ray was so filled with fear that he couldn’t even stand. Then it stepped from the darkness into the light of the fire. Ray stared in unbelief as it stood before him with its heavy arctic gear. It dropped its rope and ice axe, then pulled a nearby log with tremendous strength to the fire. Then the core of Ray’s worst fears sat across from him at the fire. They just stared at each other for what seemed to be hours. Ray tried his hardest to peer into the goggles of the thing in front of him, but to no avail as it appeared there was nothing there.
Ray began thinking rapidly. He could in no way sleep now. He didn’t think he would be able to pack his gear either. He thought of running if his legs would allow him to even stand, but then he might be pursued in the dark. So he just sat there and stared. The flames continued to leap to and fro as the two sat in the dark of the wild.
Time continued to trickle in the dark of the night, seeming to forever lock Ray into a moment of fear and hesitation. Fear soon began to subside with the lack of action, and Ray began to breathe normal again. He soon found himself in control of his actions, and tossed a few more branches into the flames. Ray began to realize his situation, and knew a course of action would need to be taken. He could not just wait for the silent figure to move first. As the fire fed on the newly given wood, Ray noticed the thing’s hand reach down for its ice axe. It grasped the handle firmly and remained still as the flames leapt higher into the air.
Ray gripped his flashlight, then closed his eyes and began to pray. He soon heard a low guttural growl that shook the ground and vibrated through his body. He opened his eyes and looked upon the face of terror with a new found courage. “All right then!” Ray shouted, and they both swiftly stood before the fire in between. Ray quickly kicked up the fire, shooting forth a large spread of flames and coals into the thing’s face. Then turning without thought Ray ran into the darkness towards the trail, running without care for his safety.
He could hear the creature’s boots heavy upon the earth in a quick stride behind him. Ray did not look back, but continued to run as fast as he could. He pushed his body beyond its maximum, yet the fading of the heavy steps gave him the strength to carry on. He pushed harder and harder until he broke free from the forest and was on a road. Ray could see lights in a distance, and saw that it was a small country store. He began to walk towards the lit area breathing heavy from his run. A shrill scream of terror filled the night air from the trail he had just escaped from. Ray then spent the last of his strength to run to the store.