All too often, we become immersed in the busy-ness of life. What if time didn’t matter? And, we had the ability to always enjoy the moment we are in. Being present is something we can actually achieve through mindfulness practices, but it does take practice. Even with that awareness, I find myself continually striving for balance with my professional and personal life.
With that balance in mind, have you ever visited a place for the first time yet knew it felt like home? A place that called out to you and provided medicine for your soul just by being on the land?
Board Camp Crystal Mine, owned by Orville and Cheryl Murphy, located near Mena, Arkansas has been this place for me. It first came into my awareness several years ago through videos of unusual happenings that were taking place on the Murphy’s property beginning in 2017.
MUFON, also known as Mutual UFO Network, and Josh Gates, a popular host with the Discovery Channel, contacted Orville and Cheryl to investigate the light anomalies and levitating rocks they had documented.
My interest was piqued as I have long been fascinated by orbs, star people, UFO’s, elementals and Sasquatch, commonly known as Bigfoot. The Murphys have noted experiences with all of these, and they have documented proof through game camera videos, pictures and even footprints left behind. Naturally, I wanted to experience this for myself.
Orville and Cheryl are not just property owners; they are truly stewards of the land. Native Americans recognize their land as sacred, and many tribes have visited and blessed it. Unlike other crystal mines in the area, Board Camp Crystal Mine does not allow the use of heavy equipment. Instead, only hand tools are used to retrieve the quartz crystals from the ground. Doing so feels like a sacred gift, since our hands are the first to touch it after the crystal was initially formed.
I first visited Board Camp Crystal Mine with my mom in May 2021. We focused solely on crystal digging that day. After Cheryl checked us in and went over the rules and regulations, Orville explained the process and what to look for. Then, Orville actually helped us locate and dig for crystals. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in nature and the hands-on crystal digging experience as well as the stories Orville shared. I should mention now that both Orville and Cheryl have a lifetime of experiences and wisdom to impart on those willing to listen. Their positive energy is infectious, too!
My husband, Brooks, and I visited a year or so later for a quick trip to dig crystals. We had an amazing time just being in nature and unearthing treasures from the ground.
Most recently, we visited 3 months in a row beginning in April 2026. I woke up one morning with a nudge to return, so we did. In addition to digging for crystals, we also experienced the UnXplained tour for the first time.
According to the Board Camp Crystal Mine website, “The UnXplained Tour tells the story of the strange phenomena happening at Board Camp Crystal Mine. During the first 2-hour daylight tour, all visitors will tour the area where MUFON investigated and Josh Gates filmed the segment, Expedition Unknown: Hunt for Extraterrestrials. If visitors choose the 4-hour night watch tour, they will remain after dark and have an opportunity to experience the phenomena for themselves!”
We visited the event site on the property where they first experienced the light anomalies and levitating rocks. Brooks and I could both could feel intense healing energy in an area believed to be a portal. We were shown trees that had been manipulated energetically or by other forces. It is believed that Sasquatch will create tree arches, and many of these were on the property.
Before we left, Orville and Cheryl shared that they would soon be opening their retreat cabins, which we were able to view. I visited their website regularly to see if they were ready for bookings. Once they were, I reserved the Eagle Cabin for Mother’s Day weekend in May 2026. Designated as their first official guests, we were very impressed with the accommodations. The cabins are very clean, comfortable and have everything we might need. Plus, Orville and Cheryl are fabulous hosts!
The weekend was once again a mystical, magical experience. We found ourselves living on Board Camp time. After we departed, we knew that we would be returning again very soon, which we did in June 2026. This time we stayed in the Elk Cabin.
Three visits in three months. The crystal energy is palpable and energizing. Orville and Cheryl are welcoming and gracious hosts. Board Camp Crystal Mine feels like a home away from home and has provided us with the rest and medicine we needed.
And yes, as you probably noticed, I did not divulge the specifics of what we experienced during our time there. I will say that it was memorable, unforgettable and magical! You will just have to experience it for yourself. I definitely recommend staying on property in their cabins to have the full experience. Plan to dig for crystals and experience the UnXplained tour. You, too, can live on Board Camp time!
