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Mom! Dad! Mimi! Pop Pop! I saw Jekka
shouted as she ran inside.
Whoa, slow down, honey your sisters sleeping,
her mom said.
Sorry, its just that
Wait a minute, said her dad, Youre dripping all
over the place. Hold on while I get a towel.
But Im trying to tell you
And didnt I say not to go in the water? her mom
added, with a skeptical look.
Yes. Sorry. It was an accident. My binoculars got
tangled and I fell in.
Maybe you shouldnt have been so close to the
lake, peanut, her dad chimed in, handing her a towel.
Jekka felt like she was going to explode.
It was Champy! she finally shouted. The room
got suddenly silent, and Jekka repeated herself, this time
quietly. I saw Champy, and I think I took his picture.
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Other Books By Dan Ward
Meet The Boomer Sisters
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The Boomer
Sisters MeetChampy!
By Dan Ward
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A ROGUE PRESS BOOK
New York
2006
Visit us at www.lulu.com/RoguePress
Copyright 2006 by Dan Ward
Cover design by Mandy Hoelmer
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For My Parents,
who taught me to aim high.
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Faith means believing the unbelievable.
Hope means hoping when everything is hopeless.
- G.K. Chesterton
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CONTENTS
1. Vacation Begins 1
2. First Encounter 7
3. A Garden Tour 14
4. Letters In The Attic 24
5. Cornerstone Bookstore 32
6. Beach Day 41
7. Visiting ECHO 50
8. Loon Rescue 60
9. Pieces Coming Together 69
10. Flying The Lucky Duck 77
11. ECHOs ECHO 87
12. Pistachio Launch 98
13. In The Lake 110
14. The Deep Water Program 119
15. Close Encounter 127
16. Back To The Garden 133
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Chapter 1: The Vacation Begins
5 6 7 BJ Boomer carefully set her socks
into the suitcase, counting each pair out loud. 8 ooof
JB! BJ glared at her little sister, who had come into the
room unannounced and bumped her arm, scattering socksall over the bed. Look what you did! What are you doing
in my room?
7, 8, JB? JB isnt a number, silly, replied the
youngest Boomer girl with a grin. And besides, thats not
even my name anymore. From now on, I want to be called
Jekka.
Mom! BJ yelled. JB is bothering me and she
messed up my socks and she probably didnt even pack
yet!
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
I said I want to be called Jekka now, she replied,
then ran towards BJs door and collided with her mom, who
had just arrived.
Girls, please dont harass each other, Mrs.
Boomer said with a sigh. Weve got a long drive ahead of
us and it would be nice if everyone would get along.
Turning to her youngest daughter, she said, JB, are you
packed already?
Yes, and I want to be called Jekka now, she
answered in her most regal, princessy voice.
OK, Jekka, lets check out your suitcase.
Together, the two went into Jekkas room, and BJ heard her
mom give a small gasp. Um, sweetie, nice try, but you
cant just throw a wad of clothes into a bag and call it
packing. Look, its all shirts and no pants. Here, let me help
you
BJ sighed and silently started counting out her socks
again, then began picking out some shirts to bring.
The Camp Mimi Express leaves in thirty minutes,
BJ heard her dad say from the hallway. BJ started to pack
faster.
For as long as she could remember, BJ and her
sister had gone to Plattsburgh, New York, to visit their
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grandparents for a week each summer. The girls called
them Mimi and Pop Pop, and everyone called the trip
Camp Mimi. This year, instead of just one week, they
would stay for two, while their mom and dad took a hot air
balloon trip across the country.
BJ loved visiting her grandparents any time of year,
and loved going to Camp Mimi most of all. Mimi and Pop
Pop lived in a part of Plattsburgh called Cliff Haven, on the
shores of Lake Champlain. Summers there were filled with
canoeing, picnics on the beach, snorkeling, and trips on her
grandparents boat, Air Force Blue.
Mimi had a garden which wrapped around the entire
house, and even though BJ didnt like dirt, worms or bugs,
she loved helping Mimi take care of all the beautiful
flowers. Plus, with her parents gone, she and JB I mean
Jekka got to stay up late, eat candy, and do all the things
kids cant do when their parents are around.
Um, hello? BJs dad poked his head into the
room, startling her. Are you packing or did you go to Cliff
Haven in your mind already? he asked with a chuckle.
BJ realized she had spaced out, thinking about the
trip, and was standing motionless in her room, one hand ona half-folded shirt.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Oops, sorry Daddy, she said sheepishly. I guess I
got distracted by my own brain. Im almost done packing,
dont worry.
Sounds good, kiddo, he answered. Let me know
when your bag is ready and Ill put it in the van. Youll
have plenty of time to daydream while were driving.
Im going to find Champy this year, Jekkaannounced from the doorway as their dad moved into the
kitchen. She had a pair of binoculars around her neck and a
camera in her hand.
I dont think hes real, answered BJ, surprising
herself a little with her response. She used to believe in the
monster that supposedly lives in Lake Champlain, and
spent hours looking for him every summer. Lately, though,
she was beginning to doubt whether such a huge creature
could live in the lake without being noticed. Part of her still
believed, and most of herwantedto believe, but she wasntentirely sure what she should think.
He is real, shot back Jekka, stomping one foot
defiantly. And Im going to take his picture. She spun on
her heel and disappeared down the hallway at her usual
high rate of speed. BJ heard her dad say oof, as Jekkacrashed into him.
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BJ zipped her suitcase, then picked up her book bag
with a grunt. She had packed close to twenty books the
night before, and they were heavy.
Whoa, thats a lot of books youve got there,
kiddo. Her dad was back. You know youre only going to
be there for two weeks, right?
Oh Daddy, these books are for the car ride, notCamp Mimi. Pop Pop said he would take us to that cool
bookstore while were up there, and get even more books.
BJs neck tingled at the thought.
Oh, he answered, as he picked her full suitcase
up. Well, if anyone can read all these books in four hours,
I imagine you can. Lets get it started, shall we?
Can we bring our flying bikes, Daddy? Jekka
asked.
Sorry kiddo, theres not enough room in the van.
Besides, Im sure youll have plenty of adventures and fun
in Cliff Haven, even without winged bicycles.
Ok. Then can I bring my little flashlight?
Sure, Mr. Boomer answered with a chuckle. By
all means, bring a flashlight.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
The drive to Cliff Haven took forever, as usual. BJ
spent most of the time reading, while Jekka hummed and
sang along with the music on her headphones. The last
half-hour, however, everyone spent staring out the window,
in a contest to see who would be the first to glimpse the
lake.
There it is! Jekka shouted, a second before BJ
joined in. We see it! We see it!
At first, all they could make out was occasional
glimpses of brilliant blue water, occasionally broken by
white capped waves. Then the glimpses turned into larger
patches, and before long they were driving along the shore.
Ten minutes later, they were pulling up to Mimi and
Pop Pops house, spilling out of the car into the bright
sunshiny day, hugging their grandparents hello while Joey
the cocker spaniel barked and barked.
Camp Mimi had begun.
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Chapter 2: First Encounter
Dinner was a noisy, active event. Pop Pop grilled
his special burgers and hotdogs in the backyard, and Mimi
laid out a huge platter of strawberries and fruit. Jekka ate a
ton of berries, as usual, but BJ didnt have much of anappetite. She felt funny all over, and alternated between
being too hot and freezing. She slumped down in her chair,
and didnt even perk up when Mimi brought out her
favorite dessert apple pie from Rolfs orchard.
Are you alright, honey? asked her mom.
I dont feel good, BJ answered, in a whisper.
Can I have your strawberries, then? Jekka asked.
Sure, muttered BJ as her mom felt her forehead.
I didnt touch them.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Oh dear, youve got a fever for sure. How does
your head feel?
It hurts. So does my belly.
OK, lets get you to bed, peanut. Im sorry youre
sick!
Mimi bustled around, bringing BJ some medicine
and setting her up in the bedroom at the end of the hallway.
I dont want to be sick, Mimi, BJ protested. I
want to go work in the garden.
Dont worry, sweetheart. The garden isnt going
anywhere. Itll wait for you, and theres always something
to do out there. Just rest now, so you can get better. She
kissed BJs forehead.
Jekka came in, clutching an old stuffed duck that
used to be yellow. She set it on the bed next to her sister.
You can sleep with Du-yaya if you want to, she
said in a gentle voice, Cause youre sick.
