A listener writes “I am a Marine. It was all I ever wanted to be. I was stationed in California, Camp Pendleton. During 1994, I was going through a bad time in my marriage.
I put my focus into my military career. I was a young team leader, and wanted to do everything I could to be the best, and make my wife and family proud. I trained hard. When I found out about my training schedule, my now ex wife started up a metric shit-ton of drama and left me to go back with her parents, taking my two small children with her. It was everything I could do to hold myself together, and not let this show to my unit. I was determined to be what I set out to be. A Marine. I was scheduled to go on extended training sessions, to 29 Palms, California for desert warfare training, and then a month after returning from that we were scheduled to hit Bridgeport, California, the Marine Corps cold weather training center. Bridgeport is up in the mountains, not far from the boarder of Nevada, if I remember correctly. I kept telling my guys “You guys dont know what COLD is” You see, I am from Buffalo, NY, LOL and we get hazed about all the snow we get whenever I tell anyone where I am from. Sorry if I get off topic. Anyways, we had been there about a week, and we were out on a cold weather patrol, and I had been having a great time. My team kept me occupied so I had been able to forget about my home troubles for a few days. A great bunch of guys!
Anyways, while on patrol one night, I had pulled guard duty with one of the other team leaders, and we stood there outside smoking a cigarette, recounting the classes we had been given, exchanging training ideas and generally just shooting the shit. After we had put our smokes out, I said that I had to take a piss to which he joked “I’m gonna leave a piss and go get warm”. We walked about 25-30 yards from our Bivouac site, just outside the tree line and proceeded to take care of business. Just 25 seconds or so later, my partner quickly turned and walked away, mumbling “get the F*** outta here” or “I gotta get out of here”. I guess the smart thing to do would have been to run with him, but that just isnt me.
I was more*so curious and not scared up to this point. I wanted to know what had made my partner run like that. I suppose I should set the stage a bit more, sorry. It was about 0315-0330 Hrs and it was deadly still (which I wasnt complaining about, the wind had been absolutely brutal) the temps were extremely cold, the kind that make the inside of your nasal passages freeze up, ya know? Anyways, I digress. My partner had been standing to my Right side about 10 feet from me staring straight ahead before he took off, and the tents at our Biv site were behind me and to my left, about 25-30 yards.
There was about 12-18 inches of fresh wet snow on the ground, you know, the good snowball kind that packs nice and tight. So anyway, I looked to my right, at the tree line where my partner had been standing, and I noticed the tree branches were shaking, swaying back and forth kinda gently. But there was NO WIND. I could see that when I exhaled. the steam just seemed to drift upwards without a care in the world. As I looked up, watching my breath, I noticed it in the moonlight, coming out of the tree branches. The breath. Alot of it. As I watched this, I heard a very muffled, yet unmistakable growl. I was on a heightened state of alert, and as I brought my rifle to the “ready”, I found myself walking TOWARDS this growl. I remember being very curious, but at the same time, i was just as curious as to WHY I was walking towards this noise. I didnt have live rounds in my weapon, only blanks, and a red BFA on the muzzle. The BFA Stands for a “Blank Firing Adapter” which completley plugs up the barrel of my M-16A2, keeping the pressure from escaping the barrel, allowing it to be used to cycle the bolt carrier, thus chambering another round after the previous is fired. Blanks dont produce enough pressure, which the M-16A2 required, to cycle the Bolt, ejecting the spent cartridge and chambering another.. Anyways, sorry for rambling. Back to the story. I only had blanks. I dont know what I would have done with them. I guess I thought it was a bear or something that I could scare away with the noise of the rifle firing. I just wasnt sure what this was. So I walked forward, Rifle at the “ready” and I stopped about 6-8 ft from the tree line, I just stopped dead. I dont know why. I remember thinking to myself, WTF am I doing?
