Nessletter - No 039 - 1980

Magazine Overview

This document is the April 1980 issue, number 39, of the NESS Information Service Newsletter. It focuses on reports and ongoing investigations into mysterious creatures and phenomena, primarily centered around Loch Ness and other aquatic locations, but also touching on terrestrial cryptids and aerial phenomena.

Todd Martin's Research at Loch Morar

Todd Martin spent time at Loch Morar, continuing his research from the previous year. He and Tony Healy had previously photographed a strange disturbance in the water. Martin plans to spend the season at Loch Morar until early September, with a trip to Loch Ness in late July/early August. He has studied numerous sighting reports and believes he has identified an intermittent behavioral pattern in the creatures. To further his research, he intends to use two Canon AEI cameras fitted into Ikelite underwater cases, aiming to capture footage underwater. He plans to position the cameras in about 30 feet of water. Last year, he lived in a cave and built good relationships with the local people. This season, he plans to camp in the shell of a ruined croft. Contact information for Todd Martin is provided for those wishing to reach him.

Tony Healy's Explorations and Future Book

Tony Healy returned to Canberra after his explorations. He enclosed newspaper cuttings detailing his journey and explorations in various areas. He reported finding little new about the 'Nagas' of Tasek Bera, where he spent three days camping with aboriginal Malays. Despite not seeing any large creatures, he found the trip interesting and observed other wildlife. He also collected stories about the 'Orang Mawas,' a 'Yeti-type' creature reported in the Malaysian jungles since 1870. Healy is now organizing his files to write one or possibly two books. Originally planned as a single book covering Big Foot, Nessie, and the Yeti, his travels have led him to collect information on over 200 'monsters' worldwide, suggesting a split into books on water monsters and land monsters, or perhaps northern and southern hemisphere creatures.

Expeditions and Sightings

Jeff Watson's Falmouth Bay Photographs

Jeff Watson reported taking photographs of an object in the sea in the Falmouth Bay area. The prints show a small, head-like object protruding above the surface, which moves in relation to the background. The author notes that it could be a living creature like a seal or a small whale, or even driftwood moved by the tide or wind. Watson is commended for his persistent efforts.

John Negus at Loch Ness

John Negus and his fiancée spent the Easter weekend at Loch Ness. Their initial impression was of the loch's beauty and vastness. They spent time along the shore but saw no creatures. They also walked to Boleskine. Despite drawing a blank on this visit, they are determined to spend more time in the area.

Allison Rigg and Nick Sykes at Loch Ness

Allison Rigg and Nick Sykes spent two weeks at Loch Ness in April. They traveled to Inverness and then cycled to the loch. They stayed near Achnahannet, getting acquainted with the area, and later moved to Invermoriston. They conducted serious watching from the pier and river mouth but saw no animals, though they observed large fish jumping. They also cycled to Foyers and camped by the loch side. They met Frank Searle, who offered advice on watching techniques. They returned home without sightings but had a pleasant experience.

Johnny Long's Loch Ness Observations

Johnny Long visited Loch Ness from April 26th to May 5th. He stayed at the Foyers Hotel and used a 35mm camera with a 300mm lens, an 8mm cine camera, binoculars, and a bicycle. He spent about 8 hours a day watching from Foyers along to Dores. On days with a glassy loch surface, he felt a tense anticipation. Although he saw no definitive creatures, he observed two 'V' wakes followed by a considerable water disturbance, which he believes were caused by large trout or salmon. He also met Dick Raynor and Frank Searle, who shared his views on the phenomena and conservation. Searle reportedly stated that Bob Rine's underwater shots were of a movie monster and Tim Dinsdale's film was not of Nessie, and that there are no otters in the loch. Johnny also visited the new Loch Ness Monster Exhibition at the Drumnadrochit Hotel.

Terry Chappell's Film Project

Terry Chappell plans to spend two weeks at Loch Ness in September, shooting 8mm cine footage for a personal film about the phenomenon, from past to present.

Theo Brown's Plans

Theo Brown, Director of the Australian Division of the World Life Research Institute, plans to return to Loch Ness, though his plans are not yet finalized. He hopes for kinder weather.

Mrs. V. G. Wallis's Monster Hunting Trip

Mrs. V. G. Wallis was interested in the account of Lake Bala and plans to include it in her September trip to North Wales for monster hunting.

Ernest Brooks's Mini-Submarine Expedition

Ernest Brooks, head of the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California, plans to spend a month at the bottom of Loch Ness in a mini-submarine in 1981, believing that "We'll only learn the truth by spending some considerable time at the bottom."

International Reports

Japanese Cousin: 'Kushie' of Lake Kutcharo

Two members sent a cutting about a strange creature, 'Kushie,' reported in Lake Kutcharo, Japan. The legend is ancient, dating back to the aboriginal Ainu. A story tells of two twin stars falling from the sky, one into Lake Kutcharo and the other into Loch Ness, suggesting a connection between 'Kushie' and 'Nessie.'

Tail Ends: Lake Pohenegamook and Mokele-Mbembe

Joe Zarzynski sent an article on Lake Pohenegamook and its creatures, which discussed the history of the lake and theories about sturgeon species. He also sent a New York Times cutting about Dr. Roy Mackal's expedition in the Congo River basin. Based on eyewitness reports, Mackal and his colleague concluded that the 'Mokele-Mbembe' is a real animal, not a myth.

Miscellaneous News

Jacobite Cruises Planning

Jacobite Cruises has applied for planning permission for a landing stage and access pathway at Castle Urquhart to facilitate tourist boat operations.

Caledonian Canal Rowing Feat

An 81-year-old Duncan MacGregor completed his lifelong desire to row the length of the Caledonian Canal, a 60-mile journey, sponsored for charity.

Dolphins and the Academy of Applied Science

There is no update on the Academy of Applied Science's program. Gordon Mackintosh reported that some equipment has been ashore for overhaul, and it is believed there will be no attempt to bring dolphins in this year.

Otter Sighting on River Ness

Mr. and Mrs. Morris observed an otter diving and cavorting in the River Ness near Inverness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features reports of unexplained phenomena, particularly aquatic creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, but also extends to other cryptids and potential UFO sightings. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and reporting of evidence, encouraging readers to submit their own news and views. There is a clear interest in scientific investigation, as evidenced by the discussion of underwater cameras, infra-red film, and expeditions. The newsletter also touches on the ethical considerations of some research, as seen in Johnny Long's comments on the 'dolphin' project. The overall tone is informative and aims to document ongoing efforts to understand these mysteries.