Bartell’s Backroads Featured SoHum’s Legend of Bigfoot Yesterday

Jon Bartell and his crew, known for their adventurous journey to uncover California’s hidden gems on the ABC10 travel show “Bartell’s Backroads,” embarked on an intriguing expedition yesterday. This time, they delved into the mysterious world of “The Legend of Bigfoot” located just south of Garberville on Hwy 101.

For Jon Bartell, this adventure had a personal connection that harked back to his teenage years. According to a SF Gate article, when he was just 15, Bartell’s motorbike malfunctioned alongside a remote railroad track, deep within a forested canyon. While waiting for his bike to cool down, he believes he had an encounter with a large, dark-haired creature that has long been the stuff of legend: Bigfoot.

“We made eye contact,” Bartell recalled in the SF Gate article. “It was the quintessential Bigfoot look.” He confided in his mother about the experience, although he remains uncertain if she truly believed him. Nevertheless, this encounter ignited his lifelong fascination with Bigfoot, leading him to cover numerous Bigfoot-related stories on his travel show.

Bartell’s Backroads found itself at the doorstep of “Legend of Bigfoot,” a store overseen by general manager Mike White. At first glance, Legend of Bigfoot may seem like your typical Bigfoot memorabilia shop, but it’s much more than that.

“On a weekend, we can see 2,000 or 3,000 people stop in,” White told Bartell in yesterday’s show. The store not only features Bigfoot-themed merchandise but also hosts other mythical creatures in the form of sculptures crafted by chainsaw artists, including Shrek the Ogre. These sculptures are scattered throughout the property, creating a unique and picturesque experience for visitors.

According to the episode, the store’s colorful and imaginative touch was part of the Carlson family’s vision when they first opened it in 1978. Although the Carlsons have since moved away, they entrusted White with the responsibility of taking care of the store’s customers and, of course, watching out for Bigfoot—if he ever decides to make an appearance.