sanjay r singhal, ra · 23/10/2015 · sanjay r singhal, ra copyright © 2015 sanjay r singhal....

SANJAY R SINGHAL, RA

Copyright © 2015 Sanjay R Singhal. All rights reserved.

FIELD REPORT 10.23.2015

Location: Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, Illinois (Lake County)

Date: Friday, 23 October, 2015

Time: Approximately 0700am to 0830am, CDT

Weather: Quite windy and cold, overcast and grey

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 Friday, 23 October;1 I wanted specifically to observe the small tipi

assembly in further detail, and learn as much as I could from it. I had suggested, the day before, that the tipi

assembly, although clearly artificial, was most likely not of human origin.2 However, without any witness to its

construction, only the resultant assembly would provide any additional information.3

The weather, as I arrived, was quite windy and cold; the skies were cloudy and there was no sun. As I entered

the carpark, I observed high, crashing waves at the breakwaters; the beach was inaccessible. Once I stepped

down from the Blueberry**, I realised that the wind was coming off the lake.4

Accordingly, I did not take the beach path as I usually did, but walked north, along the wide, gravelled path I

had observed the day before. This path runs parallel to the beach for some distance, before turning to the west

and passing through a wide expanse of marsh grasses, dotted with clumps of trees.

I found the footpath leading up to the bluff, which I had also observed the day before; the small, triangular

driftwood assembly on the bluff was intact. I was rather surprised; I had not expected it to remain in situ.

Nonetheless, it did not seem to have been affected by the severe weather.5 6 7

1 I had last visited the park the day before. Sanjay R Singhal. Field Report 10.22.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The

Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/field-report-10-22-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 22 October 2015.

Web. Accessed 1 November 2015. 2 Compare to those tipi assemblies observed at San Gregorio State Beach, in northern California. Ibid, Singhal. Field Report

06.30.2012: San Mateo County (with Addenda). Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/field-

report-06-30-2012-san-mateo-county-with-addenda/. 19 February 2015. Web. Accessed 1 November 2015. 3 My close friend and fellow enthusiast, Joshua Paul ‘JP’ Smith, who co-founded ‘Beyond the Forest’ with me, had made some

reference to documented observations of such behaviours; regrettably, we did not review these together. Had this occurred, it should

have, no doubt, added immensely to my own knowledge and comprehension of same. 4 Weather Underground Author(s). Weather History for KUGN: Friday, 23 October, 2015. Weather Underground.

http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KUGN/2015/10/23/DailyHistory.html?req_city=Zion&req_state=IL&req_statename=Il

linois&reqdb.zip=60099&reqdb.magic=1&reqdb.wmo=99999. 2015. Web. Accessed 1 November 2015. 5 It is reasonable to suggest that, in context, the assembly’s position, just below the top of the bluff, may have protected it. 6 I have observed numerous examples of branch assemblies which, while appearing quite fragile and delicate, have withstood severe

weather conditions; some have lasted for years, in areas where large, old-growth trees have collapsed completely. Although it is

reasonable to suggest that these assemblies have been maintained, further review of photographic documentation does not present this. 7 Consider the large, suspended-branch assembly at Area D, which has remained in situ for several years. Ibid, Singhal. Field Report

04.18.2015a: Area D. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/field-report-04-18-2015a-area-d/.

12 October 2015. Web. Accessed 1 November 2015.



These photographs present views of the small driftwood assembly on the bluff at Illinois Beach State Park;

notice its appearance, remarkably different from typical assemblies observed elsewhere.8 9 Nonetheless, notice

the use of multiple component sizes and lengths, and the use of vines and long grasses to serve as filler. Also

notice the small piece of tiled concrete, possibly as an anchor.

I considered the branch assembly again; clearly, it was an artificial construction. But, who had put it up? If not

a human effort…could it be EC?10 It was remarkably different from other branch assemblies I had observed,

discounting its materials. I observed no definitive interweaving, but there was some variation in component

sizes. Nonetheless, its position close to the footpath might offer a clue; I had observed similar arrangements at

Kelmarsh, in southern Wisconsin,11 and at Area F, in northern Michigan.12

8 Quite frankly, I’ve never seen anything like it. 9 As defined by Sanjay R Singhal, the four (4) features which define a branch assembly are as follows: clear, present interweaving of

components; multiplicity of component species; multiplicity of component sizes; and visually contrasting component species colours,

bark, and textures. To this may be added the application of long, slender components supporting large, heavier ones, and/or the

stripping of leaves and twigs from the components, although these are not always observed. 10 EC, in this context, stands for ‘Elder Children’, as usual. 11 Ibid, Singhal. Field Report 06.18.2013: Kelmarsh. Beyond The Forest.

https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/08/20/field-report-06-08-2013-kelmarsh/. 20 August 2015. Web. Accessed 1

November 2015. 12 Ibid. Field Report 05.17.2014: Area F. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/09/12/field-report-

05-17-2014-area-f/. 12 September 2015. Web. Accessed 1 November 2015.



