The sea state was lovely and flat today, but the visibility was very poor at times. Fog horns could be heard tooting about us, but we could still see the Varne Light Ship!

toobs got in two big swims, today!

A big tanker is due on the morrow, so should see her sploogle-on by!

We have entered the most dangerous part of the crossing, but we have reached 1/4 of the way there!

With big supertankers steaming on by, we have to keep a good lookout well in advance, because toobs does not move out of the way all that fast and the tankers can not turn or brake very fast!

Fingers crossed, everyone!

Hopefully, we should be able to bring you pictures of toobs swimming past the Varne Lightship tomorrow!

toobs completed another good leg today and is now on the edge of the TSS - Traffic Separation Scheme in the English Channel. This is like a dual carriageway of the seas, with vessels passing us from left to right on this side. We have to cross at 90 degrees to cause as little obstruction as possible.

Tomorrow we enter the busiest part of the busiest stretch of water in the WHOLE WORLD.

Despite a severe cross-wind, toobs swam like a dolphin, yesterday, then on reaching our support boat, insisted on another swim!

We managed to get some underwater footage of her, and hope to get more tomorrow to make a new video. 

The Grey Line, that you see passing our path on the chart above, is the route of the Channel Tunnel. As quick as toobs is, she can not quite compete with a high speed train, although records show that she is actually more streamlined.

Woohoo! We have passed the 20% distance marker and 23% of the target sponsorship. toobs is still going strong!

We may extend our swim legs on the morrow as toobs is just so keen to swim more. She is being carefully monitored for her health and for any signs of stiffness. But, as she swims this distance every day, it is unlikely that she will begin to suffer at all!

toobs' current resting heartrate is 60bpm. This is at the fittest end of the spectrum for a Border Collie.

No worries there then!

toobs manages a good 0.318nm today with much more pleasant weather.

When she had completed her leg, she just wanted to jump back in and go again!

Statistics

Wind: Near Gale F7

Sea State: Moderate

Total for Day 7 = 0.318nm (0.37mi) 

Distance From Dover = 2.45nm (2.82mi)

Distance Left to Swim = 14.91nm (17.16mi)

Challenge Complete = 14%

We are joyous to announce that we have just reached £100 towards our £1,000 goal and have now JUST behind toobs on her goal of reaching France!

Thanks to all those who have so generously donated and to remind folks to pass on our story to dog-lovers everywhere!

Tt

Despite the severe gale (F9) blowing, toobs just did not want to be thwarted. So off she went!

Due to the conditions, we were unable to video, but we are uploading a time-lapse of yesterday's easier swim.

We also made a visit ashore and met some new 'Friends of toobs'. Take a look at our 'Friends of toobs Club' tab and see who is proud to be one!

Fundraising

So far we have raised a mightily fine £80 towards our target £1,000. Thank you to all those who have helped so far.

This amount is the same percentage to our target as toobs has swum The Channel! So let's boost the coffers by telling all your friends!

Just Remember - Cold Water; 20 miles; One Month of Swimming; Warty Old Seadog; etc.....

Leg 5.1 = 0.300nm (0.35mi)

Sea State: Rough to Very Rough

Total for Day 5 = 0.300nm (0.35mi) 

Distance From Dover = 1.822nm (2.1mi)

Distance Left to Swim = 15.538nm (17.9mi)

Although today is Friday 13th, Team toobs was blessed with lucky weather and a lovely calm day out there. 

toobs managed a great swim and did not want to stop! 

Statistics

Leg 4.1 = 0.396nm (0.46mi)

Sea State: Slight

Total for Day 4 = 0.396nm (0.46mi)

Distance From Dover = 1.522nm (1.75mi)

Distance Left to Swim = 15. 838nm (18.25mi)

After watching the ferries trying to escape from Dover, toobs decides it best to try tomorrow instead.

Statistics

Leg 2.1 = 0.0nm (0.0mi)

Wind: gusting 40knots

Sea State: Rough

Total for Day 2 = 0.0nm (0.0mi)