8/29/08 Friday: Team Tobey vs The Channel...

Team Tobey in the tenth round takes the win!!

BUT the Channel put up a damn good fight! We battled Force 3 (first half) and Force 4 (second half of the swim) conditions with 15-20 knot winds, 10-12 foot waves and 60 degree water. I have absolutely no idea how the hell I finished that. Time: 13:33 (unofficial time).No way could I have finished that without my EXCELLENT crew (Mom, Jaime and Deni)!!! They had 10 foot waves coming up over the opposite side of a 52-ton fishing boat and hitting them in the back through the second half of the swim all the while not giving me any indication of discomfort or panic (which they were)...serious dedication!!!

My boat captains Reg Brickell and Ray Brickell were PHENOMENAL and our observer Mike Phillips was OUTSTANDING. They all kept me safe and swimming...that's all I could ask for.

I hurt bad!!!! Don't even bother asking if I liked France! All I saw was a bit of a white cliff through a flashlight (we swam for about 3 hours at dark and landed in dark...that was the very best part of the swim.) I did grab the biggest rock I could find though!

I'll update the blog on Saturday but just wanted to make sure you all knew we were back safe and ready to come home (in 4 hours)!!!!

Thank you all for your support!!!

8/27/08 Wednesday: Where da HOE at??? (Samphire Hoe)

George...I HAD TO!!!! LOL!!!

Ok everyone, it's confirmed, we are dropping into the water at 8:30am BST (3:30am EST) Thursday morning. Winds are looking decent (between 6-9 knots) and it looks like they will spike at the end of the swim right against my back. Air temp will be around 70 degrees and the water will be around 63 degrees (3/4 degrees warmer as we get to France).

The reference in the title refers to the location (Samphire Hoe) where I most likely will be dropped tomorrow morning to start the swim.

Very excited! Will update the blog when we get back. Pray to the Channel gods that the weather stays good for me!!!

8/26/08 Tuesday: Hurry up and wait!!!

Well not much to report today.

We went for a swim this morning and met up with the Father/Daughter duo from Oahu that will be swimming solos at the same time. They both have different boat captains and will start from the same beach, at the same time and swim across on their own. Really cool!

Tomorrow we are planning on having a wine and cheese party with Bill and Audrey (owners of the Victoria House). We went and picked up baguettes, cheese and wine to bring. We're all really excited to hear all of their stories. They are truly great people that are so caring. Very rare finds!

I talked to my boat captain tonight and he is starting to get fed up with Team Aussie! They called, yet again, and tried to get him to agree to take them out before me. Reg wouldn't budge. So Team Aussie decided to try and take another approach and told Reg that their Coach said they will swim in the rough conditions (12 knots). Reg started to laugh and said, "If the waters were swimable, the girl would be going out." (meaning me) I really understand their position because I am in the exact same place. It's awful but there is not much that can be done.

Wednesday has blown out but Thursday, Friday and Saturday are looking possible. Keeping the positive frame of mind and hoping it all works out for the best. Please say prayers to the Channel Gods for the winds to calm down for a safe crossing!!!

8/25/08 Monday: I wouldn't let the Queen of London swim before you love!

Sad day in the Victoria House. George and Suzanne finally departed to head back to the States. George and I went down for a swim this morning and the winds were up again. It was a great time but George's last for the year. After that we had some tea and saw them off. They were thrilled to be going home successful. We were all so happy for them as well. George really did a great job and should be so proud of himself.

On my front things took a very interesting turn today. This morning at the Victoria House and down at the beach the Australian team was giving quite a bit of pressure to allow them to skip ahead of me. Let me back up a bit...I am third in the q to swim with Reg. Both 1 and 2 swimmers have gone. John from Australia is 4th. So back to the story, they really would like to get John out in the Channel before they all leave on Friday. Unfortunately, I also lose my crew on Friday. So I am standing firm in place and will not be conceding my position. I do feel bad as I want John to be successful in his swim but unfortunately for him the reality of the situation is that I am next and not giving up my position. I put in a call to Reg as well just to be sure he was on the same page with me and he was so funny. I told him that I wanted to make sure if he received a call from the Aussie team that I was unwilling to concede my position. He started to laugh and said, "If the (beep) Queen of London called and said she wanted to swim in front of you I would tell her no love! You're next in q and that is the way it will stay." This guy is great! There is a woman from India who is swimming a double and claims to be 6th on our q and her father is pushing for the same. Unfortunately, for them I am here for one reason and one reason only...to swim across the English Channel. My turn is next.

