Sightings Episode Summary: "Mel's Hole: Washington, 1997"

Release Date: November 18, 2024
Hosts: McLeod Andrews and Brian Sigley
Produced by Reverb and QCODE

Introduction to "Mel's Hole"

In this gripping episode of Sightings, titled "Mel's Hole: Washington, 1997", hosts McLeod Andrews and Brian Sigley delve into one of the most enigmatic supernatural phenomena reported in the Pacific Northwest. The story centers around Mel Waters, a 67-year-old resident of Washington State, whose discovery of a seemingly bottomless hole on his property leads him into a realm of unexplained mysteries and government interference.

Mel Waters' Discovery and Initial Investigation

At approximately [00:52], the narrative begins with Mel Waters introducing himself and his predicament. Mel recounts how he purchased land on Manastash Ridge, unaware of the mysterious hole that would soon become the focal point of his life. The hole was not present when he acquired the property, indicating its emergence post-purchase.

Confronting the Shadowy Neighbor

One evening, Mel observes a shadowy figure, later identified as Jimmy Hooker, attempting to dispose of a microwave by dropping it into the hole ([00:42] - [01:29]). Feeling threatened, Mel confronts Jimmy with a rifle, leading to an unexpected exchange where Jimmy casually mentions using the hole for trash disposal. This encounter piques Mel's curiosity about the hole's true nature.

Realizing the Hole's Depth

Intrigued by the hole's apparent bottomlessness, Mel decides to measure its depth using fishing line and Lifesavers as markers ([04:00] - [10:00]). Despite deploying nearly two miles of string, the Lifesavers never melt, suggesting an unfathomable depth exceeding standard geological expectations. This leads Mel to believe he has stumbled upon a "God damned bottomless pit" on his property ([02:00]).

Supernatural Events and Anomalies

Mel's investigation uncovers a series of bizarre occurrences that defy rational explanation:

1. Animal Behavior Changes: His dog, Kit, refuses to approach the hole, and local birds avoid the area, indicating a pervasive sense of unease ([05:00] - [07:00]).

2. Temporal Distortions: During one of his measurements, Mel experiences a radio broadcast anomaly where his portable radio shifts to an old-time hits station, broadcasting a date from 1952 instead of the current year ([09:00]).

3. Strange Apparitions: Mel dreams of the hole rumbling and a dark entity emerging, only to wake up to his dog interacting strangely with another seemingly identical dog named Buster, which mirrors a deceased pet incident earlier ([11:00] - [15:00]).

4. Government Intervention: Shortly after these events, armed soldiers appear on Mel's property, ostensibly investigating a fabricated plane crash, effectively taking control of the land and erasing Mel's ownership records ([18:00] - [27:00]).

Government Seizure and Aftermath

Mel's account details how the government swiftly blocks access to his land, constructing a base and enforcing strict no-entry policies. Despite his attempts to assert his rights, Mel is coerced into selling the land under suspiciously favorable terms, receiving a substantial financial settlement without any clear explanation ([25:00] - [30:10]). He discovers that satellite imagery no longer shows the hole, suggesting a deliberate concealment by authorities.

Hosts' Analysis and Discussion

Following Mel's harrowing testimony, McLeod and Brian engage in a thorough discussion evaluating the plausibility and mystique surrounding Mel's Hole.

Assessing Credibility

• Lack of Corroboration: The hosts highlight the absence of verifiable records or additional testimonies supporting Mel's claims, casting doubt on the story's authenticity ([25:25] - [32:25]).

• Scientific Inconsistencies: They examine geological impossibilities, such as the hole's purported depth exceeding the Earth's crust in that region and the improbability of materials like ice remaining unmelted under extreme conditions ([26:10] - [27:08]).

Supernatural Elements

• Black Light Phenomenon: Mel describes a "blacker than black" light emanating from the hole, a feature that adds a layer of otherworldliness and raises questions about its origin and purpose ([21:00] - [33:08]).

• Reanimated Animals: The reappearance of Buster, the deceased dog, interacting normally despite his prior death, introduces themes of life after death and paranormal resurrection ([23:00] - [32:00]).

Government Conspiracy Theories

• Erase and Control: The sudden government takeover and subsequent erasure of the hole from satellite images feed into classic conspiracy narratives, suggesting a cover-up of supernatural phenomena ([28:00] - [34:38]).

• Financial Motives: The exorbitant leasing fee imposed by the government implies an exploitation of the hole's mysterious properties for undisclosed purposes ([29:13] - [33:04]).

Additional Mysteries: The Nevada Connection

Brian introduces a further twist involving a second hole in Nevada, identical in dimensions but constructed with metal, and overseen by a dubious figure named Gerald Osborne, also known as Red Elk. Mel's interaction with the Native American tribe and the subsequent disappearance of both holes deepens the enigma, suggesting a network of supernatural sites with potentially malevolent forces ([30:42] - [35:46]).

Conclusion and Listener Engagement

As the episode draws to a close, McLeod and Brian express their skepticism while acknowledging the captivating nature of Mel's story. They invite listeners to share their thoughts and experiences, emphasizing the blend of horror, mystery, and humorous elements that "Mel's Hole" embodies.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Mel Waters ([00:52]):
  "I'm just squeezing myself inside out and flipped upside down all because of a God damned hole."

• Mel Waters ([01:29]):
  "But since he saw that I was armed, he apologized and set the microwave down and got the hell out of Dodge."

• Mel Waters ([20:00]):
  "That hole was doing too many things. It's almost biblical."

• McLeod Andrews ([23:33], [23:53]):
  "This story was bonkers."
  "Mel's Hole fills my life with Jo."

• Brian Sigley ([25:22]):
  "It's almost too crazy for you to have made up, Brian."

• McLeod Andrews ([32:47]):
  "I'm on this guy's side. Sounds like we can trust him."
  "The skeptical gecko is not buying poor old Gerald."

Final Thoughts

"Mel's Hole: Washington, 1997" stands out as a quintessential Sightings episode, blending eerie storytelling with analytical discourse. While the veracity of Mel Waters' account remains questionable, the tale of a bottomless pit, supernatural occurrences, and governmental involvement offers a tantalizing glimpse into the unknown. Listeners are left pondering the thin veil between reality and the supernatural, eager for more explorations in upcoming episodes.

Stay Tuned:
Next week on Sightings, the hosts will venture into Mexico, promising another thrilling exploration of supernatural phenomena. Will they encounter the elusive Chupacabra or something even more mysterious? Subscribe and join them on their next adventure!