Thanks, Jekka. BJ smiled, then closed her eyes.
Two minutes later, she was asleep.
Back in the kitchen, it was clean up time.
Pop Pop, do you believe Champy is real? Jekka
asked as she put the empty berry dish into the sink.
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I sure do, he answered.
Have you ever seen him?
Well, Im not sure. Ive seen things on the lake that
I cant explain, which may or may not have been Champy.
But, believing and seeing are two different things, and even
though I cant say Ive definitely seen him, I definitely
believe hes real.
Oh. Jekka thought about that for a minute. Well,
I hope I see him this summer.
That would be great, Pop Pop answered. I hope
you see him too.
BJ said Champy isnt real, Jekka added,
hesitantly.
She did, did she? How does she know, I wonder?
Its a pretty big lake, and youd have to search the whole
thing from one end to the other to know for sure, and its
over a hundred miles long. He bent down to look Jekka in
the eyes. Do you think BJ has been surveying the entire
lake without telling us? His eyes twinkled, and there was
laughter in his voice.
Oh Pop Pop, youre so funny.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
When the table was cleared and the dishes put away,
the grownups laid out a map on the table and began talking
about Mr. and Mrs. Boomers hot air balloon trip. Jekka
had other things in mind.
Mom, can I go look at the lake? she asked.
Sure, honey, but stay on the shore, OK?
OK, I just want to look for Champy. I think he
likes to come out at dusk. I wont go in the water.
OK. Good luck, honey!
Jekka hung the binoculars around her neck, grabbed
her camera, and ran across the street, through a grassy field
and towards the water. Her parents said there used to be a
rocky beach there a long time ago, but now there was a
cement wall, to prevent erosion, and a set of stairs leading
down to the water.
The lake was perfectly still. The evening air felt
cooler as Jekka got closer to the water. With the sun setting
behind her, Jekka shivered a little bit and breathed in the
gentle scent of the lake. She walked down the steps and sat
on the last one, drawing her knees to her chest to stay
warm.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
a better look. She had forgotten all about the camera, which
was still in her hand.
At this point, several things happened at once. A
long, skinny, shiny, neck-like object broke the surface of
the water. It had a head that looked like a cross between a
horse and a snake with horns, and it moved from side to
side, as if looking around. Jekka screamed in excitement
and fear and tried to stand up, but the strap from her
binoculars (which was still around her neck) was somehow
looped around her toe. Instead of standing, she fell head-
first into the lake.
She was still holding the camera in her left hand,
and as she fell, she pressed the shutter button. The flash
went off right before the splash. By the time Jekka got
untangled from the strap and was standing up again, there
was no sign of the neck, the head or the v-shaped wave.
The lake was perfectly still again, and she was alone.
She stood there, in water up to her knees, breathing
hard, dripping wet, laughing and crying all at the same
time. She had seen Champy, there was no doubt in her
mind. She just knew that was him, and he was magnificent.
She looked down at the camera in her hand, the camera
which just might contain proof of Champys existence. Still
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laughing and crying and dripping, she sprinted up the stairs
and shot back across the street to her grandparents house.
Mom! Dad! Mimi! Pop Pop! I saw Jekka
shouted as she ran inside.
Whoa, slow down, honey your sisters sleeping,
her mom said.
Sorry, its just that
Wait a minute, said her dad, Youre dripping all
over the place. Hold on while I get a towel.
But Im trying to tell you
And didnt I say not to go in the water? her mom
added, with a skeptical look.
Yes. Sorry. It was an accident. My binoculars got
tangled and I fell in.
Maybe you shouldnt have been so close to the
lake, peanut, her dad chimed in, handing her a towel.
Jekka felt like she was going to explode.
It was Champy! she finally shouted. The room
got suddenly silent, and Jekka repeated herself, this time
quietly. I saw Champy, and I think I took his picture.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Chapter 3: In The Garden
It took hours for Jekka to fall asleep that night, but
she finally did. She was just so excited about what shed
seen, and could scarcely wait for the morning to come so
they could take her film to get developed. She also couldntwait to tell BJ. Even though shed told the whole story to
the grownups three or four times that night, Jekka was sure
shed never get tired of talking about it.
She woke up early, as usual. Mimi and her dad were
already awake and drinking coffee, but everyone else was
still in bed.
Can we walk over to the lake again? Jekka asked.
Sure, her dad answered. Are you looking to get
another peek at Champy? he asked with a gentle smile.
Kinda, she replied, taking Mimis hand. Together,
the three of them walked across the street. Jekka went
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Good, answered Jekka and Mimi together. Jekka
added, But no Champy this morning just a stick.
Well, Pop Pop got up and hes making pancakes.
He sent me over to let you know theyre almost ready.
Jekka grabbed her driftwood and raced for the
pancakes.
Back in the house, BJ was still sleeping. She slept
through breakfast, so Jekka ate enough pancakes for both of
them. BJ only opened her eyes a little when her parents
came in to say goodbye and confirm that her fever was
gone. They were leaving for their hot air balloon trip and
had to get on the road to meet up with their crew.
Give us a call on our cell phone when you get the
photo developed, ok? Jekkas mom said to her. I want to
hear all about it! And keep us posted on how your sister is
doing, of course. Love you, kiddo! Bye!
After breakfast, Pop Pop took Jekka to the drugstore
to drop off the film. When they got back, BJ was finally
awake, curled up on the couch with Mimi, a cup of juice,
and a book. The radio was tuned to WIRY, and the DJ was
reading a list of peoples birthdays.
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What?!? Mimi look! Jekka exclaimed, pointing.
Then she breathed a big sigh of relief. Oh, never mind. Its
just the driftwood.
In her race to get some pancakes, Jekka had left the
stick lying in the driveway. Pop Pop must have moved it,
propping it up against the side of the house. Jekka took a
closer look at the twisted ball of roots and laughed at
herself.
I thought the stick was Champy just now. Its sort
of the same shape I saw last night
Then a terrible thought hit her. What if this is what
she saw in the water last night? If the stick could fool her
for a second in broad daylight, in a garden, couldnt it fool
her at dusk, in the water?
Yeah, Mimi was saying, It does look a little like
a Champy head, doesnt it?
Mimi, what if it wasnt him? I mean, what if it was
him I mean, what if it wasnt really, I mean, if the
stick Jekka stammered.
Slow down, honey, Mimi said, putting her hand
on Jekkas shoulder to comfort her. I dont understand.
What if what was who?
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
What if this stick is what I saw last night, instead
of Champy? Jekka finally blurted out. What if Champys
not real?
Oh my, Mimi said. Lets have a seat and talk
about this. She took Jekkas hand and led her to a huge
Maple tree in the backyard. There were four large rocks
under the tree, where the girls often had picnics.
Now, I dont know what you saw last night, but
you did say it was moving pretty fast, right? Even though
the lake was perfectly calm?
Yeah
OK. How fast do you think a stick like this can
swim?
Jekka laughed in relief.
And, Mimi continued, You said it was poking up
out of the water, right? Have you ever seen a stick floating
in the water? Arent they usually laying down flat?
Yes! Jekka jumped off her rock and gave Mimi a
big hug.
Thanks, Meems.
Theres one more thing you need to understand,
Jekka. Mimi looked pretty serious now. Just because
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theres a fake of something doesnt mean the real version
doesnt exist. Even if what you saw last night was the stick,
that wouldnt prove anything about Champy.
Pop Pop came around the corner, followed by Joey.
Oh, there you two are! Does anyone want to come
with me to get that film?
Jekka spun around three times, bounced into Mimi
and gave her a big hug, then dashed off towards Pop Pop.
She grabbed his hand and didnt slow down, so together
they ran towards his car.
The trip to the drugstore only took five minutes, but
to Jekka it felt twice as long as the drive from her house to
Cliff Haven.
When they finally arrived, Jekka ran to the photo
desk, waving her arms wildly to get the clerks attention.
Are they ready? Are they? Are they?
The girl behind the counter smiled.
Yep. Here they are. Thatll be $9.46.
Pop Pop paid while Jekka ripped open the envelope
and flipped through the photos. There was one of her own
backyard, taken the week before. There was one or two
from school and then the photo she took the night before.
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Toads are sort of like caretakers for the garden,
you know, Mimi said from beside Jekka. They eat the
slugs, so the slugs dont eat my hostas.