The other part of this...when will I swim? It looks like there may be a possibility between Wednesday through Friday but it is still too soon to tell. The winds have been up and it hasn't changed much. I'm being kept occupied so the strain of having to wait hasn't really affected me at all. By Wednesday I will probably start getting a bit nervous. But for the moment, I'm going to just enjoy the journey and take one day at a time.

8/24/08 Sunday: Why swim? There are perfectly good Ferries and their cheaper!

It was a great morning. We got up, had breakfast and headed down to the Harbour for a swim. George bailed on getting in once we got down there (that's the luxury of finishing your swim!) But I got in and did what I had to do. Conditions were a bit rough down on the windy side of the Harbour but I went down anyway (twice actually). I like to practice in the bad stuff in case that's what I get out there in the Channel...I would rather be prepared. Had a great swim. Felt good and was pretty fast today. After the swim we found out about the swimmers that went last night...

Kikko (Japan): Had a rough first 5 hours but hung in there and ended up swimming a 13 hour and 43 minute (unofficial time) swim to France. She came down to the Harbour this morning and was SO excited. I was really glad I was there to see her. She was thrilled and we were all SO excited for her.

Three other swimmers went out at the same time. Two of which finished in the 15-16 hour range. The swimmer second in q in front of me got out after 7 hours. It just wasn't his day.

After the social part of the post-swim we went shopping for English Tea sets and each of us found one that matched our personality. Everything was deeply discounted with the bank holiday tomorrow so we got good quality china for 1/4 of the price we would get at home. That's about the only thing that was cheap here. Our dollar is so weak right now we are all running out of money. It's so sad!

I talked to my boat captain tonight and got very disappointing and frustrating news. I was told to back up our flights because the winds are picking up and the front is moving very slowly. He thinks there is a possibility I won't swim until the Spring Tide (post-Thursday). That was a real kick to the gut. Especially because I'll lose my crew. The wind website looks promising late in the week (Wednesday through Friday) but there are just no promises. I really want to be able to do this swim while my sisters and mother are here but they can only stay through Saturday. So we decided to think positively and just take one day at a time right now. It definitely helps when you deal with what is directly in front of you instead of speculating. I know I will swim, it just might be a longer wait then I was expecting. I'm not really all that concerned because I have a feeling I will get out Wednesday through Friday. We'll see how the weather plays out.

8/23/08 Saturday: The Queen would be proud!

We (Mom, Deni, Jaime and I) got the ok from our boat captain to take the day off yesterday and head into London (basically that meant we would not be called up at the last second and told to swim). It was great. We took the train in and landed at Victoria station. We went to Buckingham Palace where everything was set up for the pass over of the Beijing Olympics to London. The energy was high in the round about. We will be having a large street party in Dover today to celebrate. Very exciting. After the palace we went to see Big Ben, Parliament, the Tower Bridge and the London Bridge. Finally we decided it was time to head home. We rode a dysfunctional train and it took forever!!!

When we got back we woke George up because it was time for him to sign the walls of the White Horse. He and Suzanne were so excited!! We invited John and his girlfriend down as well with us to have a beer and sign the wall. They came down a bit later. It was so great watching them sign and seeing their faces. They were both just so excited!

My turn still to come!!!

8/22/08 Friday: CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE, DEB AND JOHN!!!

What a great day for Channel swimming!!! How exciting!!! We have a few great stories for you today.

1. George Hunihan (Wilton, CT): George and his wife Suzanne have been here exactly 20 days awaiting an opportunity for George to take his turn at the Channel. They came over last year and were blown out of their tide. So when the same happened this year they decided to stay and roll the dice. George finally got the call that he would be jumping at 12:30am this morning. He had a rough start as the weather was pretty tough to contend with then was able to power his way through. FINALLY after two blown out waves and multiple days of very frustrating waiting, George crawled up the shores of France right under the Cliffs in 16 hours and 30 minutes (unofficial time). The Victoria House was buzzing with excitement when we heard the news!!! We are all so excited and so proud of George and his wife Suzanne (who combated a very bad bout of sea sickness to stay the course as his crew)!!! Congratulations guys, we love you!!!

2. Deb Cashin (CT): Deb just arrived on Wednesday and as she was arriving got the call...she would be jumping at 2:30am this morning. Deb swam a strong swim dealing with a bit of shoulder pain in the end but after 12 hours and 8 minutes (unofficial time) she was successful in climbing the shores of France!!! Congratulations Deb and Crew!!!

