The "Haunted" Grey Whale Inn and More!

Dear Friends,

I wrote about our visit to San Francisco on New Year's Eve, in the blog about the "Haunted" Queen Anne. (Read) A few days later, Lesli and I packed our bags again and travelled to the coast of Northern California; our destination was Fort Bragg. Please enjoy our journey.

Photo by Kati - Raider at
Boonville General Store
(Jan.03/2018)

Our Second Adventure: My wife had gifted us a two night stay in Fort Bragg's haunted "Grey Whale Inn". We set out on a drizzly day, January 3rd, with excitement. I had never travelled this far north in California; therefore, it became a true adventure. We chose to take the CA 128 West from Cloverdale, to the Coastal Hwy 1, and then head north. The drive to reach our destination took just under two hours. Along the way we found ourselves travelling through small towns such as Yorkville, Boonville and Navarro, which are nestled in Anderson Valley where spooky leafless oak trees stand on the hillsides. Once closer to the coastline, we drove through a forest of giant redwoods (Navarro River Redwoods State Park), standing thick and tall, along with fir and hemlock trees lining the highway. The aroma of the area was fabulous!

The "Haunted" Queen Anne Hotel...

Hello Friends,

Happy 2018! I hope your New Year's Eve was a wonderful time for you and family, and that everyone is in good health.
I travelled south to my second home in Healdsburg, California over the holidays. I could not have been blessed with better weather.

I gifted my wife a New Year's Eve get away into the city. An overnight stay at the "Haunted" Queen Anne Hotel in San Francisco. I had read so many interesting accounts about it; and when I took a look at other "haunted" hotels/locations to experience in the city, this hotel stood out. So I booked us in for the night. The staff was so friendly and open about the "hauntings", we were welcome to walk about and explore, as long as we didn't disturb other guests. Of course there were a few other places I wanted to check out on this journey as well.

We began our trip on the morning of December 31, 2017. With the car full of gas, we picked up a lovely coffee and blueberry scone from the Flying Goat in Healdsburg and headed south on Hwy 101. The sun was shining, a bright blue sky above, and the air was warm. 15C/59F. For this Vancouver girl, it's spring weather, hoodie time; which makes it a great day to go exploring. Our drive into the city was without the usual clog of traffic, and we made it to our first stop in just over 1 hour. Although there were plenty of tourists in the city, it really was remarkable to find a parking spot directly outside our first destination.

Photo by Kati - Mission Dolores & Basilica (Dec.31/2017)

Ghost Towns & Haunted Hotels - Washington USA

Hello Friends,

Recently, Lesli and I packed our bags and headed south across the Canada - USA border into the green state of Washington, USA. We had our sights on visiting the old town of Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. I've heard stories of haunted hotels, bordellos from the early 1900s, a small ghost town area with a steel mill which closed leaving behind little evidence of it's existence, and the people.. oh yes, I heard the people are truly warm and welcoming.

I also read/heard about an interesting ghost town in the Cascade Mountains. In 1910 two trains were caught in an avalanche and killed 96 people. We decided to put it on our travel agenda of the two day trip.

It was a blue sky day, the air was crisp as we headed out in the morning to make our trip. The "lineup" (I've heard Americans criticize my use of this word, but that is how we say it here in Canada) at the border was a 10-20 minute wait, which isn't bad at all; and after a short but friendly chat with the border guard, we were on our way. We drove the I-5 to the Anacortes turn off, then followed the signs to Whidbey Island, and there we joined our dearest friend Donna in Coupeville for a ride across the northern point of Puget Sound to the peninsula and it's interesting heritage.

Photo courtesy Kati - on the Port Townsend - Coupeville Ferry

Corpse Hidden in Cellar! (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

This twelve instalment of the true crime stories of Convicts buried in the Boot Hill Cemetery, New Westminster, B.C., is unique. Not only were there no witnesses to the crime, but the suspect hid the body in his cellar! Want to know more? Join me on this journey of discovery.