At this moment, I remember my eyes starting to burn. My nose was on fire, all from the cold. My eyes started to water and when I reached up to wipe away the tears, I saw it. It had stepped out from the tree line. At first it was just a shadow, an outline, but as I looked harder I could make out details in the moonlight. This thing was about 11 ft tall if it was an inch, and it was EASILY 4-5 ft wide at the shoulders if not more. I was 6’1″ 218 Lbs not a small guy, but this thing dwarfed me in a way that made me feel insignificant. Not scared immediately, but just insignificant…puny. I stood there staring at this thing Just wondering what I was seeing and why wasnt I feeling scared shitless? This seemed to last for hours but was closer to 2-3 minutes, more than likely. All of a sudden it moved to its side and I raised my rifle at it. The thing went f****ing apeshit, No pun intended. It seemed to grow 6 inches to a foot or more and its shoulders widened the same way and I realized that it had been slumped forward, hunched at the shoulders. When I raised my rifle to shoot, (not thinking about the blanks in my magazine), This thing must have recognized what it was and known what it could do. It SCREAMED/ROARED at me so loud and so guttural, that it made my insides vibrate. I lost control of my bowels, and froze. I remember thinking “If you dont leave now, Youre going to die” This was a very firm thought and I felt sure that if I didnt move I was going to literally DIE. The roar was a combination of a roar, like that of a lioness and a deep, guttural moan. I was later able to explain it better after doing some research….. Combine A howl/moan like the Ohio sounds with a growl that is emminating from DEEP inside this thing. It was so DEEP and SO loud….I froze. It just stood there and looked at me, and even in the shadows of the moonlight I could see facial features. Its eyes were Deep set, wide cheek bones, a HUMAN shaped mouth and lips and narrow, but square shaped teeth. The canines were PROMINENT but not what I would call “fangs”. The look on the face was what held me in fear. It was grinning…a faint but noticeable grin…evil as all hell. It was the cross between a scowl and the grin of a kid…..innocent but yet there were other things driving it forward. Mischievious is a decent word to use, but there was a very hostile, even EVIL undertone to its grin. I have never seen that look ever again, and I am a horror movie junkie.
Anyway, it “barked” at me and this brought me back to reality. I lowered my rifle and began to walk backwards very slowly. It didnt exactly advance towards me as I backed away, but it “taunted” me, like school kids facing off to fight, That fake jump, thrusting the chest out and bringing its arms and shoulders up, with its hands cupped, elbows out, and hands and forearms pointing straight down. Much like the stance that The ORIGINAL Incredible Hulk used to take when it wanted the bad guys to back off. Thats exactly the feeling I got. Even in my head, I HEARD a deep growling voice say BACK OFF. I have no clear idea what the voice was. But I followed its suggestion and continued to back away until I was about 18-20 yards away from it. I then turned and walked back to the Bivouac area still turned halfway to try and watch this creature. Just before I got back to camp, I looked to see where I was going for just a split second, but when I turned back to look at it, it was gone. I could still feel its eyes but the feeling of death and danger was subsiding. I went back into camp and changed my underwear, then I woke everyone up. I talked to my partner, who had left me there alone with that thing, and we both agreed that it was best if we broke camp early, but he offered no explanation or even an apology. The rest of the patrol went by uneventful, even though I could STILL feel like that things eyes were on me.
I dont believe in SASQUATCH, Wes. I KNOW it exists, and I dont think that they are friendly. I am reading stories about it helping lost hunters, especially children, but for every calm, benevolent story I come up with, I can seem to find 3-4 stories of how violent and evil they are. I dont claim to know everything, but I know 2 things for sure….1) The creature that I encountered was extremely agitated. It was as though it was taunting me to challenge it. Looking back, it probably thought I was, because I didnt run away at first sight…I kept advancing. Maybe it was considering me as a threat and I began to back away at just the last possible second??? Maybe. And Finally, the second thing I know is that I AM NOT 10 Ft. tall and invincible. That distinction now falls to him. Oh, and yes…it was A HE.
