August 2, 2009, The Swim

Good morning world!

What a great day we had out on the channel yesterday, and I am serious. I have never enjoyed any of my previous 9 so much, and that includes the doubles.

Not to be philosophical or anything, but who ever swam and crewed, whether making the journey to France, LIVED yesterday.Not in a danger sense but in a it's "great to be alive" aspect.
The morning started of easy enough, if wind conditions hadn't change, we probably would still be out there finishing the original plan.

When Freda Streeter calls the boat and asks Mike Oram how it is and he replies, "a bit lumpy", she's knows that we're not talking a ripple in the water.Usually I get very frustrated when encountered F3-4 winds, just because I was always thinking about the 'big' goal, but yesterday was different, as the conditions worsened, I started enjoying my swim more: time, doubles and triples blew away, and I was enjoying the present moment. I was probably the least 'affected' by the giant swells and crashing waves, and I'm glad I made a goggle change so I watch everyone roll back & forth on the Gallivant, very entertaining.

I think at my 10 hour feed, I had a conference with Mike and Janet, telling them I would be very content with a solo. Mike quickly responded, "we'll have none of that talk, be on your way". At first I was pissed, not speaking at the next feed but gradually my mind calmed and a turn around went back into place, but I really didn't know how I would manage on the way back, but time will tell. I started smiling and having fun again.

Mike landed me on a beautiful white sandy beach, I think he mentioned 'Petit Blanche Nez'. It was so sandy, I had quite a time searching for a pebble to bring back for collection. Oh yea, time, 11 hours, 31 minutes but that is insignificant, #10 in the books.

The surf was tough to get through and as I managed, I kept thinking, 'how are we going to back', 'you have got to be kidding'.

When I reached the boat, I spoke to Mike on the port side, something had changed in him. It probably was there the whole time but he wasn't going to let on. "Keep swimming for an hour or so, you can't be 1st to come out", at least I think I heard those words. I could do that, I wasn't cold, I wasn't injured, I actually felt quite good.

At the 1st feed, Derek handed me the warm Maxim and Honey, I was lightly hinting "any time you want to put the ladder down, I'm ready", Not yet. OK, swim some more. I was being shielded as much as possible by the boat, I had moved to swim on the starboard side after my talk with Mike upon return from the beach.

The waves and swells on the port side were grand I am told, I figured so, by the roll and waves that were squashed by the boat, were rolling me over onto my back. I have to admit at this time I was not swimming hard, I was playing, joking with Hal and Chris, as they climbed up to the upper deck, "you guys are mean" and "anytime now".AT the last feed, the ladder came down, but not before Mike knew I was content with the decision, and I was.

I had a BLAST. My only regret was that painful (intestinal) ride home to Dover Harbor.

Thank you everyone for yesterday, I will cherish the memories.


A 2nd blog will follow with pictures but at the time I must nap.

Cast:
Janet Galya: crew chief and partner, thank you for standing by me (I understand why you may go into retirement)
Mike Oram: pilot and friendly mentor, I've never seen you at the helm for such a long time, T.Y.
Derek Carter: Boat crew and friend, Thanks for the feeds.
James: Boat crew and new friend, Thanks for the help
Hal & Chris: observers with great smiles
James Gardner: newbie who took the challenge to help Janet, unfortunately he went on a 8 hour roller coaster, you did fine James, thank you.

Dream, Prepare, Succeed
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