Russ Exposes The Tunnel
In
1999 a group of paranormal enthusiast began visiting known haunted
locations across the Niagara region. Headquartered in Welland,
Ontario, the group often visited sites in Niagara Falls, Fonthill and
Port Colborne. After visiting the likes of The Screaming Tunnel and
the Old Fonthill Cemetery, they were determined to find additional
locations to explore and investigate while simultaneously gaining
interest in dowsing, Ouija boards and casting “spells”.
Russ,
a teenager and member of the group, became active on paranormal
discussion boards and developed his own web site, sharing haunted
locations, stories and experiences.
Questioning
those on paranormal forums about other haunted locations, he found
information about another tunnel named “The Screaming Tunnel”, in
an article written by Nick Blay, who visited the tunnel on a regular
basis with friends years previous to Russ' discovery. This was not
the same “Screaming Tunnel” near Warner Road in Niagara Falls,
Ontario that Russ had already visited. This was a new tunnel,
untouched by paranormal enthusiasts.
Nick
believed that the tunnel might be haunted, but did not believe all of
the tales about it. He provided the following history of the tunnel
and nearby cemetery, which fascinated Russ, who planned to visit the
tunnel for himself.
At
the time my friends and I were going to what is now known as the Blue
Ghost Tunnel, we were calling it the Screaming Tunnel. Although we
were aware of the actual tunnel in Niagara-on-the-Lake of the same
name we felt the Blue Ghost Tunnel was more ominous and more
deserving of the name, so that's just how we referred to it
throughout our tenure there.
We
used to go there and have bonfires, a few drinks and just gather as a
group. It was our spot that very few people knew about or felt the
desire to trek out to, so the place was like our own personal escape.
A few times we had explored the tunnel during the day, but mostly
came at night when we had groups of people.
Many
times we would be able to get about halfway in but due to the joist
beams collapsing midway through we never got all the way through
during the night. There were definitely some ominous overtones to the
tunnel itself, we always sat just outside of it at the mouth of the
tunnel and throughout the years we had compiled stories of what we
believe caused the tunnel to be haunted.
Once
or twice we would catch something out of the corner of our eye moving
through the tunnel. The smoke from the fire would filter into the
tunnel, and that very well could have been it, but a big part of me
knows that it probably wasn't just the smoke. We also a lot of time
went to the old pump house and frequently walked to the cemetery up
the road until the bridge next to the pump house had collapsed. I do
not know if it has since been fixed.
One
of the earlier accounts we had of the tunnel was that above the
tunnel was an old cemetery. When the canal began to expand and the
tunnel was created to move ore (I believe) from one side to the other
the cemetery was transplanted to the current Lakeview Cemetery, I
think, which we would often walk to, which was an odd experience in
itself.
On
one such visit to the Blue Ghost Tunnel we trekked to the Cemetery
where it was completely dark, upon turning to leave candles began to
light up. Now being that it was late and pitch black we didn't see
anyone else in the cemetery but we decided not to stick around to
find out. Back to the transplantation of the bodies from the tunnel
though, as the story went all the bodies had been relocated save for
the bodies of some children, whether it was that the graves were
unmarked or the children were purposely not relocated I can't be sure
but that was one of the stories we had come to accept.
After
digging around the Internet and local records we found that indeed
the tunnel had been used to transport something from one side of the
canal to the other but it was actually done by train.
Apparently
a one-rail track was laid through the tunnel and a train would pass
through delivering the material. Two different stories emerged from
this, one being that a train coming through was going too fast and
upon hitting the curve outside of the tunnel fell off the track and
crashed killing the driver.
Another
version has it that two trains collided on this single track going
through the tunnel and that the occupants of both trains now haunt
the tunnel and surrounding areas.
It's
hard to determine what has validity and what has been thrown in and
mixed with the truth with regards to the accounts of how and why this
place is haunted. I personally think that there were more than just a
few incidents involving people losing their lives in and around this
tunnel throughout the time that it was used.
At
the time of our visits to the, now coined, Blue Ghost Tunnel we were
just looking for a place to call our own and enjoy our summers nights
with friends. We also were on somewhat of a ghost hunting kick which
most likely lead to my original post on the Haunted Niagara websites,
but all in all from the time we were 18-20ish we were just looking
for a place to have fun.
We
definitely weren't the only ones, as there were always smashed
bottles and remnants of old fires prior to our arrival but we always
tried to keep the place clean because, again, it was our spot.
As
I said earlier we caught glimpses of something in the tunnel from
time to time so we always felt like something was around us.
Occasionally we would also hear sounds we couldn't explain emanating
from the tunnel, and we would always try to find where in the tunnel
they were coming from but to no avail.
