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

VSPI Participates at Car Free Day Vancouver!

Hello Friends,

Once again, VSPI will participate at the 2017 Car Free Day Vancouver, West End Festival. We'd love for you to drop on by, should you be in the neighbourhood. Or better yet, grab friends, family members, your pet, your bike, and come on by!

What:  Car Free Day Vancouver - West End Festival
Date:   Saturday, June 17, 2017
Time:   Noon - 7 pm
Place:  Denman Street (between Robson St & Haro St)

The festival runs on Denman Street, has music groups, food vendors, games for everyone, and more!
We'll be tweeting, posting photos and more.. so keep updated via our:
Website,
Facebook page,
and Twitter.

Have a question you've been holding onto?
Been anxious to share an experience you've had?
Curious about a method we use?
Interested in how we research the background of a site or a home?

Kati, our founder, will be on hand to listen, understand and share.
We'd love to visit with you.. so save the day!

Saturday, June 17, 2017.

See you there!
-- your VSPI team -- 

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

The Chicken Thief with Intent to Murder! (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

Today the story I bring you is about a convict buried at New Westminster's Boot Hill Cemetery, belonging to the B.C. Penitentiary (decommissioned May 10, 1980, and demolished), with a bit of a twist. It took some time to put it together, but finally I believe I have enough information to present this most interesting and puzzling case.

Meet Convict #1948 - "Unknown Gim"

Photo by Kati - Convict #1948 (middle section, south edge)

Escape From A Moving Train! (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,
We are back with another episode to our continued investigation into the convicts buried at the Boot Hill Cemetery (1913-1968) in New Westminster, BC (used for the BC Penitentiary. "The Pen" was decommissioned in 1980).

Again we have excitement brewing as we follow the path of our newest convict profiled.

Meet Convict #2516 - Daniel Henrick Urick

Photo by Kati - Convict #2516 (middle section)

Ghost Towns & Cemeteries of Crowsnest Hwy #3 BC

Hello Friends..

My wife (Lesli) and I decided to take a road trip during our vacation period at the end of September, and when the opportunity arose, we jumped into a rental car and headed east across British Columbia on the Crowsnest Highway (BC Hwy #3). It was an experience we'll never forget.

Our Trip Map (Google map + edits by Kati)

VSPI had been contacted by a family in the Kootenays about activity in their home around the time when I was making plans for our vacation. Our promise to our clients is to find a way to assist them and the spirits of the house in finding peace. This case had extreme activity; from frightening dreams of a woman screaming, choking sensations in their sleep, to a black shadow man in the baby's bedroom and unusual sounds heard throughout the house. The homeowners have a small child to consider and were at their wits end. Research brought about evidence of a large number of deaths in the area due to mining, the lumber industry, drownings, overdoses, murder and suicides. It makes for a lot of dark energy in a small area. We had to do something.

Note: I wrote about the case in our previous blog: Calling Spirit Energy. Give it a read before you continue here, to get a full picture of what was going on.

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.

Robbery, Murder & Hanging! (Convicts Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

Here is the story of two convicts who gained fame for an ambitious escape attempt that went oh so wrong. These lads are now interred at the B.C. Penitentiary's Cemetery, a small plot of land which lays west across a ravine from where the prison once stood in New Westminster.

VSPI 2016 Car Free Day Vancouver Survey!

Hello Friends,

On Sat.June 18th we decided it was time to take an updated survey of the people who visited Car Free Day Vancouver - West End Festival. Although the day was a "wet" one (which is normal in Vancouver, BC), we had fun and met some truly amazing people. We listened to your experiences, shared a few of ours, discussed techniques for cleansing and clearing, and talked about "haunted" buildings in the Greater Vancouver area. All in all, it was a successful event for us, and for the Festival.

We wish to thank those of you who came out and supported us, talked with us, shared stories and took our survey. We appreciate that you took the rain in stride and ventured out regardless! Thank You!

