O is for Ogopogo
Ogopogo is a monster of the Nessie variety believed to exist in Lake Okanagan in
British Columbia. Sightings go back to at least 1872, making Ogopogo a monster
purported to exist before Nessie gained notoriety. There have been sightings by groups
of people, such as one in 1926 when the occupants of about 30 cars saw the
monster in the lake. In the year 2000, a marathon swimmer had the disconcerting
experience of having two creatures over twenty feet long join him for a short time
during his swim!
Lake Okanagan is a deep lake which drains to the south, it's waters
becoming the Okanagan River which continues on through Lake
Osoyoos (said to also be the abode of a monster) and on through the
American side (where the spelling changes to Okanogan) and down
to where it flows into the great Columbia River.
The Indians believed Ogopogo to not be sweet tempered. When they
crossed the lake, they were said to have brought along a small animal.
This poor animal was put overboard in the middle of the lake to appease
the lake monster.
The descriptions of Ogopogo are somewhat different than those of Nessie, as
Ogopogo is often described as having a more slender, snake like shape.
Sightings of the monster have been numerous over the years, with
hunting guides, priests and sea captains having described the unknown
beast in the lake.
Ogopogo has a stamp with it's image. Wonder if Nessie or Champ have one?
http://sunnyokanagan.com/ogopogo/
http://www.strangemag.com/ogopogo.html
http://www.ogopogomonster.com/photo-album.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okanogan_River
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okanagan_Lake
http://www.ogopogoquest.com/sightings.html
I used to live near a place with a very deep (considered to be "bottomless") lake where the local tales included a sea serpent of great size. On a more logical end of things, if the lake is as deep as they say it is, then I suppose it is possible for a creature to continue to grow like that. The size itself would be intimidating. But there are fish we can buy in pet stores that will "grow to fit the tank" and that means whatever size tank we have. So why would it be unlikely for a sea critter to grow to fit their environment? ... I say it's possible, but I don't think they are inherently mean... have you ever played with a giant dog? LOL
ReplyDeleteIt would be fascinating to live near a 'bottomless' lake! And if a creature were long lived, it could grow to great size. The Indians felt it was mean because they thought they saw the remains of its 'meals' on the shore of an island. I think I read a story that once some Indians had drowned because the monster upset their canoe. I want to go to Loch Ness some day and pay a visit to either Lake Osoyoos or Lake Okanagan...and I will be keeping my eye on the water! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteCanada has its own version of Nessy with a stamp to boot. Excellent. I enjoy the enduring quality of monster legends, they keep the present rooted in the mysteries of the past, always a worthwhile thing. The evidence is fun to review. Fun post.
ReplyDeleteYes, if that many people actually saw something...and they were sure it could not be just a log or a well known creature..then there must be something. When I was young I read that book about them finding a coelacanth. Who knows what lies below! Thanks
DeleteI only live a few hours from Okanagan Lake, and as a child we used to camp near there quite often (and even swim in it!). I was always intrigued by the legend of the Ogopogo. Exciting to stare intently at the lake , in hope of catching a glimspe, but no such luck! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!
www.theviewfromhere59.blogspot.ca
One of these days we will be lucky! Thanks for stopping by
ReplyDelete