The
sounds would generally cease once we got close to halfway in.
I
think the last time that I visited the tunnel was in early 2007. By
that time the landscape of the tunnel had changed drastically. The
ominous feel of the open mouth tunnel of the defunct Grand Trunk
Railway system seemed muted. The entrance way was closed up with
cinder block bricks and mortar and a gated entrance, reminiscent of
an old jail door. It was clear that the Seaway no longer wanted
people on their private property. I assume that the next group of
people that took over after we left didn't keep it so clean, and the
graffiti was definitely a strong indication of that.
It
was definitely sad to see the change at the tunnel, I have always
felt that perhaps if Russ and his crew hadn't tried to make it such a
spectacle that it wouldn't have gained as much notoriety and the
Seaway wouldn't have been forced to close it up and add security
requirements around the area. Although it is on private land it is a
part of Niagara Heritage, like the Decew House, Queenston Park,
Beaverdams Park and so on. It should have been restored so people
could use the trail to walk through and experience a part of history.
Now
it has been coined the Blue Ghost Tunnel. A place that most people
will never see, never have a chance to walk through, even if only
half way, because the owner of the land is tired of people
disrespecting their land and property.
Perhaps
if I had never mentioned our place the current state of the tunnel
would be different, but then again there would have always been
someone to occupy their nights in front of the tunnel and not all of
them would have respected the place as much as my friends and I did.
It was probably inevitable that the Seaway took action to try and
prevent people from being there, but who can ever really say for
sure. When I was last there it was evident that people didn't take
kindly to the Seaway locking up the tunnel as the door was not locked
and a cinder block or two was missing.
All
I can say with absolute certainty was that I loved each and every
night I spent there with my friends. We respected the tunnel and the
area because we considered it our own. I will always remember the fun
we had and the explorations we did. It's definitely a time in my life
that I miss.
Before
Russ visited the tunnel, he decided to gather as much information
about the tunnel and the surrounding area as possible, and began
questioning the Toronto Ghost and Hauntings Research Society (TGHRS)
about “The Screaming Tunnel.”
In
his correspondence with Matthew James Didier, co-founder and operator
of TGHRS, Russ indicated that he didn't find the tunnel that
haunted.
“Initially
Russ did not claim to have any ghostly encounters at the BGT aside
from numerous photos he took that contained 'orbs'. Even way back in
those days we doubted that 'orbs' or 'mists' were much more than
something natural (rather than supernatural) in true origin, (not to
mention it was snowing in several of Russ' shots) so we felt no need
for further investigation (by ourselves) based on his evidence,”
says Matthew James Didier.
However,
Russ maintained that his first visit to the tunnel wasn't until 2002
and his claims of paranormal activity at the tunnel were reported to
others and within his online texts as extremely high even on that
first visit.
Russ
first visited the tunnel in April, 2002 and decided to document his
entire experiences so he began an online journal. The web site which
stored the original journal was deleted by Russ shortly after he
disappeared from the paranormal community. Here are the original
journal entrees, unedited:
Russ'
First Journal Entry
So
last night (saturday) our group decided that we would investigate
this “other” screaming tunnel that we read about.
There
were four of us and it was raining and generally miserable out.
Nevertheless we got our gear together. We found the road and the dirt
mound and parked the car and walked for about a mile or a mile and a
half. We checked out a few of the paths along the road that lead to a
river with a dam.
We
began to get audible manifestations once we were about half way to
the original graveyard area. At one point we were standing right on
top of the tunnel without realizing it and our emf went off. We
investigated a pathway that leads you right atop the tunnel entrance.
It was a very steep but short path off the main road. Directly on top
of the actual tunnel. It was very creepy.
We continued down the
road until it bent right and found the stoney path that leads down
the hill to the tunnel. When the tunnel came into sight I took out my
divining rods and went slowly forward with the rest of our group. Our
friend JJ was ahead with the flashlight and emf.
We
got about 20 feet away from the entrance to the tunnel and stopped to
prepare to enter. At this point a couple of members in the group
described that they felt dizzy and overheated. I was a little dizzy
but felt like I was plugged into a 12 volt power source. You know how
when you are near a haunted location you get that feeling?
Anyway
the feeling intensified and intensified as we crept slowly toward the
entrance of the tunnel. At this point I wanted to test the divining
rods. I have a really good set that I got from divining mind, anyway
so I take them out of my pack that I carry all of my equipment in.
I’m standing there with my friends fairly close and the rods out
pointed toward the tunnel entrance.
JJ
approaches the tunnel entrance and is approximately10 feet from the
entranceway and he begins to flash his flashlight inside. He also
snapped a few pictures. About 20 seconds after he flashed the camera
and the tunnel got dark again he was getting his flashlight ready to
go inside.