For our Survey results, please visit our website HERE (they are too large to post to our blog) and join in the conversation on our Facebook Page. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
What surprised you the most?
Would you have answered any differently?
What did we miss out?
Let's get the conversation rolling!
In the meanwhile, we have some exciting investigations coming up this summer and into early autumn. Keep an eye out on our website and here for updates.. as well as our continuation about the "Boot Hill Cemetery Convicts" from the old BC Penitentiary.

Until then, we'll talk soon!
Kati

Meet VSPI at Car Free Day Vancouver - Sat.June 18th !!

Hello Friends,

Meet VSPI !!!

When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
What:  Car Free Day Vancouver @ West End Festival
Location: Denman Street (btwn Davie Street & Robson Street)

• bring family!
• bring friends!
• come chat with us!
• participate!
• create chalk drawings!
• take our survey!

There will be so much going on at the festival. Music, Games, Food and fun for all! So bring everyone. Walk, Bike, take Transit! Come by and say "hello". We'd love to hear about your experiences, thoughts and perhaps participate in a survey we have put together.

We'd love to get to know you, so come on down to the West End near Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C. and drop by our tent. Meet some investigators, learn protection methods, home cleansing methods and get to know us, as we'll get to know you.

We look forward to seeing you there! Rain or shine!

Talk soon,
Kati

Roosters Country Cabaret - Pitt Meadows BC

Hello Friends,

We've posted our research & evidence of our investigation at Roosters in Feb.15/2016. Want to check it out? VSPI - Roosters

Photo Courtesy of Paul Kingsbury - Team outside at Roosters

It was an interesting evening. With unlimited access to the cabaret, and after a walk through, talking with some of the staff, we settled in to find out if indeed some of the claims would present themselves to us. We weren't disappointed. From a stool falling over (we cannot confirm this was unexplained, but check out the video and decide for yourself! The stool starts to fall, then stops, waits a moment, and then, as if someone pushed it from behind, it begins to fall forward again), knocks and cracks heard throughout the evening, to voices found on our video evidence that we did not hear at the time.. the cabaret did not disappoint us. At the request of the owner, we performed a special cleansing of the establishment before we left, in hopes of removing any negative energy from the place.

Join in on the conversation at our Facebook Page - VSPI! We welcome your thoughts.

Talk soon!
Kati

Execution Commuted! (Convict Interred at Boot Hill Cemetery)

Hello Friends,

Historical photo-Boot Hill Cemetery-view north twds BC Penitentiary / unknown date & photographer.

I've been investigating and researching the convicts of BC Penitentiary who are interred at Boot Hill Cemetery in New Westminster, BC. It's not an easy task, as I often come across barriers which hold back any progress. Never-the-less, it is an interesting project. As I come across further information, I'll present the updates in future blogs.

So here we go, the second inmate on the list:

Convict #2370 - John Francis Walsh

Gravemarker #2370 (photo by Kati)

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

Happy Holidays!

Dear friends,

The holidays are at our door. Walking around the city on rainy evenings, the lights are warm and inviting. I spent an evening out in Gastown, one of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhoods, with friends in celebration for a colleague's retirement. As the rain fell on the cobblestone streets, and people were rushing home from a busy work day, I looked back upon the Harbour Centre and it's observation deck. What a beautiful sight! It was lit up in red, like a tree. Magical. I truly felt that joyous feeling of the season. Vancouver, a city of adventure among new and old buildings, green parks, interesting shops and friendly people. If it was snowing, it would be a miraculous sight.. but never-the-less, the rain does not spoil the feeling. I quite enjoy those evenings where everything sparkles because of our rainy season.

I will be travelling south to my home in Sebastopol, California for the holidays and into the first weeks of the New Year. There will be plenty of adventures, cemeteries to visit and places to discover. I'll keep in touch via Facebook, blog and our website with photos and stories.