These photographs present views of the thick, heavy brush and foliage at the top of the headland; the possible

shelter is partially visible in the first, third, and fourth images. Also notice the possible branch assembly in the

second image; while it is reasonable to suggest artificial construction, a human origin cannot be discounted.

And yet, it had withstood the storm; I did not know what to think of it.

I took several photographs of the assembly for later review, and attempted to access the beach below, in order to

gain the headland and investigate once more the small tipi assembly.

I could not access the beach.

The strong winds, and corresponding high waves, had nearly completely submerged the beach;13 all of the

lovely, large canine tracks had been swept away.14 15

“Well,” I said to myself, “This is a fine kettle of fish. Now, what do I do?”

13 Ibid, Weather Underground Author(s). 14 Ibid, Singhal. Field Report 10.22.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. 15 It would have been extremely foolish, not to mention dangerous, to have attempted the beach in such conditions.



I attempted to access the north beach via the bluff, skirting its edge until I came to the headland. The ground

was covered with thick grasses, and at the headland, with a large mass of heavy, tangled brush and vines; I

could go no further. Below me, the waves battered the fallen trees and the bluffs; the north beach was cut off.

I then tried to investigate the heavy, tangled brush and vines atop the headland; there appeared to be a sheltered

sort of space behind, which I could not access, and some possible branch assemblies, or groupings of branches,

which appeared artificial.16

“Has someone been up here?” I wondered to myself. 17

I looked around the area; I could not go any further. I was alone, in bad weather; it was not safe.

With a heavy sigh, I turned and began descending the slope of the headland, back towards the gravelled path.

As I did so, I turned for one last look….

….a tall, dark figure suddenly stood up, and then ducked quickly back down.18

“Oh, my god!” I shouted, “Oh, my god!”

I was really quite excited; the figure had been approximately one hundred yards to the north (100yd, or

91.44m), standing in the heavy, thick marsh grasses, inaccessible from the beach or the gravelled paths. I

observed no further details: it was large, black, and roughly human-like in shape.19

Curiously, I had the impression of trespass, that my presence was not welcome;20 21 I returned to the gravelled

path and continued west along its length. The path ran in a long, straight line; I had not taken it before, and

walked slowly, taking photographs of the landscape as I progressed.

Suddenly, I stopped.

I was being followed. 22

(Continued on next page)

16 Again, although appearing artificial, a human origin cannot be discounted. 17 Recall the bright red shape, which ducked down quickly into the tall, thick grasses of the headland in August. Ibid, Singhal. Field

Report 08.16.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest. https://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/field-

report-08-16-2015-illinois-beach-state-park/. 20 October 2015. Web. Accessed 1 November 2015. 18 Similar accounts of EC appearing to jump up and then duck back down into the brush have been reported elsewhere. Kevin

Smykal. Motorist has Daytime Sighting near I-10 Exit East of Pensacola. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation.

http://www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=28634. 20 December 2010. Web. Accessed 18 September 2015. 19 Although it is reasonable to suggest, in context, EC, further investigation is required to confirm same. 20 The feeling of trespassing, although not widely reported, has been described by others pertinent to the nearby presence of EC.

Oregon Bigfoot Author(s). Oregon Bigfoot File #01275. Oregon Bigfoot.

http://www.oregonbigfoot.com/report_detail.php?id=01275. 25 June 2005. Web. Accessed 31 October 2014. 21 Feelings of being unwelcome, while nonetheless subjective, are not infrequently reported pertinent to EC encounters. Brad Bacon.

Possible Vocalisations Heard while Training Hunting Dogs near Atwater. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation.

http://www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=28730. 20 January 2011. Web. Accessed 12 September 2014. 22 The feeling of being followed is not uncommon in many EC encounters; in the dense forest, it can be absolutely frightening. BFRO

Author(s). Two Hunters got [sic] the Terrifying Feeling they were being watched and followed. Bigfoot Field Researchers’

Organisation. http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=669. 2 January 1999. Web. Accessed 21 August 2014.



These photographs present views and close-ups of the possible shelters or bedding areas observed on the north

side of the gravelled path; in the second image, notice what appears to be a vertical ‘X’ formation. Further

investigation of these areas may provide new insight and information regarding possible habitation(s).

I turned around; there was a sudden, quick glimpse of movement behind the trees, as though something had

ducked quickly behind them. I stood quite still for several minutes, but observed nothing further.23 24

I continued walking; the marshes stretched out in all directions, wide and flat. To the west, a large belt of trees

formed an edge, leading to the north/northwest; to the south, small clumps of trees dotted the landscape. It was

a strange, lonely-looking place, and yet I found it peaceful, and quiet.

The gravelled path turned south, again running in a clear, straight line; I continued walking, humming happily

to myself, thinking about omelettes aux truffes, and observing the landscape. I observed no squirrels or deer, no

birds or any other fauna; I might have been the only person in the world.

