Earth-shattering news

To the Scientific Community At-large:

After having traveled to the Gobi Desert in search of the Mongolian Death Worm, I made a far greater discovery. I have uncovered a brand new cryptid, and I believe that I may be the only person ever to have set eyes on the animal.

While sifting through the dirt behind a cluster of shrubs, wondering if I should have ventured to the Alashan Plateau at all, and considering heading South, my worries were put to rest. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something speeding towards the shrub bushes, and then I heard a squeak. I dropped my tools and stared. The creature had paused for a minute to capture its lunch: a long-eared jerboa. The bird ripped the small rodent apart and, in a beautiful burst of red, blue, and yellow plumes and bald areas, sped away, calling out Shabowa! Shabowa!

Alas, I was so mesmerized by the event that I dropped my camera, and the lens shattered! Therefore I am sadly without a camera, but I have been taking field notes ever since.

My second run-in with the animal occurred a few days after this. I was walking along the plateau, when I spotted the creature from about 100 ft behind. Again, the bird had stopped to gobble up its prey, a rodent that I have yet to identify. (However, I kept the bones as evidence.) Before I could advance upon the animal, it ran off, again crying Shabowa! Shabowa!

I have christened it "The Shabowa Bird." Now I must return to the Alashan Plateau for further research. I have only stepped into town to gather supplies and announce this zoological development.

A truly superlative cat!

Would anyone be willing to look after Matilde for a couple of months? My next expedition should prove to be rather long, and I can't take her with me.

Please send responses to DanicaNorthFranklin@gmail.com so we can set up the first interview and initiate a background check.

You would be lucky to have her stay with you.

Day 5 - Bessie

Benjamin found out about my blog, read my previous posts, and refuses to escort me into Lake Erie.

I suppose it's for the best. This town hasn't been all that welcoming and I'm ready to move on to new areas. Perhaps I should go seek out MORE IMPORTANT, BETTER KNOWN cryptids, like The Loch Ness Monster...

Day 4 - Bessie

Have I mentioned how homely Benjamin is? Perhaps Bessie isn't surfacing out of pure disgust. I really wouldn't blame her.

Lake Erie Temperature: 41 F
Mainland Temperature: 50 F

Day 3 - Bessie

Benjamin offered me one of his peanut butter sandwiches today and I nearly pushed him over the side of the boat.

No, Benjamin, I will not join you in your vices!

Lake Erie Temperature: 42 F
Mainland Temperature: 59 F

Day 2 - Bessie

We took the boat out again, but saw nothing.

Benjamin's incessant whistling is beginning to get on my nerves.

Lake Erie Temperature: 42 F
Mainland Temperature: 55 F

Day 1 - Bessie

I have arrived at a port along the coast of Lake Erie. (My exact location must once again remain undisclosed, in order to prevent tag-along researchers.) However, it is quite a beautiful location. Lake Erie is a fresh water lake bordered by deciduous forests and coastal towns. Erie is one of the five Great Lakes, and although not quite as transparent as Lake Superior (Erie's big sister to the north) one can see many feet down into the water below.

I've hired a fisherman named Benjamin to escort me on my voyage into lake Erie. His boat is quite large, but smells of fish and peanut butter sandwiches. (Benjamin eats almost nothing else.) These two scents do not mix well.

We found a quiet spot and waited...and waited.

Finally, I saw a glimmer of a snakelike creature below, around 30 feet in length. Thrilled, I exclaimed, “We found her!”

However, Benjamin told me it was just a school of catfish and proceeded to dangle a freshly caught specimen in front of my face. I remain unconvinced.

“I am unconvinced,” I told Benjamin.

“Them's the breaks, sweetheart.”

Then he winked at me. How insulting! I promptly threw his catfish back into the water and he remained sullen for the duration of our journey.

Lake Erie Temperature: 42 F
Mainland Temperature: 57 F