The Legend of Azzurrina

Ugolinuccio Malatesta did not understand this poor twist of luck. He was the feudal lord of a magnificent castle, Castello di Montebello Terriana, he had magnificent holdings, envied by all far and wide... but now his newborn daughter, Guendalina, had been born an albino. She would be considered evil and burned at the stake as were all albinos in 1375 A.D. Italy.

"Do not worry, my love. I have a plan. It will work," his beloved wife told Ugolinuccio. And so it was that Guendalina's white hair was dyed with natural herbs. Unfortunately, albino hair did not hold color well, and the child's locks turned a bluish tint. With her eyes also a light shade of blue, she earned the nickname Azzurrina or Little Blue One. She spent most of her time in the castle since her pale skin did not tolerate sun well.

 

The time came when castle staff was busy with preparations for the approaching summer solstice celebration. Azzurina's father gave her a new red rag ball to entertain her and keep her out of the way. The child was enchanted with the new toy -- rolling, throwing it into the air, and kicking it. Down the stairs it rolled into a basement room with Azzurrina fast behind, laughing gaily.

Azzurrina would never be seen again. She would, however, be heard: laughing, crying, running, yelling "Papa, Papa, I'm here!" every five years on June 21st, the summer solstice.

On June 21, 1990 (the summer solstice), an investigative team came to the castle armed with ghost-hunting equipment. Not only did they capture recordings of the aforementioned sounds, but an apparition of the small girl was also seen holding her red ball. Investigations have since commenced every five years on the summer solstice with "Azzurinna activity" always being captured with paranormal equipment.

"R" Marked the Spot

Scientific recreation of Richard III's face

The royal body had been missing since 1485. For two days, its mortal remains had hung in the city square, proving the king was dead. Then, his body was hurriedly thrown into a shallow, dirt grave to be found centuries later in a hidden, long-forgotten tomb.

Although ruling a scant 2 years, Richard III has always had numerous stories and rumors swirl around him and his reign. The last of the Platagenet dynasty to rule England, Richard III was depicted as a repulsive monster and a hunchback with a withered arm. His life and throne had been lost in the final skirmish of the decade-long War of the Roses -- a humiliating loss as Richard III had the larger army and greater support from the English people.

In 1924, the Richard III Society was created, and members began the laborious task of separating fact from fiction surrounding the king. Their first task: finding his lost body.

It was known that Richard III was originally buried inside the GreyFriars Church of the Annunciation of Mary the Virgin, but the church had been demolished in 1538 with no records detailing its location. Five hundred years later and using old maps, Phillip Langley guesstimated what she believed to be the location of the body under a concrete car park in Leicester.

Digging began August 24, 2012 over a mysterious white-written "R" written on the concrete parking lot. Richard's remains were immediately found at odds of 1,785 to 1 that he would be discovered on day one of the search. His skeleton was completely intact including a predominately curved spinal column. Mitochondrial DNA from a tooth proved positive the identity of the ancient monarch.

His remains told volumes. As foretold, Richard III's spine did have a severe curvature from scoliosis, but there was no sign of the fabled withered arm. Other discoveries: two mortal blows had shattered his skull; his diet was rich in fish, sugar and carbohydrates; Richard would have been 5'8" had he a straight spine; the king greatly suffered from round worms (up to a foot long); and, he ground his teeth presumably from stress. Through forensic science used on his skull, technicians were also able to re-create his looks and prove the accuracy of early portraiture.

This story serves as a perfect illustration that ghost hunting need not be a daytime preoccupation or an old house the only site worth investigating for spirits. Although there has been no publicity surrounding a ghost investigation at this site, it would be an interesting venture -- and a reminder that we never know what buried secrets lay beneath our feet as we tread throughout the day -- be they old relics, burial grounds ... or the bones of royalty.

The Ovilus Speaks to Us

Ghost Hunters of Asheville Tours has begun using the ghost-talking Ovilus on their Haunted
Montford Strolls! We recently spoke to Chattanooga Ghost Tours who has used the Ovilus for two years with excellent and satisfying results. We decided to bring the Ovilus on board for the Montford tour to extend guests' experience with different types of paranormal equipment. We're still using the digital thermometers, EMF meters and dowsing rods on the Downtown Spirits Tour.

The Ovilus is going to be a LOT of fun. It was developed by Bill Chappell, a retired electronics engineer, to facilitate communication with ghosts. The Ovilus measures and interprets environmental energy fields and translates these into audible speech using a synthesizer chip, 512-word dictionary, and 71 phonetic syllables-- the latter to report words not in the dictionary. Mr. Chappell specifically states his devices do not employ any type of random generation, sweep functioning or programmed algorithms for results.

The Ovilus has seven modes: (1) Dictionary, (2) Q&A, (3) Phonetic, (4) Reverse Phonetic, (5) Touch, (6) White Noise, (7) Energy Scope, (8) Draw, (9) Utility, and (10) Sync. These various settings allow users to measure energy, ask questions, "hear" ghosts, and even sync the Ovilus to other ghost-hunting equipment. A speech synthesizer utters the words while also spelling them across a screen.

