Nessletter - No 037 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: Ness Information Service Nessletter
Issue: No. 37
Date: December 1980

This issue of the Nessletter, published by the Ness Information Service, focuses on various unexplained phenomena, primarily lake monster sightings and other unusual occurrences from around the world, with a particular emphasis on Loch Ness.

Sighting: Loch Ness

The issue begins with a detailed account of an unusual episode on Loch Ness on Sunday, September 9, 1979. Angus Kennedy and two companions, while on a boat trip from Fort Augustus to Foyers, reported seeing a 'head' among the waves. The sighting was brief, and only two of the three saw it. Later that day, during the return trip, Angus Kennedy saw a similar phenomenon about 50 yards away. The report emphasizes the unusual nature of having two sightings on the same day on Loch Ness, especially given Kennedy's familiarity with the loch as a former water bailiff. The creature was described as appearing alive.

Another significant sighting discussed is that of the McNish family in September 1979. Their encounter is highlighted as significant due to its proximity to other motor cruisers, challenging the assumption that boat traffic deters such creatures. The McNishes reported the animal may have been attracted by a spinner lure. They later spoke to occupants of another boat who had not seen the creature but reported excitement aboard when a fish was hooked around the same time, suggesting the creature might be interested in fish.

Zarzynski - Champlain

This section details an article from the Brighton-Pittsford Post about the loss of the paddle steamboat 'The Phoenix' on Lake Champlain on September 5, 1819. The steamboat, built in 1815, sank after catching fire during a gale, resulting in the deaths of six people. The article also covers the discovery of the wreck in June 1979 by Joe Zarzynski and Jim Kennard, who used sophisticated sonar equipment. Zarzynski, who has collected 95 'Champ' sightings, has donated his time and equipment for sonar work on Lake Champlain.

Cousins!

This section presents an article from the Providence, Rhode Island Journal about Lake Pohenegamook in Southern Quebec, Canada. The lake, formed by glacial action, is described as deep with surrounding mountains. Local legends refer to a creature called 'Mantouche'. Sightings have been reported over the years, with an increase during road construction in 1957/8. Abbe Leopold Plante reported seeing a creature 25-30 feet long, gray and slimy, resembling an upturned boat. Other parishioners also reported sightings, including a land sighting of a huge, dark animal. Descriptions generally fall into two categories: upturned boat types (15-30 feet long) and head and neck types, with smooth skin and dark color.

Lake Bala and Lough Brin

The Nessletter reports on sightings from Lake Bala in Wales and Lough Brin in Ireland.

In Lake Bala, a large, dark, humped shape was seen in September 1979 by Mrs Jones. Other locals reported similar experiences with a creature known as 'Anghenfil'. The Lake Warden and his deputy also reported seeing a creature with two long, low humps.

In Lough Brin, County Kerry, Ireland, two local farmers reported seeing a strange creature in the summer of 1979, described as ten feet long and reptilian. The father of one of the farmers described a creature as a cross between a giant seal and a 'dragon out of the pictures', black as soot. The report notes the small size of Lough Brin (600 yards long by 400 yards wide) and its depth, questioning how it could support large creatures.

NIS at the Lochside

This section includes correspondence from visitors to Loch Ness. M. Jean Berton from France reported on his trip to Loch Ness and Loch Morar, noting poor weather conditions. He is researching the Water Horse/Bull legends and invites others with stories to contact him. Jean's book, in French, is available for purchase.

Jim Green reported on his trip in late September, also affected by poor weather, spending much time watching from his car. He plans another trip in June or July 1980.

Jeff Watson shared reports from two trips to Loch Ness and one to Falmouth Bay, with no success but gaining experience with his camera equipment.

Fortean Times

This section discusses the magazine 'Fortean Times', noting its financial difficulties. It highlights issue No. 29 (Summer 1979) as superb, featuring an examination of the Doc Shiels photographs. The magazine has reverted to its old size with issue No. 30 and is available by subscription.

Big Cat

This section reports on several 'big cat' sightings in the Scottish Highlands, acknowledging it's not strictly a 'monster' but of general interest. Reports include:

• A lioness seen stalking ponies near Cannich in late October by Mr Ted Noble and his sister-in-law.
• An engine driver reporting a lioness near the railway line approaching Garve Hotel.
• Four men seeing a large, sandy-coloured, powerful animal in headlights between Muir of Ord and Marybank.
• Two young men reporting a golden-brown animal with a long tail, about three feet tall, in the Drumchardine area.

The report concludes by stating no further sightings have been heard of up to the time of publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are lake monsters, unexplained animal sightings, and the investigation of such phenomena using various methods, including sonar. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting reports and witness accounts without definitive conclusions but highlighting the significance and unusual nature of the events. The publication encourages reader contributions and news, as indicated by the contact information for R.R. Hepple of the Ness Information Service.