Children's Book....Looking for a Publisher.

  One of my favorite marathon swims in the world occurred off the Coast of California.  I have written a children's book on this heartwarming true story. It is called, "Catalina...Oh, my!" An Adventure Story.   My daughter Sarah is co-writer. My crew member Jean illustrated the 32 page picture book for children ages 4 to 8.   And, now the difficult part...publishing.  I need your help finding a publisher.  I looked into self publishing but I decided not to go that route.  So, I am in the process of looking for a reputable publishing company in the United States. Most companies will not accept unsolicited manuscripts. 
  Synopsis of story:        
  Meet Grandma Pat and travel along with her and her boat crew as she swims the Catalina Channel and encounters many of the birds and sea creatures that live in and around the channel.  Grandma Pat begins her swim from Catalina Island with greetings from sea lions, pelicans, flying fish, dolphins, and even a spouting whale.  Her crew member and illustrator captures these enchanting scenes in beautifully detailed drawings.  As Grandma Pat swims 21 miles from Catalina Island to the mainland of California, she swims over a giant kelp forest, hears the gentle singing of whales, and she is startled by a large gray shadow beneath her.  The concept of team work, the spirit of adventure, and environmental protection is artfully woven in this true adventure story.  When Grandma Pat is near the end of her swim, she is surprised by the spectacular heartwarming welcoming of nearly 100 dolphins who swam with her to the shoreline.  Enjoy the magical beginning and ending of Grandma Pat's marathon swim and all the adventures in between.
  Contact information:  patgallant.charette@gmail.com

Moving forward....

It's been one week since I've returned from New Zealand. Mother Nature prevailed with storms preventing any swims from taking place during my 12 day trip.   However, I am very pleased that I have the opportunity to attempt to swim Cook Strait in 2014.  In the meantime, I am in full force with my training for the 21 mile swim of the North Channel in Ireland at the end of August.  Today, I swam at Pine Point (Maine) with an ocean temperature of 48F(8.8C) degrees and air temperature of 59F (15C).  I felt comfortable and did not show any signs and symptoms of hypothermia. I will transition from pool to ocean slowly.  For example, on the days that I have off from work, I will swim for 3 hours at the pool, then travel to the ocean for a half hour swim.  I will gradually decrease my pool time and increase the time of my ocean swims each month.  Every three weeks I will have a six hour swim in one day in addition to my normal swim workouts on the other days.  By July, I will have long weekend ocean swims... Saturday 6 hours and Sunday 5 hours.  Early August, I will have a 6 hour swim in one day (remainder of week my usual training schedule).  Mid-August I will have a few ocean swims between 3-5 hours each day. Also, I will be taking "ice" baths a few times a week to prepare me for the bone chilling water of the North Channel. It's a brutal training method but a necessary step in preparing for cold water exposure of the Irish Sea.  The North Channel will be the most challenging swim of the Oceans Seven due to very cold water temperature (52 to 54F) and possible severe stings from Lion's mane jellyfish.  These jellyfish can have a dome (body) with a diameter of 7 feet and tentacles 120 feet long.  Their stings are very painful but are not known to be fatal (thank heavens).  My two experienced crew members, my brother David and sister-in-law Jeannie, are both in the medical field and they are well prepared to face the challenges of my next swim adventure.

Cancelled swim

I spoke with Philip Rush this evening and storms continue near the South Island.  My swim has been cancelled for Monday.  My crew and I will be leaving New Zealand on Wednesday.  Phil offered me a slot for 2014......I will be coming back to attempt Cook Strait.  I would like to thank my crew for being so supportive.  Also, many thanks to my family at home.  Also a special thank you for all the wonderful emails and Facebook messages received from friends and co-workers.... it was very much appreciated.  A special thank you to L.L Bean's for outfitting my crew and  I with Gor-tex jackets.....we wore these jackets everyday.   It kept us warm and dry during some very rainy days.  My future plans in marathon swimming:  North Channel late August 2013, Cook Strait in 2014,  Molaki Channel at a later date.

Still waiting

Cook Strait update:  No swim for Sunday (April 21) due to weather conditions.  I'm still hoping for improved weather.  Monday is the last day of my slot.

Windy Conditions

Windy conditions in Cook Strait continues....Saturday (April 20) swim has been cancelled.   My crew and I have been keeping ourselves very busy.  We went on a land tour of the North Island.  Also, I've been training in Wellington Harbor every morning.   We're hoping that weather conditions will start to improve on Sunday.