3. John Bowron: John is staying at the Victoria House with us and much like Deb arrived and jumped! John was successful in his pursuit climbing the shores of France after 16 hours and 37 minutes of swimming (unofficial time). Congratulations John and Crew!!!

So as you can see a very successful first rounds of swims. The next swimmer in q with my boat captain will be going out in the early morning tomorrow. That leaves me next!!! I'm not too excited as the winds have picked up and we are looking at mid-week next week. But my boat captain did give us a full approval to take tomorrow off and head into London. So that's exactly what we are going to do.

More to come...

8/21/08 Thursday: SWIM GEORGE SWIM!!!

So after 20 days of waiting George is FINALLY getting his opportunity to swim. He is leaving in an hour and a half to make his way to Dover Harbour for his swim. We are all so excited for him. We grabbed a huge pasta dinner and he is ready! So exciting...GO GEORGE GO!!!

As for me, not sure when I will get to swim, but Deb Cashin will be heading out with my boat captain tonight. I have a french man in front of me then it will be my turn. Not sure when but I am hurrying up and waiting!

We have met some of the most amazing people. It's almost like our own little Open Water Olympics! I have met swimmers from India, Japan, Australia and the UK. It is just so amazing! We've fell in love with a Japanese swimmer (her name is Ki-Ko-Ku) yet none of us can even communicate. We see them every day and tend to do more laughing than anything else. So cool! We met up with Dori this morning. Dori swam last week and made it in 10 hours and 16 minutes. She had a great swim. Then down at the water we ran into Deb Cashin (1st person to swim with my boat captain once the wave opens..tonight). It was so good to see Deb. She was so excited and was so glad she gets to go as soon as she landed. I'm so happy for her!!! When we got out of the water I had the opportunity to meet Ali Streeter from the UK. She has swam across the English Channel 42 times and is known as the Queen of the Channel. She is really cool and has a great personality. It was so wonderful to meet her.

Hours and days are clicking away. I'm hanging in there and not really all that nervous yet. It will hit me 10 strokes into it!!

8/20/08 Wednesday: YOU SMASHED US!!!!

What a CRAZY day! We had a great swim this AM. Peuje from India has gotten in the habit of waiting for me in the morning so I can swim with him. He is 18 years old and going fro a double. I got in with him and swam for an hour and a half. The conditions were great today. No swells but really choppy. The current was pretty rough (Jim, not as rough as the dam...maybe half that). It was good practice to get in and swim against it. After this we went to meet my boat captain.

So George offered to take myself, my two sisters and my mother down to Folkestone to meet with my boat captain today. He thought it would be cool to see how other boat captains go about the process. So we went down, grabbed some seafood from a stand then met with my pirate boat captain. It was a quick meeting and then we decided to drive to Samphire Hoe where both George and I will most likely leave from. We get on the highway and as we enter Dover we have to go around a round about. Half way through, the car in the right lane (closest to the island) decides to try and force us off the left exit (we were going 360 around to get back on the highway). As soon as George notices he swiftly turns the car to the left and avoids a good smashing. We were a bit ticked off at the other driver as they were very aggressive. George was very calm cool and collected during the entire thing...must have been due to the racing days! WELL, just when we think it's over the couple comes up behind us beeping and screaming bloody murder. We're all looking at them having no idea what they are yelling at. They speed pass us (screaming) and get right in front of us then slams on the brakes. In a split second George slams on the breaks very nearly missing the CRAZY BRITISH WOMAN DRIVER who is STILL screaming! She pulls over the the side of the road screaming that we smashed them, we smashed their car. The boyfriend gets out of the car and is screaming while running over to our car. George sees this and makes the split decision to take off (we all agreed 100% with this decision after these people tried to kill us). So we drove down the highway and got off the first exit. George got out of the car and was watching to see if we could flag them down so they could stop in a safe location (they originally tried to get us to stop in the middle of a second round about...they never drove past the exit). Needless to say we think the boyfriend went back to the car and noticed there was no damage BECAUSE WE NEVER MADE CONTACT!!! George checked our car and NOTHING! There was no contact made. When we got back to he B&B George and I went to the Police station to put his story on record just in case these people went to the Police. We spent an hour in the Police station only to come out to realize we parked in a Pay and Display. We didn't pay and received a ticket...for $100!!! All in all, George is a hero!!! Great driving George, thanks for keeping us safe!

We got home only to find out that George has FINALLY been called up to the big leagues. He's swimming tomorrow night!!! He and his wife Suzanne have been here since August 2nd waiting for a swim. It's finally arrived!

