One Woman Many Lakes: Past Swims

Deep Canyon Tennis Club Pool

 October 26, 2025 – 0.10 miles – water temp. 82 degrees

 Mary’s last swim. Nothing more needs to be said. She was a rock star.

Fifth Lake, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

 September 5, 2020 – 0.50 miles – water temp. 68 degrees

 Thanks to our fantastic hosts, John& Anne Dellemann I was able to pull off the historic 50th swim! The weather was cold and windy so they took me out on their pontoon boat across the lake so I could swim back with the wind and the waves. Their neighbors were in other boats cheering me on and my friends Mary & Bob Weber stayed on the dock for my return reference point. I was exhausted when finished but unbelievably happy that I have now done 50 swims around the world. Channel 12 in Rhinelander even covered the event.

Rice Lake, Rice Lake, Wisconsin

August 9 2020 – 0.60 miles – water temp. 76 degrees

Another Covid break we went up North and joined Margaret & Brian at a great family resort. I felt much better on this swim. I felt very safe with two paddle boats following me. You can see how calm the lake was for my swim. 

Eagle Lake, Eagle River, Wisconsin

June 28, 2020 – 0.30 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

At last minute we headed up north and Rob and our dog, Rosie, in our inflatable kayak watched me do my first swim in nearly a year. It was so good to be in the water again. 

Hasbrook Lake, Lake Tomahawk, WI 

JULY 29, 2019, – 1.0 miles – water temp. 77 degrees

After 7 months of health issues I was finally able to jump into a lake. Nothing like a swim with a good friend paddle boarding nearby on a clear northwoods lake to invigorate one’s sole.

Silver Lake, Oconomowoc, WI

September 16, 2018 – 0.70 miles – water temp. 77 degrees

I was joined by my new metster friend, Bernadette Priestley, at her mom’s house on Silver Lake. We were overwhelmed by the support of 8 more swimmers, 3 kayakers and lots of people on shore cheering for us. Calm winds and 80 degrees temperature for mid-September added to this special day.

South Haven Beach, MI

August 4, 2018 – 0.60 miles – water temp. 75 degrees

Had a family reunion in South Haven, Michigan. On a beautiful hot sunny afternoon I was joined by my youngest, David, his girlfriend, Alex, and nephews Nick and Isaac along with Nick’s son, Wilson. Wilson was a fish in the water and out swam me.

Devil’s Lake, Baraboo, WI

July 24, 2018 – 1.20 miles – water temp. 72 degrees

Met my great friend, Linda Cook, a fellow metster, at Devil’s Lake for a “real” swim. Tom Vos and Dan Millman joined me in the water, while one of my oncology nurses Jo kayaked by me. Linda and husband Jay were on shore with other friends cheering. It felt great to be in such a beautiful state park.

Myvatn Nature baths, Iceland

July 5, 2018 – 0.10 miles – water temp. 102 degrees

It is really hard to do a swim in Iceland. All lakes, bays, rivers are 36 degrees or so. Even a wet suit won’t help. So why not do a “swim” in one of their many hot springs. I’m counting it as a swim.

Fireman’s Park, Verona,WI

June 23, 2018 – 0.25 miles – water temp. 78 degrees

A great day at the Verona Triathlon. The Two breast Friends and the Tumornator took First Place in the sprint relay division! I swam, my fellow metster, Erin Jacobson biked, and our oncologist, Dr. Yamil Arbaje ran.

Fence Lake, Minocqua, WI

June 20, 2018 – 0.75 miles – water temp. 70 degrees

Visited good friends in Northern Wisconsin and was able to swim a clean lake. Unlike those in Madison now, I could see the bottom. The highlight was coming around the final bend to be treated by a bald eagle perched on a branch (you can barely see him as I didn’t want to swim too close).

Champion Islet, Floreana Island, Galapagos

March 28, 2018 – 0.75 miles – water temp. 78 degrees

The second swim in the Galpagos in a sheltered bay swimming with sea lions! Our friends Bob & Dot were on the trip with us and along with Blue-footed Boobies were part of my cheering section.

Red Beach, Rabida Island, Galapagos

March 26, 2018 – 0.25 miles – water temp. 75 degrees

What could be better than swimming off a beautiful red rock volcanic beach in the Galapgos. Just me in the water as the rest were snorkling.

Fernandez Bay, Cat Island, Bahamas

November 9, 2017 – 1.00 miles – water temp. 80 degrees

An unbelievable place to swim. Picture a mile long beach in a sheltered bay of crystal blue water. The water in the bay was only 3-10 feet and I could see the bottom everywhere. There were no critters (sharks, jellyfish, barracuda) to worry about. No power boats or Rob to run me over so I could swim for hours if I wanted to.

