Oct. 16th 2013
As I drove down the lane, a thick fog seemed to be blowing in from the fields. It was a dark night, darker than I had ever seen before. Generally I can see the glow of the mansion’s lights at the entry, but tonight the thick curtain of fog only gives me just a few feet to view.
As I passed under the Red Cedar trees that line the lane, I got a creepy feeling that many eyes were watching me. Could it be the soldiers that may have been in camped here during the Civil War? I almost expected a soldier to step out from behind a tree.
The wind that blew in the fog was a soft and gentle wind that moved the tree branches just slightly. Or was it the hands of the unseen moves branches for a better view? Were they standing there watching as I headed to the mansion?
Suddenly the two small white posted appeared from nowhere. It was almost startling. As they came into view, you could almost image two figures standing there, waiting… and watching. Had they been replaced with guardians cursed to stand picket for eternity? I found myself looking at them closer than I had ever looked before. And even as I pass them, still the mansion wasn’t in view. Where are the lights? I know I left lights on.
I curved around the long driveway heading to my space in the parking area. Here the fog seemed to get thicker. And still I can’t see the mansion. Surely I should be able to see the lights. I curved around to my space and to my relief the security light’s motion detector turned on the light. I knew it wouldn’t stay on long. It would turn off soon. So I hurried to get my things and get out of the car.
Just as I stepped out, a bag fell from my grasp and spilled onto the ground. My mind raced as I quickly gathered the items and shoved them into another bag. The whole time, my mind is saying, “Hurry, the light is going to go out.”
I rose up and started walking, almost running from my car. And then it happened. The light went out. All I could hear in my mind was… No!
“Okay, I can do this”, my mind tried to reason. Sure I can. I have walked this way hundreds if not thousands of times. “Just start walking”, my mind said. But my feet didn’t want to obey. What if I bump into something? What if there are people just standing on the edge of my view, ready to reach out and touch me, grab me… pull me into the dark fog never to be seen again.
“Stop it” my mind screamed. “You are being stupid!” You know this place; know it as if you have been here all your life. There isn’t anything here that will hurt you.” my mind reasoned with me. Okay feet, start moving. And then my feet took a step.
Crunch went the gravel under my feet as my eyes strained to see the lights from the mansion. Crunch, crunch, crunch… my feet took up a reassuring rhyme. Then I finally saw it… light. Just a faint glow, but it was there. I’m almost there. Crunch, crunch, crunch… same rhyme. The light seems to get stronger with each step.
Crunch, crunch, crunch… crunch/crunch. What is this? Did my feet add in some extra steps? I stopped and listened. Not a sound. Okay, it’s just my head playing games with me. I start walking again. Crunch, crunch, crunch… crunch/crunch. Now wait a minute. I know I’m not hearing things. I know I am hearing extra steps. Okay, it has to be because the fog is so thick. The sound is echoing off the fog. That has to be it. I start walking again.
In my mind, I keep telling myself, “Just walk towards the light. It will get brighter and it will give you some comfort.” Crunch, crunch, crunch… crunch/crunch. Under my breathe, I don’t know if it is out of fear or just getting feed up, I say aloud, “Stop it.” I wait, listen and hold my breath. Not a sound. I’m going crazy, I know it.
I start moving again. The light is getting brighter. I can almost see the door. Crunch, crunch, crunch… no extra sounds. Yes, I can see the door, I think. Crunch, crunch, crunch… I think I can see inside the mansion. Crunch, crunch, crunch… crunch/crunch.
I stopped and held my breath again. Did I hear it again? What is going on? What is making the extra sounds! I just want it to stop. I start walking again. Crunch, crunch, crunch… crunch/crunch/crunch/crunch. This time it sounds close. I can’t take it anymore. I turn and yell, “Stop it! I don’t want to play.”
And there it was. From the light reflecting on the thick fog, I could see the outline of a shadow. It was taller than me, so I knew it wasn’t my shadow casting against the fog from light of the mansion. I quickly turned and rushed up the sidewalk and took the steps two at a time.
As I stood on the porch, fumbling with my keys to open the door, the light of the mansion bathed me in a warm reassurance. In what seemed like forever, the key finally turned the bolt and I was inside.
October’s Event for Belle Grove Plantation will be a Paranormal Workshop and Ghost Hunt. We will have three spooky nights of Ghost Hunting with a real Paranormal Investigative team! If you have ever wanted to be a Ghost Hunt like those you have seen on television, here is your chance! Equipment, video and recorders will be used to investigate Belle Grove Plantation. The Ghost Hunts will start at 8pm and end at 4am. You can Ghost Hunt on Friday, October 25th, Saturday, October 26th and for those who dare… Thursday, October 31st on Halloween. Space will be for just 25 people per night.
(Note – at this time – Saturday, October 26th Ghost Hunt has only 6 spaces left)
On Saturday, October 26th, Belle Grove Plantation will host a special all day Paranormal Workshop. The event will start at 10:30am with Special Guest Speaker, Laine Crosby, Medium Investigator. At 1:00pm, Special Hosts, Southeast Virginia Paranormal Investigations from Newport New will conduct special half hour classes on Paranormal Investigations.
Tickets are limited, so don’t wait until the last minute to get yours!
Please visit our Online Store at https://squareup.com/market/belle-grove-plantation-bed-and-breakfast/paranormal-plantation-workshops-and-overnight-ghost-hunt-at-belle-grove-plantation for more information on the event and to purchase tickets.
