Sheri L. McGathy, click
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Blogs by Sheri L. McGathy
My Musings for June and July 7/8/2007 12:51:28 PM
This month I've been musing about spirits or ghosts. Now, for those of you who are thinking, "Hey, she's done that before," I'd have to answer, "Yes, you're right," while I add the caveat that I will probably do so again.
The idea of ghosts fascinates me, yet the possibility of encountering one actually scares me. What brought on my musings about ghosts this time was a recent weekend visit to The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO.
http://www.stanleyhotel.com/
This is the hotel Stephen King stayed at and modeled his Overlook Hotel on from the book THE SHINING.
Among the ghosts reported to haunt The Stanley are F.O. and Flora Stanley. His ghost is reported to appear in the lobby and the Billiard Room, her ghost seeks to entertain guests in the ballroom by playing the piano.
Some of the more famous rooms reported to be haunted are 217, 407, 401, and 418.
Room 407 comes with the ghost of Lord Dunraven, the landowner before F.O. Stanley. He apparently likes to stand in the corner of the room near the bathroom door when the room is occupied and has supposedly been seen looking out the room's window when the room isn't booked.
Room 418 has the repetition of being haunted by the spirits of children. There are many reports from strange noises to seeing impressions on the bed when the room is unoccupied. Guests often comment that they hear children playing in the hallway at night.
In or near Room 217, there's the story of the ghost of a small child. Room 217 is the room Stephen King stayed in while working on THE SHINING. Reportedly, he also saw the ghost child, who was calling out to his nanny on the second floor.
Now, I can honestly say, I experienced no paranormal activity while visiting the hotel, which was sort of good, yet sort of bad since I really wanted to experience something besides the altitude! My husband, on the other hand, grew ill the moment he entered the theater hall area (I'm sorry, I just don't know its proper title) and was fine as soon as he left, which he left rather quickly. So, who knows!
And if you do a search at YouTube for The Stanley, you'll come up with all manner of clips. Here's one from the Ghost Hunters:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orIi9RNnVQQ
Until next time, may the magic always brighten your world! Sheri