Looks like I can swim as early as Sunday depending on the weather. It could be pushed back to next week if the winds start up again. Weather gods...we pray for swift winds at our back that fly us across the water and keep us safe!

8/19/08 Tuesday: He deserves a biscut!!!

Today was a semi-productive day. We went down to swim this AM and it was not a spit and a spat but a SPLAT!! It was pouring! It rained so hard it was like needles were being shoved into my face every time I took a breath while swimming. The winds were up around 26 knots (needless to say we didn't rent the sail boat today) and the water outside the Harbour was really rough. Surprisingly, the water inside the Harbour wasn't bad at all. I was expecting some pretty tough conditions compared to the past two days but it was actually pretty calm with the rain. I was pretty tired today so I didn't push it and kept it short. It was a ton of fun swimming in the pouring rain. We plan on meeting up with Reg tomorrow to check out the boat and get all the plans solidified.

We met up with the swimmers from India again today. Both in their 20's and attempting doubles. They are strong swimmers and are training hard. They swim in September. We also met two swimmers from Japan. The woman gave me a good luck gift made by an old lady in Japan. Evidently she creates these good luck dolls that have proven to work over and over in their country so she started creating them for Channel swimmers. It was a VERY sweet gesture...especially since luck is going to be the thing that I am going to need in spades.

Good news though...Suzanne and George are no longer stranded here! They were able to book a flight for Monday. The word is George may get out on Thursday or Friday if the weather plays nice in the ocean.

Mom and Jaime arrived safely today. We all grabbed dinner together and decided to make it a early night so they can rest some.

8/18/08 Monday: HOLY MOLY!!!!!!

Today was a doosey! George and Suzanne are currently stranded here in the UK as they missed their flight so George would have the opportunity to get out for a solo swim and now trying to re-book has been a nightmare for them. They spent 3 hours on the phone with Travelocity and Air India and no such luck. So we decided it was time to head out for a swim.

George dropped Deni and I down at the Harbour and ran to throw clothes in the washer. I met up with the CSA reps from India and Spain. Both wonderful people and very excited about their swimmer's swims. The India rep had me jump in and catch up with his swimmer (Pe-jjew). When I caught up with him it was on the rough side so I quickly introduced myself and asked if he wanted a swim buddy for a bit. He said it would be great. We swam together for an hour and a half and his 3 hour time frame was up. He swam in and I went to find George. i caught up with him and he decided to go another 20 minutes so I went in to shore to meet up with Suzanne and Deni. I had the opportunity to talk to Pe-jjew and his coach for a bit and evidently this 16 or 17 year old kid was going to be doing a double crossing in September. Absolutely incredible!!! We'll probably meet up with them a few more times while we're hear....very nice people.

After our swim we decided to go play a 9-hole round of golf at the 3-par. I can't tell you how much fun we had. I'll send out photos when we get back. We laughed so hard it felt like I pulled the muscles in my stomach. The winds were about 25 mph and we were absolutely all over the place. Needless to say, George and I made it out without injury (How? I have no idea!)...Deni and Suzanne...not so lucky. They caught a little Poison Sumac!!! They both played in shorts and went looking for their balls in the drink and rubbed up against it. The round was fun and the photos are priceless. We laughed hysterically the entire way back to Dover.

Down to business...we are planning to meet our boat captain on Wednesday in Folkestone. At this point we'll talk about the likelihood of getting out. It's too soon to call when we think I'll swim so I'll just keep swimming in the Harbour and keeping it light and fun until it's time to work. We're supposed to have REALLY rough winds and pouring rain tomorrow...should be fun.

Tomorrow our plans include meeting the rest of my crew (Mom and Jaime), renting a sail boat and some swimming too. Maybe Suzanne and George will finally book a flight home!!!

8/17/08 Sunday: We're here and loving it!!!

Seriously, good luck getting us out of here!!! Deni and I had a good day of travel yesterday, no issues, very smooth. Shocking with the amount of powder (Gatorade and Electrolytes) and the amount of liquid Gatorade (18) 32-oz. bottles I had. I was sure one of the two would be destroyed. But we made it here all in one piece with everything in tow.

We arrived at the Victoria House at 11:30pm just as Liz and her crew were walking in from the White Horse. I was so excited to see them! Liz had an AMAZING effort at a double crossing swimming 24 hours and was 5 miles from finishing when he asthma had pulled the plug on the swim. She gave such an amazing effort seeing as the conditions were very rough. Congrats Liz and Crew!!! You all really did a great job!

