The following are excerpts from Heather Thornton's Journal, later found buried under a barn in Gansevoort.
June 2, 1999- I finally have everything packed into Jason's car that we're going to need. It took enough time to find room for everything in that stupid little car! Anyway, we're leaving in the morning! I'm so excited, I'm finally going to be able to show everybody in English class that I've got what it takes to be an expert filmmaker. I'll get some rest now. Probably won't get much out in the fields.
June 3, 1999- We shot the opening sequence today; I'm excited. I think it went better than planned. It took place in the Gansevoort Cemetery. I wonder if there really was a dairy farm there? I'm not up on my Gansevoort mythology; that's Karen's department, I just make the movie.
June 4, 1999- We heard strange and distant mooing sounds last night. I think the Cow really does exist! Karen is kind of unsure, and Jason only came on this trip because he knew we had Chocolate Cow. Anyway, they both realize that we're lost, and Jason had to be a jerk and throw away the map. UUURRRGGGHH!!! We'll see what happens tonight.
June 5, 1999 - Jason's gone. I think the cow got to him, but Karen is being optimistic. I'm so scared...but I really don't think we should wait around to find him, because then we'll just be food for that crazy animal. I know that if we just keep walking in one direction all day, I'll be sleeping in a clean bed tomorrow, and not on this Salvation Army blanket from Jason's car.
June 5, 1999 (Later that night.)- Jason is still gone. Karen and I ran through the field screaming his name. When we went outside to try to find Jason, all we could find was his arm hanging between some pieces of wood. I am so frightened and now I know that the Voort Cow was alive and on the move. It is the dead of the night now and I feel like it will be my last. Mom, Dad, I love you. To Jason's and Karen's parents: I am sorry that I lead your children into the field and to their untimely death. This was all my fault, it was my documentary, and everything had to be done my way. I'm so so sorry....