Your toad is missing, Jekka replied, pointing at
the empty hut.
Oh, hes not really missing. I just dont know
where he is at the moment. Hes around somewhere, doinghis thing, looking for slugs. Its a pretty big garden,
sweetie, and the toads could be anywhere.
For some reason, this made Jekka feel a little bit
better. Then again, being in the garden with Mimi always
made things better.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Chapter 4: Letters In The Attic
The next morning dawned gray, cold and rainy. A
steady drizzle was falling, the kind of rain that can last all
day and seems like it will last all week. The lake was a
steely gray color, matching the sky, and had hundreds oftiny waves on it, flowing in all different directions, as if the
lake couldnt decide which way the wind was blowing.
Great! BJ said. Im feeling better, and now its
raining! Im never going to get to go to the beach!
Oh, I think youll enjoy what Ive got planned for
today, sweetie, Mimi said with a hug. And Im so happy
to see youre feeling better!
What is it? What do you have planned? asked
Jekka as she bounced into the room.
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Well, I thought wed eat some breakfast, then have
a treasure hunt in the attic. Then, after lunch, we can visit
the used bookstore downtown.
Yay! Both girls jumped up and down.
What kind of treasures are in the attic, Meems?
asked BJ.
If I told you, it wouldnt be much of a hunt, would
it? she replied. And besides, how would I know what
your treasures are? Only you can decide that. But first,
breakfast.
The girls tore through breakfast in record time, and
cleaned up even faster.
Lets go! laughed Jekka, tugging on Mimis arm.
OK, follow me! Mimi answered.
She led the girls to the hallway, and pulled on a cord
that dangled from the ceiling, unfolding a wooden staircase.
Now, be careful up there, girls. We had a momma
raccoon and her babies up there last spring, and Pop Pop
put his foot through the ceiling when he went up there to
trap them.
The girls laughed at the thought of Pop Pops legs
dangling through the ceiling.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Well be careful, they promised.
The attic was lit by a single bare bulb, and thewhole place smelled like dust. There were mysterious
looking piles of boxes, objects covered with sheets, and
everything else you would expect to find in a grandparents
attic. The girls could hear the rain pattering on the roof,
which made the whole place feel even more magical.
Jekka found a cardboard box full of stuffed animals
and pawed through it. She picked out a stuffed manatee,
and Mimi said she could keep it. Then she found a trunk
full of old costumes.
Thats our Halloween trunk, Mimi said. Your
dad and Uncle Q used to love to play with that stuff when
they were your ages.
Jekka put on a wig of wild red hair, a black eye
mask and a cape, then looked around for a mirror.
BJ, meanwhile, had opened a trunk labeled Zeke,
which is her dads name. It was full of old comic books,
and she saw a stack of letters with unusual looking stamps
on them. BJ took a closer look. The return address said
Scotland!
Mimi, who does Dad know in Scotland?
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I dont know. Let me see. Mimi came over for a
closer look.
Oh, these are from your dads cousin-twin, Debbie.
Her family lived in Scotland for a few years, a long time
ago.
A cousin-twin? asked Jekka, who was now
wearing a princess gown and a horse head mask. Whats acousin-twin?
Well, theyre not really twins they were just born
in the same year, so thats what they called each other.
Ok, said Jekka, returning to the costume trunk.
Can I read some of them? BJ asked.
Im sure that would be fine, Mimi answered.
BJ carefully opened the top one.
Dear Zeke,
Hiya cuz! How is my favorite cousin twin? I
am well. Scotland is beautiful, but I miss Virginia.
Yall think I talk funny, you should hear the people
around here. I cant even understand them
sometimes. I try to explain that I aint got no accent,
but Im not sure they can understand me either.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
We are on vacation they say on holiday
around here and are visiting Loch Ness for a
whole week!!! I havent seen the Loch Ness Monster
yet, but shes named Nessie and they say Nessie is
like Champy. I go out to the shore with binoculars
every day.
Thanks for your letter. I am sorry you
havent seen Champy yet, but I bet you will
someday. I have to go now. My mom says its
lunchtime.
Love, Debbie
BJ carefully folded the letter and put it back in the
envelope. Her brain was full of thoughts of Scotland. She
pictured her Dads cousin as a girl about her age, standing
on the misty shore of a deep, cold Scottish lake.
Mimi, did Cousin Debbie ever see Nessie?
Youll just have to read some more letters, Mimi
replied with a wink. Maybe the treasure youre looking for
is in there.
BJ opened letter after letter, looking for more clues
about Nessie or Champy. She read about the skirts Scottish
men wear, called kilts. She read about the weather (rainy),
the schools (different), the other kids (nice) and the food
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(weird). She folded the last letter with a sigh, disappointed
that Debbie hadnt seen the Loch Ness Monster after all. As
she replaced the stack of letters in the trunk, she noticed
another letter, which had slipped down among the stack of
comics.
Dear Zeke, it began
You wont believe it, but I think I saw Nessie
this morning! I was up real early, cause this is the
last day of our vacation, and I walked down to the
shore. There was some steam coming off the Loch
and everything was perfectly still and quiet. Then I
heard some splashes out towards the middle of the
Loch, but I couldnt see nothing. I tried to use my
binoculars, but all I could see was white.
The splashes sounded like a hand slapping
the water, or maybe a flipper or something. They
got louder and moved closer, first over to my left,then towards the right. I think I saw a dark shape
moving around through the mist, sort of like a
shadow, but it was dark and misty and I couldnt see
it good. Then there was one big splash, and
everything got real quiet.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Maybe it was a fish or duck or something,
but I bet it wasnt. I bet it was Nessie.
We are going home today, and well be back
in Virginia in a few months.
Now weve both seen lake monsters.
Love, Debbie
BJ could scarcely contain herself. She read the last
line over and over again, half expecting it to disappear. It
didnt.
Mimi! This letter says she saw Nessie, and Dad
saw Champy!
Jekka popped her head out of the Halloween trunk.
She had apparently found some clown makeup and was in
the process of applying it all over her face. Judging by how
it looked, however, she hadnt found a mirror yet.
Read it to me! Read it to me! she asked, waving a
fistful of makeup sticks.
BJ read the letter out loud, while Jekka smeared
more colors on her face. She squealed when BJ got to the
part about the shadow, and yelled No! when she read
maybe it was a fish or a duck.
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What did she mean now weve both seen lake
monsters? asked Jekka. What did Daddy see?
I dont remember exactly, answered Mimi.
Probably a duck.
Mimi! Youre teasing me! Jekka protested.
Yes, I am. Of course I remember. When your dad
was about your age, he saw a v-shaped wave moving alongthe lake, sort of like what you saw, Jekka. It didnt last
long, and there wasnt anything dramatic like a head or
humps, but he was always convinced that it was caused by
Champy.
Cool!
Well, added Mimi, Lets go have some lunch. All
this treasure hunting is making me hungry. She turned to
Jekka and had to laugh. And Ive got some cold cream for
you, sweetie, unless you want to wear that clown makeup
all day.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Chapter 5: Cornerstone Bookstore
The Cornerstone Bookstore was one of BJ and
Jekkas favorite spots in Plattsburgh aside from Mimis
garden, the Cliff Haven beach, Rolfs orchard well, it
was a place they really, really liked. It was particularly niceon a cozy, rainy day like this one, and after lunch, thats
where they went.
The bookstore was absolutely stuffed with books.
Jekka imagined that if someone brought even one more
book in, the whole place would explode, scattering pages
everywhere and covering downtown Plattsburgh with a foot
of fluffy white paper, like Christmas in July. That never
happened in real life, of course, but it happened in Jekkas
imagination every time she visited.
As she walked in, shaking drops of rain off her
jacket, BJ took a deep breath. She loved the wonderful
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scent of old books and wooden shelves, mixed with rain
and a little whiff of coffee from the shop next door. She
loved the sight of floor-to-ceiling shelves, stacks of
paperback novels on the floor everywhere, and winding
stairs leading up to the second floor. But mostly she loved
the thought of all the stories, waiting to be discovered.
BJ quickly assembled a small mountain of books
she wanted, and curled up to read as much as possible
before Mimi said they had to leave. Jekka, however,
wandered around for a while, then approached the lady at
the checkout counter.
Excuse me, she said in her most polite voice,
But where are your Champy books?
I think weve got some in the childrens section.
The lady answered helpfully. Here, Ill show you.
