So this journey starts off like many others, my name is Bullseye. I am one of only a few who have had the priveledge of telling the great story of Ghost Cabin. This story goes way back to the roots of Camp T. Back before the camp was even built. Back when the west was not quite won and adventures were ripe for the picking. This is one adventure that Trader Jim, a camp legend, took up and lived. This is his story, his life, and his loss.
We travel this journey with a series of stops. At each stop an event occurred, something that must not be forgotten or the mistakes of the past will haunt the future. Our first stop begins with the covered bridge. There wasn't always a bridge nor a crossing here. But this marks the spot where it has been rumored that Trader Jim began his journey. He traveled by river and upon his landing on the Tecumseh bend, he traveled along new trails and became one of the first trailblazers. The current spot of this bridge marks the spot where he created the first trail on the lands of Tecumseh. This spot is a very treasured piece of the history of this camp. During summer months the screams and laughter of children echo from this spot. This is done to remember the joy that Trader Jim had when he began his great journey.
From this great spot we travel to the wood shed. It is important that you remember what it looks like. This shed was an exact replica, albeit smaller, of Ghost Cabin. Before the tragedy. We must again remember the past so that we do not forsake the present. (The man in the photo has no significance to this story) The cabin was built with the wood found in the great timbers of Tecumseh. The great oaks building the foundation on which it was built. Much how Camp was built upon the foundations of Christ. Again remember here what Ghost Cabin was, so as to not underestimate what it was.
This journey along the trails of Tecumseh holds many secrets as to the story of Ghost cabin but none are quite as mysterious as the cemetery found in the oak forest. Here lie the companions of Trader Jim, for he knew all there was to know about nature, how to live, how to survive, and how to befriend those around him. These graves are not simple creatures, no, they were the saviors of Trader Jim. This spot is a place of great reverence. This is not a place to show disrespect. We must respect the memory of these great creatures. Many travel this place, unknowing of the secret to these graves. Sadly many show no respect, but if you do show respect, you will learn much from this journey. These creatures perished in the tragedy of Ghost Cabin. Bernice. Wendy. Boris. Bubba. These are true heroes. Trader Jim built this cemetery in remembrance of these creatures, his friends.
As we continue along the trail we find ourselves at the pinnacle of one of the greatest hidden treasures of the oak forest. The Wolves Den. Now many say that there are no wolves at camp. And they are correct, in the physical sense of the word. The spirits of these beasts still linger in this place. The wolves den was the place where they once lived. They were great friends of Trader Jim. After the Tragedy, many of the wolves journeyed away from the woods, their losses were too great for them to bear the burden of staying in a place of such strong emotion. This is another place that we must show great Respect towards. This Place is where Trader Jim became friends with the wolves, learning their habits, and their secrets. He made sure that he took care of them when they were sick, or when they needed help. Back then the howls of the wolves filled the woods and echoed all throughout Ghost Creek Valley. Trader Jim knew and understand each of the howls and knew where and what each wolf was doing.
From this spot in our journey we find ourselves next to the river. This Place is teacherous at times due to the mud, and the risk of fallen trees and braches. But as we walk along these trails it is important to keep an eye out for the signs of life all around us. During the summer months, the mysterious U shaped tracks appear in the mud. The ones that resemble the prints of a Horse. Yet this is quite mysterious since there are no horses in the middle of the woods. Or are there. This is again another mystery of Trader Jim's Journey. He once had a white horse named Galerie. He was swift in the woods and along the trails. But mysteriously after the tragedy he disappeared. Legend has it that if you find yourself out here in the woods at night, you can find Galerie running the trails still looking for Trader Jim, the only evidence that He was there are the prints left in the mud. You must protect yourself and prepare for the mysterious unknown if you dare to hike these trails by yourself.
We continue on our journey to Ghost Cabin, we are now at Ghost Creek. Now it doesn't get this name for no reason. Legend has it that before the Richard G. Marsh Lake was built that Ghost Creek would mysteriously dry up overnight without warning. No one knows why it did this and it has since never repeated itself since the great dam was built. This is important to remember, for it is a vital part of the story of what happened to Ghost Cabin.