23 Brief glimpses of movement are commonly reported, pertinent to EC sightings. BFRO Author(s). Witnesses in Van Catch Brief

Glimpse of Bipaedal Figure Walking along Road near Louisa. Bigfoot Field Researchers’’ Organisation.

http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=7294. 31 March 2003. Web. Accessed 8 September 2015. 24 Reports of EC ducking behind trees are common features of encounters and/or sightings. Geoff Robinson. Close Encounter Scares

Hunters off their Campsite east of Sweet Home. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation.

http://www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=36370. 31 August 2012. Web. Accessed 8 October 2014.



The gravelled path turned to the east; I realised it had made a circuit and I was now returning to the carpark.

The path ran parallel to a long, straight ditch or canal, heavily overgrown; I observed some possible branch

assemblies on its banks, but could not access them directly.

On the north side of the path, however, I observed several small clumps of trees and brush, heavily overgrown,

with possible shelters or bedding areas beneath them.25 26 They were remarkably curious; I also observed areas

of flattened-down grass leading to them.27 I was eager to investigate them, but was not wearing high boots;

also, I was alone, and did not want to venture into the marshes.

I recall that I felt strangely uncomfortable,28 examining the possible shelters or bedding areas; there was a

strange, unwelcome atmosphere about them.29 I did not know if I was trespassing; I did not step off the path.30

After several minutes, I continued back along the gravelled path, returning to the carpark. I observed a white

sports sedan just beyond the Blueberry; there was someone in the passenger seat and its engine was idling

softly. Suddenly, a tall, heavily built man emerged from the beach grasses; I did not know what he had been

doing there. A strong scent of marijuana filled the air, and I coughed, loudly.31

“Got some nice weed,” the man said, in a low, friendly voice. I did not answer him; I opened the car door and

sat down, shutting it quietly and locking it. The man stood there, watching me, swaying back and forth; his

clothes were filthy and the stench of the marijuana was disgusting and foul.32

I switched on the engine, and turned out of the carpark; to my surprise the white sports sedan began following

me. I quickly drove out of the reserve; the sedan continued behind.

“Okay, buddy,” I said aloud, “I’ve got just the place for you to follow me.”

I continued on Sheridan Road, driving north; the sedan remained closed behind. As I came into Winthrop

Harbour, I turned off at Ninth Street and pulled into the police station carpark. The white sports sedan slowed

briefly, and then roared off; I did not see it again.

Respectfully submitted,

Sanjay R Singhal, RA

*Name(s) changed for publication

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

25 Stephen Willis. Family of Bigfoot seen near I64. Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organisation.

http://www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=23477. 29 March 2008. Web. Accessed 22 August 2014. 26 BFRO Author(s). Investigation into some Footprints leads to a possible Visual Encounter. Bigfoot Field Researchers’

Organisation. http://www.bfro.net/gdb/show_report.asp?id=42742. 15 November 2013. Web. Accessed 22 August 2014. 27 Similar areas of flattened-down grass have been observed at Foley Swamp, in Oscoda County. Ibid, Singhal. Field Report

08.13.2008: Foley Swamp (with Addendum). Beyond the Forest. http://beyondtheforestblog.wordpress.com/2014/08/22/field-report-

08-13-2008-foley-swamp-with-addendum/. 22 August 2014. Web. Accessed 22 August 2014. 28 A pervasive feeling of discomfort is not uncommon to many EC-related reports and encounters. Oregon Bigfoot Author(s). File

#00672. Oregon Bigfoot. http://www.oregonbigfoot.com/report_detail.php?id=00672. May 1996. Web. Accessed 24 October 2014. 29 Ibid, Bacon. 30 Ibid, Oregon Bigfoot Author(s). Oregon Bigfoot File #01275. 31 One might suggest that EC have a more pleasant odour. 32 Filthy, pot-smoking maggot.



FIELD REPORT 10.23.2015

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 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,36 and others;37 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 small, triangular branch assembly on the bluff, composed primarily of driftwood;

2. The remarkable endurance of same, despite severe weather;

3. The possible shelter, observed in the heavy, thick brush of the headland;

4. The possible branch assemblies, ditto;

5. The observation of a tall, dark figure which stood up and then quickly ducked down;

6. The glimpse of movement, of something behind me which ducked behind a tree;

7. The possible shelters or bedding areas, observed along the gravelled path.

These behaviours, and the history of my own experience(s),38 may be considered sufficient to suggest the

presence of EC39 at Illinois Beach State Park, in the autumn of 2015.

The encounter with the filthy, pot-smoking maggot who offered me marijuana, and who then followed me to the

police station, is troubling; I do not know what to think about it. In hindsight, I should have taken his plate

number, but at that moment, I was primarily concerned with my own safety. Nonetheless, I find such

behaviours thoroughly and absolutely disgusting.

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.

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.

Accessed 19 October 2015. 35 Ibid. Field Report 08.16.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest.


Accessed 22 October 2015. 36 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. 37 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. 38 Ibid, Singhal. Field Report 10.22.2015: Illinois Beach State Park. Beyond The Forest.


Accessed 1 November 2015. 39 EC, in this context, stands for “Elder Children”, as usual.

sanjay r singhal, ra · 23/10/2015 · sanjay r singhal, ra copyright © 2015 sanjay r singhal....

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