The day was forecast to be a pearler with high cloud and light winds. Saturday August 25th, 2018. I stamped my foot and staked my claim ” this is our Triple Willy Day” I said to my Lake Willoughby Triple Crew.

We made our way to the lake to see for ourselves. Willoughby is an unpredictable lake and she often shows off showcasing a more feisty wind than the forecast predicts. Today is no exception. We were expecting no wind and were greeted by a festive little 6 mph wind jostling the water in a merry way, yip this lake is definitely excited that we are swimming today!

We make our way down to south beach at 7:00am with the plan of starting before 8:00am. Our course:

South to North

North to South

South to North

Our kayaks are prepped, feeds are mixed, hot tea is ready,shore crew is in place for turnarounds, the tracker is on, photographer set and all the gadgets are in place to measure wind speed, temperature and distance.

It’s time to start. I wade out past the south beach and gaze up at the rugged cliffs of Mount Pisgah on my right and Mount Hor on my left they are absolutely breathtaking. I slither under the water and begin my swim. Within 30 minutes I am directly beneath the cliffs, how they tower above me. This is my favorite part of the lake. Deep green Vermont foliage surrounds the rugged, jagged rock cliffs. Cliffs that were gouged out by glacial ice thousands of years ago. And the deep dark lake, 300 foot deep, I wonder just what the V shaped valley below looks like under these deep waters and just how big the fish and eels are down there!

The waves have kicked up and my mind snaps away from the majestic mountains and mesmerizing lake. ” Well this is going to make things interesting ” I giggle to myself. This lake is something else…..and that’s what I love about it!

An hour passes and I take my first feed, then 1 hour 30 and 2 hours. The North beach is in sight it is nearly time to complete my first crossing. I am surprised at how many Vermonters are out enjoying on the beach. I make my way onto the beach, haul myself up to my feet and clear the water. I turn and lock my eyes onto the lake “it’s time for crossing number 2” I declare to myself and in I go. This time swimming into the south wind that’s been building over the last few hours.

It seems like I’m swimming in slow motion as I make my way towards the cliffs and the south beach. It’s a 5 mile stretch give or take and it’s feeling much longer! The culprit is an excitable South West wind. The lake is playing with me. She is strong tossing me about and in return I am tenacious, never giving up..

As I approach the middle of the lake the temperature drops. I am swimming into the deepest part of the lake. The lake narrows. The wind is compressed between the 2 mountains and the winds blows much stronger. It feels like I am in a wind tunnel. It is slow going.

I long to see the sharp, rugged cliffs of the south part of the lake. A sign that I am within range of the south beach and the end of my second crossing. Eventually they appear and tower above me.

One mile until South Beach. One mile until my final turnaround. This is the one that has stumped me in the past. The long wade out of the water, clearing the water and the long wade back in. It stays shallow for so long. In the past I have felt my body chill and my energy drop at that very point. Today I am determined that I won’t allow that to stop me diving back in for a third crossing.

I swim in as far as I can. My finger tips start to scrape the bottom and I force myself to my feet. Now I am wading. I wade, wade and wade some more. Finally I step out of the water. This is it two crosssings complete just one to go!

I clear the water and turn to face back down the lake for one more time… ” Let’s do this” I shout to my crew!

Into the water I go for a third time. My body feels cool after standing on shore in the cooling wind. ” I’m going to have to swim hard to warm back up” it’s more of a command than a declaration. Off I go one more swim between these awe inspiring cliffs. Every time I swim by them they seem to hypnotize me.

I swim and swim, it seems to take much longer to get through the cliffs on the 3rd crossing. Despite this feeling I am making good time. I pass through the cliffs and the lake widens. I start to see the cabins and camps appear along the shoreline as I turn to breathe. I’ve been by them many times before and now I look for the familiar roof lines, the house with the flag pole and then there are the little cabins all lined up with little red roof tops.

I keep myself occupied looking at these sleepy little camps nestled along the shore. While all this is happening I can feel the wind pick up and the north beach my final landing get closer.

Time for a feed the menu today is cran- raspberry UCAN and Gatorade endurance lemon lime flavor. I’ver been alternating between the two. For treats dried apricots and peppermint tea.