Well, sir. That is my story. I am sorry for my spelling or typo’s, but even telling this in daylight makes me shake and become nauseous. I hope you have the time to read this. I welcome any questions you may have, and will answer them as best as I can. Below I will include some contact info, should you wish to ask any questions.I also recently bought a month subscription to Sasquatch Chronicles. My name in the blog comes up as Dave W, just as in my Email address. With that, I will say so long, and I hope that this mail finds you in good health and spirits. Semper Fi, Wes, and thanks for what you do.”
Cynthia S
Great account, scary as hell.
Bal G
One last one Wes for this week. The Rams are favored by 7 at home against the Bikes. Don’t t believe all the hype about the Rams, they are due for a bit of a letdown. Their top 2 cover corners are either out for the game or are really banged up. Minnesota is coming off an embarrassing loss at home to Buffalo. The Vikings are a very talented team that needs a W. Rams are really good too, but 7 is too high a number. Take the Vines in a close game, the Rams might win but it won’t by more than 7.
Gumshoguy
It should be a good game. BTW … the Bikes? It had me stumped at first glance. I had to re-read your post. The Rams ae surprisingly good this year and the Vikes have been good for several years and improved in the last few years. If they do fall to the Rams it will be a difficult place in the NFC . I hope they save some of that purple juice for the Packers.
Cynthia S
I’m from MN and we’re pretty conflicted here about the game tonight. I think the Queens can pull out a Win, but we’ll see. Go Purple!
Bal G
Yeah, the Vikings really need this one. Plus the division they play in is tough. The Bears are no longer a doormat, the Pack with A rod are always tough, and the Lions can sneak up on you. I think the Vikings will play with a level of urgency tonight.(hopefully)
Trent M
I’d love to hear Dave W on an episode. He told the story of his encounter in a thoroughly captivating way and I’d like to hear more!
Dave W.
Trent. Thank you for the kind words. I am glad that you enjoyed reading it, I wish I could say that I enjoyed typing it up, but even to this day it scares the hell out of me! That was almost 25 years ago and I still tremble at the mere thought of it. I still get nauseated and tremble when I think about it. If ever you have questions Feel free to msg me.
Everyone have a great night! Semper Fi.
Denise F
This was a greatly detailed encounter. I’ve seen that grin and it’s undescribable and extremely evil looking….like the big bad wolf pretending to be grandma.
*Red Riding Hood knocks*
“Come in child” …..and there’s that grin.
Dave W.
Thanks Denise. I feel sorry for anyone who has had to hear that. It isnt a sound I ever want to hear again, I can tell you that.
I love the way you put it
“*Red riding hood knocks*
” Come in child ” the wolf grins.
I spoke with Wes about it on the phone, and we talked about that very thing. It is intelligent, and my encounter, most probably like others, was a stand off. I like Wes’ take on it. He compared it to a chest match and that is damned close to what this was. He was watching, sizing us up, deciding if we were a threat. When I approached, that was my “opening move” He countered with ok, I see YOU, NOW you can see ME, and stepped out. As if to say, “ok puny guy, now it’s your move. What are you going to do….but it didnt go from 0-100…it used cognitive reasoning and escalated SLOWLY. With forethought. That is the scariest thing to me. He played chess with me. The biggest mistake was raising my weapon at it. That could have been fatal, and I just knew that if I did anything other than back away, I was gone. We were only 10-15 feet away at that point. I’m not even sure I could gave gotten an accurate shot off if it charged
Dave W.
Denise, I would be honored if you would share your encounter with me. One witness to another, that’s honestly why I joined. As I said to Wes, I would like to know that I’m not crazy, ya know? I mean, I know what I saw, but it helps at times to share. So far, no two sightings I have read about or listened to are 100% the same.
Denise F
A Sasquatch support group, wonder if they already have one, lol?
You should post it in the forum and people that are interested in exchanging info, can?
Dave W.
Thanks Denise. I feel sorry for anyone who has had to hear that. It isnt a sound I ever want to hear again, I can tell you that.
I love the way you put it
“*Red riding hood knocks*
” Come in child ” the wolf grins.