As with everything paranormal, there are cheerleaders and naysayers and mixed reviews. The fun, though, will be in the journey and the experience. Come join us!!

The Haunted Montford Stroll operates on Friday and Saturday evenings from April through November, weather permitting. Call 828.779.4868(HUNT) for further information, times, and reservations or visit us at www.ghosthuntersofasheville.com.

All Ghosts: Say Cheese! (Part II)

"Knowledge is Power." That includes knowing how to increase your odds in getting a true paranormal photo. We continue our tips:

13. Set your camera appropriately for conditions. Night-time settings for night-time scenes.  The camera lens is open longer on low-light settings so hold the camera as steady as possible or you'll get self-created light squiggles.

14. Don't take photos of merely a clearing. Objects in the photograph add perspective and help with mild reflection.

15. Avoid lens flair by having light sources away from, or behind, you.

16. Flash only carries 15 feet. Any anomalies will be highlighted by flash within its 15-foot range.

17. Camera flash in a mirror's reflection can create what appears to be vapor, mist, and fog. Avoid them in photos.

18. Most ghost energy will appear 2 to 10 feet above the ground. With buildings, paranormal energy can appear at any level or height of a structure.

19. The best time of year for ghost-hunting is in the colder months, October through February, when electrostatic energy is at its strongest levels. The cold, however, only affects manifestations other than orbs. Orbs seem to be equal-opportunity seasonal appearances.

20. Ghosts are attracted to people. Curious, they hover to see what people are doing or hear what they're saying. Take pictures of people with space above their heads and to one side so there is room for anomalies to present. You also might try aiming your camera back over your shoulder to see who is following you!

These pointers will give any prospective ghost hunter a stronger start towards capturing a glimpse of other worlds. Good luck! Your paranormal album begins now!

All Ghosts: Say Cheese! (Part I)

Capturing a ghost on film always involves a rather large dose of luck. There are, however, things you can do to increase your chances of obtaining an authentic, paranormal photograph. The following tips will help you win that Paranormal Photo Lottery!

1.  Realize it's a numbers game. The more photos you take, the greater your odds for a paranormal photo. Sources say the odds of catching an anomaly is 1:50 so take lots of pictures!

2.  Ghosts are everywhere all the time. They just don't always show up on film even though they're there.

3.  Take photos at night using a flash. Yes, ghosts can show up on daytime photos, but the odds of photo capture increase with evening hours.

4.  ANY type of camera will capture a ghostly image, even throwaways.

5.  Ghosts are EVERYWHERE; they're not just in cemeteries or old buildings. Take a picture whenever, and wherever, the mood strikes you.

6.  If using film, go with 400 speed. It's a great all-purpose film that works in most conditions.

7.  Avoid taking pictures of objects with shiny surfaces such as glass or polished tombstones.

8.  Don't take photos through a glass window as it can create shapes that aren't there. The older, wavy glass is the worst.

9.   Keep a spotless camera lens. A smudge can cause false anomalies to show up in pictures.

10. Keep stray objects away from the camera lens: camera strap, lens cover, thumb, fingers. Long hair should be tied back.

11. Never take pictures when it's windy, foggy, rainy, dusty or snowing. Particles in the air can translate into non-ghostly orbs. A false reading.

12. Hold your breath when taking pictures in cold weather. Exhaled breath can appear as ectoplasmic mist (fog) in the picture. Another false reading.

Stay tuned for the next blog: All Ghosts: Say Cheese!  (Part II)

Oujia Board Defined, Part III

Ouija boards are, admittedly, one of the tools we've used in investigations. We've taken all precautions and sometimes the Boards have worked for us and sometimes they haven't. The time it's worked best...

At an undisclosed location(!), we had gotten several photos of an apparition of a bald man in overalls. With the Ouija Board, we found out his name was Edgar. He'd been killed by a knife wound in his side, and despite the police being aware of the murderer's identity, there was never an arrest made. Edgar is understandably miffed. We asked if we could take his picture, he replied affirmatively, and you can see what we captured in the photo above towards the lefthand side. (I see a woman in a long gown though, not Edgar. It's a pretty clear apparition though.) We know Edgar was killed in "80," but are unsure what century as he bid us good-bye.

This was two years ago. In the time since, we've had two affirming eperiences. Someone using a Bob's Box outside the building asked who was present. Three ghosts answered including one named Eddie. Another time we had a youth on a Ghost Hunters of Asheville tour who could talk with spirits. Not knowing this story, he independently told us he'd spoken with a child in front of the building who said he knew Edgar, but he wasn't there right then.

It was a memorable evening. We got a photo of a woman in a mirror, a shadow person and lots of orbs -- the mirror picture as at the right. So yes, Ouija Boards can work. Yes, they can be fascinating. But yes, they can be dangerous. Use with caution.