“Last Feed” Margaret shouts out from her kayak. I tip back my last feed, the feed doesn’t taste too appealing but knowing it’s the last one makes me grin ear to ear. “There’s the beach” shouts Cynthia “your close less than 500 meters ” she adds. This is music to my ears and I put my head down and swim towards the beach and my wonderful shore crew Emily and John Haskins waiting to welcome me to dry land.

The water is getting shallow I can tell because the water is getting warmer. The North beach has a very gradual landing. Meaning it stays hip deep for a long time, then knee deep for a long time and finally you bottom out. It has a lovely sandy bottom and today the bright sun has warmed the shallow waters.

I can now see the bottom. It stays shallow for some time so I know there is still a ways to go. I pull hard and work on curbing my excitement…crossing number 3 is coming to a finish…a successful finish!

And then it happens I feel the sandy bottom with my fingers as I pull. I haul myself up to my feet and I begin to run.

I run and I run, my Triple Crossing is not done until I clear the water

And then it happens…my last step exiting my third crossing of lake Willoughby. 7 hours, 14 minutes and 6 seconds. After 3 attempts I land the swim and it feels amazing. I feel accomplishment, relief and mostly I am grateful for my pilot and navigator Cynthia Needham, crew Margaret Haskins, Emily Haskins and John Haskins and Phil White and Djanjo who has piloted me on so many Willoughby Crossings, he made it happen today.

Next up time to hug my crew, pack up and say farewell for now to this great lake. Should you get the chance to swim it my advice ” Do It ” and if possible more than once.

And Finally the whole team. With Lake Willoughby in the background.

July 6th, 2018. The forecast looks warm, unseasonably warm for Vermont! The perfect time for a multi crossing of lake Willoughby. We clear our schedules, pack up our gear and head over to Westmore, Vermont.

Three musketeers off for an adventure, myself, Phil White, Cynthia Needham and Djanjo our sturdy vessel. Turns out we are going to need sturdy! We arrive at Lake Willoughby to discover winds, high winds blowing from the north. Not to be deterred we launch the boat, load our gear and head to the north beach for a North to south tail wind swim down the lake, followed by a south to north head wind swim back up the lake.

Well off we go! We blaze down the lake with sustained winds of 15- 20 MPH. What a ride on the way down the lake especially between the cliffs where the winds is compressed. I was grateful for the warm 70F water and piloting skills of Phil White, how he maintained a steady course amongst the waves and swells I don’t know!

We made it to the secluded South Beach and gained a little shelter from the howling wind. Our time down the lake was 2 Hours, 1 minute and 30 seconds. One of my fastest crossing ever!

Now it was time to turn around and pay the piper.I wade back in the water, the wind was making it hard to wade out! Off we go I swim and swim, diving in and out of the troughs working hard to time my breath to avoid hydrating on lake water. I swim for 30 minutes and see my feed cup. Time for a feed, I looked up and am shocked at how little I have progressed. while I fed me and Djanjo are being pushed backwards. I drop my cup and begin the process of working my way back up the lake again…. and again.

The wind intensifies as we approach the cliffs. Gusting at 22 MPH we press on. The progress is slow as we inch our way back up the lake. Finally the north beach is in sight. It took a month of Sunday’s but we finally make it PHEW! I haul myself up onto the beach and a double crossing is complete. The south to north crossing took 3 hours 42 minutes and 30 seconds.

The total swim time 5 hours 41 minutes 20 seconds. This becomes my longest every single crossing of Lake Willoughby and my longest double crossing! A record breaking swim for me and a hole lot of fun!

Lake Willoughby

 

Much of the history from this lake comes from old newspapers, some from stories and some has evolved from legends passed on from generation to generation. Legends of the lake, that perks my interest! This is a lake that intrigues me and one that I want to get more familiar with. What better way to do that than to get into the water and swim, swim , swim!

