Still lakes are good projection surfaces. If you look at dark water long enough, you see movement even when only wind, current or light are at work.
Myths often arise from everyday measurement errors. Distance is misjudged, size looks distorted on water, and a short shadow later receives a clear shape.
Still, old lake reports should not simply be mocked. They say something about places, fears and the desire to give the ordinary a second layer.
A lake monster does not have to exist in order to have cultural force. Sometimes the possibility is enough.