Meet Convict #3130 - Harry Davis

Courtesy Find a Grave - photo: Herbert Richards (2007) - Middle Section, North edge of Ravine

Clubbed to Death! (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

This next instalment (our eleventh!) of our investigation into the convicts of Boot Hill Cemetery situated above the Glenbrooke Ravine trail in New Westminster, in an unmarked, overgrown acre surrounded by tall trees in which crows sit, carries harrowing details. The cemetery was used for convicts of the old B.C. Penitentiary (closed in 1980), known for it's riots and murders.

This true story is of a heinous and gruesome crime, one witnessed by a child.

Meet Convict #5603 - Stephen Poole

Photo by Kati - Convict #5603 (top section - northwest)

Capital Murder at Age 18! (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

We bring you the tenth story of our series about the convicts buried at Boot Hill Cemetery, the small plot of land used for prisoners (maintained by inmates & 1913-1968) from the BC Penitentiary (aka "The Pen, closed in the 1980's), overlooking the Fraser River.
As the cemetery is unmarked to this day, I wonder how many people walk by believing it's just an unused piece of land. I have witnessed walkers with their dogs pooping on the grass, but they never stay long. Crows sit in the trees surrounding the land, squawking loudly as people try to enter the sacred space.

Meet Convict #2938 - Reginald John Colpitts:

Photo by Kati - Convict #2938 (top section - northwest)

Calling Spirit Energy...

Hello friends,

I sat in my hallway, candles flickering around me. A crystal, feather and seashell on a stand in front of me to represent our earth, the air and oceans. I positioned a variety of electromagnetic meters, a vpod (creating its own energy field around the antenna which spirits are believed to manipulate for communication), digital recorder, and my pendulum in hand.

Vigil @ Kati's Home - August 2016

Calling out to spirit(s) is something I believe may work from anywhere that I am, but I’m still working to prove this theory correct. As long as it’s a place where I can concentrate and find peace, it works for me.

Note: I want to stress, I ground myself first and put protection of “white light” and my ancestors’ love around me before I begin.

Return to BC Penitentiary Cemetery & Mr. Thompson... (Convict Interred at Boot Hill)

Hello Friends!

The B.C. Penitentiary cemetery, known as Boot Hill by the inmates of the institution, came into existence in 1913 yet may have been used as early as 1912. The last unclaimed body of a convict from the "Pen" was interred in 1968. It's situated across the Glenbrook Ravine and up the hill, across from where the old prison once stood.
For more information, please check out our 2013 Blog of Boot Hill.

At the end of March, it felt the time had come to revisit the forgotten cemetery, and with the good weather finally upon us, it was perfect timing. Boot Hill is now accessible by a cemented foot path due to new construction nearby. A hi-rise has been built directly across from it (to the south), and soon another one is going up to the west. This has me wondering if its neighbours are experiencing an influx of paranormal activity.

Boot Hill Cemetery - looking north towards the Ravine below. Photo-VSPI©

Visit to Alcatraz

From the moment we landed on the island of Alcatraz, I knew there was something special about this place. Anyone can feel the energy swirling, if they truly pay attention to their body's reactions; however, a lot of anticipation on the cruise over to the island may cause a range of emotions. This being said, I had to be sure that what I was feeling wasn't because of excitement brewing. I shook it off and with my wife, Lesli, we looked around, paid $1 USD for a map of the Island, and made a plan of what areas to visit on our ascent to the top of the island where the famous Main Cell House stands.

Building 64 - Military Housing then Prison Residences

Are Cemeteries Haunted?

Boot Hill Cemetery used between 1912-1968

When I first visited a tucked away prison cemetery with a dark past (“Boot Hill” in New Westminster, BC), I was astonished that the city allowed it to be forgotten. During a second visit, the small plot of land had been mowed. Each visit it was different, sometimes overgrown and other times the grasses had been cut to an even height. The gravestones seemed to be sinking deeper and deeper into the mushy, lumpiness of the earth, while the grasses and brambles continued their growth over top... As if to say “no one cares”.  I found this place fascinating and

Fighting Negative Energy & Oppression...

Hello friends,

This past weekend VSPI performed one of its most urgent and extreme home cleansings/blessings; as well as cleansing the client of a negative energy that had been attacking her and getting stronger by the day.  This is what VSPI is about, “carrying through with our promise to help our clients as best as we can”.  Indeed something to be proud of and shows that not all paranormal teams are “all about gathering evidence”; that we care, are compassionate, take action to resolve issues, and are a necessary group in this field.