Jekka followed her around a corner or two, then
spent a few minutes flipping through the picture books and
stories. Not satisfied, she went back to the lady.
Um, do you have any Champy books for grown-
ups? The kid books were too kiddish.
Oh, I see. Actually, a new one just came in this
morning. Maybe it will be more along the lines of what
youre looking for. Follow me.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
The lady led Jekka through the maze of crowded
shelves once again, this time ending at a shelf titled Natural
Mysteries.
Here it is The Case For Champ A Scientific
Assessment of Lake Champlains Elusive Monster, by Dr.
Haydu Leonchuk.
Jekka took the heavy book from the lady, said thankyou, then sat on the floor to read. It was full of big words
and long sentences, but she did her best to read and
understand it.
When early explorers like Samuel De Champlain
came to the region, they heard stories from the
Native Americans of a horned serpent which
lived in the lake. Champlain himself reported
sighting an unusual creature in 1609, and there
have been over 300 reported sightings in the last
100 years alone.
She flipped ahead a few chapters, and stopped at a
photo of a familiar looking neck-and-head shape sticking
out of the water.
The creature, called Champy in New York and
Champ in Vermont, is often compared to the Loch
Ness Monster. The most famous evidence of
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Champs existence in recent years is the Mansi
Photograph (figure 8). Taken by Sandra Mansi in
1977, it has been subjected to extensive testing and
shows no sign of tampering. However, the negative
was lost, leading some skeptics to doubt the photos
authenticity.
Jekka wasnt sure what that all meant, but it didnt
sound good. She continued reading.
A team of scientists from Japan, using sonar to
chart the lake, reported seeing a very large
object passing underneath their boat at one point.
While the object was not positively identified, its
size was consistent with estimates of Champs size,
and much larger than any known lake fish.
However, Lake Sturgeons have been known to reach
lengths of 7 feet and 300 lbs. They can not be ruled
out as the source of the Champ legend.
Jekka decided to stop reading the words and just
looked at the pictures instead. She found a map of recent
Champy sightings and a drawing of a long-necked
prehistoric whale called a Zeuglodon. There was a photo of
Zeuglodon fossils being dug up in Charlotte, VT, only a
few miles away from the lake.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
The book said zeuglodons were extinct, but it also
said there was a fish called a coelacanth that everyone
thought was extinct until a fisherman caught a live one in
1938.
Im telling you, there is no monster in this lake,
said a mans voice, startling Jekka and making her lose her
place in the book. She looked around but didnt see anyone.
How can you know for sure? asked another voice.
This time, Jekka could tell it was coming from the other
side of the bookshelves. She leaned forward to hear better.
Well, people would have seen it, for starters,
answered the first voice. Jekka peeked around the corner
and saw two men, each with a stack of books in their hands.
One of them was wearing a baseball cap that said Imagine
on it.
I agree - nobody has ever seen Champy. unless
you count all the people who have seen Champy, said the
man in the hat. He chuckled, then continued more
forcefully. The truth is, people have been seeing Champy
for hundreds of years, maybe even longer. Just because
they didnt snap a photo of it doesnt mean it didnt
happen. Jekka found herself liking this man very much.
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Bah! People see what they want to see and believe
what they want to believe. They dont worry about facts.
Does that apply to you too? It seems like you want
to believe Champy is just a story, even though the facts are
not on your side.
The facts? sputtered the first man. What facts?
Yes, the facts. Like, all the sightings. Like the fact
that the only way to disprove Champys existence would be
to drain the lake. You know what they say a lack of
evidence is not evidence of a lack.
Of course. But you have to admit, the idea of a
plesiosaur in Lake Champlain is pretty far fetched, even for
you. Isnt it more likely to be a log, or a sturgeon, or even a
prank?
Ah, now were getting somewhere, the man in the
hat answered. People do play pranks sometimes. Logs do
float. It is indeed far fetched to think an otherwise extinct
animal has managed to survive. But
Its happened before, Jekka blurted out and
jumped up, then covered her mouth and sat down again.
What was that? asked the first man.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
I think weve got an eavesdropper, replied the
second, peeking around the corner and seeing Jekka. Hi
there. I assume you heard some of our conversation?
Jekka nodded.
Thats alright, said the first man, with a grin.
You said its happened before just now. Whats happened
before?
Um, an extinct fish got unextinct. I mean, it wasnt
really extinct, people just thought it was. She turned to the
book and quickly found the page again. Its called a co a
co-el-a I dont know how to say the name, but heres a
picture. She held the book out for the men to see.
A coelacanth? said the man in the hat as he
accepted the book from Jekka. Well, what do you know? It
turns out extinction isnt always forever after all. He
turned to the other man and said Steve, you just got taken
to school by a little girl. Nice job! He handed the book
back to Jekka.
Thats very interesting, said the first man, whose
name was apparently Steve, and I dont want to rain on
anyones parade, but its not exactly the same. The
coelacanth is a lot smaller than Champy is supposed to be,
and it lives in the ocean, which is a lot bigger than Lake
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Champlain. It would be much easier for a small fish to hide
in a big ocean than for a large monster to hide in a small
lake.
But you have to admit, its possible, however
unlikely, answered his friend.
I suppose I do.
Oh, there you are, said Mimi as she came around
the stacks. I see youve made some friends.
Yeah, were talking about Champy, Jekka
answered.
Cool. Did you learn anything? Much to Mimis
surprise, both men said yes.
Thats a smart girl youve got there, said the man
in the hat.
Yes, she sure is, Mimi replied, then turned to
Jekka. If youre done teaching for the day, lets go find
your sister and head home, sweetie. Its time to make some
dinner.
Jekka waved good-bye to the men, then took
Mimis hand and went to look for her sister. When they
found her, the pile of books around her was even largerthan usual, and she wanted them all.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
OK, Mimi said, How about I buy you as many
books as you can carry, instead of this whole pile.
Otherwise, well need a truck.
Great! BJ scrambled to load the books into her
arms, and staggered towards the checkout desk. Jekka was
content with her single copy ofThe Case for Champ. They
paid, then dashed through the pouring rain towards Mimis
car. BJ finished two more books on the five-minute drive
home, while Jekka hugged her book and watched the rain
slip along the cars windows.
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Chapter 6: Beach Day
The next day dawned brilliantly sunny and hot,
almost as if it was a different country. The lake had steady,
small waves and looked cool and inviting.
Beach day! shouted Jekka as she ran into the
kitchen for breakfast. She was already wearing her bathing
suit and reeked of sunscreen.
Well, you didnt waste any time, did you? Mimi
said.
Beach day! BJ echoed, as she entered the room
too. She was also in her bathing suit, and smelled just as
strong as Jekka.
Sounds good to me, answered Mimi, lifting up the
corner of her t-shirt to reveal she was wearing her bathing
suit too. Pop Pop already said he is going to meet us there
for lunch.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Can we take the canoe to the sandy beach? asked
BJ. Its way more fun than walking.
Thats already set up too Pop Pop brought it
across the street for you before he went to work this
morning. Lets eat quickly.
As they finished their breakfast, there was a knock
on the door, and Joey started to bark.
I wonder who that could be at this time in the
morning. Mimi shoed Joey away as she opened the door.
Oh, good morning, Ella. Good morning, Jake.
Ella! Jake! shouted Jekka as she ran towards the
door. Ella and Jake lived across the street from Mimi and
Pop Pops house. They were just about the same ages as the
Boomer sisters. Jekka saw they were wearing bathing suits
too, along with lifejackets. They each had a canoe paddle in
their hands.
Do you want to go to the beach with us? BJ and
Jake said at the same time.
Jinx! Jekka and Ella added, also at the same time.
OK, BJ, Jake, Jekka and Ella, Mimi said with a
wink, Lets get into the canoes and head on over. Ive got
lunch packed.
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She lifted a heavy-looking cooler, and the whole
group trudged to the waters edge. They carefully set the
cooler into Jake and Ellas canoe, being careful not to crush
the beach toys and minnow nets Jake had stashed in the
bottom.
BJ, Jekka and Mimi got into their canoe. BJ and
Jekka did the paddling, while Mimi sat in the middle. Jake
and Ella launched their canoe into the water, and in a
moment, both groups were moving south along the shore,
towards the beach.
The sunlight turned the lake into a glittering field of
moving diamonds. BJ was content to paddle slowly,
enjoying the sun, wind, water and everything. All her
senses were tingling, and she even forgot to paddle for a
minute.