I
caught a glimpse or visual manifestation. It was ice blue and fog
like. It formed the face of a wolf or dog like animal.
Before
I had a chance to ask if anyone could see it, it was gone, and I was
wondering if I saw it at all.
At
this point my feet are glued and that feeling of being plugged into
an electrical socket increased about 1000 times. The divining rods
started acting very peculiar. There was a force on them that pushed
the one in a complete 360 degree counterclockwise direction while the
other rod went completely horizontal at 90 degree angle. They then
came around and crossed and uncrossed, crossed and uncrossed. Things
got a bit surreal at this point.
I
shouted to the group to look at my rods. There was definitely a
charge that was building up in the area and I had the feeling like
something was going to happen. Then BANG something like a rock or a
part of the structure of the tunnel fell from inside.
Evidence
of poltergeist activity.
At
this point everyone in the group was acting a little odd and there
was an overwhelmingly strong sense of fear. I was actually quite
frightened which is not common for me.
Seconds
after the BANG noise from inside the tunnel an apparition as plain as
day appeared that all four of us can confirm. (wondering if it will
show up on our film).
It
was ice blue and fog like and hovered for approximately 10 to 15
seconds at the tunnel entrance.
It
was shifting in form and was amorphous but I could make out several
shapes at once. A face, a body, demonic, wolflike, human, all at the
same time.
Later
we discussed this and everyone sort of interpreted the apparition
differently but there was no doubt that all of us witnessed it. At
this point the fear was overwhelming. We were not prepared to go
inside the tunnel because of whatever was guarding the entrance. Two
members of our group are returning there tonight with more equipment
to record and measure the level of activity here.
As
far as I am concerned this area is the single most haunted spot in
Niagara.
I'm
still debating whether or not I want to return to investigate the
graveyard sections and the inside of the tunnel itself. I'm thinking
that it might be safer by daylight.
It was obvious that whatever
was guarding the tunnel was not about to permit us entrance without
consequence. I am wondering if I can persuade it by bringing flowers
for the headstones, or asking it to grant us access. I'm not sure
what I'm going to do about this, but last night we were ill prepared
for what actually happened. I wasn't expecting much at all, and
really it was way crazier than what I thought it was going to be. I'm
going to be prepared next time.
Russ'
Second Journal Entry
Yes
this place is very crazy.
To
be honest i was not expecting, nor were we prepared for anything like
this...Whatever manifested itself was not letting us through the
tunnel.
It
would have been suicide to get any closer. We are returning in two
weeks.
I
have to prepare. Does anyone have any spells that we can use as
protection? Additionally, I need a way to insure that it does not
follow us home after. When we get the pictures developed I will post
them, but there are still many snaps left on this roll of film. We
are going back there with a ton of equipment to take video, evp
recordings, temp readings, etc etc.
The
whole expedition will be documented.
Russ'
Third Journal Entry
This
Saturday we returned to the tunnel at Gm gate 12. Things were
definitely weird but not as intense as last time. Here is an account
of things that happened, in the order that they happened.
Arrived
at 11:30 party members formed a circle and cast 5 layers of
protection spell, and did the hike down the road toward the tunnel.
At
11:45 approximately we were on the road above the tunnel. Emf went
off. party members entered circle again to cast invocation spell.
Climbed
down the rocky decline and approached tunnel slowly. Took dowsing
rods out of pack, got camera ready.
Slowly
approached tunnel. Dowsing rods began spinning in 360 degree radius
just like last time except that this time both rods were completely
spinning quite rapidly. Approached threshold of tunnel.
Asked
several yes no questions where whatever “spirit” was there would
answer by spinning or not spinning the dowsing rods. Worked fairly
effectively.
Noted
several visual flickers inside of tunnel and strange fog. No really
strong visual manifestations this time. No real strong sense of fear.
There
were however several auditory manifestations.
Hissing. (could be an animal)
Auditory: Someone walking through the tunnel towardus. Very defined sound of footsteps.
Noted green slime on wall on outside of tunnel.
Noted banging noises inside of the tunnel.
Noted strange watermarks on the walls in the shape of three human figures, two soldiers, one person hanging. (could be coincidence but it was neat to look at)
Entered
tunnel. Wow was it cold in there! Approximately a 20 to 30 degree
temp drop with cold spots in the tunnel that you could see your
breath. Went deep into tunnel until entrance could no longer be seen.
Very wet in there. Reached the part of the tunnel where it is blocked
off. Not impassable but it is very very very deep in water. Can't
wait for summer to dry that up. Took several pictures in and outside
of the tunnel. Everytime we go back we just end up with more and more
questions about this place. it's bizarre.