 Lake Willoughby has Many unique qualities. It has been described as mysterious, threatening and ominous. Some days you look between the majestic cliff faces of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor and the wind is howling, the water angrily forming foamy white caps, and black clouds expelling driving rain pelting on your back as you swim. On other days the lake is  like glass mirroring the reflection of the mountains that stand at attention alongside the shoreline. The thing to understand about Lake Willoughby is that it can change on a dime! One minute a lamb next minute a lion! 

 Geologists report that Willoughby Lake was formed by glacial ice driving down from Canada in a time long before us. The thick unforgiving ice gauged out a path of least resistance, dividing mountains and leaving only the strongest rocks in place, those of Mount Pisgah & Mount Hor. Eventually the ice melted and left behind two majestic mountains with sheer cliff faces overlooking a deep mesmerizing lake.

The mountains stand guard over the deepest part of the lake and when you swim between them one feels like they are granting you permission to proceed….or not! Here the lake is at it’s narrowest. Here is where the wind is at it’s peak as it whips between the mountains the water dancing with white caps. I call this part of the lake ” the Willoughby wind tunnel”

 The North End of the Lake 

The North End boasts a large sandy beach, the water is warmest at the north end it’s away from the deep colder water between Mount Pisgah & Mount Hor. It has a generously sized parking lot and easy access to the beach. The entry level is very gradual. If you are racing here it is worth practicing your shallow water entry skills and exit skills! The good news is it is all sand and easy underfoot!

 The South Beach

The South Beach is smaller and more sheltered. It is not unusual for the the South end water temperature to be 3-4 F Cooler than the North End. It is closer to the deeper part of the lake and being surrounded like a baseball gloves by the mountains it seems to have less sun exposure than the North End.

THE FIRST ATTEMPT- June 28th , 2017

In 2017 I had my first attempt at a Triple Crossing of Lake Willoughby. I had been finding great bennefit in training in Like Willoughby for waves and cooler water & had been swimming double crossings, 10 miles down and back and enjoyed the challenge and beauty of the swim. Lake Willoughby tends to run cooler than other Vermont Lakes and the narrow fiord between Mount Pisgah & Lake Hor are a perfect place to find white caps and lake swells on the right day!

 A Triple seemed like a fun challenge Phil White of North East Kingdom Open Water Association was on board to support along with crew Cynthia Needham. We decided to go out early in the season and make a day of it for Phil’s birthday on June 28 2017. We launched the boat and motored to start at the south end. The forecast looked less than inviting with cold air temps and winds. Yes Willoughby had got rather excited about a  birthday celebration and kicked up a keen wind & white caps to match!

 As we launched the boat the clouds darkened, we motored up to the south end to start the swim with the wind at our backs. I climbed out of the boat gingerly slipping my feet into the water. It was cold this was going to be hard yacker. On measuring the water at the start we discovered the water was a cool 58F. I Peeled off my down jacket, reluctantly took off my woolen hat and stood by the waters edge. In I waded the cold water warmer than the air. I waded out until it was deep enough to swim and dove under and began stroking. The wind on my back chilled me, the cold made my teeth clench, I swam on. ” It will warm up once I get beyond the cliff and cooler deep water” I told myself as I swam. It did not.

I swam on regardless staying  parallel to the boat and making my way down the lake. I was finding the cold air, biting wind and 58F water draining, I was breathing heavily and I wasn’t even a third of the way down the first length….this was going to be a long hard haul.

Fighting into the wind between the cliffs

Down the lake we went. Pilot Phil White and crew Cynthia Needham kept me on course. We exited at the North Beach and faced the chilly trip back down the lake.

The weather worsened as we made our way back to the south end of the lake. By the time I made it back between the cliffs at the deepest part of the lake my hands had clawed. The heavy clouds seemed to weigh on me I was a mile from the south beach. A double crossing was in reach. I swam on feeding on warm ginger tea. Finally we reached the south shore. I swam as close to the beach as I could and then weaved my way to dry land. We called the swim and I gratefully wrapped up in warm clothes. Today’s swim was to be a double crossing 4 hours and 53 minutes. It was the earliest crossing of lake Willoughby and for me the coldest at 58F. I am pleased!

