Swimming in the Window

I just talked to the skipper of our boat, and we have good news. My friend Collie, the Aussie, had a successful swim yesterday in 16+ hours. We are planning to have a celebratory dinner with him and his wife this evening. They both plan to join us in the boat on my attempt and I will appreciate their expertise and support. Iain, a friend from Oxford, is planning to come down from York to join us as well.

A Canadian chap, the number 2 man, is out on his attempt as we speak. If all goes well, the number 3 man will go tomorrow. Thus, it is looking like I could possibly go on Wednesday. However, if a bad day creeps up I could set sails on Thursday or Friday at the latest. The weather looks good - but then again we are on a very unpredictable island.

I just finished my morning swim and it was the smoothest and warmest yet. I am much more optimistic than a week ago when the conditions were quite the opposite. I also must thank mom for getting me petroleum jelly, which has acted wonderfully to help decrease my neck, shoulders, and triceps chafing. I'm also working on growing a full beard to help insulate my face. I must say I am impressed with it so far.

Except for the terrorist scares in London and the ushering in of the UK's new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, we apologize to be out of the news loop.

We were planning to see the movie Sicko but do not know if time will permit before we leave the island.

After a very busy weekend for London, with the Tour, Wimbledon, and the Live Earth concert, everything seems to be back to the norm now. Dover has remained quiet through it all, as we have come to find out that it is a very popular resort town for retired persons.