The Lady in Bachelor Grove Cemetery

The Bachelor's Grove Cemetery is considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in the United States. Located on the edge of the Rubio Woods Forest Preserve, the abandoned cemetery has played host to over 100 reports of paranormal sightings including apparitions of figures in monks' clothes, unexplained sounds and glowing balls of light. On August 10, 1991, the Ghost Research Society (GRS) was conducting a paranormal investigation inside the Cemetery. Detecting some activity with their ghost-hunting equipment, GRS member Mari Huff shot the above photograph using a high-speed infrared camera. This image of a woman sitting on a tombstone emerged although no one but GRS members were in the cemetery.

NC Ghost Hunter Killed

In my blog entry on foiled ghost hunters (Busted! But Not by the Ghosts! July 10, 2010), I got a few responses from people who had personally met up with the law whilst searching for the spiritual realm. The cost, however, can be much worse than a fine and a night in jail. Look at what happened a few weeks ago in North Carolina. Video link and text included here.

Video Link: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/08/27/north.carolina.ghost.train/index.html?ref=nf


'Ghost Train' Hunter Killed by Train in North Carolina * By Phil Gast, CNN, August 28, 2010 2:38 p.m. EDT

(CNN) -- The facts: On August 27, 1891, a passenger train jumped the tracks on a tall bridge near Statesville, North Carolina, sending seven rail cars below and about 30 people to their deaths.

The legend: On the wreck's anniversary, the sounds of screeching wheels, screaming passengers and a horrific crash might still be heard. You might also see a uniformed man with a gold watch.

Shortly before 3 a.m. Friday, on the 119th anniversary of the Bostian Bridge train tragedy and at about the same time, between 10 and 12 ghost hunters were on that approximately 300-foot long span.

They were hoping to hear the sounds of the crash, and perhaps see something.

Instead, a real Norfolk-Southern train -- three engines and one car -- turned the corner as it headed east to Statesville, about 35 miles north of Charlotte, authorities said.

The terrified "amateur ghost watchers" ran away, back toward Statesville, trying to cover the nearly 150 feet to safety, said Iredell County Sheriff's Office Capt. Darren Campbell.

All but two made it.

Christopher Kaiser, 29, of Charlotte, was struck and killed, said Campbell.

A woman who witnesses say Kaiser pushed to safety fell about 30 to 40 feet from the trestle and was injured. Her name and condition were not known Friday night. She was being treated at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

"There was no way out," said Campbell. "They almost made it."

The engineer of the train, which was traveling at its customary 35 to 40 mph, hit the horn and "stopped as fast as he could," Campbell said.

Campbell, 38, is from the area and has heard all the stories, although he said he knows of no one who has ever seen or heard the "ghost train."

On the 50th anniversary of the Bostian Bridge incident, a woman said she witnessed it all again. In 1991, hawkers sold T-shirts and other memorabilia, and there were an estimated 150 people waiting for the train, according to the Charlotte Observer.

There are occasional reports of railroad crossing arms dropping without cause, Campbell said.

The ghost trip on the anniversary has become an annual tradition of sorts.

A woman who did not want to be identified, but who was part of the group of onlookers, told CNN affiliate WCNC, "We were there looking for what people say happened. You hear the train wreck or hear people screaming. We were just watching."

Kaiser's mother said the family was too distraught to talk about the incident, WCNC said.

Campbell said most of the ghost hunters, who were from out of town, have been interviewed. Many fled because they were trespassing on railroad property, he said. Campbell said there were no patrols near the bridge early Friday.

Although the investigation is continuing, Campbell said the incident appears to be an accident.

At least two blogs that cover the phenomena, N.C. Ghost Guide and CreepyNC.com, detail the 1891 wreck's legend. While accounts vary somewhat, a man with a gold watch reportedly was first seen on the first anniversary.

According to CreepyNC.com, Hugh K. Linster was a baggage master for the Asheville-bound train that crashed into Third Creek that August of 1891.

"Hugh Linster never made it to retirement," the blog reads. "His body was found in the wreck having been killed immediately upon impact with a broken neck."

One year later, a group of people at the bridge said they saw a man in a railroad uniform, holding a watch.

Legend has it, he vanished before their eyes.

The Patterns We (Don't) See

I've been doing ghost tours for 18 months now and have uncovered some paranormal patterns as they relate to weather, age, et.al. Others may have different experiences, but on the Ghost Hunters of Asheville tours we've discovered:

*  There is more paranormal activity if there's a chill in the air.
*  Ghosts will be scarcer if it's been an overly hot, humid day.
*  The worst night for ghost-hunting is a sky overcast with heavy gray clouds pregnant with rain that doesn't fall.
*  The full moon does not make a quantifiable difference in our paranormal sightings.
*  Dogs have been of no help in locating spirits on our tours -- although they are very welcome and add a lot of fun to a tour.
*  Pre-teens get the best paranormal photos. Their energy, enthusiasm and over-the-top clicking of photographs nets them awesome photographic results.

We'll keep observing and record any more info as we continuing touring.