Nessletter - No 026 - 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: Ness Information Service Nessletter
Issue: No.26
Date: February 1978
Publisher: Ness Information Service
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editors Note

The editor expresses gratitude to members as the Ness Information Service enters its fourth year, thanking those who have contributed information, articles, ideas, news, and views. The editor notes that the Chinese New Year marks the year of the horse, hoping it will also be the year of the 'Water Horse'.

Personal Anecdote: The 'Water Horse'

The editor recounts a personal experience from a 1976 holiday at Loch Ness. While the editor and his wife, Doris, were having tea, their two-year-old daughter, Heather, sitting in her cot, looked out the window and exclaimed, "there's a horsey on the water". By the time the parents looked, the sighting was gone, with only small waves visible. Despite attempts to get Heather to elaborate, she did not repeat the statement until much later. This event has become a family joke, with the editor humorously noting that his daughter saw something after years of his own observations.

Lake Champlain

Joe Zarzynski, a researcher of the Champlain mystery, sent a copy of the November 1977 'Yankee' magazine, which features a balanced article on the subject. Zarzynski also plans to visit Loch Ness for a week in late April. He is teaching a ten-hour night course for adults in Saratoga Springs, NY, titled "Loch Ness Monster & other Lake Monsters," as part of a Continuing Education Programme. The course runs for five weeks, two hours per week, and has received a good response. His address for those interested is PO Box 34, Wilton, NY 12866, USA.

Lake Okanagan

Cam Brown of West Vancouver, B.C., Canada, has provided information about 'Ogopogo,' the creature associated with Lake Okanagan. He mentions a booklet titled 'I Saw Ogopogo,' which, despite poor printing and drawings, offers substantial information. He also details another book, simply titled 'Ogopogo' by Mary Moon, a softcover book with photographs of sighting areas and two pictures of the creature (which Cam considers not very strong). This book covers the history of Ogopogo, from indigenous legends to recent reports, and includes sections on hunting the creature and explanations of its possible nature, as well as other lake monsters and sea serpents in British Columbia. Cam has a limited number of these books available for $4.95 plus $1.00 postage. Cam also provides the address for the "World Phenomena Information and Research Center" (WPIRC), a non-profit organization studying unknown phenomena, which is currently limited by funds but hopes to offer bulletins and open membership in the future.

Expedition

Alan McClymont is organizing a small expedition to Loch Ness from July 16 to August 12, 1978. Four individuals are involved, and they plan to use a 16-foot cruiser equipped with a depth sounder, hydrophone, and photographic equipment, including cine and 35mm cameras with telephoto lenses up to 1000mm. They will be based near Rubha Ban, on the south-west shore near Invermoriston. Alan's partner, Peter Towntow, will likely camp at the Loch Ness Camping Site. Interested individuals wishing to join as a self-sufficient party can contact L.N.M.I. at 28 Cumberland Crescent, Rowanfield, Cheltenham, Glos.

Sighting? 1974

Philip Marlow of Southport, a student writing an extended essay on 'Nessie,' reports a sighting from July 1974. His economics tutor, whose father had a Loch Ness experience, provided her father's sighting report. The observer, Leo Joseph Prince (age 69), a retired iron moulder, and his wife, observed a disturbance on the water's surface at Loch Ness on a clear, calm evening. The sighting occurred approximately 100-120 yards away, lasting 20 minutes, though the disturbance itself was watched for about a minute. A photograph was taken, and a sketch was enclosed. The wake was described as not very strong with gaps. Mr. Prince had the impression that something was just under the surface causing the wake. The editor notes that while such experiences may not be of great scientific value, they are exciting and that the Loch Ness Investigation served as a focal point for gathering and explaining such reports. Philip Marlow is seeking unwanted pictures or cuttings for his essay and can be reached at 14 Argameols Close, Southport, Merseyside.

N.I.S. Members

Peter and Pauline Hodge visited Loch Ness and reported that they did not connect with Nessie. They spent two weeks in September, experiencing bright, dry weather with frosty nights. They noted considerable traffic on the road and loch, and low-flying airforce planes. The early mornings were calm, ideal for observation, but conditions deteriorated later. They enjoyed being back by the loch, feeling its 'old magic.' They also visited the West Coast and the Isle of Mull, finding Mull beautiful and not over-commercialized, concluding it was a pleasant holiday despite not seeing the 'Beastie.'

Books and Irish Lakes

Lionel Leslie from the Isle of Mull sent a letter referencing Irish lakes. Leslie, an early Loch Ness Investigator, noted that about ten years prior, an investigation into Irish lakes and reports of Nessie-type creatures occurred. The results of this investigation have been compiled into 'World Mysteries,' alongside other topics like the 'Marie Celeste' and the disappearance of lighthouse keepers on the Flannan Isles. Two books are mentioned: 'Enigmas and Mysteries' by Colin Wilson and 'In Search of Monsters' by Alan Lansbury. Ted Holiday's 'The Dragon and the Disc' and Tim Dinsdale's 'Project Water Horse' are also referenced.

Odds and Ends

Fishing: Cold weather in January and February affected catches, with some rivers and parts of the Caledonian Canal freezing over. Loch Ness remained at 40/42 degrees and ice-free. Anglers on Loch Ness had better results, with a 32lb salmon caught on February 11th off the mouth of the River Moriston, and 'Torry' MacKenzie catching a 38lb salmon from the Oich estuary the following Saturday.

Members: The current membership of N.I.S. is 178, fluctuating daily. The nationalities of members are listed: 2 Australian, 1 Belgian, 4 Canadian, 72 English, 2 French, 2 German, 1 Guatemalan, 2 Italian, 1 Norwegian, 12 Scottish, 74 Americans, 4 Welsh, and 1 Irish.

New Scientist Article: Mr. Hawkins sent an article from 'New Scientist' by Jim Hone of the New South Wales Department of Agriculture. The article uses algebra and physics to suggest that creatures in Loch Ness have an oscillating population that sometimes does not exist, which the editor suggests might be a humorous piece.

N.I.S. at the Lochside: The editor plans to be at Loch Ness from July 24th to August 4th with family, based in the Abriachan area, using a white Bedford Dormobile (registration CXG 583K). Members planning to be there are asked to submit details for publicity.

Subscriptions: Subscription costs have increased, with UK members asked for £1.75 and North American members for $7.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Nessletter consistently focuses on lake monster phenomena, particularly the Loch Ness Monster, but also expands to other similar mysteries like Ogopogo and the Lake Champlain Monster. It serves as a platform for members to share personal sightings, research, and news. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of anecdotal evidence while acknowledging the need for scientific rigor, as seen in the discussion of the 'New Scientist' article. The publication also highlights the community aspect of N.I.S., fostering connections among enthusiasts through shared interests and planned expeditions.