Inspiration from real life ghost hunts

Do you believe in ghosts? Whether you do or don't, would you go on a ghost hunt?

I've been trying to find an active group of paranormal investigators in my area. Perhaps they'll let me join, or, at least, allow me to tag along a few times. Many have disbanded due to the epidemic, but surely there must be people out there like me, eager to explore haunted places. I've made plans twice to meet fellow enthusiasts, but both times, I was ghosted. And not by the spirits!

None of my small group of local friends are interested. Many claim to be too frightened, even if they don't know if they believe in the paranormal. I do believe there are things we can't explain, but I've never had a definite paranormal experience myself.

I get a lot of inspiration from watching ghost hunting shows. The investigators themselves are marvelous characters. Many of them had experiences when they were young which compel them to seek out answers. Of course there is the tension of the investigation. The dark places, weird noises, and flickering shadows. Will something big happen? Or will there be a mundane explanation?

What I especially love are the tales about the locations and the people who lived there. Old asylums, hospitals, museums, manors, mines, and whole towns. There are always layers of stories which spark marvelous ideas in my head. While the ghosts are spooky, it's the real history that is astounding and sometimes immensely disturbing.

I'll keep looking for companions who are brave enough to investigate the unknown. Until then, there are countless paranormal shows for my enjoyment and my muse.