August 18-19, 2020: 17 Hours, 58 Minutes, 34 seconds

Fastest Solo Completion, Fastest Female Solo Completion, Oldest Solo Completion, First New Zealander ( pending ratification )

A Swimmer‘s Story of Swimming the Queen of American Lakes during a pandemic year

If I had only one sentence to recap my record setting swim, I would quote Bob Singer

“It is 32 miles of clear water with the best views” Bob Singer

I reached out to Bob on July 21st, 2020 to ask him if he and his lovely wife Deb Roberts would be interested in supporting a swim of Lake George in the following month. I had met Bob 5 years earlier at a swimming convention and loved his energy and undisguised love of his home lake, Lake George. It was clear he knew the lake like the back of his hand and what struck me even more was how connected he was to the history of the lake and marathon swimming. I was hooked and registered for the 32 mile Lake George Marathon swim in September 2016, there I got my first taste of Lake George. Although inclement weather forced the field to be pulled early that year, I learnt a-lot about the lake and wanted to return. What better year than 2020 right!

The Crew

I was blessed with a fun loving team of support, who knew how to laugh, were top rate on all things safety and support of a marathon swimmer, and they clearly loved being out in nature and on an adventure. That’s a winning formula.

Janine Serell was our team’s observer/crew. She was the chef of the ship sending me out an endless variety of fuel at my 30 minute feed intervals on our way down the lake. Lyn Goldmsith and Eri Itsunomiya headed up kayak support working in rotations every few hours. Dave Snyder piloted a Pontoon Boat with calm and ease.

Preparations

The big unknown was whether would we be permitted to travel to New York state from Vermont, and if we could travel safely, given each state had their own individual COVID travel restrictions and/or quarantine regulations, which were based on county COVID infection case numbers. When we were in the planning stage Vermont and Lake George, NY had similar low COVID case loads, meaning travel was permitted between the two areas. I checked daily leading up to my swim window, we were still green, meaning good to travel to and from and we drove to Lake George NY, on Monday August 17th, the weather looked good for the 18th, and we decided that I would be swimming Lake George the very next day! Gasp!!

A Bird’s Eye view of the Lake

Bob Singer and Deb Roberts had graciously invited our team to stay at their home, we masked up, socially distanced and had terrific hospitality, with a delightful dinner and evening. The next morning Bob surprised me and Eri with a flight over Lake George, I loved it. Bob piloted our flight and gave us an arial tour of the lake, pointing out all the predominant landmarks. I’m a very visual person and loved hearing about the Lake George’s features and personality. There is Rodger’s Rock a big shingle slope on the side of a mountain at the northern end of the lake named after a British solider who is said to have sneakily escaped form the French in a battle in the 1700’s by sliding down the shingle slope. Then Black Mountain, which Bob told me you can see for miles, and not to forget the narrows, a narrow area of the lake spotted with many little islands, the water so clear you can see the bottom! Soon the flight was over and it was time for our crew meeting.

Crew Meeting : Time to talk feeds, motivation and put weaknesses on the table!

It was time for Janine, Lyn, Eri and me to sit down and talk game plan. That included going over supplies, feeding, and schedule.

Here’s the feed menu:

Chocolate Perpetuem Hammer/ Hammer Gels/ Raisins/ Cashews/ Cape Cod Potato Chips/ Honey/ Peppermint Tea/ Chicken Soup/ Maple Syrup/ Slippery little peaches

Let’s Talk Motivation:

I was lucky enough to have this performance boosting technique shared with me by my Vermont training buddy, and marathon swimmer Paula Yankauskas. The idea is to have a word given to you each feed. You come up with words that resonate with you. The words I chose were geared to give me additional mental strength on my journey down the lake, and some were intended just to make me laugh.

Weaknesses, that’s a gutsy thing to talk about!

I wanted to go over my weaknesses, so the team knew how to best reduce their impact on my swim. Yip get those achilles heels up on the table!

Weakness: Cold

Weakness: Dehydration

“The cold night air, it’s forecast to drop into the 50s”, “to succeed I’m going to need to swim strong to keep warm, take hot feeds from the get go, and not dilly dally at feed time, fast feeds is a must”

“I need to keep hydrated and my electrolytes in balance” I knew I’d need to drink plenty of fluids, even if I didn’t feel like it, plus keep my electrolytes in balance with electrolytes tablets. I also had supplies of my tried and true salt fixes: salted cashews, potato chips, and gatorade.