So Liz and Deb came up to our room to give us the 101 about her swim. It was so great to hear all the sorted details of what was going on. Especially when you get both the swimmer and crew perspectives as each are very different. We were up until about 1am chatting and then it was time for some sleep. But of course there was NO WAY I was missing Michael Phelps last swim. So I set the alarm for 3:45am got up and watched the relay. George hit the nail on the head when he said it is FAR different watching the Olympics in a different Country. Phelps performances were definitely noted but there err of excitement just was not the same as being at home. Really makes you value home when you see that.

We got up at 8:30am and had breakfast with Liz and her crew then we all headed down to the Harbour for my first taste of the Channel. LOL!!! What a whirlwind!! I was introduced to Freda Streeter who is considered the Channel General. This woman is truly a unique oddity in the UK. She and her crew come to the beach every weekend and train all the UK residents for their Channel crossings. She is known world-wide and well respected. We chatted for a bit and then I was introduced to the rest of her crew Irene and Charlie...after that I swear I don't remember much until I was in the water saying...what just happened! I was rushed into a bathing cap with a number and went over to get ready when Irene ran over and said, "What are you waiting for? Get in already!" I still had my clothes on! I stripped down to my suit and was pushed along about 2 more times before being told by the General, "You're swimming 3 hours!". Jim and Marcy...honestly I tried!!! I said, "Thank you but I think today I am just going to swim 2 hours." The quick retort from the General was, "NO you will swim 3 hours". Finally I decided this was a losing battle and just headed down to the water. George turns around and said, "What the hell just happened? All of a sudden you are following rules and I'm getting sucked in too?" I started to open my mouth but was told to get in the water. I figured it was time to bite the bullet and stop procrastinating. I was losing the war! I walked about hip deep and just dove in and swam. George and I went RIGHT (yes Liz in Dover we go RIGHT as well) and stopped at the wall. I told George I was rushed in so quickly I forgot my Bonine and Glide. Not such a good thing for me when the conditions were pretty rough and the fact that I get sea sick at the drop of a hat. (We started with about 20 swimmers and after the first hour there were only 5 of us left in the water). George and I laughed about the fact that we were both happy we had enough time to get our clothes off before we got tossed in. George decided he was going to swim and hour and I was going to go at least for two hours to shake out the travel. After the first hour I went in for a feed, as instructed, and was given a warm soda mix. It was quite weird because the water isn't all that cold (62/63) but I figured I would be open minded. THEN came the best part of the swim...Charlie handed me a Yodel. I asked him why I was being rewarded and he just started to laugh. Evidently over here they feed their swimmers Yodels. That's when I was certain this was the right sport for me!!! I grabbed Bonine and Glide from Deni and went back in for the rest of my swim. I decided to compromise and swim for 2.5 hours. I didn't stop for a second feed and just swam straight through.

At the end I got out and was unsure what reaction I would receive from the General and her marry band. I'm the Newbie American and felt like I was already ruffling feathers. I certainly didn't want to disappoint everyone my first day out. After about 10 minutes Freda came over for a chat and told me she was impressed, very impressed. I was psyched to hear that coming from her and it really meant a lot. Not to mention I felt much better that I didn't upset everyone my very first day! Slowly but surely I'll learn the ropes. Freda gave me a bunch of really cool tips and then it was time for us to head out. All in all, they run a very tight ship and do a fantastic job keeping everyone safe and happy. It's truly amazing!!!

Before we left, I found out that George made the greatest sacrifice to the Channel Gods as he was getting out...his wedding band fell off his finger when he got out and was lost among the rocks!!! They looked for a while and couldn't find it. We're heading back with a metal detector in the morning to see if we can find it. Luckily Suzanne didn't murder him on the spot.

George, Suzanne, Deni and I went into town to grab tea and sandwiches then came back to clean up for dinner. We went to this amazing restaurant (Coastguard) for dinner right on the water and had the best fish and chips. After that we walked into town and grabbed some ice cream at a pub (yes, weird. Deni and I were both laughing about it.) We're back at the B&B now and are ready to pas out!

Tomorrow we are planning on getting an early swim in then heading to a local golf course to play some golf. The rest of the fam gets in Tuesday and then we will hurry up and wait until I hear...get in and swim!

8/15/08 Friday: 1 DAY OUT!!!

Oh dear lord am I nervous! I'm currently tracking Liz' boat as she is making her double crossing. It is SO exciting! Liz is swimming with Eddie Spelling and George will be picked up by Eddie right after Liz finishes. I am SO excited for them. It was quite a long wait and I am so glad they are getting their opportunity to make it across (and in Liz' case...back again!)

