More Memory Making with Erline

First off, I have to introduce new readers to Erline Christopherson Phillips. In 2013, while volunteering at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society, I discovered a box full of memorabilia donated by Erline. In July 1962, this then 16-year-old from Lodi, CA, became the first female (and only second person) to swim the length of the Lake. After failing on two previous attempts, the undaunted teenager completed a seventeen-mile swim from Baldwin Beach to Dollar Point, covering the distance in 13 hours and 17 minutes- a major accomplishment for a woman at the time. As a matter of fact, it was a record she held, unbroken, for 42 years. I knew her story needed to be told and long story, short, Erline came to South Lake Tahoe twice, in 2014 and 2018, to WOW standing room only audiences with her swimming stories.

This time, Erline arrived with her daughter, Julie, and son-in-law, Keith. It was a first visit for them so with only one day for exploring, we decided to embark on the 72 mile long Lake Tahoe Scenic Byway, which circumnavigates the lake via U.S. Highway 50, State Route 28, and U.S. Highway 89. This loop offers stunning views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and charming towns. But first a stop at the place where this friendship all began, the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

Diane Johnson curated a wonderful retrospective of Erline's accomplishments which not only includes her treasures from that monumental event but also a fantastic slide show telling Erline's story for those who don't have the pleasure of hearing it firsthand. Wow. Erline was so surprised.

A must is always a peek into the box of archived materials.

After a trip down Memory Lane, we began our trip down New Memory Lane.

I love cheesy photo opportunities. Isn't this fun?

Of the many things Erline wished to do while here, one was to visit Truckee. After a delightful al fresco lunch, we went to Word after Word Books.

Erline is a huge Todd Borg fan (who isn't?). When I learned the author was doing a book signing, I knew I had to introduce the two.

Erline was eager to get several copies of book #23 in the Owen McKenna Mystery Thriller series and I was eager to see Todd again. He has been a presence on my blog almost as much as Scrabble. He is a delightful, award-winning murder mystery writer who launches his newest novel at the South Lake Tahoe Library every summer but I had to miss him this year. Oh, and he is just the coolest guy around.

Since we had a 72 mile drive, the group got a lot of Lake Tahoe history. I was so in my element.

And while a swim couldn't happen, feet in the lake was a nice substitution.

"Eating, and hospitality in general,

is a communion, and any meal worth attending by yourself

is improved by the multiples of those with whom it is shared."

-Jesse Browner

The catalyst for this entire visit was a connection I made with Anneliese at The Lake by Locals. She hadn't heard of Erline and once she did, she knew she had to add her to oral history project. What fun to hear, yet again, the story of such an accomplishment.

As a matter of fact, in the July 25, 2003 Lodi News-Sentinel, Dr. Mary Jo Kane, director of the Tucker Center for Research of Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota wrote, "I propose that her accomplishment was even greater because of lack of support, funding, and training resources available to girls at that time."

Yes, our summer is always improved by the multiples of those with whom it is shared. What an unforgettable couple of days. Wow.