Now time for the Strengths

Strength: Speed

Strength: Wind and Waves

Strength: Mental Focus

These things were going to help us out, I am fortunate to have a bit of speed in my back pocket and wind and waves increase my drive, I put my head down and pull even stronger. Finally I have the ability to focus to draw mental strength, I say have the ability, because we all have times when focus can be lacking or hard to find, I came equipped with a mindset of steel and a collection of inspirational words to reinforce it.

So there we have it my Lake George 2020 plan of attack: Swim Strong, Swim Fast, Feed Well, Feed Fast

Next up it was dinner prepared by Lyn and Janine, my favorite pre swim Steak and mashed Potatoes, a quick rest, then into the car and off to Snug Harbor, a 32 mile + drive up the lake, after which I would swim back!

Diane’s Rock ” Where are you?”

Bob drove to the northern end of the lake where we staged at Snug Harbor, Ticonderoga. The team loaded the boat, I met Dave Snyder, our captain and kept my long down jacket zipped up until it was time to climb down the ladder of the Snug Harbor dock. Soon it was time to strip off and slide into the water. The air felt cool and the water felt silky warm. I stroked easily over to Diane’s Rock, with Eri by paddling by my side in Tsunami, David Barra’s sea kayak ( thanks David!!!)

My swim would start after I left the legendary ” Diane’s Rock “, I reached the rock. I slipped on, off and into Diane’s Rock, smacking my arm, elbow and knee in the process. Ouch! Not to worry I had made it off and was now swim was underway, I was excited. I felt a little disorientated, the lights were glaring and I wasn’t sure what direction I was heading, I was just grateful to be swimming! I heard the whistle blow, and I came to an abrupt stop, picking my head up.

“That was not Diane’s rock”, Eri shouted, “this way”, “you started on the wrong rock” , she added. Oh dear, I thought, “it’s my shortest do-over ever”, I giggled under water and swam back to the real Diane’s rock to try again.

Well, I did not gracefully approach the real Diane’s rock, I slithered, slipped, bumped and banged my way on to the rock. I raised my arm signaling I was there, and promptly slipped back into the water with a bang. My elbow and shoulder smacked on a nearby rock and ached, I decided at that point it would be a good idea to push off strongly in a streamline to get a good start after all my slipping. Not a good idea! I pushed straight into a submerged rock banging my hands, jolting my shoulder again. It was a bumpy entrance into what would be my new aquatic home for the next 18 hours, but I made it and my swim was finally underway.

Settle Down Kiwi

“Who’s the new girl”, I laughed at my bumbling swim start! Now it was time to settle down, it took me at-least 45 minutes. First the light was blinding me, it was all I could think of, then I was hungry, finally I adjusted mentally, by focusing on pulling long and strong, stroke by stroke, I relaxed and at an hour it was time for my first feed. In an effort to keep my feeds warmer we had shifted from my regular plastic feed cups to an insulated cup. The cup was great, my dexterity was not, and I struggled hard to get the top off. I took the feed and it was perfect. It would be the first of 37 feeds that Janine aced!

Rodger’s Rock

The night was dark, yet I could make out the silhouette of a mountain line, it was Rodger’s Rock, I imagined the steep slope and how Rodger slid down it in the 1700’s making his cunning escape from the French. A southerly wind had picked up and the Lake was tossing waves at me, I drove my head down and pulled harder, grateful for the waves, they made me work harder generating more body heat to keep my body warm. “Head wind, bring it on”, I thought.

Stroke by stroke, feed by feed, we were moving down the lake. The aching in my shoulder, knee and elbow from my rocky start had been firmly replaced by my mind focusing on nature, my breath and Eri beside me in the kayak. We were in a good rhythm. At each feed she was shouting my motivational word, first there was “Wonderful”, then “Optimistic”, “Dedication” and “Easy Power”.