Jake brought his canoe alongside and playfully
splashed BJ.
Hey! she squeaked, then splashed him back.
Wanna race? he asked.
OK. Mark-get-set-go, BJ answered, as fast as she
could. Jekka let out a wild laugh and began paddling as fast
as she could, splashing water in all directions.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Jake and Ella lived right on the lake, and spent most
of their summers in a canoe. BJ and Jekka hadnt been in a
canoe since the previous summer, so after a quick start,
they started to fall behind.
Faster! Faster! shrieked BJ, and the girls began to
catch up with the other kids. Steering was tricky and they
started to curve to the left.
No, that way! hollered Jekka, laughing. Paddle
on the other side!
I am paddling on the other side, answered BJ.
You paddle on the other side.
Which side? asked Jekka, turning around to see
BJ.
No, Jekka, dont turn around! BJ said, but it was
too late. The canoe wobbled, then started to tip. All three
passengers leaned the other way, but they leaned a little too
far and found themselves bobbing in the lake beside their
upside down canoe.
Well, laughed Mimi as she wiped water from her
face, we got further along than I thought we would before
we fell in. Its a good thing I put the cooler and towels in
the other canoe!
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It wasnt easy, but BJ, Mimi and Jekka managed to
get their canoe right-side up again, with them inside it. The
rest of their trip to the beach was uneventful and quick. As
much as they loved canoeing, they were all glad to get their
feet on the sand.
After pulling the canoes securely onto the beach,
the kids got right to work. There were sand castles to build,
minnows to chase and catch in buckets, and, of course,
swimming and splashing in the water.
Jekka wandered over to the lifeguard stand and
looked up at the tall, tanned lady in a red bathing suit.
Hi Lifeguard, Im Jekka, she said. Whats your
name?
Im Kim, she answered. Are you new? I havent
seen you here before.
Were just visiting our grandparents. I was
wondering, have you ever seen Champy?
Not yet, but I keep looking. Why do you ask?
I saw him two nights ago. Well, I think I saw him.
Im pretty sure, but it was dark and I fell in the water and
took a picture of my own toes.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Kim laughed. That must have been quite an
experience. You know who you should talk to? Theres a
guy named Dr. Van Der Warden Velden. Hes an aquatic
biologist. That means he studies things that live in the lake.
He works at the ECHO Center in Burlington, and Champy
is sort of his specialty. He probably knows more about
Champy than anyone else. Plus, Kim added with a wink,
hes cute.
How do you know him? Jekka asked.
Well, being a lifeguard is just a summer job. Im
also a college student, and Ive done some research projects
with him over in Vermont. Hes very nice, and Im sure he
would be glad to help you out. Oh, I should warn you, he
can be a little hard to find sometimes, but I bet a smart girl
like you will figure it out.
OK. Ill ask my Mimi if shell take me there.
Thanks!
Jekka ran over to where Mimi was sitting. The kids
had buried her in sand up to her chin, and were now
sculpting the sand into a set of curvy octopus legs, which
radiated out from her head. It looked pretty weird.
Jekka carefully avoided stepping on them as she
made her way over to Mimis ear.
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Look out, Jekka, Mimi said, Im a person-
headed sand octopus, and I like to gobble up kids!
Jekka pretended to be scared for a minute, then told
Mimi about what the lifeguard had said.
So can we go to ECHO?
Sure! Tomorrow is Saturday, so Pop Pop can come
too. We could even takeAir Force Blue to get there.
Satisfied, Jekka busied herself making more legs for
the Octa-Mimi. Then Jake got out his underwater viewer
and everyone stood in waist deep water, taking turns
peeking at the silty, sea-weedy, rocky and sandy world
below the waters surface. The viewer was basically a tube
with glass lenses on each end, and a few mirrors in the
middle. It reminded Jekka of a telescope, only instead of
looking at her friend the moon, she was looking at
minnows.
Ew, said BJ, when it was her turn. The seaweed
looks gross!
Its an important part of the lakes food chain, you
know, replied Jake. It is a source of nutrients for lots of
fish, which then are food for larger fish. And then
Yeah, I know, but its still slimy. BJ replied.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
True, answered Jake, nodding thoughtfully.
Pop Pop! shouted Jekka, pointing towards thebeach. Pop Pop is here! She started to run but tripped on
an underwater rock and fell face first into the water. She got
up laughing.
Good thing the water was there to catch me!
By the time the kids got to the shore, Pop Pop had
reached Mimi and was helping to unbury her.
Sorry to mess up the Octo-Mimi, he said, But I
think shell enjoy lunch more if she can use her hands. Oh,
I almost forgot you two got some mail!
He produced two postcards and handed them to the
girls. BJs had a picture of a jack rabbit with antlers, and
Jekkas showed a cowboy riding an enormous snake in a
rodeo. BJs card said:
Howdy, Kiddo! Were flying over Texas today. The
weather is good and the winds are strong. The view
is amazing. We miss you two, but were sure you are
having fun in Cliff Haven. See ya in a few days!
Love, Mom & Dad
Jekkas card said pretty much the same thing.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
Chapter 7: Visiting ECHO
Saturday morning was bright and cheery, just like
the day before. The girls filled their backpacks with snacks,
binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses and other essentials. By
nine oclock in the morning, they were down at the marina,getting ready to cast off.
BJ loved to watch her grandparents work on their
boat. She loved the tidy coils of rope, the knots to tie and
untie, and the hundred little tasks that were part of getting a
boat ready.
Jekka loved watching the ducks that hung around
the docks, begging for bread.
Pop Pop used to be in the Air Force, so they named
the boatAir Force Blue. It was long and sleek, with a cozy
little cabin towards the front. The sides were decorated with
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blue stripes, and the roof was a plastic-and-canvas
contraption that could be removed like a convertible.
After a little tinkering, the engine roared to life,
scattering the ducks away. Pop Pop carefully backed away
from the dock.
Soon, they were shooting along the lake, heading
towards Burlington, Vermont. The wind blasted their ears,making it hard to hear, but somehow Pop Pops hat stayed
on.
Hey girls, did you know there are over 80 species
of fish in this lake? he shouted over the wind. Youve
met the minnows, of course, but weve got big fish too.
Theres Muskellunge, which can weigh up to 20 pounds.
We get salmon in the spring and fall. In the winter, when
the lake freezes, people like to go ice fishing for a fish
called smelt.
Dont the fish die when the lake freezes? Jekka
asked.
Nope! The fish dig little tunnels in the ice, so they
can swim along no problem.
Pop Pop! Thats not true! said BJ with a laugh.
She turned to her little sister and explained, Only the top
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
of the lake freezes. Theres still lots of liquid water under
the ice, so the fish can still swim around and not get stuck.
Oh, yeah, thats what I meant to say, said Pop
Pop, grinning.
How deep is the water? asked Jekka, peering over
the side.
Well, right now its about 60 feet, which is actually
the average depth for this lake. But some parts are as much
as 400 feet deep. Thats a whole lot of water! He slowed
the boat down, and brought it to a gentle stop. Now that
they werent moving forward, the waves made Air Force
Blue rock from side to side. It wasnt a bad feeling.
Whats wrong? asked BJ. Why are we stopping
in the middle of the lake?
Nothings wrong. I just wanted to show you this.
He pointed to a round yellow object bobbing in the water
off the port side of the boat.
The girls scrambled to get a closer look. They saw
the words Underwater Historic Preserve written on it.
Its a marker buoy, Mimi explained. That means
theres a shipwreck under here. They put these markers out
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so people can find it. Sometimes scuba divers go down to
look at the wrecks.
I wonder how many shipwrecks there are, asked
Jekka.
Nobody knows for sure, but its probably around
300, answered Pop Pop.
Someday I am going to learn to scuba dive so I can
see them! Jekka announced.
Im sure you will, replied Mimi.
Pop Pop started the boat again, and soon they were
cruising along at full speed again, shooting across to a
landing site on the Vermont side of the lake. BJ and Jekka
took turns holding the steering wheel, then Pop Pop guided
the boat into the dock.
As they were stowing their gear and tying their
knots, they heard the sound of a plane flying low overhead.
Oh, I wonder if thats Grampy! said Mimi to the
girls. Then she turned to Pop Pop and asked, Is your dad
scheduled to fly today?
