The Bullfrog, Bigfoot and the Beast on the Bayou: Life and Legends on the Bayou

By Gerald N. Caskey

Louisiana is the Bayou State, a state that seems to have experienced more than its share of storms in recent years. The story is set in the 1950s. Those were the years; they were my years, my world, my generation.

The life and legends of Louisiana bayou country come alive in this historical fiction/fantasy. The cast of characters alone, make for action packed adventure and thrilling entertainment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449745240

Gerald N. Caskey

Gerald N. Caskey is a pastor who, in his retirement years, has picked up the pen to write. Prior to serving in the pastorate, he worked with Allegheny County Child Protective Services, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a family counselor, he assisted and represented clients in court, regarding child welfare and protection. In addition, he retired from the US Army after twenty-two years of service.

Book preview

Contents

Acknowledgments

Dedication

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1

A Mysterious Place

Chapter 2

Sounds French To Me

Chapter 3

Here Comes Buddy!

Chapter 4

Big John

Chapter 5

A Bullfrog’s Nightmare

Chapter 6

Bigfoot, - Just A Dream?

Chapter 7

Fishing Camp

Chapter 8

Green River Water Wolf

Chapter 9

The Beauty And The Beast

Chapter 10

Waterwolf Alive!

Chapter 11

A Legend That Lives

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

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The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following:

Debra Ann Caskey, my loving wife, an avid reader, provided editorial and technical computer support. Her quick observations and keen insights are greatly appreciated. Debbie’s loving concern for her family never ceases to amaze me. Thank the Lord for her as she helps keep me balanced. A special thank you, Deb for taking the excellent photos in the book.

SSG (Ret) Joshua N. Caskey, USMC, my son, for research assistance and computer support. Josh suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury sustained in Iraq by a suicide bomb attack. Medically retired from the Marine Corps, Josh appreciates the Wounded Warrior Program and the support they have provided to he and his family.

Pastor Jeremy Caskey, my son, also assisted with computer technical support. As a busy pastor, Jeremy somehow is able to squeeze in some time for his pops. Thanks Jeremy! And thank the Lord for the computer savvy younger generation! What would we do without them?

Joanne Caskey, my sister, for planting the seed of interest in books and such when I was but a child. Her interest in and love for books is contagious.

West Bow Press – A Division of Thomas Nelson – for the unwavering interest in my book and for editorial and design support.

Dedication

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To my sisters, Joanne Caskey Terral and Angela Caskey Meeds, who still live in Louisiana, and my son, Sergeant Joseph Davis Caskey, USMC, killed in action while serving in Afghanistan on June 26, 2010. To my precious wife, Debbie, and to my sons, Johnny, Jeremy, Joshua, and Joseph.

And then, I would like to extend the dedication of this book to my eleven grandchildren: Brianna, Josh, Faith, Alexander, Elijah, Merry, Micah, Beth, Amanda, Austin, and Gracie. I hope they get as much enjoyment from reading this book as I had in writing it.

Preface

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Long, long ago, there lived two scary creatures. I’m not talking about ordinary scary: like scared of your shadow or scared of heights. The scary I have in mind is not only about adventure and action, – but includes some spine-chilling, adrenalin rush scenarios.

I’m talking about monstrosities endowed with a grotesque appearance. But again, not getting too carried away with monsters, creatures etc. – let me be quick to say that some of the characters are quite ordinary and contribute to the maintenance of an earthy quality. Louisiana legends may well include essential life principles – and for this quest the writer has taken pains taking time. But reader be warned – some of the characters have the capacity to scare the dickens out of you!

I’m not talking about ghosts or ghouls, rascals or rogues. I’m definitely not referring to a bogey man kind of character. No. This is the real deal! We will walk the fine line between legend and life, between fiction and fact.

On a more tranquil note, we will observe the beauty and excitement of bayou country. There is much to be told about the bayou fishing and fishermen that was experienced during the nineteen fifties. The scenario is set in the post WWII era of American history – a time of relief and renewed hope for a brighter future. Thus far, the scant description we’ve begun to chronicle is without doubt, suggestive of a peaceful and placid life. It speaks of relaxation and recreation.