And now this Journey to Ghost Cabin comes to a close. Find a seat on what is left of the foundations. For I will tell the rest of the story. All of the events and places and things we have seen, all lead up to this. This is the greatest tale of Trader Jim's Life.
Trader Jim came to these lands long ago and he built this cabin here. Overlooking all of Ghost Creek Valley. He was friends with all of the creatures that dwelt within these woods. Unfortunately even though he was a great friend, he was not welcome. Not by the spirit of the woods.
The day of the Tragedy was not much unlike today, calm, peaceful, joyous. Yet as night quickly fell, Trader Jim knew something was wrong. For all of the sounds of the woods, the birds, the wolves, the squirrels, fell silent. The moon quickly became blotted out by dark clouds. The sound of the wind died down until there wasn't even the slightest rustle of a branch nor leaf. It was as if all of the woods understood what was about to happen and took in a deep breath. Waiting in anticipation for what was about to happen. The great tragedy was about to unfold.
Trader Jim sensing something was off grabbed his coat and satchel, and headed out into the woods to investigate what was going on. Once he was outside the cabin he journeyed the short distance to the wolves den only to find it empty, he called to his friend the bear, called to the deer, and yet no one answered. It was about this time that Trader Jim noticed the orange glow. The smoke. The embers in the air. THE CABIN IT WAS BURNING!!! He quickly made his way back to his home, and the whole place was going up in smoke, he knew that he only had moments before it was too late, he rushed in to grab a pail to try and get some water to try and quench the flames. But when he got down to the creek, with a swift motion to gather water, all he received was sand. The Creek had dried up!!! But when did that happen he told himself, it was then that he realized that with the silence of all the other sounds he too could not hear the soft rushing of the water. He made his way back up to the Cabin realizing that there was no way to save his home. Rushing in he started to grabbing the last of his belongings that he could save.
Unfortunately when he was about to leave, his leg broke through the floor and he fell and was unable to get himself unstuck. He looked around him frantically realizing that everything that he had built and created was burning down around him, about to fall on top of him. In a cry of desperation he again yelled out to his friends the animals for help. And as he started to succumb to the inhalation of smoke, about to slip into the blackness of uncontiousness, something dark moved outside his doorway. His teary eyes couldn't make it out at first, but then he realized the shape was his friend the bear, and then quickly one by one his friends the animals appeared, the wolves, the birds, the snake, the raccoon. They quickly rushed in and tried to help Trader Jim out of his burning home. And as they tugged at his leg, Trader Jim slipped into darkness.
When He awoke, the morning light blinded his eyes. And as he gathered in his surroundings he quickly realized his situation and his Tragedy. Around him were the remains of many of his animal friends, he called to the others but did not receive a reply. He was broken-hearted for the sacrifice that these animals endured to protect him and get him out of his burning home. He gathered their remains and buried them on a hill overlooking the river. This is the cemetery that we passed on our journey here. Once he was finished he gathered up what was left of his belongings, and with one last look over his shoulder, he left the lands of Tecumseh. Now Trader Jim recovered from his loss, and had many other adventures, some which might find their way here. From this story we must remember what has happened as to not repeat the past and have an impact upon the future.
Now many still have questions about what happened, what happened to Galerie, what caused the fire, where did Trader Jim go next, why is it that the only thing left is a chimney? These and many other questions are not easily answered. What we know is that the fire mysteriously started under conditions thought to be improbable. We could try to answer all of the questions but the thing about it is that this is a Legend. There are many tales out there mysterious and intriguing but the thing about Legends are that they are stories. Stories meant to be told, to be improved, to be enjoyed. That is why we must remember and appreciate the true Legend of Ghost Cabin. To share it with those around us, to spark in the minds of those listening the creativity of Stories. That is what I hope you receive from this story that I shared with my campers on two occasions this past summer. Inspiring those who listened to become wrapped up in a story that was made up as it was told, living in a world that is utterly impossible, believing something that captures the imagination. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoy telling it. Remember always share the Legend of your Life to those who are willing to listen.
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