Swim Day: Wednesday July 19th

Swim Direction North to South

Start; Magog, Quebec, Canada

Finish: Newport, Vermont, USA

Observer: Phil White 

Crew: Cynthia Needham

Lake Monster: Memphre

This was to be my second swim down this awe inspiring lake. The first being in 2011, I was one of 4 swimmers who made it down the lake on the night of September 11th, 2011, marking the 10th anniversary of 911, we swam to promote friendly borders and in Search of Memphre the lakes resident Lake Monster.

My 2011 swim was tough, my first 25 miler. I had prepared with night swims, rough water, practice feeding off a boat, swimming alongside a kayak, swimming in the cold night air and mentally training myself to keep swimming.

 I completed my 2011 Lake Monster swim in 15 hours and 30 minutes. The fall night air was cold on my back, I was separated from my kayak and support boat early in the swim for an hour and battled a relentless northerly head wind. In the thick of the chaos something warm brushed by my leg, whatever it was calmed my mind and I swam on to complete the swim.

This year I’m returning to swim in the opposite direction with the goal of getting down the lake a little faster, well wouldn’t that be great, either way it will be a fine adventure and another border crossing my favorite!

Swim Day Arrives.

Up at 4:00am. Gear is packed, feeds are ready we load the boat at the Magog Marina. It is pitch dark, the dawn is starting to nudge it’s way out as we motor to Parc de la Pointe- Merry.

 As we approach the start beach I make my final preparations, light sticks in place, my one cap is secure, I have Vaseline on my arm pits, around my neck and under my suit straps to reduce chaffing as I swim. The final touch is my ear plugs. I slide in to water and wade up onto the beach.

 I am ready to begin one very long day swimming from Canada to the USA, 25.2 miles wearing one traditional bathing suit, one swim cap, ear plugs, light sticks and a pair of goggles. I raise my arms to signal to Phil White my observer and Cynthia Needham crew that I am ready. I pause for a moment taking it all in, the expanse of the lake the approaching dawn and the knowledge that once I step my toe into the water it is ” game on” until I reach the other end of the lake. No assistance…it’s time to go I step in and smile, I can’t wait.

 In to the water I slide, it feels amazing, as I begin stroking on arm at a time my way back to the USA!

 

Lake Willoughby – Double  Crossing Summer 2017: 2 chances of spotting a giant serpent!

Lake Willoughby is a lake in the town of Westmore, Vermont. It is a lake with crystal clear waters, dramatic vistas and, a legend in it’s history. 

Lake Willoughby is  5 miles long. It has delightful sandy beaches at both the southern, and northern end. The north beach boasts a lovely .25 mile long beach.

Two rugged mountains overlook the lake at the southern end. Mount Pisgah, one one side, and Mount Hor on the other. Swimming between them, gives you the distinct  feeling that  someone, or something  is watching you, especially when the wind is howling, and the skies are dark, it can feel ominous.

Lake Willoughby was created by glacial action,  which carved out a narrow, and deep lake. It resembles a Norwegian Ford. At it’s deepest it is 320ft. It the deepest lake to be entirely contained in Vermont. It also makes it a cold lake, and often a windy lake. The wind funnels down the lake with force, entertaining,  when you are swimming with a tail wind, heartbreaking into a head wind.

The Town – Westmore, VT

Westmore,  was chartered in 1781, it was granted to Uriah Seymour. It was rugged terrain, with no roads.  Eight hardy families settled the area. Early in the 1800’s inhabitants left due to the harsh conditions. The frosts destroyed their crops, and there was a  constant fear of attack from hostile Indians.

 By the 1830’s settlers returned, to farm, and build mills. The lake once again welcomed settlers. Eventually a road was built in 1850 on the east side of lake, and hotels arrived. People were starting to visit Lake Willoughby, which had long been unreachable. Visitors loved  it’s scenery, it’s fishing, and even took steam ship tours to enjoy the lake scenery. Legend has it, some saw a lake monster. The lake which had been largely untouched, now had company.

There are no recordings on how the Lake Willoughby was named.  One story is that many years ago a man named Willoughby was crossing the ice with a horse-drawn sled. When the horses broke through, Willoughby and his driver were drowned, and the lake was called Willoughby in his memory. There are no records of an early settler names Willoughby, of course settlers, came and went often without recording in those early years.

