STORYTIME TAPESTRY

The Newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world

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Special Treat ??“ From Me!

Nov 16, 2005? 

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Our Own Lake Monster ??“ Whippi

Carol Roach

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Most of us have heard about the famous lock nest monster in Scotland, and the famous Sasquatch known as big foot? Now it appears Quebec has its own monster. The townspeople have been reporting these sightings for years in the Eastern Townships near Sherbrooke, Quebec.

A Quebec innkeeper, Jeff Stafford, owner of the Ripplecove Inn, showed photos of what he claims to be Whippy the legendary monster of Lake Massawippi. It may not be big like Ogopogo, which is the British Columbia famous monster, Canada??™s claim to fame, but I think he will do. Perhaps it??™s his son?

Stafford??™s produced pictures of this alligator-like creature. He showed a series of blurry photos of an oddly-shaped-thing floating on top of the water resembling a large crocodile. Stafford states that according to the tourist who gave him the photos, Whippy was 10 feet long, and had its head stuck out of the water for several minutes.

Apparently, there are many stories of monster sightings in these parts. Nearby Lake Mephremagog has "Memphre"; Lake Champlain has "Champ."

Florent Hebert, who's been guiding tours on the lake for 23 years, said he's seen a lot of strange things that he just can't explain. He has been trying to convince people of Whippy's existence, and feels relieved that the photos will prove that he is not a crazy man, nor is he a teller of tall tales.

According to scientists, these waters are inhabited by some very large fish. The local fisherman claim to have seen ???monster sturgeons??? that are more than seven feet long. But Vancouver author John Kirk, specialist in unknown animals, says Stafford??™s monster could be a form of catfish. It doesn??™t qualify as a classical lake monster.

Whatever it is, we got em, and now I can tell my grandson some pretty big fish stories.

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Carol Roach

winterose@videotron.ca

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A Native of Montreal, Quebec, Carol is a graduate of Concordia, and McGill University.?  She holds a bachelor in psychology and a Masters in counselling psychology.?  Carol Roach is a published writer and newsletter editor.?  You can purchase her book: Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey at www.publishamerica.com, or www.amazon.com.?  You can also go to your local bookstore and order it there as well.?  Carol??™s second book: Angels Watching Over is currently looking for a home. Stay tuned for details. ? 

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If you are interested in other stories feel free to join her newsletter: Storytime Tapestry at: http://subs.zinester.com/98907 , or email her directly at winterose@videotron.ca and she will be glad to accommodate you.?  Carol enjoys email and responds to every inquiry.

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