So what happened? Why was this needed? What was going on?  Find below some of the facts of this case. Keeping in mind, we are protect the privacy and confidentiality of the family involved, and will not disclose their name(s) or location of their home.

Thank You! .. and What Comes Next...

Hello Friends!

Happy New Year!  “Thank You” for your amazing support throughout 2014. You have been most kind to us, and have helped us to carve a new path into 2015.  We wish to Thank some very special people who have entered our lives, and look forward to their continued friendship and connection.:

Jules Stirling – who lent us her personal time in 2014, gave VSPI support with several private investigations that required extra assistance and use of her truly amazing gift, and she recommended a few clients our way. She has now joined our team full time, and we cannot be more pleased. Thank you Jules!  You truly astound us each and every time we meet and go adventuring with you, and look forward to working with you closely.

Anne Bannerman – from Salmagundi West, a curio shop in Vancouver’s Gastown, who opened her store to us in the evening hours and welcomed us with open arms.  She allowed us to set up a late evening investigation, in which an employee joined us and shared her special gift (Patricia Cosgrave). Thank you! We have since discovered some interesting evidence and will be sharing it in the upcoming weeks, first with Anne and then with you.  We truly love the curio shop and always have a great time visiting. I encourage you to visit the shop for a unique experience! Check out their SW Facebook Page for more information.

Research Brings Gifts...

Hi Tante Kati (German for "Aunt Kati")! I just moved into a new place and was told by the downstairs tenants that apparently our suite is haunted! One room specifically. The house is definitely old, probably at least 70-80 years. Do you know how I would go about learning more about the history of the place? Maybe you could come over and investigate it! I haven't noticed anything unusual going on, but I have only slept there one night so far since they are currently renovating it." Natasha, my niece, messaged me through Facebook one Thursday evening.

Of course I was intrigued, and wondered if the renovations would kick up activity. I would have to know more. With a few messages back and forth over the next few days, I received the address of the home and began my trek through the wonderful world of research. I let Natasha know that if anything unexplained occurred over the following week, to write it down, text me any time, and I would help as best as I could. I promised to get back to her within a week. A few days later, Natasha let me know her doorbell had rung with no one there, and she witnessed a shadow person, possibly a woman, looking at her.

Occasionally I receive visitations from spirits in my own home, usually the week prior to an investigation. It seems as if they know I am coming. Sometimes I get a feeling of whom it is, and other times I’m not sure. When I hear the footsteps on my bamboo runners, or the glass smashing in my kitchen, or knocks on my walls, I always rule out the obvious (living in a cement building transmits less noise than in other structures – I check thoroughly regardless). With the upcoming investigation at Natasha’s, I received a visit from what I felt was a female spirit informing me she was looking for someone. I read out the names of the families I had researched and landed on one that made absolute sense. I kept this information to myself.

The Importance of Standing Together - Family!

In order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the family involved in this case, we have changed their name and location. This investigation took place in August 2014 around the time of the Super Moon.

Be Advised: VSPI does not stand in judgement of anyone. Most of us go through a period in life when we experience difficulties that become overwhelming, and we struggle to find our way out. Do some of these sound familiar? Teenagers rebelling against parents, illness and/or injury, bills piling up, loneliness and sadness, depression, loss of communication within the family unit, fear of change, loss of a family member and so on...
These are some reasons to stop and recognize what is going on within your family, stand together, and ask for help.
The following case describes a family that appeared to be overwhelmed and reached out for help. They are a lovely family, kind and generous; but were lost in what to do next.

Case: A client emailed VSPI seeking help. His family was plagued with activity in their home over the past few weeks, and it was on an up-rise. There was a story connected to a wind up music box, from an old country, but also significant that whatever it is may be attacking certain persons of the household.
I called immediately, listened, acknowledged, asked some questions and let them know their safety was most important to us. Mr. Smith (we'll call the family the "Smith's") sounded urgent, out of breath, and relieved that someone was responding quickly. He was trying to relay everything in just a few minutes, as if he could not believe it himself. A few points I noted was the Grandfather had an injury which put him in the hospital with internal bleeding, and Mr. Smith kept asking his daughter (let's call her Anne) for information of the occurrences in the home. From the telephone interview, I determined that Grandfather and Anne appeared to be the focal people in this case.

