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Another Ghost Conference

© Janice Oberding

Every year I try to attend at least one ghost conference (aside from mine, of course). Where else am I going to meet so many interesting people? Besides, it is always a treat to be around people who won't laugh at me when the subjects of hauntings and ghosts are brought up.

This year, accompanied by one of my ghost chasing daughter-in-laws, I headed to San Francisco for the Ghosttrackers first California Ghosthunter's Conference. Rain was in the weather forecast. And wouldn't you know it? This was one of the few times the weatherperson's prediction was right on the money.

It was pouring by the time we pulled up to the Queen Ann Hotel. Neither of us had remembered our umbrella. No matter. We'd driven a long way and weren't about to let a little rain stand in our way. After an informal get together with other ghost enthusiasts we lined up for the Ghost Walk led by Jim Fassbinder. Fassbinder is a wonderful storyteller who regaled us with ghostly stories of San Francisco's spirited past and present as he led us on our trek up and down the hilly streets. It was certainly an adventure to remember. Luckily, the rain didn't start to pour till the walk was over, and we were making our way back to the haunted Queen Ann Hotel.

Gloria Young and her group had an excellent line up of speakers. Tom and Lisa Butler, the directors of the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena gave an interesting presentation that proved it is possible to capture spirit voices and photos. Their examples of voices and photos that they've recorded are truly amazing.

Laurie Jacobson, author of Hollywood Haunted captivated the audience with stories of her ghostly adventures in Tinsel Town. She's not only worked with some of the greats, Ms. Jacobson has investigated some of their ghostly antics as well. A longtime fan of Lucille Ball, I was especially interested in the ghost of Lucy who oversaw the demolition of her former home.

Medicine man, Dave Bender enlightened us with his knowledge of cleansing rituals and conducting blessings.

The piece d' resistance of the conference was our tour of Alcatraz. The sun was shining brightly, there wasn't a cloud in the sky as we boarded the boat that would take our group to Alcatraz. Mark Guilford of Sacramento Paranormal Investigators told the rangers that we were "ghost people" and asked if we could see areas where ghostly activity occurs. So we were permitted to tour some areas that are usually off limits. Rangers who accompanied us told of inexplicable happenings that sometimes occur late at night after the boats have taken all the tourists back to San Francisco. Voices and weeping are occasionally heard in certain cellblocks and some have even claimed to hear Al Capone's banjo.

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