Loch Ness

Beside Loch Ness at Castle Urquhart on April 6

This Spring break, I took a vacation with my parents and brother Thodo, and one of the places I journeyed to, was the great and mysterious Loch Ness in Scotland. It's got awesome scenery, and historical forts nearby, but most of all, there is a legend that a huge monster lurks beneath the deep, dark loch, and seldom touches the surface. This is what Loch Ness is known for: the numerous alleged sightings, photos, legends, and encounters with this mysterious monster nicknamed "Nessie." Nessie is one of the most well known creatures in the field of cryptozoology. I have read, and been fascinated by this since I was very young. And now, I finally got to see the famed loch for real!

The first report of the Loch Ness Monster, dates back to the year 565, when Saint Columba visited Scotland, it is said, that the saved the life of a Pict, who was attacked by the monster. And since then, the popularity of the creature grew. Many sightings suggest that the creature could be a surviving plasiosaur, or a serpent, a scaly animal or a giant slug. It has also been reported to be seen on land, and also, more than one has been spotted at the same time too! Many Used to believe that the lake couldn't support such a large creature. But Recent study has suggested that it could support several! Also, sonar was used, and it found some pretty large objects in the loch!

If there is a creature, it is probably not a plasiosaur, for the loch was created by glaciers in the Ice Age. Some of the evidence could suggest that it is an elephant. But I do not think it land mammal from warm regions is living near a lake in cold Scotland. Very large sturgeon have been found near the loch. Their size and unusual appearance could be mistaken as a monster.

There have been lots photos of Nessie, many are hoaxes. And there is no hard evidence so far. But despite all that, with all the info and sonar detections, I still believe there is some large creature that lurks in the waters of the famous Loch. After all, the lake is HUGE and very deep. It is also very dark because of the large peat content. So who knows what goes on in there. Plus, Nessie could be related to all the other lake monsters, and sea monsters that have been reported. It could be just a new species, yet to be discovered. And when we do, it may not seem so monster like, just like the discovery of giant pandas, Opaki, giant squids, and the Pongo apes. But I think it is fun to have a good mystery.

As for my trip, it proved a bit disappointing when I did not get to see anything. But the Castle and scenery were beautiful and haunting.