I think so, he answered. Yup, thats him over
there!
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
The girls looked in the direction Pop Pop was
pointing, and quickly located the plane. It was bright green
and had two pairs of wings, one on top of the other. The
body looked like a boat, and the tail looked like nothing
theyd ever seen before.
Grampy had been flying patrols for the Coast Guard
in his sea plane for several years. He said he needed
something to do now that he was retired from the Navy. BJ
thought it was funny that Pop Pop used to be in the Air
Force, but he had a boat, while Grampy was a Navy man
with an airplane.
Everybody waved, and the plane wiggled its wings
as it turned a slow circle overhead.
Do you think he saw us? Jekka asked.
Well, he is a spotter, and looking for things on the
ground is what he does, so yes, he probably saw us,
answered Pop Pop.
What sort of things does he look for? asked BJ.
People with boat problems, mostly, so the Coast
Guard can come help them. In the winter he looks for ice.
They finished securing the boat and Grampys plane
headed out over the lake.
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OK, are you girls ready to visit the ECHO?
Yes!
The ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is
perched right on the shore of Lake Champlain. Its a large
building, with lots of windows, and its full of cool
exhibits.
They walked right up to the sign-in desk, to get
their admission bracelets.
Excuse me, Jekka said in her best grown-up
voice. I am looking for Dr. Van Der Warden Velden. I was
told he works here.
Im sorry, honey, said the nice old lady behind the
desk. I dont think theres anyone here by that name.
But Jekka sputtered. But that lifeguard said!
She told me hes here and he knows all about Champy!
Oh my. I think she was pulling your leg, dear. But
we do have an art exhibit for children to color pictures of
Champ. Its right over that way, near the West Tower.
Jekka felt tears begin to well in her eyes, and BJ put
an arm around her. As they walked away, neither girl
noticed the nice old woman push a button on the desk andwhisper into a small microphone.
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
How could the lifeguard tease me like that? Jekka
sniffed. How could Dr. Van Der Warden Velden not be
real?
You have to admit, it does sound like a made-up
name, BJ said, sympathetically. Jekka nodded and her
shoulders drooped.
They wandered around from exhibit to exhibit, butJekkas heart wasnt in it. She was staring duly at a perch
tank when she heard her name.
Hey Jekka! It was BJ, calling from across the
hallway. Come look at this! Youve got to come see it!
Jekkas natural curiosity got the better of her, and
she ran over to see what her sister was pointing at. She took
a look, then turned on her sister with a huff.
Its a picture of people on a boat, BJ, she said
flatly. Big deal.
Look closer, Jekka, BJ insisted. The boat is a
research ship from the University of Vermont. Its named
the Melosira, and I think thats our lifeguard friend standing
on it.
Jekka peered closer, then gasped. It was Kim the
lifeguard. And the man standing next to her must be Dr. V!
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A familiar-looking figure was half visible in the
background, but his back was to the camera, so the girls
couldnt see his face. They returned to staring at the
lifeguard and the handsome scientist standing next to her.
Look! whispered BJ. The sign is missing!
Sure enough, all the other photos had little signs
posted next to them, explaining the image and identifyingthe people in them. This photo of the Melosira was the only
one without a sign.
I wonder where it went, Jekka whispered back.
Who took it? Kim did say he was hard to find. Maybe
someone is trying to hide him. Maybe he took the sign
down himself!
They looked at some of the other photos and read
the signs, looking for clues.
Wait a minute! Jekka said. What does ECHO
stand for again?
Ecology, Culture, History and Opportunity, BJ
answered, proud of her excellent memory.
Are you sure? Jekka asked, with a sly smile.
This sign says theres an Elusive Creature Hunting
Organization that searches for Champy around here, and
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The Boomer Sisters Meet Champy
that spells ECHO too. And look there should be a photo
of the creature hunters right here, but its missing too!
BJ looked closer. Sure enough, there was a blank
spot on the wall next to the sign, where the photo should
have been.
Ill bet our lifeguard friend is in that picture
Jekka announced. Along with the mysterious Dr. V.
Jekka was back to her usual excited self again.
Hey, lets go over to the West Tower like that lady
suggested. We can do some drawing and coloring while we
think of what to do next.
OK, BJ replied.
The Boomer sisters ran towards ECHOs art wing.
Jekka drew a picture of the photo she wished shed taken
the other night. BJs drawing was of Champy swimming
underwater, chasing a school of fish. After completing their
masterpieces, they looked around for a place to hang them.
Jekka found some moveable dividers where lots of
other kids had posted their pictures of Champy. She added
hers, then gave the wall a final pat for good measure.
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Oops! she shouted, as the divider began to fall
down. Oh no, sorry-sorry-sorry her stream of sorries
trailed off as she took in the sight in front of her.
The moveable dividers, which were now in a
jumbled mess on the floor, had been covering up a door. On
the door she saw four words: Elusive Creature Hunting
Organization. Below the words was a name: Dr V.
She immediately grabbed the knob, but the door
was locked. Then some stern-looking security guards came
over to set up the dividers again. They shoed the girls away.
Did you see that, BJ? Its real! Hes real! I almost
found him! Jekka was practically bouncing out of her skin.
I saw the door and the words, but lots of names
could begin with V, you know.
Yeah, lots of names like Van Der Warden
Velden, for one. Its him. Im just sure of it. Its got to be
him.
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Chapter 8: Loon Rescue
It was almost closing time, so the girls found their
grandparents and got ready to leave ECHO. On the way
out, they passed the sign-in desk, but the lady wasnt there
anymore, so Jekka couldnt ask her about the other ECHOor the door or Dr. V.
Back on Air Force Blue, Pop Pop let the girls take
turns steering again, as they discussed their discoveries.
Well, Mimi said, The Dr. V on that door might
be the guy youre looking for, Jekka, but BJ is right lots
of names could start with the letter V.
But it said Elusive Creature Hunting, and Champy
is elusive, right? So its got to be him, and even if its not, I
still want to meet Dr. V, whoever he is.
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Its too bad you two didnt mention this when we
were in the place, Pop Pop interjected. Maybe we could
have helped.
The girls felt a little foolish for not thinking of that.
I guess well just have to go back tomorrow, said
Jekka.
I guess so, answered Mimi with a grin.
Pop Pop took control of the boat and eased it into
position alongside the dock.
Avast, ye scurvy dogs! said Pop Pop, in his best
pirate voice. Secure the midden! Batten the hatches! Swab
the deck! Scuttle the flibbers!
The girls giggled as they scurried around the boat,
tying and cleaning up. In no time at all, they were walking
along the bouncy, floaty dock towards the shore.
A sudden movement on the beach caught BJs eye.
Look! Its a bird! she said, pointing.
Its a plane! added Pop Pop, looking into the air,
Its Superman!
No, Im serious, BJ said. It really is a bird, and I
think its hurt.
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She rushed over to get a closer look, but was careful
not to get too close. She bent down, softly muttering
soothing sounds.
The birds sleek body was mostly black, with
specks and stripes of white. Its bill was pointy, like a knife,
and even though it sort of looked like a duck, BJ knew right
away it was a loon.
Its webbed feet were tangled in some sort of fishing
line. It tried to flap its wings, then laid its head down on the
sand, clearly exhausted.
Weve got to help this poor loon! She looked at
Mimi. Can we take her to Mrs. Rose Marie? Shell know
what to do!
Mrs. Rose Marie was a wildlife rehabilitation
specialist who lived next door to the girls other
grandfather, Pop Pop Dave. She helped take care of all
sorts of injured animals. Last summer, she had shown the
girls some baby squirrels she was caring for in her
basement, along with some birds and a three-legged
raccoon in her backyard.
Sure, honey, answered Mimi, pulling a towel out
of a bag and handing it to Pop Pop. Here, pick it up
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Pop Pop Dave was a giant. He reached one long
arm into the van and effortlessly picked up the box with the
loon. When he turned around, BJ saw that Jekka was on his
back, getting a ride.
Mrs. Rose Marie answered the door, and the girls
quickly explained the situation. She led everyone to her
basement, where she had some work tables and other
equipment.
OK, maybe everyone should stay upstairs, she
said, looking around at the small crowd of people. We
dont want to make the loon any more nervous and loony
than it already is.
Can I stay? pleaded BJ. Ill be quiet and stay out
of your way, I promise.
Well, I suppose one person in the room will be
alright.
