Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I'm pleased to say that on a misty and chilly San Francisco morning I completed my Alcatraz Challenge in a time of 55 minutes and 49 seconds.

The day started outside Hard Rock Cafe where I met my swim guide at 7:35 am.  The changing room was one of the women's toilet on Pier 39.  We then took a boat out to Alcatraz and upon arrival I had to jump out of the boat and straight into the Bay to start the swim.  

Water was cold (thank goodness for wetsuits), quite choppy and very salty.  I managed to avoid the sharks and other boats, bumping into only one small piece of stray wood in the water.  The only injury sustained was a cut on my little toe when I climbed out onto the rocks to complete the swim.  No panic...... there was insufficient blood to attract the sharks. 

Once back on the boat, I relaxed with a hot chocolate as we went back to the Pier and once back on Pier 39 rounded it off with a Krispy Kreme donut.  

Thanks to everyone who gave their support and words of encouragement and more importantly thank you to all who sponsored me.

Marichelle

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As some of you may know, I am going on a long awaited and well earned holiday to San Francisco.  However, rather than just relaxing and unwinding, on the morning of 29th July I will be taking on the challenge of swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco.  A swim that many prisoners of Alcatraz attempted (in their bid to escape) and failed.

I will be swimming alone accompanied by a safety boat and supported my brother and his family who have kindly offered to get up early with me to shout words of encouragement from the boat.

The official distance is 1.5 miles but with the strong currents and my inability to swim in a straight line - I'm also not expecting lane lines in the bottom of San Francisco Bay - I will probably end up covering 2 miles.  Not ideal when the water temperature is expected to peak at only 14 degrees.

So that others can benefit from my swim, I would like to raise funds for the Special Olympics South East Ski Group.  The Special Olympics is Britain's largest provider of a year-round sports training and competition programme for people with learning disabilities.  The programme has transformed the lives of thousands and with your help will continue to do so.

All donations will be much appreciated and thank you in advance.

Marichelle