Lake Monster or Giant Serpent or Giant Eel?

Both in the 1800’s and 1900’s, there have been reports of sightings of a long dark creature in the lake.

In August 14, 1868, the story of a “lake monster” appeared in the Caledonian newspaper. “It is reported that the great water snake at Willoughby Lake was killed Wednesday of last week by Stephen Edmonds of Newport, VT., a lad of twelve years. Rushing boldly upon the monster he severed its body with a sickle. On actual measurement the two pieces were found to be 23 feet in length.”

According to local folklore, there is an underground passageway between Lake Willoughby, and Crystal lake. One local story goes that many years ago, a team of horses crashed through the winter ice on Lake Willoughby only to be found months later in Crystal Lake..

 In the 1950’s a team of divers looking for the body of a man presumed drowned after his boat capsized claimed to see a huge hole in the bottom of the lake and saw eels 8 feet( 2. 6 metres) long.

On September 9, 1986 Audrey Besse of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, saw an unknown creature in Willoughby Lake. The sighting was filed with the International Dracontology Society of LakeMemphremagog . Her sighting is as follows:While sitting on the “point” near the Wheeler’s Camps beach more than 15 years ago, Audrey, Ann Hauk (her mother), and a friend saw a long, dark, creature with two or three humps in the middle of the lake, swimming toward the south end. Mrs. Besse went for her binoculars and camera, but the creature had submerged before she could use them.

Adventure worthy – time to grab a cap and goggles and go search!

This summer after careful planning, myself, Phil White, observer, and boat captain, and crew, Cynthia Needham are going on the search.

We are picking early summer, when the lake is still cool, and few folks will be venturing in and on it’s waters, to give us the best chances of a sighting of a monster eel, or serpant, whichever it may be!

Swim Day: Wednesday June 28th 

Distance: 10 miles

Pilot/ Observer: Phil White

Crew: Cynthia Needham 

 

 

 

We got the thumbs up this afternoon! English Channel swim start time is approx 11:30 pm Thursday August 25th EST, ( 4:30 am Friday August 26th UK Time )

WAHOO SUPER EXCITED!!!!

Swim Track track.rs/charlotte

SUVA Tracker here http://cspf.co.uk/tracking

August 2016, Orrs Island

Time to head north, way north! We are in Orrs Island for a week of sea swimming in the cool ocean waters of Harpswell sound.What a stunning place!

The goal, 70k, in 6 days, and we are well on the way.

The waters have been calm on some days, and others a keen south wind has barreled down the sound. All making for great conditions.

It is such a blast seeing the lobster fishermen, working while I swim, they are friendly, and send us warm smiles and big waves.

Cynthia Needham has been a tower of power, kayaking by my side, Heidi Brynn, has been our photographer.

Have we been having fun, you bet!

Next up: Dover, UK August 17th, Big Fun!

Kingdom Swim Border Buster July 30th, 2016

What a treat of a swim, we had a blast enjoying good company from swimmers from around the country and world.

Thanks to Phil White of the North East Kingdom Open Water Swimming Association for the top event, terrific conditions, and fabulous hand carved Kingdom Swim walking stick, a coveted award!

Swim Time :7 hours and 55 minutes

Course Distance: 15.94 miles/ 25.7 km

Overall Course Winner

High clouds overhead, and a northerly wind. This has the makings of a spirited swim.

We load Django, with all our gear, one big bin chocked full of feeds, a dry bag of warm clothes, and some extra company. Phil White,is my captain and observer, Cynthia Needham,is crew captain, and then there is Skinner! Skinner, you might ask? Yes, Uriah Skinner,the half size skeleton, we got for grins, to join us, for our recent Skinner Island, 2 way crossing. He has become quite a part of the team, since his rescue from smugglers cave, on Skinner Island.

Time to “walk the boat ramp”, I think,as I gaze down the lake. I can just make out Ile Ronde,a small, speck in the distance, 8. 2 miles away,and just waiting to be conquered. ” I’m coming for you round island”, I firmly, declare.
The boat ramp is slick, I slither into the water, game on.

