What does it mean when you’re fascinated by the paranormal? Does it make you morbid and disturbed or does it mean you are intrigued by the possibility of a connection to the unknown? A friend of mine once described his teenage son’s interest in the paranormal and asked me that very question. Having been intrigued for several decades of my own life, I could confidently tell him not to worry and that his son was showing awareness of mortality. Based on my own experience, I have an affinity and nostalgia for times and peoples past. To me, the past is a special place that I can go to get a different take on my circumstances and take in the excitement and trauma of past events as a spectator, safe from whatever occurred. The same goes for abandoned places, some of which are seemingly alive with spiritual energy. Old houses, structures and gathering places were once the focal points of human life are available to those who care (or dare) to revisit them. But there’s another aspect to it that’s less explainable – I like the feeling of being creeped out. Perhaps that’s due to the endorphins released while being on high alert, maybe it’s a the feeling of reward after facing a fear. Either way, I like it. After visits to the Washoe Club in Virginia City, the Queen Mary ship, the Red Garter Inn and Hotel La Rose I’ve had plenty of opportunities for a paranormal experience. But aside from some purported experiences when I was very young, none of my adventures has produced anything paranormal. I think part of the problem is that I do these things with my wife and it’s hard to get creeped out when you’re with someone so positive. And although I’ve been to these places, I haven’t conducted a ‘proper’ hunt with all the recording and EMF equipment and in the pitch black darkness. Maybe one of these days I’ll muster the courage to truly seek paranormal contact. I think the real concern would be opening a door that I can’t close. Regardless, in the NE realm all will occur, including spirits, hauntings and parallel universes.