DATE:  February 27, 2002

TIME:  55:00 P.M.

LOCATION:  Idaho, Ada County

TERRAIN:  High desert/rocky/wooded

OBSERVED: I followed a old deer trail, which was up and down large hills,
creeks in the gully area, which was on my right about 100' away. I walked past some old 'apple' trees. Lots of wild raspberry vines, dense
bushes(willows?)trees beside the creek. The regular walking path was on the other side, which I have used for the past 14 yrs running my dogs. I saw a unused bird house nailed up high on an old locust tree, which caught my eye and walked down the hill to inspect it.

Then I scanned for an opening to cross the creek and that's when I spotted it. First I saw the foot and lower leg, then followed up to the rest of the body........."it" was just squatting in the water, holding on to a fallen
tree, covering it's face. I immediately knew what I was looking at, wet
dark brown hair.....femur the length of mine(I am 6'), though the hand
holding the tree was much larger than mine! It was trying to hide it's
face, but knew he was not afraid of me, nor me of him.

I was totally in awe of that moment. I spoke quietly of my disappointment
that I didn't have any "treats" for him/them. I also stated to them, that I
was not there to harm them, I also did a sort of "sign language", by using
my right hand to my chest, said "Oma", then placed my hand to my left
shoulder, stating "friend".

Then I retreated slowly backward, to about 10', sat down and lit a
cigarette, drank my water and took a digital photo. He didn't move and
that's when I noticed the other one near him, with his weight resting in a
"all four" position, just looking at me! I must have sat there for about
5mins and left.

I noticed the man and his dog on the other side walking down the
trail.........so, I guess I caught them in a time, where they couldn't
leave the creek...otherwise that "stranger" with his dog would have noticed.....I must say that at NO TIME did I "smell" them.......nor did they show any aggression toward me. The one on all fours was much bigger than me, then the first one I saw squatting in the creek!(20' away).

I went back the next afternoon, to leave them their treats, as I have done
for the past 6 months~ This is my second "encounter" with them at this
site. Knowing of their presence, I don't take my dogs running there any
more, unless they are leashed or safely in the back of my pickup(shell). I
always go two hours before sunset, and make my presence known to them, but from their "scouts" out among the high rocky areas, they can see me
driving, parking and walking to where I usually leave/hide their treats....

There is plenty of deer/elk in the area, plus the usual bear, cougar,
coyotes, hawks, owls, ground animals. This area was once "homesteaded"
and/or mined at the turn of the century, which explains the old fruit
trees/wild berries growing along the many creeks in the gully areas. There are old, "blocked" dirt roads leading nowhere in some places......I do travel on a dirt road and walk in.

ACTIVITIES OF WITNESS(ES):  Walking through the woods

DESCRIPTION OF CREATURE:   See attached picture

OTHER NOTES:  I have been actively researching this area. Though I will say that the "forest people" don't always live in forests..., but near them..

FOLLOW UPS:

OTHER SIGHTINGS IN THIS AREA:  Yes