Lough Corrib, Galway, Ireland

September 15, 2017 – 0.70 miles – water temp. 59 degrees

What can I say about how exciting it is to swim in a foreign country. Our driver (Don) was so thrilled to take part and help set up a place on a lake by a castle from the 1200’s and a wet suit rental. I had brought my hood and gloves which were needed in the cold water. Just two swans and me in the lake as Rob tried to run along shore in the woods to make sure I was okay.

Lake Monona, Madison, WI

August 24, 2017 – 1.00 miles – water temp. 72 degrees

As long as a friend’s fundraiser was near the lake, 3 of us decided we may as well go for a swim and show the guests what One Woman Many Lakes is all about. Rob’s only concern while kayaking was making sure the Betty Lou tour boat didn’t run us over.

Long Lake, New Auburn, WI

August 19, 2017 – 1.20 miles – water temp. 68 degrees

A great number of supporters joined me in a beautiful northwoods lake. It was a great calm day with lots of pontoons and two reporters following me along.

Brown’s Lake, Jackson, MI

August 5, 2017 – 1.20 miles – water temp. 75 degrees

Had a family reunion so of course my nephew and I jumped in for a easy swim aroun the lake.

Canandaigua Lake, New York

August 3, 2017 – 1.4 miles – water temp. 73 degrees

Travelled to Rob’s home town area and had a great swim in his old summer cottage lake with his step sister and step brother in the water, his brother and sister-in-law in kayaks and his other brother cheering on shore.

Echo Lake, Acadia National Park, Maine

July 16, 2017 – 0.35 miles – water temp. 60 degrees

Travelled to Acadia National Park for a week with three girlfriends. No one had a wetsuit with them so we did a quick swim in a beautiful little lake in the park.

Lake Mendota, Madison, WI

June 29, 2017 – 1.00 miles – water temp. 69 degrees

My first swim that had to be rescheduled. June 28 was stormy and windy so we had to pospone to the next day so many of my friends could not get that day off of work. But I was joined by another metster and her mom which made this swim very special.

Salt Pond Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

April 14, 2017 – 0.30 miles – water temp. 78 degrees

Had the entire family with me in Kauaii so my daugther-in-law, Gillian, and our son’s girlfriend, Alex, joined me for a short swim in a nearby cove. The waves weren’t too bad but it’s a lot easier swimming with the current than against it. David then snorkled into the picture.

Pine Lake, Sammamish, WA

August 7, 2016 – 0.80 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

Returned to the Seattle area and swam with a open water swim group (the LaLa’s) my son, Aaron and others. The 20 of us swimming this beautiful lake in the mountain foothills was a record.

Lower Long Lake, Sarona, WI

August 2, 2016 – 0.75 miles – water temp. 78 degrees

Traveled to Northern Wisconsin to a beautiful lake as part of a 4 day artist retreat called Right Brain. These ladies were WAY more talented than me in the art studio but I showed them how to swim a lake.

Lake Monona, Madison, WI

June 28, 2016 One Woman Many Lakes Day – 2.0 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

This was the Madison swim as part of the OWML day triathlon. A great turnout of swimmers, kayakers, boats and on shore supporters made this a special day for all. We even had a ceremony as the Mayor and State Senate issued proclamations declaring June 28 One Woman Many Lakes Day.

Lake Waubesa, McFarland, WI

June 2016 – 1.50 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

It was a beautiful day to swim in honor of Heather McManamy. With each stroke I remembered her bright smile, passion for making ever day matter, and what an amazing mother she was. Last year, she was on the shore waiting to congratulate me after my swim. This year, it was her daughter, Bri, waiting. She’s who I’m swimming for now.

Horseshoe Bay, Antarctica

December 2015 – 0.1 miles – water temp. “really cold”

As part of our tour of Antarctica we were able to do a polar plunge. As you can see there were quite a number of other crazies joining me (and even Rob) in the frigid waters. This was definately one of my most unusual swims!

Neusse River, Bridgeton to New Bern, North Carolina

October 2015 – 1.70 miles – water temp. 63 degrees

Was welcomed to this beautiful town in the North Carolina central coast by my fellow metster, Beth Fairchild. Spoke at a breast cancer rally the night before to over 600 townspeople then this swim from one shore to the main park in downtown.

10/13 Metastatic Breast Cancer Day Events

We had a Die In in Madison on the State Street steps of the Capitol.

10/13 Metastatic Breast Cancer Day Events

I was featured in Times Square and our son, David, participated in the Die In in Washington, DC.

Nicolet Bay at Penisula State Park, Fish Creek, Wisconsin

September 2015 – 1.0 miles -water temp. 65 degrees

Was hoping to swim to the island and back but 3 foot swells made it impossible so Robin and I did a big triangle around the bay. It was a good tune up for my 50 mile bike ride the next day and glad that Rob didn’t swamp his kayak.

Devil’s Lake, Baraboo, Wisconsin

September 2015 – 2.0 miles -water temp. 68 degrees

My new ironman friend, Rick, and I met at Devil’s Lake for a short swim from one shore to the other but the conditions were so good that we decided to swim across the lake and back. It was extra special that my youngest, son, David was in town and got to kayak with us.

