Diary Entry-A GIGANT(OP)I(THE)C(US) discovery…

Gigantopithecus! The word just rolls off your tongue. It makes your mouth feel good to say it!

I wasn’t exactly in the best of spirits when I rolled into Eureka. I’ll delve into the details shortly. But, let’s focus on the positive first. I  learned of a GIANT APE that once co-existed with man (in the distant past). Hello, GIGANTOPITHECUS!

This furry monstrosity was like ten feet tall! I saw a couple diagrams indicating just how big they were. They look terrifying in size compared to lowly humans. These beasts were (allegedly) so big and strong, they weren’t even scared by tigers. They would grab one by the tail and just fling it wherever.

Gigantopithecus was clearly an APEX level APE (if not predator). I can’t imagine anything (shy of a T Rex) that would intimidate this guy (or gal or whatever). Sadly, it sounds like they went extinct about 100,000 years ago.

But…..some believe that a ‘few’ may have survived and come across to North America. It is thought that perhaps Sassy is a distant (long lost) brother, sister, cousin, nephew, etc. It’s a crazy idea, but is it the craziest?

The idea is a BIG BIG stretch, but maybe there’s something to it? At the very least, the ‘idea’ of it would be great for a movie or maybe a series? I just need to come up with a snappy title!

Gigantopithecus was exactly the lift I needed in Eureka. I was in a crap mood when I got there. Seeing the mound of equipment (aka-an alleged sasquatch) on the skywalk didn’t help. There was nothing substantive to the naturalist’s report. It was a total dead end.

But, learning of Gigantopithecus redeemed an otherwise fruitless investigation. It put some wind in my flagging sails. It restored some hope.

I am sure I will encounter more reports, hoaxes, and b.s. these next 100+ miles, but I will also encounter some things that are REAL! I already have!

Sure, the hair I found can’t be identified. But, it’s definitely not human. Then there are the footprints, the noises, and the crazy dreams I’ve been having. All of this must be coming from something that is REAL!

So, I head into the final stretch of this road trip with a bit of a second wind. Willow Creek is close. I can’t wait to take a deep dive into the Bigfoot capital of the world. From there, we segue onto the scenic Bigfoot Scenic Byway towards Happy Camp.

But, first, we have to stop by Blue Lake to investigate an incident that was reported to BRFO in 2004. The incident in question took place in 1999. I’m feeling GIGANT(OP)I(THE)C(US) about what lies ahead!