So I finished packing last night. Thankfully I was smart enough to get luggage belts. These things are ready to blow!!! I have been packing for a month so there is a good chance I get over there, open a suitcase and say...what is this??? Needless to say I have absolutely EVERYTHING I need...and then some.

I don't arrive to Dover until around mid-night on Saturday so you probably won't hear from me tomorrow. When we get there I want to have the opportunity to celebrate with Liz and George on their amazing accomplishments!!

8/14/08 Thursday: 2 Days Out!!!

FINALLY!!! The last day of the current wave and Liz got the call! Liz will attempt her double crossing at 10am GMT. As soon as the boat gets back it will grab George and will take him out (most likely Saturday morning) for his solo crossing. How exciting!!! Go get'em Team CT!!! We're behind you!

Need to get my final errands run tonight so I can finalize my packing (which means...I need to pack clothes!) I have absolutely everything I need for the swim packed I just need to pack clothes for the 2-weeks. Each day I think of like 5 things I have forgotten, I go check and it's already there. At this point I just need to get over there.

Counting the hours!!

8/13/08 Wednesday: 3 Days Out!!!

Ok, so I skipped yesterday. Not much to say other than...WOOOHOOO!!! Great 1-hour workout last night. Felt really good in the water and my times are starting to drop a bit. Luckily my body needs a longer rather than shorter taper to perform at its best.

I am so excited I just can't wait. I just talked to one of my training buddies, George Hunihan, who is over there awaiting his solo attempt. This first wave has almost been completely blown out. Only three people took the chance at the beginning of the wave (one being Dori Miller from Boston) and Dori was the only person to make it (yeah Dori!!!).

Both George and Liz have been waiting for their chance and just haven't had the right conditions. Selfishly, I am SO EXCITED because George just told me he and his wife Suzanne are planning on pushing the trip back and staying through the beginning of next week. I am so excited they will be there when Deni and I arrive...it's just so nice to have some familiar faces in a place where you are doing something so foreign. I'm not sure if Liz and her crew are staying but I hope to get to see them over there as well.

8/11/08 Monday: 5 Days Out!!!

Holy Crap...5 days out!!! So excited!!! I have all my swim stuff packed and I'm getting my clothes ready for packing (not much room for clothes though). I'm actually a pretty decent packer...my sisters still laugh about when we went to Cozumel and I opened my suitcase (it looked like a clown car) and I had like 20 books, some clothes a ton of bathing suits and a FULL set of scuba gear (huge scuba flippers and all). The bag was small enough, I was able to carry it on the plane!!!

I have 3 bags to head over to the UK. 1 carry on (back-pack), 1 suitcase (roller) and 1 cooler (roller). Everything I need very carefully fits. I may not have room for clothes but the goal is to swim so as long as I have my suits I am good to go!

There are terrible storms in CT today (and Tornado watches in lower NY). I may just head to Westport and swim for a quick hour. Just really a warm down from this weekend.

My cousin had a baby boy at 4:15am today! Congratulations Missy and Mark!!!

Until tomorrow...

8/10/08 Sunday: 6 Days Out!

Today Jim and I went up to Lake Zohr in Newton CT. We swam there last weekend and to our surprise on the way back they opened the dam our last 1/2 mile of the swim. At that point you have no choice but to swim against the current until you hit the dock.. The Lake is perfect...no red jellyfish and no sharks.

Today's swim was a bit different than last week. We got in and around 20 minutes into the swim we realized the dam was open. We turned around to head back to the dock but after three minutes we thought they had closed the dam. So we turned around to head back down to the bridges. No such luck, around 30 minutes we stopped and the current was hauling!!! I was having so much fun, knowing full well it was going to be a tough swim back to the dock. At this point we decided it was time to turn around and head back. I just kept thinking that it was great training for the Channel. I was laughing when I saw the plants below us being blown straight in the opposite direction than we were swimming instead of standing straight up. You know it's a tough swim when you see that! It took us 1 hour and 15 minutes against the current to make it back to the dock, tough swimming but tougher swimmers. I was pleased. Last hard swim before the full taper sets in this week.

George Hunihan and Liz Fry are over in the UK awaiting their swims. George is there for a second time after getting blown out last summer for his first solo attempt. Liz is over there for her second two-way attempt. I talked to George today and he said he may be blown out until next weekend. He and Suzanne may stay in Dover through next weekend to try and get his swim in. Deni and I land on Saturday so it will be nice to have George there on my first day. I haven't been able to catch up with Liz yet to see what her plan is. I hope their keeping their heads up with the tough weather challenges!

