Nature Done Wright

It came from the depths of Loch Appert this morning, a creature the size of which has perhaps never been seen in these parts.

We were standing on the Warden's Watch in the Celery Farm Natural Area, the four us, when it appeared from seemingly out of nowhere. It was silent, and patrolling for something behind our ken.

I started to photograph it and realized that it had completely filled the frame.

Hands trembling, I zoomed back and fired away, secretly wishing I had brought that harpoon with me after all in case it came ashore and attacked.

In a flash, and a flick of its gigantic tail, it disappeared into the deep.

How big was it, you ask?

Well, if Loch Appert were the Atlantic Ocean, this creature would easily have been a quarter-mile long.

I am thinking it was a jumbo carp, but this I know. Mallards are now looking over their shoulders when they venture onto the lake, and even snapping turtles give this marine marauder a wide berth.

If you put your hand in the murky waters of the lake, count your fingers when you're done. 

The marsh warden says not to leave small children unattended.

The legend of Allendale's Loch Appert monster exists, and it is likely growing bigger by the day.

  (To be continued?)