Of Men and Monsters

     Normally when you think of the paranormal... ghosts and spirits are the first things that come to mind. However, there are many other fascinating topics that fall under the heading of paranormal. Whether it be UFOs, time travel, vampires, demonology, or cryptozoology, there are plenty of mysterious subjects to explore. But let's focus on the last one I mentioned... cryptozoology. 
     Dictionary.com defines it as "the study of evidence tending to substantiate the existence of, or the search for, creatures whose reported existence is unproved, as the Abominable Snowman or the Loch Ness monster." Based on that definition, it's very similar to the investigation of paranormal activity related to ghosts and spirits. There are numerous groups who investigate claims of Bigfoot, the Yeti, or "Nessie." But there's another ongoing pursuit that you may not be aware of... one that hits close to home for me... the search for "Champ."
     Beautiful Lake Champlain is situated between New York, Vermont, and part of Canada. It is the home of Fort Ticonderoga, a key installation during the American Revolution. Many believe it is also home to a monster. Samuel de Champlain was the first to claim he'd seen something lurking beneath the surface. Countless other claims have followed, and the monster is even the inspiration of a minor league baseball team's name and mascot. 
    Some sources, including the Vermont Historical Society, have offered logical explanations such as floating logs, schools of large fish, and birds flying close to the water. But let's not be so quick to dismiss Champ's existence. There has also been some compelling evidence supporting the claims. Perhaps the most significant (and controversial) is the so-called "Mansi photo," taken by Sandra Mansi in 1977 while visiting the lake with her family.

           This photograph has been examined extensively by experts who found no evidence of forgery. Mansi and her family also claimed the creature turned it's head, contradicting explanations of a floating log.
           Other evidence collected in the search for Champ includes a 2005 video by two fishermen in which a plesiosaur-like creature can be seen. Although it was reviewed by two retired FBI forensic experts, both said there was no visible animal. Lastly, a  2003 expedition sponsored by the Discovery Channel recorded audio in three different parts of the lake, including the deepest part. The researchers reported the sounds were similar to that of a whale, but not made by any known animal.
     So... all evidence and explanations aside the question still remains. Is there really a monster prowling the depths of Lake Champlain? Personally, I believe in Champ, having seen it for myself multiple times.  I encourage all of you to get out there and explore, research, and seek the truth for yourselves. However... whether or not you believe in it, or any other paranormal phenomena for that matter, is completely up to you. 
   
-Kimmie Zeiler
Investigator