One week left!!!

Lake Austin

Seriously, who wouldn't love swimming here! It is simply GORGEOUS!!













There she is, good old 360! I would always get so damn excited when we came around the corner and she came into view!

Go Team Austin!!! Lynne Smith and David Blanke.

8/9/08, Saturday: 7 Days Out!

After work yesterday I ran to EMS to perfect the efficiency of feeds for my crew. After being on the Committee Boat at SAS I realized how difficult it is to be on the other side. Granted I am so ADHD that trying to sit me still for 10 minutes is difficult much less trying to confine me on a boat!!! Luckily the red jellyfish count was higher than I could actually keep track of so I decided not to jump and swim for it. Sorry, I digress, back to the story...after being on the boat I got a small taste of the other side. I wanted to make the process as easy as possible for the crew. So I rigged my water bottles for quick efficient feeds. IN rough conditions it is goig to be REALLY tough for them to warm my fuel and then get it all in a water bottle. I figured the least I could do is try and make the process a bit easier for them. I also purchased luggage belts for the cooler and got a pair of water proof pants for Jaime. It's all starting to come together.

After, yet another, terrible thunderstorm I ran over to Wilton and swam a quick 7,000 straight working on descending by mile. I felt great, very strong and my times were pretty good. I was feeling great...that is until I hit the Lake with Jim this AM. Holy hell, I almost drown!!! Seriously, it was so bad at one point I swear Jim was swimming next to me on his back doing double arm backstroke with a breastroke kick while squirting water out of his mouth!!! He says I was hallucinating but regardless, it was a bad day. Which actually is good. I want to get all my bad days out while I am here in CT. All my good swims need to be saved up for the big one.

I just received an email from my friend Lynne in Austin (English Channel 2007). It made me laugh! She said, "Remember when we swam to the 360 bridge (in Lake Austin) and my feet turned white?" We can laugh about it now but at the time it looked pretty serious. It seems so normal to us...3 am swims, white feet, pure adrenalin seeing 360...all of it is par for the course. I hope I can pull strength from all these great memories when it's needed most. Lynne, thanks for the amazing memories...especially the white feet!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Dori Miller!!! A fantastic swim (10:16) in a really rough sea! What an amazing effort.

They are forecasting a blow out for next week! Pray for great weather for my friends in waiting!!!

8/8/08 Friday: 8 Days Out!!!

Hi Everyone!!! I thought it would be fun to start a blog so everyone can follow the excitement!!! Many of you have asked, "Why are you doing this?". The answer is easy, accepting it seems the hardest for people. The answer...because I can.

In the past three year's I have really become inspired by the amazing people around me that have embraced this sport. The passion is contagious and once it takes hold there is no shaking it. My mother once asked me, "If you won the lottery what would you do?" I told her I would travel the world swimming in every body of water that would have me. My father started to laugh and said, "I told you so Anne." Yes, this is a very crazy sport BUT it's my crazy sport. Some people's passions are to create art or play instruments...my passion is to push my body to the brink and see how it responds. Crazy...yes. Thrilling...ABSOLUTELY!!!

When I was around 5 years old my grandmother told me that one day I would swim the English Channel. I had no clue what she was talking about. She then said I would be like this woman Gertrude. Little did I know then she was talking about the pioneer, Gertrude Ederle. At 19 years old Gertrude, a native New Yorker, became the first woman to successfully swim across the English Channel on August 6, 1925. They gave her a ticker-tape parade down 5th Avenue in NYC. How exciting!!!

My grandmother was an amazing woman who survived 7 different types of cancer in 7 different parts of her body. The woman was a super hero in her own right. I am thrilled to be making this attempt in her honor!

Ok, now down to the nitty gritty! I leave August 16th with my sister Deni. She will be my medical support on the boat as she is a Physician's Assistant in Rhode Island. On the 18th my Mother (Anne) and sister (Jaime) will be making the trip out. Jaime has been my coach on every marathon swim I have attempted. She knows me better than I do when I'm in the water. I trust both of them to make the best possible decisions for me while I'm swimming.

