Nessletter - No 066 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE Nessletter
Issue: No. 66
Date: October 1984
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
ISSN: 0264 7001

This issue of the Nessletter focuses on a proposed seminar for members, reviews of recent books related to cryptozoology and ancient mysteries, updates on research in Ireland and Scotland, and personal accounts of sightings and theories.

Seminar Proposal

The editor has been considering organizing a meeting or seminar for Ness Information Service members. James Baldwin has written in with suggestions for such an event. He proposes a meeting that is accessible and affordable, ideally a one-day event to avoid overnight stays. The goal is to foster communication and liason among members and potentially invite well-known figures in the monster hunting community. The proposal includes a questionnaire for members to provide their thoughts and indicate their willingness to attend.

Book Reviews

Two books are reviewed in this issue:

• "Twilight of the Gods" by Michael Baran: This book, Baran's third, explores the 'subterranean-saurian theory' and presents evidence for a world-shaking catastrophe around 11,000BC that submerged Lemuria and devastated Atlantis. It also suggests the existence of long-forgotten superpower civilizations that destroyed themselves with secret power. The book is published by Exposition Press and costs $10.50ppd.
• "Champ Beyond the Legend" by Joe Zarzynski: Published in July 1984, this is the first non-fiction book dedicated to the Lake Champlain phenomenon. Joe Zarzynski, known for his work at Lake Champlain, has spent ten years researching sightings and conducting field work. The book includes accounts of sightings going back over 370 years, over 70 illustrations, maps, and photographs, and statements from scientists and institutions like the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History. It is distributed by M-Z Information and available in soft-cover for $8.95 and hard-cover for $16.95, plus postage and handling.

Vladivar Trap & Other Research

Tim Dinsdale's 'Project Waterhorse' is nearing print, with a limited number of copies available to members for £5.00.

The expedition sponsored by the Vladivar Vodka company to catch a large animal in Loch Ness ended unsuccessfully. Despite a budget of £20,000, the expedition lasted six weeks and spent £7,000. Steven Whittle reportedly expressed disappointment. The trap used was a passive type, designed to lure the animal in. The editor questions whether the bait (fish) was appropriate or if other factors, like the animals' feeding habits or fear of the trap, contributed to the failure. The editor doubts that a six-week exercise is sufficient to answer such questions.

Dick Raynor, a former member of the Loch Ness Investigation, proposed a method of sub-dividing sections of the loch using nets and sonar to detect and isolate a large target. Urquhart Bay is suggested as a potential location for such an experiment. The editor also recalls his own idea from the late 1960s to use nets across Urquhart Bay to provide evidence of something large, possibly with small hooks to obtain a skin sample.

Irish Research

Eddie Ruttledge of County Dublin has been corresponding with Lionel Leslie regarding Irish research, particularly at Lough Derg. In 1981, a report of a monster sighting at Lough Derg prompted Eddie to contact Lionel. This led to Bob Rines from the Academy of Applied Sciences conducting sonar work at Lough Derg in October 1982. The sonar registered significant blips, including one 5 feet thick and six large blips. Bob Rines examined the charts and found no signs of fish, indicating the objects were compact and distinct. Eddie is seeking an experienced fish and sonar expert to further investigate these findings. He is also collecting local reports and wants to determine if the blips are shoals of fish or something else. Eddie is interested in connecting with anyone willing to assist in collecting reports, conducting investigations, or performing sonar work and underwater photography next season.

Lionel Leslie, at 84 years old, remains intrigued by the mystery, particularly Adrian Shine's continued uncertainty. Lionel believes the creatures may belong to a unique genus, distinct from known fish and potentially capable of existing without water. His book is reportedly being considered by another publisher.

Roland Watson's Expedition

Roland Watson has reported on his latest expedition/holiday in the north. He conducted watches at Loch Oich, which was busy with speed boats and water skiers, and then moved to the windswept and lonely Loch Oich, finding it devoid of trees. He saw no creatures but found sheep tracks and scattered bones, along with an indentation that resembled a large cat's track. He then visited Loch Arkaig, where he experienced minor issues with his camera equipment. After another short visit to Loch Oich, he proceeded to Loch Ness.

Sightings and Theories

Roland Watson also conducted watches at Invermoriston, the Abbey pier, and the mouth of the Coiltie and Enrick, and rowed across Urquhart Bay. He did not have any luck with sightings. He comments on the 'glowing Nessies' theory, referencing Ulrich Magin's question and Roland's own 'Tulpa theory'. This theory posits that a 'glowing Nessie' is a 2-dimensional image composed of electromagnetic energy, which becomes solid and stops glowing after an 'orthoturn'. Roland suggests that if no 'glowing Nessies' have been reported, the creature might materialize deep underwater, causing water displacement. He also discusses the possibility of witnesses having higher ESP abilities, citing Alex Campbell as an example, and suggests ESP testing as a future avenue of research.

Sighting Report: Jake Williams submitted a report from his father, Jimmie, who in June 1936 or 1937, while camping at Foyers, saw a dark shape on the surface of Loch Ness. The shape was described as larger than a swan's head and neck and was moving rapidly before submerging. The weather was good and the loch surface calm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently explores various aspects of the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon, including proposed research methods, book reviews, and personal accounts. There is a strong emphasis on member participation, with calls for news, views, and responses to questionnaires. The editorial stance appears open to diverse theories, including the 'Tulpa theory' and discussions on paranormal aspects, while also valuing empirical research like sonar investigations and expeditions. The publication aims to foster a community of researchers and enthusiasts interested in the ongoing mystery.