This little Bigfoot stands just inside the woods near the open-air restaurant in Cooksburg--at Cook Forest. He only stands 5 feet tall, which is smaller than I'd expect. But you still wouldn't want to cross paths with a 5-foot tall Sasquatch in the failing light of evening among the hemlocks. The tiny hamlet of Cooksburg consists of about 4 houses, all of which are grand Victorian mansions and one of which is currently for sale. The shallow, lazy Clarion River meanders through it. There's also a gift shop, the Cooksburg Cafe, and a cemetery on the hill above town--though the lane leading to it is misspelled "Cemetary Road." Some people really believe in Bigfoot. In fact, my college biology professor was a leader in Bigfoot research, which added very little credibility to the reputation of the 3rd rate college I attended. What makes a person believe in Bigfoot? What makes a person believe in anything? Most beliefs are inspired by personal experiences and desires, I think. We believe in the things we hope to be true. On the other hand, there are a few beliefs we cannot shake even though we hope they're not true, like my unwelcome and unshakeable conviction that all things are predetermined. It's good to pause every once in a while to take stock of your beliefs...about yourself...about the world. You probably have fewer than you thought. Did you pick them, or did they pick you?
A friend and I made a deeply philosophical 3-night trek into the Roaring Plains Wilderness of West Virginia, where we discussed the nature of reality and consciousness. Click HERE for that visually stunning adventure.
