On Tuesday 2nd July this Jersey Lady splashed her way into unknown territory 'Fresh Water'. Karen lives on the beautiful island of Jersey and has some pretty impressive swims under her belt, including Around Jersey Island Solo and Jersey to France. With her English Channel Solo booked for September this year, Windermere was the perfect place to mix her training up. Supported by Santander she is able to raise awareness for her Charity Autism Jersey and has raised a very impressive amount of money so far.

The temperature was 17.1 degrees as she started at Ambleside. The conditions were stunning with a mirror image along the Lake, the only ripples were from a bird landing. Her streamlined technique made it a truly picturesque start to the day. Stroke count was 58 and there were no dramas as she swam her way towards Bass Rock. The 5km marker in 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Karen was super organised, her feeding plan simple and predominantly liquids. Peppermint tea and honey and cnp diluted. She did at one point try a Trek bar, but decision made way too chewy for the Channel. Her feeds were fast too, perfect for her Channel Solo, grab gulp and go.

The support from Jersey was fantastic, with social media keenly tracking one of their Mermaids who had decided to leave the salt behind. Would she dissolve?

The conditions remained still, no wind at all and the only ripples made were from passing boats which startled Karen after having such a still Lake for so long. She also was lucky to experience several flyovers by RAF jets, which certainly made a rumble. Too fast for a shot this time though.

Karen hit the half way point (The Ferry Crossing ) in 3 hours and 5 minutes, supersonic and not surprising at all. I met this Jersey Mermaid last year and again in May this year. She has put so much time into changing her stroke and it was showing. She was more streamlined, efficient and every stroke made a difference. Awesome improvement.

We headed up towards Storrs Hall where we had agreed we would take Karen passed so Brian could say hi. But I think he didn't expect her there so early as she swam passed- no Brian.

Karen continued , no dramas, head down and swimming strong. Stroke count remained the same throughout as were the conditions she was blessed with.

6 hours and 34 minutes and Karen had swam a 1 Way Windermere Solo and Brian was there to welcome her in.
What an absolute pleasure to guide one of the smiliest loveliest ladies on her milestone swim. Well done Karen and we cant wait to track your Channel.