I spoke with Wes about it on the phone, and we talked about that very thing. It is intelligent, and my encounter, most probably like others, was a stand off. I like Wes’ take on it. He compared it to a chest match and that is damned close to what this was. He was watching, sizing us up, deciding if we were a threat. When I approached, that was my “opening move” He countered with ok, I see YOU, NOW you can see ME, and stepped out. As if to say, “ok puny guy, now it’s your move. What are you going to do….but it didnt go from 0-100…it used cognitive reasoning and escalated SLOWLY. With forethought. That is the scariest thing to me. He played chess with me. The biggest mistake was raising my weapon at it. That could have been fatal, and I just knew that if I did anything other than back away, I was gone. We were only 10-15 feet away at that point. I’m not even sure I could gave gotten an accurate shot off if it charged
Denise F
You were very lucky. I think what is the most frightening is the movement you described it doing towards you ( reminded me of Donald’s encounter the other night ). It’s scary enough if they are just standing there, let alone trying to provoke you.
Thanks for sharing & take care
Cynthia S
Dave W. – Yes, that was an awesome account you shared. I’m sure it was difficult to recount. Thank you. I tell, you had me curled up in a fetal position as I was reading it. Way too scary. Glad you came out alive!
Dave W.
Thank you Cynthia. I am glad that you enjoyed it. I am really glad that Wes put it up. I have been looking for level minded people to share it with. Even though it scares the hell out of me, it felt good to get it off my chest.
Eileen F
This is a great telling of an encounter and I would love to hear the full story on Wes’ show. It is a bit disturbing that a Marine left you stranded, Dave. I wonder what he would do in battle? It is really a shame that so many police, military, park rangers etc. can’t be honest about what they see. I am glad that you are telling your story. I guess courage shows itself in many different ways.
Dave W.
Thank you for your encouragement, Eileen. I wasnt happy at the time, I can assure you, BUT, as you said courage can present itself on many ways, and looking back, lol, I’m not sure I blame him for running. I should have probably run with him. But hind sight is always 20/20 they say.
Tamsin D
Dave W.,
First thank you for your service.
Your encounter near Bridgeport was chilling. Did anyone back in camp hear the noise coming from this beast and did you check for prints the following morning?
Appreciate your sashquatch account.
Dave W.
Nobody admitted to hearing it, but due to the lack of questions as to why we broke camp early, I have to suspect that they did. My mistake was not pressing them when we got back to the “rear”. That’s what we called base camp, for those not familiar with Military lingo, lol. Sometimes I forget that something so simple isnt always understood by those who never had to experience it. My apologies to you all if this made you feel uncomfortable.
As far as looking for footprints, I didnt want to, to be brutally honest. I knew I was a walking g miracle and wasnt about to push my luck, so to speak. I had done that enough already. This thing made it very clear that I wasnt welcome and that if I didnt leave, I was done in. Even the other 7 guys in camp wouldn’t have stood a chance against this thing, and we were all seasons Marines, in top physical form. Like I said, lol we only had blanks.
Linda C
I too was wondering if anyone else heard the scream? Thank you very much for sharing your encounter, Dave.
Northfork
Thank you for serving our country.
There is indeed a difference between believing and knowing. You nailed it. I am familiar with that part of the country, I lived down the road a bit for a couple years as a kid. You came in contact with a big one for sure. I wonder how long he had been watching you and what his intention was before you “found” him.
Seems like there is a pattern of them getting aggressive when someone is peeing near them, I suspect it is a territorial thing. The reaction the raising of the rifle also is not unusual. They know what firearms are and what they can do. I am sorta blown away by your approach with a useless weapon, heck even a 5.56 would have been than nothing had it been necessary. I understand that it was almost involuntary, which is a bit spooky…
Dave W.
Lol It was all I had, besides a survival knife. I was young and dumb at the time, too, and that is why I question my own actions. Deciding not to speak of it for so long is probably one of the biggest reasons why I feel like I’m crazy. I didnt understand my actions then and I understand them even less now, knowing what I know now. But hindsight being 20/20 and all that…..
pam
Whew! That was a close one, Dave!
Dave W.