The gang at VSPI wishes you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season! May all your dreams come true! Make it one of warmth and love, kindness and compassion. Remember, not everyone is happy during the season, so reach out to friends who may be alone. Share with them what most take for granted. We are blessed to live in this part of the world. Let's give to those who don't have much. A friend passed on a package of women's hygiene products to a shelter in the city. Their eyes lit up and they were so thankful. If we all gave, it would be a much safer and brighter world. Think on it. There are so many programs where we can give to others, for we truly are blessed.

Be safe, don't drink and drive, and remember, when celebrating your ancestors and loved ones who have passed on before you may be in visitation. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Let us know how you'll be celebrating the holidays by commenting here, on our Facebook page or sending us an email. We'd love to hear from you! And share with us your story.

As I like to say, "Jing-a-Ling"!
Enjoy,
Kati

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

Cleansing / Blessing - Your Home & Yourself!

Hello friends,

It’s been awhile.

I’ve been busy assisting in the packing of my mother’s apartment for her move into a new home. As she is in her later years, my siblings and I are set with this arduous task. Packing has always been a process I've disliked. However, I am filled with historical data and memories my mother has saved about our family's past. Photos and letters of family members I've heard little about, and items of memorabilia saved.. it's truly incredible. This approach has me thinking about what I may leave behind.  What is my legacy?  Who will read it? Who will touch my photos and items?  Will they be thought of as important and teach those after me about our family history?  It also has me thinking of spirit(s) who still linger with us on our earth.  What is it that keeps them here? Can spirit(s) attach themselves to items? Or is it energy of the item's past? Would we have to cleanse (or bless) these items if they bring that energy into our living space?  And, why is it that when the team and I go to an investigation, the spirit(s) already know we are on the way?  It certainly brings up other topics to discuss... but first, let's talk about Blessing and Cleansing ourselves and our sacred space, what we call "Home".  

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.

Shadow People/Beings... Negative Energy or?

Hello Friends,

It has been a perception that “shadow people/beings” are made up of negative energy and may be considered demonic in nature.  However, is this something we can say with absolute certainty?  No, it’s still being debated in the paranormal community.

There are several theories offered.  Skeptics, the science community and those who have never experienced this phenomena may put forward the idea that it's your own imagination, tricks of the eye, illusions, and possibly one with a logical reason (IE: flashlight from another room bouncing off a person, car headlights flooding in from behind, moisture collected in the atmosphere, fog and so on).  But is this true for all sightings? If not, are these entities ghosts or demons or what?

In the following investigations, I will describe experiences of VSPI and some of our clients with the “shadow people” phenomena.  Unfortunately we were not able to capture them on film.  However, after in-depth client interviews, and thorough investigations using a variety of methods to gather evidence to support the sightings; we may have found some answers, and, unfortunately more questions.

To protect the privacy of our clients, we will not reveal the names/locations of some of the cases.

Antiques, Energy and What VSPI Does...

Did you know that some antique items can retain energy of its past owners?  VSPI found this to be true in a recent investigation.  A new client contacted us concerning activity in his home.  He was concerned for his wife, who had been ill, and wanted to understand what was going on.  During our telephone interview, I received important information.  The client works from home with his “antique watch repair” business.  This had me thinking, what if energy attached to the watches was affecting his wife?  Without disclosing my feelings to the client, I made an appointment for VSPI to visit.

I called on a team member (with "medium ship" abilities) to join me.  Careful not to share details, I wanted to see what she would pick up during our walk through the home.  From the moment we stepped out of the car, I could feel a “pop fizz” feeling rising up my legs from my feet.  I have come to know this feeling as that belonging to “residual” energy.  That is to say, energy which does not interact with the living, but replays itself over and over in the right situations.  Often this type of energy is found in places such as arenas, coliseums, theatres, fire stations, hospitals, old houses and more.  Wherever there has been a large amount of people and animals passing through, the area/building(s) may retain the energy left behind clinging to its walls, floors, ceilings, stones, earth, furniture etc..  When the atmosphere is right, it may release the energy, often causing “paranormal activity”.