BREAKING: Mysterious Waterproof Notebook Found Near Flooded Cabins
In a startling discovery just 0.6 miles from a cluster of flooded cabins in the remote Pinewood Valley, a waterproof notebook has been found with a single intact page bearing five cryptic words: “Don’t forget Campfire Song.” The find, made by a local hiker on July 12, 2025, has sparked intense speculation about its origins, meaning, and connection to the recent flooding that devastated the area. As investigators and locals piece together the mystery, the notebook has become a focal point for theories ranging from the mundane to the supernatural. This article delves into the discovery, its context, and the questions it raises.
The Discovery
The notebook was discovered by Sarah Mitchell, a 34-year-old avid hiker and Pinewood Valley resident, while she was navigating a trail near the flooded cabins. The cabins, once part of a popular summer camp known as Camp Pinewood, were abandoned after severe flooding caused by unprecedented rainfall on July 8, 2025. The deluge left the area submerged, with many structures partially or completely destroyed. Mitchell, who often hikes the trails to document the region’s recovery after natural disasters, stumbled upon the notebook partially buried in mud near a stream.
“It was just lying there, half-covered in silt,” Mitchell recounted in an interview with the Pinewood Gazette. “I almost missed it, but the bright orange cover caught my eye. When I opened it, most of the pages were ruined, stuck together from the water. But one page was perfectly clear, and those five words were written in pencil, like someone meant for them to be found.”
The notebook, identified as a Rite in the Rain waterproof model commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts, was remarkably well-preserved despite the flooding. The intact page, protected by the notebook’s durable design, bore the handwritten message in a neat, deliberate script. Authorities have since taken possession of the notebook for analysis, but the cryptic message has already captured public imagination.
The Context: Camp Pinewood and the Flood
Camp Pinewood, operational since the 1950s, was a beloved summer retreat for children and families until its closure in 2018 due to financial difficulties. Known for its scenic lake, dense forests, and nightly campfire sing-alongs, the camp was a cornerstone of local culture. The “Campfire Song,” referenced in the notebook, is believed to be a traditional song sung at the camp, though its exact lyrics vary depending on who you ask. Some former campers recall it as a lighthearted tune about friendship and adventure, while others insist it had a haunting, almost eerie quality.
The flooding that struck Pinewood Valley was catastrophic. Meteorologists reported that the area received 12 inches of rain in 48 hours, causing the nearby Willow Creek to overflow and inundate the campgrounds. The cabins, already in disrepair, were no match for the torrent. By the time the waters receded, the site was a muddy ruin, with personal belongings, furniture, and debris scattered across the valley. The discovery of the notebook so close to the site has raised questions about whether it belonged to a former camper, a recent visitor, or someone else entirely.
Theories and Speculation
The five words—“Don’t forget Campfire Song”—have ignited a firestorm of theories. Here are the most prominent:
1. A Camper’s Keepsake
The most straightforward explanation is that the notebook belonged to a former camper or counselor who left it behind, either intentionally or by accident. The message could be a nostalgic reminder of the camp’s traditions, written years ago and preserved by the notebook’s waterproof design. However, this theory struggles to explain why the notebook was found so far from the cabins and why only one page remained legible. Some speculate that the flooding carried the notebook downstream, but its pristine condition raises doubts.
2. A Distress Signal
A more ominous theory suggests the message is a coded plea for help. The flooding displaced several hikers and locals who were in the area at the time, and search and rescue operations are ongoing. Could the notebook belong to someone stranded or lost during the flood? The phrase “Don’t forget” implies urgency, as if the writer feared their message would be overlooked. Investigators are exploring this angle, cross-referencing missing persons reports with the notebook’s discovery.
3. A Supernatural Clue
Pinewood Valley has its share of local legends, including tales of ghostly campers and unexplained phenomena tied to Camp Pinewood. Some residents believe the notebook is a message from beyond, perhaps linked to the “Campfire Song” itself, which some claim was inspired by a tragic event at the camp decades ago. According to folklore, a group of campers vanished during a storm in the 1970s, and their spirits are said to linger, singing the song at night. While authorities dismiss these claims, the notebook’s eerie message has fueled paranormal speculation online.
4. An Artistic Statement
Another possibility is that the notebook is part of an art project or prank. The deliberate placement of a waterproof notebook with a cryptic message could be the work of someone seeking to create intrigue or draw attention to the camp’s history. Social media platforms like X have seen posts suggesting the notebook is a viral marketing stunt, though no one has claimed responsibility.
Official Response and Investigation
The Pinewood County Sheriff’s Department is treating the notebook as potential evidence in an ongoing investigation. Forensic experts are analyzing the pencil handwriting for clues about the writer’s identity, though early reports suggest the graphite is too common to provide definitive leads. The notebook itself has no other identifiable markings, and efforts to recover additional pages have been unsuccessful due to water damage.
Sheriff Laura Bennett addressed the public on July 14, 2025, urging calm and discouraging speculation. “We’re looking into all possibilities, but we don’t have enough information yet to draw conclusions,” she said. “The notebook could be significant, or it could be nothing more than a lost item. We ask anyone with information about Camp Pinewood or recent activity in the area to come forward.”
Community Reaction
The discovery has stirred emotions in Pinewood Valley, where many residents have personal ties to the camp. “That song was everything to us,” said Emily Harper, a former camper now in her 50s. “Hearing about this notebook feels like a message from the past, like the camp isn’t ready to be forgotten.” Others are more skeptical, viewing the find as a curiosity blown out of proportion by media coverage.
On X, the hashtag #CampfireSong has gained traction, with users sharing memories of Camp Pinewood and debating the notebook’s significance. One post, which received thousands of likes, read: “Don’t forget Campfire Song? Sounds like a warning. Something’s not right about this.” Another user speculated, “Maybe it’s a time capsule someone meant to dig up later. Flood just brought it to the surface.”
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, the notebook remains a tantalizing mystery. Was it a relic of a bygone era, a cry for help, or something else entirely? The phrase “Don’t forget Campfire Song” lingers in the minds of those following the story, evoking nostalgia, fear, and curiosity in equal measure. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information about the notebook or recent activity near Camp Pinewood to contact the sheriff’s office.
For now, the waterproof notebook sits in an evidence locker, its single intact page a puzzle waiting to be solved. In a world quick to move on from tragedy, its message serves as a haunting reminder: some stories, like the Campfire Song, refuse to be forgotten.