Some days a swim welcomes you with open arms, it reaches out to you, with fair weather, and calm waters, it sends you a, ” this is your day vibe”. Today, is not one of those days. Today, Lake Memphremagog, is ornery.

Instantly my heart rate accelerates,I drive my head down low, and pull with long, strong strokes.” Every stroke draws me closer”, I think.

” Listen here, you!” I imagine, the Lake baiting me. ” You’ve been slipping that kiwi frame through my waters, all month, and I’ve played nice. Sure, I’ve given you some wind,rain, and cloudy skies to keep you honest, but this, a circumnavigation of Ile Ronde, now, now your pushing it!” This is the vibe this old Lake is giving me, she’s going to do her best to throw me off the horse, and I’m ready to fight back!

And with that Ole Memphremagog blows from the North, the wind steadily builds. I drive my head down even lower. The more she gusts, the harder I fight. Swells begin to roll down her waters, I breathe hard.

The light house comes, and goes, the vulture like birds look on.

Next up the border, we are in Canadian waters, I treat myself to a look at the island, it is getting closer. The closer it gets, the stronger I swim.

I look at the team, Phil White is calling in our pre approved entry into the Canadian custom officials, this makes it possible to swim continuously without having to go the customs station mid swim, I am grateful for this! Cynthia Needham is fixing my next feed, and then there is Skinner, sitting upright in the back of the boat. I fix my gaze on him, for what feels like a very long time.

My feeds are fast, I say very little to the crew. A few words like, ” Lovely morning”, ” “Bonjour mon ami”. But something’s brewing. For the past 30 minutes, I have been thinking of nothing else, other than what I have been bursting to tell, Phil and Cynthia. I grin, my widest grin, as I think of it. Finally feed time is here, I slide alongside the boat, reach for my feed and say, ” Could you guys do something about Skinner, he looks terrified, he may be thinking we are taking him back to smugglers cave, on Skinner Island”, I spit out the words with a roar of laughter, and then I’m off again. I just love adventure!
(If you don’t know about Skinner’s history, ready Skinner Island blog!)

The wind continues to gust, I know the island is close. Suddenly, Ile Ronde, looms in front of me. She is bigger than I anticipated, tall in stature, along with very tall trees. I make my approach and begin to swim clockwise around this proud island.

As, I swim around Ile Ronde, I reflect on the battle to get here. “Lake Memphremagog made me earn it today”, I think, and then I smile, my very biggest of smiles, for I have made it around the island and am looking forward to a strong northerly tail wind the whole way home. Head down, and I accelerate down the lake.

In no time at all we are back at the border, WAHOO, I love border crossings! Phil and Cynthia fly the New Zealand flag as I cross, I can see the slash in the trees marking the border, and the border buoys in the water.

I continue down the lake, the sailboats are out in full force, one circles us, ” Is that Charlotte”, a yell comes from the sailboat. They follow us for a while, and as we near the city dock they peel off.The wind has eased, the gusts have dropped, lake Memphremagog has succumbed.

” Last feed”, says Cynthia, I smile and swim on. I know I am close, I watch the familiar landmarks, and enjoy the ride. Suddenly out of the corner of my eye I see Cynthia bouncing up and down, it is clear she wants me to sprint. ” Either it’s a boat, or I am close to an hour mark”. I think, as I drive my head down, and pull hard. My breath is heavy and loud, I suck in oxygen, and forcefully exhale. I am 500 meters away, my shoulders burn, I keep sprinting.400 meters, 300 meters, 200 meters, the countdown is on. The last 100 meters is here, I don’t let up. The ramp is before me,”Oh no,slippery”, I remember the slide down the ramp this morning.I don’t let up, I swim as far as I can, then pop upright and scamper up the ramp, on my tip toes. Success, I clear the water, and turn to face the boat, pumping my fists, and grinning from ear to ear.

My time 7 hours, 59 minutes and 4 seconds. Thanks to Cynthia Needham, a sub 8 hour swim.

What’s next?

Another Border Crossing of course! July 30th Kingdom Swim Border Buster!