Tales of a ghost on Lake Herman Road have been circulating among locals since the early 1900s. This road is notorious for being the location of the infamous "Zodiac" murder of a young lady in the 1960s. It was believed that the Zodiac would frequent this road to write taunting letters to the police. However, there are other stories told by the locals, including one about a ghost that haunts this road even before the Zodiac murders.

As you drive along Lake Herman Road, you'll notice that the area mainly comprises deserted ranches and old utility buildings. However, there have been some eerie stories floating around about the road. Some people who have traveled on it late at night have reported seeing a strange mist that clings to the hillside on the left instead of on the right, where there is a lake. Additionally, some folks have heard heavy breathing that didn't seem to be theirs coming from the backseat of their car. Others have experienced an unsettling feeling of not being alone in the vehicle while driving down this road.

Legend has it that a mysterious lady dwells within the lake's tranquil waters, and those who have witnessed her ethereal beauty claim that she emerges from the depths without causing a single ripple on the surface, leaving the surrounding mist undisturbed.

Others say she drowned herself in the lake from a broken heart and was found floating on the water. Who ever she was her restless spirit remains until someone can figure out how to free her soul.

After accepting a new job in Benicia, a neighboring town, I recently relocated to Vallejo. Starting over on my own was tough, especially after my recent divorce. It was challenging to live alone in an empty house. Some nights, I would wake up wondering where my ex-wife and kids were. The most difficult part was trying to sleep alone at night; I missed the comfort of cuddling with someone.

After settling in, meeting my new neighbors, exploring the nearby eateries, and getting familiar with the roads, I have concluded that Vallejo is a tranquil suburban town compared to other places I've lived. Most residents work outside the city and commute, making it a quintessential bedroom community. People commute to work, return home, and sleep. Fortunately, I could secure a job in Benicia, right next door.

Benicia is a quaint little town. Gives me a feeling of a 'Leave it to Beaver' kind of neighborhood, with lots of good eating places downtown, up and down 1st Street. I loved eating dinner there after work.

One night, I dined at a recently discovered Indian restaurant. While enjoying my meal, I overheard a conversation between a mother and daughter sitting behind me. The mother appeared to be a real estate agent and discussed various abandoned properties and ranches on Lake Herman Road with her daughter.

"You know that's prime real estate up there and has much potential," she told her mom. She almost gagged on her food with a, you got ta be kidding me, look on her face. "Don't even think of it," her mom said. "Oh, I know all about that Zodiac murder stuff, but that's like, 30 - 35 years ago? Come on, that's old news," she smirked at her mom.

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© 2023 Ted Visaya