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.

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.

I wrote about Erline Christopherson, after we had a long phone conversation in April.  A few days ago, she called and wanted to come to Tahoe and to meet me. I was pretty excited since she's famous here. Fifty one years ago, Erline, as a 16 year old girl, fulfilled her childhood dream- to be the first woman to swim across Lake Tahoe and made nation-wide news headlines.

Knowing Erline was coming, the amazing team at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum selected some of the memorabilia she had donated and made a new exhibit- just in time for her visit.  Needless-to-say, Erline was truly touched.

Her sister, brother-in-law and niece joined her.  She delighted in sharing her incredible stories.  She told of her difficulties and her sense of pride in completing this amazing endurance swim- finally (third time's a charm)!

The exhibit has Erline's swimsuit, a trophy and several ribbons.  One photo, on display, shows her in The Outdoorsman, shopping with the owner.  She said he let her pick any swimsuit that she wanted.  The resulting photo was used as a publicity poster in front of the shop.

After we all had lunch on our back deck, we walked to the Lake- a place Erline obviously loves.  No visit here is the same without getting one's feet wet. Next visit, we're swimming together.  What a wonderful opportunity for all of us!

Yesterday, Erline and Chesta arrived for a several day Sierra Sojourn. If you've been reading this blog, you know Erline.

Five years ago, while volunteering at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum, I discovered a box full of memorabilia, donated by Erline Christopherson. 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.

Every seat was full and the audience was mesmerized by this living legend. 

In 1962, when she was only 16, Erline became the first woman to ever swim the length of Lake Tahoe (22 miles). This was world news and she became quite a celebrity.

Erline has been mentioned on this blog a few times. I was so happy to hear that Tahoe was on her current travel itinerary.