Browns Lake, Jackson, Michigan

August 2015 – 1.8 miles -water temp. 70 degrees

What a turnout at my nephew’s and niece’s lake. 20 swimmers, 8 support boats and over 90 people on shore cheering us off and in. A great celebration that included most of my family, sorority sisters and others from the lake. We raised over $4,000 that weekend.

Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington

August 2015 – 2.5 miles -water temp. 72 degrees

A year later I’m back in Lake Washington but this year the water was calm and flat so it was one of my best swims. Swam with my son Aaron and our friend Erin Johnson Gore. My daughter-in-law’s family also came in so we had 6 swimmers and 3 kayakers in our flotilla.

Lake Sammamish, Issaquah, Washington

August 2015 – 1.2 miles – water temp. 74 degree

Got to go for a beautiful lake swim with my son and daughter-in-law. Even watched a sea plane land nearby.

Duck Lake, Watersmeet, Michigan

July 2015 – 1.4 miles – water temp. 67 degrees

Next day drove up just across the border to the Upper Peninsula to swim at our friends’ the Hornung’s lake. The cannon shot to celebrate was something of a surprise.

Lake Waubesa, McFarland, Wisconsin

2.85 miles – water temp. 71 degrees

One of the toughest swims as it was wavy with a current in the lake. The distance turned out further than we anticipated so everyone was happy to get to shore. It was great to see Heather McManamy at the finish.

Hasbrook Lake, Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin

July 2015 – 1.6 miles – water temp. 73 degrees

It was so nice to swim in a clean, clear lake. Hosted by great friends, the Weber’s, and swam with some of their neighbors. Perfect weather once again.

Two Sisters Lake, Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin

July 2015 -1.2 miles – water temp. 73 degrees

Next day went just down the road to our friends’ the Zuhlke’s who also hosted a post swim picnic. Some of our Madison supporters even came up to swim (with their noodles and flippers). Can’t thank the First Weber Foundation enough for their financial support.

Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, Minnesota

July 2015 – 1.2 miles -water temp. 71 degrees

A beautiful little lake in the middle of the city with a greenway all around it. Was overwhelmed by all 4 TV stations that came out to tape and interview me.

Lake Superior, Marquette, Michigan

July 2015 – .25 miles – water temp. 56 degrees

Had a weekend with girlfriends and as the lake was calm, we said why not swim another lake? Not far but COLD as I didn’t bring my wetsuit.

Crooked Lake, Delton, Michigan

July 2015 -.50 miles – water temp. 74 degrees

Was visiting my aunt and so my cousins set up a swim at their lake with their family. It was so fun to share this with others in my family.

Lake Kegonsa, Stoughton, Wisconsin

June 2015 – 2.0 miles -water temp. 72 degrees

A wonderful turnout of swimmers and supporters with our 1st pontoon boat. Calm day, which made this an easy swim. The Larson’s, friends on the lake, hosted a picnic for everyone.

Lake Monona, Madison, Wisconsin

June 2015 – 1.80 miles – water temp. 72 degrees

Nothing like swimming past the Capitol. Maggie Younggren even got to wave to us from Monona Terrace where she was in a meeting. Driving around this lake, one realizes how far 1.8 miles of swimming is.

Lake Mendota, Madison, Wisconsin

June 2015 – 4.50 (2.50 miles swum) – water temp. 71 degrees

What can you say about tackling the BIG lake. Fifteen swimmers including my Oncologist, 8 kayakers, 3 boats and even the Count Sherriff boat came out to help guide me across this lake. I have to admit I did take a break in the middle on one of the pontoon boats. Landing at the Union Terrace to cheers from over 50 supporters is something I will never forget.

Lake Michigan, South Haven, Michigan

May 2015 – 1.0 miles – water temp. 59 degrees

Brought my wetsuit to our family reunion and as the bay was so smooth decided to jump in along with my crazy son, Aaron. Rob enjoyed paddle boarding alongside.

Hillsesdale State Park, Paola, Kansas

May 2015 – 2.2 miles – water temp. 65 degrees

Wasn’t too happy with my husband’s support as he had me swim INTO the 4 ft. waves due to high winds.

Patagonia State Park, Nogales, Arizona

March 2015 – 2.1 miles – water temp. 58 degrees

I’m the only one in the water since it’s so cold but Rob and Yogi (our Golden) enjoyed the 82 degrees outside while rowing alongside me.

Placentia Cove, Placentia, Belize

Nov. 2014 – 1.0 miles – water temp. 82 degrees

Okay, it is not a lake but it was 1.0 miles from the resort to town and I swam it. Fortunately no jellyfish in sight.

Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington

August 2014 – 2.25 miles – water temp. 72 degrees

My first one just 2 weeks after radiation. A swim with my son and daughter-in-law and her family. Waves were really choppy.