I'm sure they were long aware of us, but we, or at least I, was entirely unaware of them. After all, BF was in the same classification as werewolves, or little green men. Never considered such a thing a real possibility - much less ever expect to run into one. They did not exist in my universe.
We were on another task - working. Our equipment was a dozer, excavator, and related equipment for our work. Terrain was steep, broken, and we simply had an unanticipated meeting engagement. Unanticipated on their part, unanticipated on my part - to be sure.
The equipment was a couple hundred feet higher than our camp. They didn't seem to mind the rarely used equipment as it was never damaged or anything. And usually, well before sundown, we were all close to camp, cooking or getting the fire going. It was not good terrain to go wandering about in the dark.
Gentlemen, I had no idea about these things. None. After I returned home, I started looking up to see what I could find on them. So when I saw examples of their "structures" they would make by bending limbs and fabricating frameworks - I'd think of the several I'd seen - and only THEN make the connection. Or the very loud "birds" that would call in the middle of the night. And the "visitations" outside my tent. And the pebbles getting thrown at our tents. I learned this was a frequently reported activity on their part.
The six months or so before I was to go into combat, I asked everyone I ran into with a CIB for three quick "never do's" and three quick "always do's." No one ever turned me down, and while several always-do's or never-do's were repeated constantly, I also picked up scores of additional nuggets that later enabled me to avoid mistakes. Same approach when I returned. Dug and dug, and read hundreds upon hundreds of narratives - each time seeking the "nuggets." Things that go right over the heads of most people.
I came here to see if there were additional things I could learn. Seeking more nuggets. And I've been blessed. In a number of older back posts, I found a number of nuggets by knowing posters who are no longer active here. I've had the good fortune for a number of solid posters here make contact with me and give me additional information acquired through some of their experiences. I've been able through some of these contacts to make good contact with the participants in some famous BF stories, and when they understood where I was, shared even more information never previously shared anywhere. Key details. Key characteristics.
Each time, I measure those elements within their narratives with what I know, what I experienced, and what my background provides.
And I want to extend my gratitude to those of you who have shared so willingly.