Ahead of the upcoming Meeters outing scheduled for Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Monte Baldo – Rifugio Altissimo, I couldn’t resist sharing with you the monstrous secrets hidden in the deep waters of Lake Garda.
Monstrous? You might ask. Yes, monstrous indeed.
In fact, for a long time there have been rumors that a monster inhabits the deep waters of the lake. Many sightings have been reported both in the past and in modern times.
The historian Grattarolo stated that one of the first sightings occurred in the 16th century, when monks from the island of San Felice saw a large creature surface briefly before disappearing.
There were so many sightings that they intrigued numerous scientists and researchers who, driven by the desire to solve the mystery, began conducting actual investigations.
One example is the scientist Armando Bellelli, known for discovering the Sercol and for defending the small church of San Sivino, who coordinated the mission to search for the legendary Bennie (the nickname given to the Lake Garda monster) and even featured in a special episode on the TV show Mistero on Italia Uno.
Researchers from the Deep Explorers of Maderno Toscolano using sonar reportedly detected strange movements at a depth of 270 meters.
A chilling testimony comes from a diver originally from Reggio Emilia, who twelve years ago claims to have struck with a spear what appeared to be an eel.
It was later described as a giant eel or rather, an animal resembling an eel but with very little in common with one.
Some believe Bennie is the last specimen of Benacosaurus, surviving to this day thanks to the protection of Lake Garda’s deep waters. Others think it is a rare species of.
giant eel. Some say it is a huge
Silurus glanis or, more commonly known, a Wels catfish. In short, there are many theories and strange sightings, and as is often the case, imagination plays its part.
I like to think of Bennie as the
guardian spirit of the lake, arrived to protect it from those who poison it, destroying thenature and the beauty of the lake itself. Dear
Meeters, the choice of what to believe is yours, but one thing’s for sure: come Sunday, my backpack won’t be without my telescope, just in case Bennie decides to show himself. It's up to you what to believe, but one thing's for sure: on Sunday, my backpack won't be without the telescope—just in case Bennie decides to show itself.