Recently, one of the teams I investigate with was invited to research a converted bar and grill in east Georgia. It did not go as planned and the team successfully circumnavigated many potential obstacles and pitfalls. I thought it would be helpful to share our experiences with you.

Some background…

The location is a century and a half old and was first a train depot. Today, a bar occupies one end of the structure and a “down home” restaurant the other side although both are owned by the same person(s).

Two of our new members, did a fine job of scouting the location. They frequented the location in the past and approached the owner about the opportunity for investigation. At that time, all lights were green and everyone felt it would be a great idea. Naturally, our team was highly enthused at the prospect of investigating a private, indoor location which had presumably never previously been investigated.

The Wheels Begin To Come Off

Alas, that intention did not work out as planned. We made our way into the restaurant and were greeted by the staff enthusiastically. Some of us were asked individually about our experiences in investigating the paranormal and naturally we gave professional, but eager answers. At some point during the consumption of the meal, we were notified by the hostess that the owner had decided to prohibit our taking photographs during the investigation. Of course we were a little discouraged about this. Photography is a major portion of contemporary investigations. However, we recognize the prerogative of the owner, so we began modifying plans while we finished our meal.

An interesting side note is that I felt singled out by two older couples sitting between our table and the buffet. To this day, I don’t know what caused them to take notice of me and seemingly disapprove of my presence, but it became apparent that they didn’t like my looks. I had to make a couple of trips by them to solidify what I thought, but sure enough, I caught dirty looks every time I walked by. I also watched to see if the other team mates wearing the team golf shirt and ID were getting the looks, but it didn’t appear so. I pointed the situation out to another investigator and a couple of others sitting close to me and had them watch as I walked by. At first, my fellow investigator played down my take on what I believed, but as I returned to the table, he and the others agreed with me. Furthermore, when the couples waited at the register to pay their bill, they stole unappreciative glances until they finally left.

We Drove 50 Miles One-Way For This?

As the meal wound down, our team director attempted to approach the restaurant owner with the standard release form, waiving each other of any responsibility toward damages and giving documented permission for the investigation. I knew something was wrong when I saw the director’s face as he returned to the table. The director advised that the owner would not sign the form. Additionally, he advised that the owner would not even speak to him personally. He went through one of the wait staff to pass the word.

A few of us discussed it. In the end, our team director decided that the investigation would not be worth it. No photographs, no release form, meters would be suspect because of the extensive exposed electrical work throughout the building, EVPs would be worthless because of a bathroom shared with the bar at the other end of the building that was still rocking out karaoke as we left… Reluctantly, we paid our bills and exited the restaurant. Maybe it was irony, but as the last few of us walked out of the building, one of the waitresses started on a warpath about a lack of tips from our table, although everyone we spoke to advised they left at least two dollars. Better check the busboy, lady.

Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome

What to do? Fortunately, our new team members had a half-concocted backup plan. They were aware of a couple of cemeteries within close distance and we decided to scout them out. The first was on a college campus and the second adjoined church property.

We arrived at the first site, an old military cemetery, a few minutes later and proceeded to unload. A couple of the team persisted in the notion that we should really contact campus police or security, the city police, or some other authority that could give us permission to investigate the site. One of the new team members attempted many calls but it became evident that they rolled up the sidewalks at dark in that city. The police didn’t even man a phone after a certain hour. Several team members decided to forge ahead.

I was at the back of the pack as we approached the wooded path back to the cemetery, meaning that several members were much farther ahead of us. As the group filed down the path, our small gaggle noticed a sign to the right. “Trail Closed at Dusk”. The team’s director, his wife, and I stopped dead still. Thwarted again. However, the rest of the team had continued. Hating to be a wet blanket, I said “You know you have to bring them back.” He said he was already thinking the same thing and took off to retrieve them. What a man.

Everyone regrouped in the parking lot near the cars and began talking about what to do next. It was suggested that we check out the alternate, alternate location and decide there, so we saddled up and left the college campus. It only took a minute to reach the church, but as we arrived I started developing that same discouraged feeling. The cemetery was obviously adjoined to the church and was obviously private property. Again, I was giving the boss my unsolicited advice that we can’t investigate without permission. And again, he was way ahead of me.

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