One cannot appreciate the warmth and joy of light, without knowing the dark and looming of night. Just as one cannot know the virtue and security of good, without the fear and loathing of evil.

Nor can one share the deep satisfaction of love, without experiencing the raging emotion of hate.

So, how can we expect to enjoy the peacefulness and fun of the Bar Nuthin' Ranch Camp Resort with out ever impending fear of its darkest secret. The secret legend of the Bar Nuthin' Beast!

That's right! Amidst the peaceful settings of the Bar Nuthin' Ranch, with its sprawling campgrounds and many recreational facilities, exists an underlying theme of terror and dread. While no physical evidence of the Bar Nuthin' Beast (referred to by the locals as "The Pond Monster"), local legend has maintained that such a creature exists.

Could this phenomenon be a cousin to Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, Yeti, or the Abominable Snowman? Or could it be, as others maintain, a direct relative of the elusive Loch Ness Monster? No one can be certain, but the controversial testimony of visitors to this quiet Midwest resort may shed some light on the subject. But the most compelling evidence comes from the campground co-founder's terrifying account of her personal encounter, and near death experience, with the elusive creature.

Our first testimonial comes from frequent Bar Nuthin' visitor, who also serves as a part time contract developer for the resort, Terrel L. Bunch. Terrel, better known as "T", has a long history with the Bar Nuthin' Ranch. It was T who came up with the original name Bar Nuthin'. T has also been responsible for many upgrades to the facility, with major improvements to the electrical and water supply lines, picnic and gaming facilities, and water park equipment like the ever popular raft. It was T who gave the creature its popular nickname of "The Pond Monster".

On many occasions T has shared accounts of large disturbances to the water's surface at the many nearby lakes and tributaries. While not being able to identify the source of these disturbances, T insists that these are the lurking movements of some underwater "Monster". He has relentlessly extended every effort to capture the source of these disturbances with no success. The locals, however, question the credibility of T's reports stating that he has a long and proven history of exaggerating such sightings while offering no proof of their existence. One of his ploys is to engage the support of his son, and co-founder of Kip's Playground, Kip Bunch. This raises further concern to the credibility of the stories, in that Kip has been known to compulsively exaggerate the detail of such accounts also. Still the pair pursue every opportunity to capture the mythical beast, utilizing a barrage of expensive equipment and techniques, in hopes of glory that will affirm their manliness and sporting prowess.

The most compelling support to the Legend of the Bar Nuthin' Beast comes from the chilling testimony from Resort co-founder, Theresa Hoag. Theresa claims to be a victim of a vicious and unprovoked attack by the elusive pond monster! Her story takes place during the development of Bar Nuthin' Water Park. It was a steamy Indiana summer afternoon and Theresa thought she would cool off a bit by dipping into the partially developed swimming facility. Ignoring the hazards of the steep jagged walls that would eventually be the underwater habitat for game fish, she was determined to take a dip in the inviting waters. Clad only in a skimpy bikini, she took her tanning float and headed for the secluded pit. Her husband, CEO for Bar Nuthin' Enterprises, was diligently working on the dream facility. Seldom does he have time for such frivolous activities as he is constantly burdened with the work demands placed on him by Theresa.

After relaxing in the water, for quite some time, Theresa decided it was time to check on Doug to make sure that he was not slacking in his work efforts. After the relaxing dip, she had renewed energy which she felt could be best applied to further driving her husband to perform more unrelenting tasks at a faster pace. What she didn't know was that this renewed energy may be the only thing that allowed her to escape the ravaging assault of an unknown attacker.

When she finally emerged from the lake, it was a sight that sent terror through the heart of her loving Husband. Not the usual fear of being chastised and abused, but one of true concern. What he saw was Theresa covered on a combination of mud, gravel, and blood. As she staggered closer he could clearly see that her bikini top had been ripped down. In her hurry to escape her top had been pulled back into place with one cup inside out.

Her story details how she had maneuvered her raft toward the shore she where realized, for the first time, that there was no easy exit. The water for the massive facility had not yet reached a level where her delicate feet would be cushioned in the powdery sand that now covers the Bar Nuthin' Beach. She would have to brave the slippery clay and then traverse the treacherous slopes in order to reach the perimeter of the lake. Little did she know that the terrain was the least of her worries. Just as she set foot on the slope leading to the beach, she was struck down with violent force. As she struggled to get up and identify her attacker she was repeatedly plunged to the coarse ground, receiving a number abrasions and lacerations. Before she knew it she was plunged back into the water where the sheer force of her assailant ripped her top to her waist. Some experts conclude that the beast may have been trying to mate with her. If this was the case, it may have been her years of experience in fending off sexual advances that saved her. Others conclude that the sight of naked body may have terrified the creature, sending to the murky depths to hide. Either way, she finally managed to escape.

We asked the owner of the Bar Nuthin' Ranch what efforts have been made to capture the beast.