Here
is the killer part. Took the pictures to be developed. Film returned
blank. Underexposed. EVERY PICTURE!!!!!
Very
weird indeed. We are returning there next time with EVP recorder,
infrared thermometer, more cameras, etc.
Russ
continued to visit haunted locations across the Region, but his main
focus remained the tunnel which in his next visit he would call The
Blue Ghost Tunnel. According to Russ the blue, fog-like apparition he
had witnessed previously danced at the front entrance and appeared to
him as a beautiful young female who later revealed herself as a
soft-spoken seductress named September.
The
apparition was only seen by Russ, and others in his group say that
they did not witness an apparition named September. In the tunnel,
one of the members, who wishes to remain anonymous, recalls finding a
picture of a girl. The photograph was old, he recounts, and the image
was that of a girl, perhaps 16 years of age. On this visit Russ made
contact with the spirit of a little girl who he described as
“pretty”, and he provided photographic evidence of this encounter
by posting several images of the inside of the tunnel. Within the
images he saw “a beautiful girl”, “a demonic devil-like thing”
and “a dog.” When the photos were shared online, others pointed
out angels, cats, winged-beasts, severed hands and railway wheels.
In
reality, the photographs in question show nothing more than Russ' own
breath expelled while the snapshot was taken in the cold, moist
atmosphere of the tunnel. Inside the swirl and mist objects became
defined through a psychological phenomenon known as “pareidolia”.
Russ
captured no ghosts on film but he captured the imagination of others.
As
a result of posting his online journal and switching his entire focus
to the tunnel, the tunnel's name stuck: The Blue Ghost Tunnel and for
short The BGT. Several other groups quickly became interested in the
newly discovered hotspot. Russ continued to visit the tunnel and
became obsessed with it. Several of his friends were alienated by his
ambition and now insist that a lot of the events that took place with
Russ were manufactured within his own mind.
“It's
hard to believe what he was experiencing,” says Dave. “I didn't
witness some of the things he claims.”
“Some
weird stuff did happen, but a lot of it was just Russ,” says Laura.
But
these friends were not active online at this time and they did not
protest the statements made by Russ. Many of them abandoned Russ'
group and parted company with him. Russ continued to add to the story
and weaved a tale that he openly said would lead to a book deal or
even a movie deal because “...it is so intense and scary!”
In
one journal entry he said that he communicated with the spirits of
the tunnel and learned that one, the dancing blue misty female, was
named September. He learned she was nineteen years old and was
murdered at the tunnel. Russ developed a whole persona for September,
which he communicated and interacted with via a Ouija Board.
As
Russ continued to expand the experience for the online crowd, others
joined in as they learned about the tunnel's existence and “extreme
haunting”. Groups like Hamilton Paranormal and Amateur Spirit
Seekers visited and posted their experiences which included several
parallel experiences to Russ'.
Russ
posted a weekly update and then turned it into a daily event because
the ghost known as September had, according to Russ, stalked him and
followed him home. It was all coming to a grand climax, however.
Russ tried to gain the interest of publishers, with no luck.
Hollywood was not calling either. Russ was lost and like the tunnel
itself—abandoned, save for the online crowd of paranormal
thrill-seekers—and needed an out. His personal life was being
affected as friends abandoned him, due to this abnormal behavior, and
he came up with an exit strategy.
September
had seduced him, he stated, and was most likely, according to Russ, a
demonic spirit. This spirit had not only seduced him, but then
proceeded to physically rape him, according to his journal. Violated
and wanting to end this multidimensional relationship, he took the
Ouija Board that first made contact with September and burned it.
Suddenly,
Russ was offline. There were no more updates on his web site and his
journal ended in June 2002. In a short three months he transformed a
seemingly lost tunnel into North America's must-go-to haunted tourist
attraction.
Rumors
quickly spread that he ran away as far as Florida to get away from
the demonic, sexual harassment he found at the tunnel. But Russ
re-reemerged briefly in October of 2002 to say he was in Florida with
family. That same year he deleted his web site and removed his online
journal, never returning to the paranormal community again.
One
has to question this entire affair, from Russ being totally engaged
with the paranormal to abandoning it altogether. Was his ambition of
securing a book deal and movie deal his primary goal? Was his only
motive to gain publicity and popularity?
In
2009 I caught up with Russ and questioned him about the tunnel and
his experiences within it. He remained silent and did not respond. In
2010, I again contacted him directly and questioned him, and
referenced this book idea and the possibility of it being published.
Russ refused to cooperate and to this day refuses to talk about the
tunnel. He wishes to remain anonymous, known only as “Russ”, the
one who discovered The Blue Ghost Tunnel, the single-most influential
spark to the legend.