BJ grinned and took a spot near the wall, while the
others filed back up the stairs.
Mrs. Rose Marie carefully pulled the towel-
wrapped loon out of the box, laying it on the table. She
uncovered it and clucked sadly.
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Poor little guy. Someone wasnt very careful with
their fishing line, I see. She pulled out a pair of scissors
and carefully began snipping the bird free from the tangle.
It flapped its wings a little, then decided it wasnt in any
danger and relaxed. Mrs. Rose Marie had that effect on
animals.
Thats right, she whispered, Rose Marie wont
hurt you. Im here to help. Ah, there you go.
She snipped the last bit of fishing line and the loon
was free. It waved its feet and tried to stand, but Mrs. Rose
Marie held it firm.
No, no, not yet, she whispered. Let me have a
look at those pretty legs first.
BJ craned to see and caught a glimpse of red marks
on the loons legs and feet.
BJ, can you hand me those bandages over there?
Mrs. Rose Marie asked. Ive got to hold this guy down.
Happy to be able to help, BJ quickly brought the
box over. Mrs. Rose Marie took out a few bandages and
wrapped up the loons injuries, after first applying some
cream. She looked it over, gave each leg a little tug and a
pat, then put the bandaged bird back in the dog carrier.
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This bird is going to be fine, she announced. Ill
need to keep him here for a little while, but he should make
a complete recovery. Its a good thing you brought him
here, though, because if hed stayed on the beach all
tangled up like that, he would have died. Lets take him to
an outside cage and tell everyone the news, shall we?
They went back upstairs to announce the news, then
Mrs. Rose Marie led the whole group to her backyard. She
carefully deposited the loon in a cozy cage, right next door
to a two-story squirrel house.
She brought out a big bag of loon food and filled up
a dish of water. They all watched the loon check out its new
surroundings. It sniffed the food, took a sip of water, then
settled down to sleep.
As they walked back towards the house, Pop Pop
Dave bent down to examine a little cluster of milkweed
plants.
Whoa! he muttered, then turned to his neighbor.
How did you get so many monarch caterpillars?
BJ took a closer look and, sure enough, there were
four, no five, little black and yellow striped caterpillars
crawling around on the milkweed plants.
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Chapter 9: Pieces Coming Together
The next day was Sunday. The girls went to church
with their grandparents. They were both itchy to get back to
ECHO, but it was closed on Sundays, so they would have
to wait.
The priest said something about faith and believing
in things you havent seen, but BJ and Jekka found it hard
to concentrate. All they could think about was Dr. V and the
locked door. They perked up when they heard the name
Champy.
Some people say there is a monster in our lake,
the priest was saying. I dont know for sure if Champy is
real or not. But I choose to believe in Champy, even though
I have never seen him. Do I believe Champy is real because
I have scientific proof of his existence? No. Is it because
there is some reason he must exist? Again, no. There is
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certainly some evidence he is real, but at this point there is
no proof. So, why then do I believe in Champy?
Well, faith is complicated. Maybe I believe
because my parents believed. Maybe its because believing
makes me feel good or special. Maybe I just want to
believe, for reasons I will never know, and maybe thats
enough.
Of course, Champys existence seems reasonable
to me, but is that why I believe, or does it seem reasonable
because I believe? Which came first the belief or the
reasonableness? I dont know. Maybe it doesnt matter why
I believe, or why I think I believe.
Ultimately, faith is a mystery, whether it is faith in
a God we havent seen or a lake monster. And mysteries are
part of what make life so wonderful. I must admit part of
me doesnt even want proof that Champy exists. If
someone were to discover some sort of proof, the mysterywould diminish. Without mysteries, life would be pretty
dull.
After church was over, Pop Pop took everyone out
for pancakes, as usual. They drove past the beach on the
way home, but Kim the lifeguard wasnt there.
Lets just go home, Jekka said.
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Yeah, I want to work in the garden, added BJ.
That sounds wonderful to me, answered Mimi.
Back at the house, Pop Pop settled down with his
newspaper, and Jekka curled up next to him with The Case
For Champ. BJ went outside with Mimi.
So, what did you think of church today? asked
Mimi as she pulled some weeds.
It was good, BJ answered. He talked for a long
time, but I liked it when he talked about Champy.
Yeah, I thought you would. I liked that part too.
They worked in silence for a while, pulling weeds
and carefully trimming the flowers. The sun was gentle and
warm, and BJ could hear the sound of waves from across
the street. A few bees flew around, but BJ ignored them and
they ignored her. Both BJ and the bees focused on the
flowers instead.
Did I tell you this garden has been certified by the
National Wildlife Federation as an official Wildlife
Habitat? Mimi asked.
No. What does that mean? BJ replied.
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Well, it means this is a safe place to live for wild
animals, like the toads and birds and butterflies. It means
Im helping to protect nature.
Toads arent wild animals, Mimi, BJ said with a
laugh, picturing a toad with sharp teeth and claws. I
thought wild animals meant things like bears and tigers.
Mimi laughed along with her.
Yeah, I guess toads arent the first thing I think of
when it comes to wild animals, but they are wild because
they arent domesticated.
They do live in houses, BJ teased, pointing to a
toad abode and giggling. And I still havent seen any. How
do you know they are around here, anyway?
Ill show you. Mimi stood up, took BJs hand, and
led her to a large plant with big flat leaves. This is a hosta.
Slugs love to eat hostas, and there are a lot of slugs in this
area.
BJ wrinkled her nose at the thought of slugs, and
shuddered at the phrase a lot of slugs.
But look at this plant, BJ Mimi continued. Its
healthy and enormous. There arent any slug bites in the
leaves this year. When I started my garden, my hostas had a
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hard time. The slugs were actually killing them. But ever
since the toads moved in, the hostas have been just fine.
And as long as these plants are healthy and slug-free, I can
be pretty sure the toads are around.
They wandered through the garden some more,
hand in hand.
I saw a leopard frog the other day too, addedMimi. He was really well camouflaged, and he sat really
still, so I almost missed him.
Cool. BJ answered.
They came around to the back patio and sat on the
bench swing. BJ stared at a purplish gazing ball that rested
on a pedestal in the middle of a cluster of pink and white
Astilbes.
BJ was amazed at how much motion there was in
the still garden. Bees and butterflies zipped and floated
from flower to flower. The wind pushed the plants this way
and that. An occasional squirrel scampered through, and the
trees swayed and rustled. It was a peaceful kind of
movement, and BJ wished she could sit in the garden with
her Mimi like this forever.
She was lost in thought when she heard a door slam
and Jekka came charging outside, waving her arms and
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shouting I found him! I found him! She was carrying The
Case For Champ over her head, and she skidded to a stop
directly in front of the swing.
What is it? asked BJ, slightly annoyed to have her
peaceful garden time interrupted by her explosive little
sister.
Its Dr. V! Jekka said breathlessly. Hes in thebook, only its not him, except it is, but hes got a different
name, but its him She realized she wasnt making
much sense, so she shoved the book forward. Look!
BJ slowly took the open book from Jekka and
peered at the photo she was pointing at. It showed a
scientist in a white lab coat, standing next to some strange
looking equipment. It seemed to be a tuba, or at least part
of a tuba. The caption read Dr. David Durkee of the ECHO
Science Centers Speculative Elusive Creature Research
and Education Team (S.E.C.R.E.T.), with his experimentalunderwater sound machine.
I guess he sort of looks like the guy we saw in the
picture at ECHO, said BJ. But this mans name is Dr.
Durkee.
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No, it isnt! Jekka replied, proud to have noticed
something her sister overlooked. Look closely. Theres a
name on his lab coat, and its not Durkee.
BJ leaned closer to the book, so she could read the
tiny letters embroidered on the lab coat. Sure enough, the
name was clear Dr. Van Der Warden Velden. BJ gasped.
Why does the caption have a different name, if hiscoat says Dr. V? asked BJ.
Thats what I want to know, Jekka answered.
Maybe he was borrowing the coat from the real Dr.
V? Mimi suggested. Or maybe its a nickname.
Maybe Jekka said. But even if the man in the
picture isnt named Van Der Warden Velden, hes wearing
that coat and he probably knows him. In any case, this
picture should definitely help us find him. Well just bring
this back to ECHO tomorrow and show it to the lady at the
sign in desk. Shell have to admit hes real when she sees
the photo.