However, before we become too calm and carefree, may I remind you that we’ll be crashing the party on a cast of creatures who have real bodies! Their bodies are extremely rare and mostly unseen in the deep, dark and mysterious fields and streams – of this wild and wonderful country of ours. These brute creatures who will be introduced shortly, didn’t know it then, but one day they would confront each other in a fight to the death!

One of the creatures answered by Bigfoot. Well, He didn’t really answer. You wouldn’t want his answer anyway. A most disagreeable and dour kind of fellow was he. Bigfoot was also known as Sasquatch, an ape-like creature who liked to hide in the forest. The term Sasquatch means wild man. Indeed, he was a wild thing who didn’t make your heart sing. Scary is the word.

Bigfoot mainly inhabited the forests in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. This monstrosity of a thing is described in reports as a large hairy ape-like creature, ranging between 6-10 feet tall, weighing over 500 pounds. The creature is covered in dark brown or dark reddish hair.

Legend has it that Bigfoot descended from the Siberian Yeti – sightings and cave life are well documented – crossing the Bering Land Bridge thousands of years ago. This phenomena took place before the Bering Land Bridge was separated by water and is now simply the Bering Sea.

One frigid day in blizzard conditions and blinding snow – high upon the side of an Alaskan mountain – we hear the wild, chilling scream of the Yeti: - "Aaaaaaaah! Aaaaaaaah! The Yeti scream announced in no uncertain terms that indeed, he was king of the mountain! After hearing that scream, who would challenge his claim?

So then the Yeti – Bigfoot – crossed the Bering Land Bridge into the wilds of Alaska. Over a long period of time an undetermined number of the Yeti family, – i.e., Bigfoot, Sasquatch, The Abominable Snow Man, etc. – made their way across glaciers, snow-covered plains, raging rivers, and mountain ranges.

They fought wild beast and braved the formidable elements of wind, rain, sleet and snow in their quest for survival. They scared the living daylights out of not a few unsuspecting souls along the way. Eventually they made it to the Pacific Northwest and there they became Sas-squatters. However, Bigfoot refused to be tied down to a particular place.

Somewhat surprisingly there have been occasional sightings of Bigfoot as far south as Louisiana! Eye-witnesses have described large eyes, a highly discernible brow ridge, and a large, low-set forehead and a head that is similar to that of a gorilla. In order to appreciate just how scary Bigfoot is you would have to see him. If you want to keep your sanity, I suggest looking at pictures of him on the internet. My guess is, that will satisfy your curiosity. If pictures are not sufficient to satisfy you – perhaps you are ready to organize an expedition to some faraway place where there have been actual sightings. May the force be with you!

Bigfoot travels by night and on extremely large feet. This monstrosity of a man-like creature has been known to leave footprints as large as 24 inches. Hygiene is not one of the more notable characteristics of old Bigfoot. He is commonly reported to have a strong, unpleasant smell by those who claim to have encountered him. He doesn’t care an iota about deodorant and hygienic accessories. It seems that B.O. is one of the potent weapons in his arsenal. If his smell doesn’t get you, the sight of him will!

Bigfoot has often terrorized huge portions of the heavily wooded Pacific Northwest. Bigfoot sightings have created a culture of folklore that is limited only by the imagination. If you belong to the Bigfoot fan club, the book you hold in your hand just might stir your imagination – causing you to have a greater interest and appreciation for Bigfoot folklore.

And now, we must introduce our second creature, Waterwolf. No doubt about it, he is more vicious and blood thirsty than Bigfoot. This is due to his striking animal instincts to injure, to kill, and to devour! When we think of a wolf, perhaps we hear the howl of a lone animal on a cold, blustery winter night. The haunting howl of the night sends shivers down the spine! Indeed, it is one of the most eerie sounds one will ever hear. It is frightening beyond measure.

In many ways water wolves bear a similarity to land wolves. However, there are distinct differences as well. During the day Waterwolf sleeps in the deepest part of the Bayou. At night he feeds mostly on careless and carefree small animals. So then, Waterwolf bears some similarity to land wolves – though he is a much scarier creature, in appearance and behavior.

Forget about land wolves – the wolf we are to see in our story, as the name suggest, is Waterwolf. Bigfoot and Waterwolf will meet under the most unusual circumstances, but meet they