We saw footprints about 7 years ago on the
Lost Coast Trail at the northern end of Mendocino County. The Lost Coast
trail starts where Highway 1 heads inland to meet up with 101. This section
of the coast was too rugged to continue the highway. There is a hiking trail,
which we were on some years ago (about 7 years back I would guess, we could
get the exact day from the earthquake). We had hiked in one day's worth,
and had spent a night out. The next day, we met only one other group who
had been out 10 days (they were chanting "Pizza! Beer!" anticipating
their return to civilization).
After passing them, we decided to hike out that day too. We felt an earthquake (we later read the
epicenter was only about 20 miles away) — it was pretty noticeable. A few minutes later, we
crossed a stream, and saw one clear huge footprint. I compared it to my hiking boots, it was about
an inch longer (about 13"). It had very well defined toes. We looked around and saw only one
other print, much less defined print about 10 feet away.
The location was a very steep, forested down-slope going towards the ocean. The footprints were
going sideways/down. We spent the rest of the hike out debating what it was — my friend
was convinced the other group had used a "stamp" to make the prints. I didn't buy his theory,
since the print in the stream looked too fresh (the other party must have passed a few hours
before), and I couldn't imagine a tired group planting a hoax with little chance of anyone
finding it. I figured, if they had made the prints, they would have made more prints, not one
and half. My theory was there was a creature (obviously not a bear etc.) 'startled' by the earthquake.
When we got back, I went to the library and found a book on Bigfoot. With my memory of the
footprint fresh in my mind, I found it looked just like the "California" type footprints
as opposed to the "BC" footprints.
I am not sure if there are any other Bigfoot sightings in this area. I would be interested in finding out.
© Mike Schmidt (mschmidt@sw-eng-svc.com)
From the files of Bobbie Short. Report filed: Friday 13 August 1999 03:28:57 -0700