Lol you can say that again. I will honestly tell you that although I came out ALIVE, I sometimes wonder if I truly “survived”. I know how that sounds, but a part of me will NEVER be the same. If you ever get to talk to a vet, OR if you have an encounter like this, you know what I mean.
A wound heals, but there is a scar left behind. I still like camping, I wont lie, but my demeanor in the woods has changed DRASTICALLY, I never feel comfortable. I am always on alert, and I still kinda “jump” at sounds like snapping twigs, or rustling leaves…
Avis B
David W.. Holy Smokes Batman.. Best wishes to you… Hope you have gotten past all the Nightmares.. and PTSD.. and I do not take ptsd lightly.. Husband did 29 years army.. just retired 2017.. I have found most to say a encounter with Bigfoot was way worse then anything they came across in the military.. your Encounter was a big Charmin moment. I would love to hear you in person..!!
Dave W.
I think Wes is going to air our chat, so if you can listen, I hope you enjoy it. I probably sound like a stuttering fool, lol. 😉
Wookie Booger
“GET BACK!” Wow!
Dave W.
Yeah. I was confused too. I have read about encounters since mine where people say that these creatures have a type of telepathic ability. I dont believe that, but I just cant help but wonder, was that voice a mental warning from it or just my common sense? Nobody knows what these things are, so what do I believe? I would like to think that during a time of intense fear and co fusion, I was able to keep SOME kind of common sense about me, ya know? I honestly just dont know.
Asheim
Thanks for your service Dave and thanks for sharing your encounter. Wow, I was out walking my dogs tonight in the deep woods surrounding our house. I have a high powered head lamp that lights up the terrain in front of me. I tried to imagine seeing and hearing such a creature so close as you did and it sent shivers down my spine. I cannot imagine being so brave as you were. I really enjoyed reading your write-up and will head over to listen to the show Wes just put up of the encounter. Thanks for sharing! Peace and God’s blessings to you.
Teresa V
Wow Dave, I’m glad you came out of that encounter alive! It’s a very scary encounter!
Northfork
With your training etc, I would think that the,” GET OUT” was probably you….your sixth sense ringing the alarm bell and trying to overcome the actions you were taking. I am a big believer in that sixth sense deal, was in law enforcement for a lot of years and came to trust it….what I called the “Little Voice”. Listening to it kept me alive more than once.
I listened to the show last night.
You sounded just fine, sir. You sounded like a man who had seen what you saw, and is still processing it. You did fine.
wolfheathen
Ya know, Dave…as “foolish” as you may feel your bravado in raising essentially a “cap gun” at it was…you may have done the right thing, by matching it (as far as it knew) strength to strength and then walking away to essentially say “I can hurt you, but I’m going to leave you be.” They SURELY know what guns are at least here in North America where weapons are carried and used constantly in the woods, backyards, etc. I’m sure many of them experience being shot at. If you had simply ran or backed off, it might have harried your camp all night or who knows what.
Great telling of your story, and thanks for being a United States Marine!
Dave W.
Hi, Wolf. You know, I never thought of that. I still, in my own personal opinion, think that what I did was stupid, but I never thought of it like that. Kinda like standing firm when a bear charges, showing no aggression, but at the same time, no fear. I know these things are intelligent enough to think that way…complex thoughts seem common place to them, so yeah, why not. That seems entirely plausible. Damn man, great observation, although I dont know that I would EVER reccomend that anyone challenge these things, you know what I mean? Thanks for the thoughts!! Semper Fi.
C Janelle H
Thanks for sharing your encountet Dave. My sister was stationed at Camp Pendleton too, same time period as you. She was a weapons specialist and is at the 25 year Armory reunion at Camp Pendleton right now. Thank you for your service. That was an amazing encounter. I am glad you made itback to your camp safely.
Dave W.
Thank your sister for her service from me. Much respect to ALL those who serve, no matter what branch,lol, but a few special Pat’s on the back for joining the best….?
Naomi R
Wow. All of these encounters freak me out. I don’t want to hike or go camping anymore.