After getting the team together, along with a "sensitive" (or "medium"), we drove to a beautiful area where the trees stand tall, the air is fresh, waters rush down from the mountain, and people were splashing, and having fun in the community pool. Lovely!
Well, not so lovely after all. What came next was most interesting, and definitely filled with negativity. It was growing.

Halloween Events

VSPI has been invited to present in two events for the Halloween season.

Ghost Hunt @ The Giggle Dam - Event

Event #1:
Thurs. Oct 24th @ 6:45 pm. Poco Heritage & Cultural Society has asked us to host a "Ghost Hunt at the Giggle Dam".
To preregister: email us @ vancouverspooks@gmail.com .
Fee: "by donation". All proceeds go to the Poco Heritage & Cultural Society.
The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre, with it's abundant history, is our focus.
Read about the Theatre:
VSPI - Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre .
We are proud to be working with the Dam crew again. Thank you to Sheila & Jon!

Halloween Spooktacular with VSPI - Event

Event #2:
Fri. Oct 25th @ 6 pm. 
Presented by: T&T Spiritual & Wellness Connections
Where: The First United Spiritualist Church in Burnaby.
Sign Up: @ their website: tandtvancouver.com/events/halloween-spooktacular
Thank you Tara for inviting us to participate!

So what are you up to this Halloween? Why not join us @ either event.
More information can be found at the above links, and at our Facebook page: VSPI - Facebook Page as well as our website.

We'd love to see you there & get to know you.

Have a Happy Halloween!
Kati

Woodlands Memorial Gardens - Haunted?

First off, I send out a huge “Happy New Year” and thank you for your continuous support.  I hope the Holiday season was filled with joy, warmth, family & friends and safety.  VSPI traveled south, back to Sonoma County in California, during the holiday season.  We enjoyed time with family & friends, and also took in a few ghost hunting adventures.

In November 2012, on a day off from my paid job, I decided to take in a place I've not visited before.  Woodlands Memorial Gardens situated in New Westminster, BC.  It is a place of interest as several reports of dark shadows and unexplained sounds have been passed along.  On a chilly afternoon, with the sun going down fairly early, I packed my digital recorder, digital camera and my Trifield Electromagnetic Field meter and headed out to the park.  Now I've been calling it a park all along, because it kind of gives off a small park experience, in my opinion.  With gardens I expect a huge array of plants and trees along with a feeling of peace.  This area has constant noise surrounding it, and people trudging through it on a regular basis.  Not only is it situated next to one of the busiest vehicle corridors in New Westminster, but it also is on a community bus route, with a hospital to its north.  Children and adults walk (and sometimes run) through it daily.  I wonder if these people realize why the garden is there.

Poco Heritage & VSPI - Mini Ghost Hunt (Oct/12)

“Did you hear that?” a young girl asked the group and looking at me with hopeful eyes.
“Yes, it sounded like a chime.” I confirmed her observations.
“I heard the same thing.” Brian, the president of Poco Heritage Society, agreed with us.
Several others nodded in confirmation.

We sat in silence waiting with wonder, hoping to hear the bell-like ringing again. It
came a little later, but this time it was two chimes in a row. Settled on the floor of the backstage hallway in the dark, the group was wide-eyed hoping to capture some evidence of the spirits from beyond. I was leading a group of teenagers and adults in a mini ghost hunt at the haunted Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre. Earlier, I had guided them through a power point session on investigating the paranormal at the Poco Heritage Society’s temporary site, and then walked the group over to the Theatre to put what I taught them into action. We were practicing using our senses, being alert and conducting an EVP session in the dark. Calling out to the spirits of the Theatre, we had hopes to make contact with the main spirit, William (or Bill as he sometimes comes through), who was been murdered in the building in the late 1990s. Wondering if this was a sign from either Bill or one of the other spirits (there’s the man who stands on the stage and appears to children and makes himself known to sensitive’s /  the woman who is seeking her red shoe we believe to be Rose Anne Lilly / and a woman we call "Maria" who died at the famous Essondale Hospital of the Mind, now known as Riverview Hospital, who is seeking someone to help her find her stolen child).  Unfortunately it was not a sign, nor was it paranormal.

Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre Investigation

July 25th, 2010 - a Full Moon day. Mark & I (VSPI) arrived at the Giggle Dam, excited to be investigating this incredible theatre after hearing so very much about it. It was a sunny day, not too hot, and calm out. Once we walked through the front doors, we felt the rush of cold air hit our faces and legs. mmm.. a draft is created every time those doors are opened. Interesting, and something to be noted and kept in mind.

Sheila & Jon greeted us with open hearts and minds. I immediately felt welcome, not only be them but by the building. I had begun researching the background of the building, and found some very interesting information: it was built in 1948 & lumber from 3-4 box cars (built to carry ammunitions to the allied forces in the Soviet Union during WW2) was used in the construction. The building was used as a movie house for variety & vaudeville shows. It was originally called the Port Theatre. No further information could be found concerning this, nor when the place became the Column & Surf. However, it is known to have sat empty for a number of years, until the Port Coquitlam Cabaret Ltd bought the place in the early 1990's.

The building became a night club at that stage, and through the years it changed it's name numerous times in attempt to keep it's licence. In 1994, David Lowe (part owner) murdered William Rudy (silent partner) in attempts to keep the club going. David planned the murder, and carried it out in the club. He wrapped the body in plastic in the basement (where there are drains in the floor) & loaned a van to transport it and dump it in the woods at Harrison Mills, just outside of Aggasiz. The body was not discovered for 2 years, a skeleton by then. Once identified, the police found that Rudy had been missing from a motel room in Aldergrove for some time.

Article for PoCo Heritage & Cultural Society Newsletter

VSPI was asked to write an article for the PoCo Heritage & Cultural Society Newsletter coming out in September 2010.. I thought I'd share it with you today:

Is the Giggle Dam Haunted?
In late July, Sheila Sharma and Jon Lundquist of the Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre contacted Kati Ackermann of Vancouver Spooks Paranormal Investigations concerning some odd occurrences the staff has been reporting. Their most recent experience being the cook reported seeing a dark shape of a man walking past the upstairs kitchen and down the hallway. She went to look, and found no one else around. That experience would bring shivers down anyone’s spine! What is going on at the Theatre?

The Giggle Dam staff has reported a number of unusual instances, from a man in a fedora and long dark coat seen wandering, to loud crashing sounds on a staircase, and feelings of someone watching or standing behind you. Last Halloween, the staff invited some friends and mediums to stay the night. They were told of a woman from the burlesque day that is looking for her red shoe; and of a man who appears to be dark and possibly angry, who enjoys throwing items at people. They were also told the woman is protective, thus guides the items out of the way of targeted staff.

VSPI, who not only attempts to verify and/or debunk paranormal activity, also researches a building’s history. Interesting information has been discovered, yet VSPI is still seeking more. The owner(s) and staff have heard some stories and facts, that it was once a Burlesque Club and Movie Theatre; a murder took place within the building when it was known as the Rumours Club; a young man was beaten, and later died, in the parking lot behind the building; and wood believed to be for or from a Russian Czar, was used in portions of the building’s interior. These historical details became a basis of research by VSPI, who with the aid of the Vancouver Library and the Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society, came up with some incredible information to assist in putting a timeline together. Kati and Mark, of VSPI, brought in their equipment and spent an afternoon investigating the building, looking to record voices, sounds and possible apparitions.

As Sheila and Jon are not available until later in September, VSPI will not reveal what has been discovered until after their evidence presentation to the two. The Giggle Dam has permitted VSPI to post evidence on their website, and to guest on an internet radio program hosted by KimmieJae of “A Walk in the Reign Radio”, along with Jon to discuss what may be going on at the Theatre.

VSPI would like to extend a BIG Thank You to the Giggle Dam for allowing them to perform a paranormal investigation, and to the Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society for assisting them in researching the building’s past.

If you have information to assist VSPI and the Giggle Dam, about the past of this amazing building, please contact Kati @ katighosthunter@gmail.com or via their website @ http://www.vancouverspooks.com/ immediately. Your assistance is truly appreciated!
Written by - Kati Ackermann, Vancouver Spooks Paranormal Investigations