Just then, Pop Pop came into the garden.
I just got off the phone with Grampy, he said.
Hes wondering if there are any young ladies around here
who would like an airplane ride tomorrow morning. The
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girls cheered, and Pop Pop continued. Hes planning to
land his plane on the lake right here at 6:00 tomorrow
morning. Well paddle you out to it in the canoe, and hell
drop you at ECHO when it opens. Well take Air Force
Blue and meet you there. Oh, and he said dont forget to
bring your binoculars.
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Chapter 10: Flying The Lucky Duck
Early mornings on the lake can be chilly, even in
the summer, so the girls were wearing long pants and
sweatshirts as they walked across the street towards the
lake shore. The water was like glass, and small wisps ofsteam rose from it here and there. They each sipped from
cups of hot chocolate while scanning the sky for Grampys
plane.
Pop Pop lowered the canoe down to the water,
setting off a series of ripples as the water made room for
the little boat.
Shh BJ said. I think I hear something.
I dont Jekka started to say, then added Wait, I
do!
The sound was a low, steady noise, faint at first but
growing louder quickly. It seemed to increase in volume,
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speed and pitch as it got closer. Then, all of a sudden the
plane was directly overhead, roaring loudly.
The girls cheered to see it, and waved their arms
crazily at the departing plane as it shot past their location.
Where did he go? asked Jekka. Why didnt he
stop?
An airplane isnt like a car, silly, BJ answered.
He cant just stop right away.
Thats true, added Pop Pop. Plus, I think he likes
to fly over a landing spot once before landing, to make sure
its clear and safe. Look, hes turning around and coming in
for a landing.
Sure enough, the double-winged, boat-shaped plane
was carving a lazy circle in the sky and heading towards
them. The noise from the two big propellers changed again
as it slowed down and came in for a landing.
The girls had never seen an airplane land on water
before. They held their breath as it inched closer to the
surface, and clapped when it touched down with a splash. It
sent out big waves on both sides as it slowed.
Grampys plane was named The Lucky Duck, and it
had a painting of a grinning green cartoon duck on the side
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of the dark green fuselage. The duck wore a hat and had a
big shamrock on its chest. Light green shamrocks covered
the rest of the plane. The duck was giving a double thumbs-
up sign, and the words Lucky Duckwere painted right
below its feet.
The paint job wasnt the most unusual thing about
theLucky Duck, however. The structure was pretty strange
too. For starters, it had two pairs of wings, one above the
other. A large, rounded set was mounted high above the
aircrafts body, while a smaller, stubby set was attached to
it, directly behind the cockpit. These lower wings acted as a
platform to stand on when the plane was on the water.
A pair of enormous propellers dangled between the
upper wings and the cockpit. The tail was made up of a
series of struts and bars, extending straight back from the
upper wing and up from the back of the passenger section.
These struts held up a flat tail wing, with two tail fins
sticking up through it.
Hey, theres Grampy! BJ said, pointing excitedly.
Grampy emerged from a hatch on the top of the
passenger section, and stepped out onto the lower wing.
Ahoy there! The Lucky Duck Express, at your
service! He shouted across the water. Then he danced a
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little jig right there on the wing, making the plane rock
alarmingly. The girls laughed as they climbed into the
canoe with Pop Pop and got ready to paddle out to the
plane.
Are you ready to fly?
Both girls shouted yes as Pop Pop paddled.
This time, try not to dump us into the water, OK
Jekka? said BJ from the front, without turning around.
Oh BJ, I always try not to dump us into the water,
Jekka said, But sometimes it just happens.
I was afraid you were going to say that.
Fortunately for the girls and Pop Pop, it didnt
happen this time. They reached the plane without any
problems and climbed aboard first Jekka, then BJ. Pop
Pop slid to the middle of the canoe and got ready to paddle
back to the shore, where Mimi was waiting.
Thanks for taking them on patrol with you, Dad,
he said to Grampy. Well meet you over at ECHO around
10:00. Turning to the girls, he added Have a fun flight!
Make sure you buckle up for takeoff and landing, ok?
We will!
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The girls scrambled through the hatch into the
plane, and Grampy followed. He gave a final wave towards
the shore then swung the latch until it clicked.
TheLucky Ducks interior was small, but cozy. The
low ceilings were just right for the girls, and Jekka giggled
at the thought of her giant Pop Pop Dave trying to fit
inside. She slid one of the windows open and stuck out her
hand to try and touch the water.
Welcome aboard theLucky Duck, Grampy said as
Jekka pulled her dripping hand back inside. One of you
can sit in the co-pilot seat while we take off, and the other
can sit there for the landing.
BJ turned to her sister and said Rock Paper -
Scissors, winner goes first.
OK, answered Jekka, then together they said
Rock, Paper, Scissors shoot!
BJ thrust out her hand with her first two fingers
sticking out scissors. Jekkas hand was open and flat
paper. She groaned.
Scissors cuts paper you get to go first, BJ.
Grampy led the way to the front of the plane, and
squeezed in to the pilots chair. BJ slid into the seat next to
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him, and looked in wonder at all the dials, lights and
buttons that covered the cockpits front panel.
Make yourself comfortable back there, Jelly
Bean, Grampy said to Jekka. He always called her that.
This ship was originally built to carry 8 passengers, so
youve got plenty of space.
He flipped a few switches and the engines roared tolife. The propellers began to move, slowly at first, then
quickly became a blur. Grampy put on headphones and
adjusted the mouth piece, then handed a set to BJ who did
the same. TheLucky Duckstarted to move forward.
Meanwhile, Jekka had buckled herself into a seat,
grabbed a set of headphones and was looking around the
cabin. The interior was painted green, and the ceiling was
covered with shamrocks, just like the outside.
Each side was lined with windows, larger than the
ones on the big planes shed been on before. She could see
Pop Pop Bud standing on the shore with Mimi and the
canoe. She waved.
A few of the original seats had been replaced with a
table, which had a large map of Lake Champlain taped to it.
Grampy pushed a few more buttons, flipped more
switches, checked some dials, then pushed forward on the
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funny-looking steering wheel. The plane picked up speed,
splashing loudly through the still lake. Everything suddenly
got quieter as they lifted into the air.
How are you doing? Grampys voice crackled
over the headsets each girl wore. Everyone comfy? They
nodded, grinning broadly.
Let me tell you a little bit about my plane. Itscalled an S-38, and they built a bunch of them all the way
back in 1928. That means its about as old as I am. It can go
120 miles an hour and as high as 16,000 feet. And,
everyone who flies in it becomes extra lucky for the rest of
the day. He chuckled.
I think were pretty lucky already, said BJ.
How sweet it is! Grampy replied, as the Lucky
Duckbegan to curve to the right.
BJ strained her neck to see out the cockpit window,
but her chair was low and the windows were high, so all
she could really see was a few clouds in a blue sky.
Youll probably see better from the back, Grampy
said, watching her squirm in her chair. Just plug your
headphones into the wall when you get back there, and Ill
still be able to talk with you.
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BJ nodded and scrambled back to sit in a window
seat, across the aisle from her sister.
Lake Champlain is 110 miles long, Grampy was
saying as BJ plugged back in, But we can go 750 miles
before we have to land. Of course, I usually dont go that
far. Mostly I circle around this area, watching for any
stranded boats or any bad guys.
Do you ever see any? Jekka asked.
Stranded boats? Sure! Bad guys not very many.
Tell us more about your plane, Grampy, BJ asked.
Well, there were some movie makers named
Martin and Osa Johnson, who had a plane just like this one,
back when the S-38s were new. They painted it with zebra
stripes, named it Osas Ark, and flew it all over Africa,
making movies about the animals there.
Cool! I want to see one of their movies, BJ said.
Maybe you will some day. But for now, what do
you think about helping me make a movie about Lake
Champlain?
He pushed a button and two screens popped down
from the ceiling. A pair of joysticks poked up from thearmrests on the chair. The screens both were showing
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scenes of a lake, apparently taken from an airplane. BJ
could see boats, islands, and even some houses on the
shore.
Your Uncle Q helped me put some movie cameras
on the bottom wings. They are controlled by those
joysticks, and you can point them in whatever direction you
want. The screens will show you what the camera sees, and
its all recorded on the planes computer
BJ was amazed, and Jekka was already jerking
wildly on the stick, panning her camera from side to side
and up and down. BJ gingerly moved her joystick, and
w