Silver Bay 10 Miles

I could see twinkling lights light up the sky as breathed to my right, it was Silver Bay. The playful reflection of the lights danced along the surface of the water especially on the crest of the waves. The wind had picked up. We had originally planned to swim from South to North, but the forecasted wind direction had shifted to a Northerly wind prior to our launch, in response we had changed the direction of the swim to North to South. Clearly the wind was going to have the last word it defiantly blew from the south, during the first 9 hours of my crossing. Some times it eased other times it did not, by the time I was enjoying the twinkling lights of Silver Bay the wind was a merry old 10 miles/hour.

Dreaming of Chicken Soup

About this time I began dreaming of hot chicken soup, the cold air was driving into the exposed bare skin on my arms, shoulders and back, and the back of my head felt cold. If I drove my head down lower into the water, it felt like I could bury it away from the cold night air. I played this game repeatedly, dreaming of hot soup at the same time. As if Janine could sense what I was thinking out came some delicious chicken soup at my next feed. The warm fluid heated me up as I gulped it down. I was so disappointed when it was gone that I unscrewed the lid and slid down all the noodles and mushy vegetables as well. I felt like Pooh Bear downing a jar of honey. Once it was gone I rolled onto my belly and off I swam.

It wasn’t long before I started feeling nauseous, I kept my pace up and groaned as I swam, I felt awful! The word at my next feed was “Upbeat”, boy did I need that word. I hauled up my spirits and swam on determined to hold pace. I did, and as I swam I hurled up the chicken soup, it was warm and chunky as it streamed down my thighs as I swam. At my next feed I declared that the Chicken Soup was “Instant Regret”. That will teach me for being a piglet and downing it all! Lyn passed me my warm Hammer drink. I didn’t feel like it, but I drank it anyway, swam on and threw that up too. My Word for the feed was “Laughter”, and it made me laugh, perfect, despite feeling sick, I was swimming happy and that’s when I swim my best!

Things that hit you in the night

I struck a few objects in the night, there were the few rocks at the start, and a few pieces of driftwood during the dark of the night. Other than that there was only the extreme beauty, of Lake George that struck me, I could feel it. It was truly moving, the lake was vast, the mountains surrounding the lake were majestic, and I was feeling grateful, for the Lake, the Team supporting me, my conditioning and my mental strength, it was powerful and a time I still treasure to this day.

Where’s the sun

We were making progress, there was no doubt about it, Bob Singer was right, you could see the summit light on Black island for miles and miles, it was like a beacon drawing me closer, stroke by stroke, feed by feed. Janine was keeping me well fueled physically and mentally. I was keeping my fluid intake up and had added some salty solid foods, like cashews. I began longing for a glimmer of dawn, a glimpse of the silhouette of the pontoon boat, the kayak and the team. It had been such a dark night, and finally after 9 hours, the darkness began to lift, I was elated.

I felt like I had a whole new playground to check out, it was exciting! My eyes traced the ridges of the mountains each time I took a breath, I studied Tsunami, the kayak, Lyn skillfully navigating the waves. I swam feed to feed and each feed came with a new word and a little more daylight. There are “Determination”, ” Robust”, ” Fun” , “Will Power”.

Harbor Islands 15 Miles

We were moving out of the wide northern end of the lake and entering into the narrow part of the lake, here lies Harbor Islands, 15 miles from the start. Clustered together under the watch of Black Mountain, these islands played host to campers, including Pilot Dave’s family! As I swam by they were on the dock waving to us. It must have been an early start for them and I so appreciated seeing them and their encouragement.

The Narrows 20 Miles

The sun was reluctant to join us, although we had a beautiful sunrise from a distance in the northern end of the lake, we were stuck under a thick blanket of cloud. I was looking forward to seeing the sun and felt confident that eventually it would shine. In the meantime the wind had dropped and I was enjoying more distance per stroke by getting long and pulling strong. The highlight of the narrows was that I could really get a first hand view of how beautifully clear the water was, with lots of pretty little darting fish below. This was my favorite part of the lake to date!

Company in the Water

After 13 hours I had a lovely surprise. First Janine sent out some of Lyn’s homemade mashed potatoes, they hit the spot like you wouldn’t believe and I’m pretty sure my only words were…more, more, more. Then to top it off, Bob and Deb pulled up alongside the pontoon boat, they had motored out to see us. ” Want some company, would you like Deb?” Janine called, during my feed.