I have continually been asked, "Are you sure you should have your mother on the boat?" I start to laugh every time. If you know my mother you know it's the best thing to have her on the boat! I have no doubt that when I get tired and start thinking about quitting she will lean over the side of the boat and say, "I didn't pay this much money to come all the way over here to see you climb on a boat. Keep swimming until you hit land!" So the answer...YES it's a great idea to have her on the boat! My mother has the resiliency of my grandmother and refuses to quit or allow any one of us to do the same. That's one of the reasons I love her so much! My mother and Deni will be in charge of all the video and photos throughout the swim.

My swim will be with Reg Brickell of the CSA on the Viking Princess. My mentor Dave Parcells was the one to set me up with Reg two years ago. Dave felt Reg would be a great boat Captain for my personality. I'm really excited to get over there and meet him. I wish Dave was still with us, but his legend lives on and I have no doubt he'll be swimming right next to me whispering, "Catch me if you can!" So Dave!

For those of you unfamiliar with the Channel swimming, the way this works...swimmers generally swim on the Neap Tide which happens twice a month in Dover. These Neap Tides are also referred to as Waves. I am in the second wave from August 21-28. I am third in Q (in line) to swim on the Viking Princess. Another CT swimmer, Deb Cashin, is number 1 on the tide. The actual date we swim will all be dependant on weather, nothing is guaranteed. If everything goes perfect I'll swim August 23rd. Ideally I would LOVE to swim on August 24th as that would be the 133rd anniversary of Captain Matthew Webb's first official crossing of the Channel. Very exciting. Realistically, weather has been a bit of a challenge over there right now so I would just like the opportunity to get in the water and swim!!!

As we get closer I get a bit more nervous (a good nervous) and a bit more excited! I am thrilled I get the chance to do this and am so excited to attempt the swim. I know that the wave can be blown out and I may not even get the opportunity to swim but I'm going to channel (no pun intended) positive thoughts and pray for good weather.

One thing that is VERY important...I could not have gotten to where I am today without a host of support. I wanted to take the time to thank you all as you have been amazing inside and out!!!

Jaime, Deni and Mom: Thank you for all of your support!!! I can't thank you enough for spending all the cash and time dedicating yourselves to helping me achieve my dreams. I don't want you guys to make the swim with me...I NEED you guys to make the swim with me. I can't do it without you and I am honored you are a part of the team. You have no idea how much I depend on you guys! Thank you for your support and for keeping me sane! I love you!!! THANK YOU!!!

Dad, Marc and Kevin: I know, I know...you think I'm freakin crazy...I won't dispute that one bit!!! Dad, I definitely got your genes!!! Thank you for your support and sharing in the excitement with us. I wish you guys could be there!!! I love you!!!

Liz: Thank you for the day in and day out...get up off your butt and come train with me!!!! You kept me focused, constantly kicked my butt and prepared me mentally for the challenge ahead. I couldn't have done this without you! Thank you for your patience, your no BS attitude and your constant inspiration. You have been a great friend!!! The past two years have been quite a ride. Go tackle the challenge ahead of you and we'll celebrate when we get back!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

Marcy, Jim, Dennis and George: You guys have been absolutely amazing from day one!!! You all are my inspiration!! Thank you for sharing your passion, advice, mental strength, wisdom and really crazy stories!!! Maybe one day I can be elevated from rookie status and play with the big kids :) Thank you for everything! Love you guys!!! Go getem George!!! You can do it!!!

Cheryl and Laura: I can't thank you both enough for being there for me throughout the past two years. You guys have been there through the VERY good and the VERY bad! Thank you for being the shoulders to cry on and the drinking buddies to laugh with. Thank you for all your support and constant "offering" to kayak...yes Cheryl I will be laughing across the Channel at you flipping the kayak at Watch Hill!!! You guys have been great friends!!! Thank you!!!

Jared, Jeremy and Grant: Seriously, you guys kept me honest and kicked my butt day in and day out. Thanks for the support and the fast paced swims. You guys are wonderful and I would be slow as a turtle if you guys didn't push me. Thank you!

Lynne and David: Team Austin!!! I look back at our adventures and laugh every time! From swimming in ice cold water for 4 hours to 3am drop times!! I am so thankful I met people so liked minded. You both are crazy and so much fun!! Lynne...thank you for all the long talks and really opening up my mind to this open water swimming thing. I still remember the day you said, "Come on...swim the English Channel too" You were the one to help throw me over the hurdle, the reason I called Dave and decided to go for it. Thank you for the gentle push and the support ever since. You guys are truly incredible!!!

Suzie, Leslie, Sally, Carol, Kevin and Anne: I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet you all. Thank you for all of your support and advice. It has really been so valuable!!! Thank you!!

More to come...