I was thrilled, off we went, Deb positioned herself behind me and to my side, what fun. My word was ” Epic” and it was, the sun was out, the water calm, and we were swimming strong. I had been in the water 13 hours and knew there was much more swimming ahead of me, I drove my head down and pressed south.

Feed time was a dime a dozen, down the hatch went electrolyte water, honey, slippery little peaches that felt good on my throat, there was also ginger tea. I was feeling the early onset of cramping in my legs so turned my attention to additional measures, out came the gatorade and Cape Cod Potato Chips. It was hard to fathom that one could put away this much food and liquid yet into the vault it was going and I needed it.

Weathering the Storm

With Pilot Knob behind us we were 25 miles in. I was so excited as this was now my Personal Best Lake swim ever. Lake Memphremagog was my longest Lake Crossing at 25.2 miles, and I ‘d just broke my own record. “What a day”, I thought. It was feed time again, I scooped up my feed and Janine leaned over the boat, it looked like an intervention, I was curious and did my best to listen through my earplugs ” If you can swim the next 6 miles in less than 4 hours you’ll break the speed record”. I’m pretty sure she added ” Don’t kill yourself though”. ” Well off we go then” I thought to myself, my word was ” Reel it In”, ” Pretty appropriate ” I thought!

Easy Power

I swam off taking it all in, and decided that easy power and maintaining my rhythm was the way to go. I had a consistent strong pace, and decided to stick with the same formula: Swim Strong, Swim Fast, Feed Well, Feed Fast

Then the storm hit. The further south we got the more boat wakes there were, they jostled me this way and that, tossing me about unpredictably. Then miraculously the boat wakes disappeared! I couldn’t believe my luck. “All the boats are taking a break for lunch I guess”, I was happy with my mind’s explanation. Then I noticed the dark clouds, the aggressive wind and felt the pelting rain on my back, shoulders and head. It was teaming and the water began to swirl around. It was a storm, ” Oh Dear” I thought, as I noticed a police/coastguard boat lurking around behind us. I drove my head deep under water hoping they may not see me, I did not want to be pulled from the water, and knew if they asked us to clear the water, I ‘d have to oblige and my swim would be over, and painfully so, being so few miles to the finish. So I kept swimming.

Eventually when the storm eased up I noticed a boat pull alongside us. It was a big boat with a loud speaker. Hanging over the rails were people waving and cheering for us. We’d made it through the storm and the local tourist cruise boat was back on the Lake and they were shouting my name and cheering us on. I’m not sure how they knew. Janine had the New Zealand Flag flying, the sun had reappeared, and we were approaching Lake George Village. The end of the lake was approaching!

North Wind Where are You?

After 16.5 Hours of swimming the wind was back, but this time it was a welcome North Wind, yes you guessed, it a tail wind. The waves once again picked up and I repositioned my balance to breathe in the troughs and ride the crests as best I could. Stroke by stroke I pulled closer to the village, I kept my head down pulled hard and continued to feed every 30 minutes. After my last feed I had less than a 1000 meters to reach the public dock, I put all my effort into focus, I knew from experience that you need to be all in until you run out of water, otherwise the swim could be over before you reach the finish.

I allowed myself to sight a few times, the pontoon boat had given way for me and Lyn to approach the sea wall. I could see people gathered on the grass behind it.

My last few strokes Lyn was smiling so wide, jostling her paddle above her head, I drove my hand on to the sea wall, we’d done it!

I looked up and there was Bob Singer, holding an iPad with my daughter Heidi Brynn on the screen smiling and cheering. He had Face Timed her to be there at the finish, it was a complete surprise and I was thrilled.

I swam under the public dock to the ladder on the pontoon boat and climbed up. Janine, and Eri helped get me dressed. I still felt a bit nauseous, and grabbed the bucket off the boat to take with me for the car ride back to the house. Then it was off the dock and out to the street to wait for Deb to come pick us up. Janine walked with me and when we got to our pickup spot I turned the bucket upside down, sat on it and looked up at her, ” We did it” , I said, “how far off the record were we?” I added, “You broke the record” she smiled. “Shut Up”, I said and I grinned a very big grin!

Shout out to the “Queen of American Lakes”, Lake George, and my amazing support team: Bob Singer, Deb Roberts, Janine Serell, Lyn Goldsmith, Eri Itsunomiya, Dave Snyder, and Heidi Brynn.

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