Sunday 28 August 2011

2 Way Windermere Ending

Full report to follow once I have received the notes from Sarah, however...in the meantime I thought I would share this video clip as I clear the water after the 13 hours 50minutes and 21 miles, as you will see I was totally spent to say the least...forgive the swear from KGB at the end refering to my stubborness!

Best viewed on full or 75% screen rather than the tiny window...thankyou all so much for your comments and support via the blog, the Channel Swimmers Google Group and Facebook/Twitter.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Two days, Thomas and Trackers

At 5am this morning I finally finished my last shift prior to the 2 way swim...Not a great deal of sleep as is usual after night shifts, but I hope to catch up a little bit tonight..

I just spoke with my friend Thomas Noblett who recently spent 17 hours battling what he calls his mistress, ie The English Channel, it wasn't to be his day on this occasion but he will land in France one day soon of that I am certain. Thomas is one of the nicest blokes we have met. He goes out of his way to help others, his hospitality and supportive nature know no bounds.

He has very kindly allowed me the use of his spot tracker for Thursday so you will be able to see exactly where we are on the lake. It will be switched on just before the start.
Here's the link: http://bit.ly/swimtrack

We will be starting on the West side of the Lake at the Ferry and swimming south to Fell Foot, then heading back to the Start point where the electric boat from Shepherds will need exchanging for one with a new power source (I will be joined by a kayaker at this point before the return of the fresh crew and boat)

After this, the plan will be to continue North to Ambleside with an eventual turn around back to the start point...Well...that's the plan...what actually happens remains to be seen.

Thank you so much for all of your comments on the previous post, facebook and twitter. Its great to know you are taking interest and your support means a great deal to us.

Monday 22 August 2011

3 days and counting

As  a result of the untimely car accident, a new shift pattern at work and the summer holidays for schools, my training took a bit of a battering, however, things are settling down nicely with the aid of physio, massage and medication...I apologise for the lack of updates but to be quite honest, there has either been nothing much to say or I lost the urge to post...

On the training front I have swam as much as the above circumstances have allowed, with a couple of six hour swims, including another one way Windermere, a six hour at Ellerton last weekend and the odd two/three hour efforts here and there. More or less double the amount of swimming I managed last year.

With just three days to go until the planned 2011 target I am feeling rather nervous, excited too, but more nervous than anything else..

The plan is to reunite the team (Capt Pash, Sarah and KGB) at The Langdale Chase Hotel and start the swim the following morning at 6am Thursday 25 August...a year to the day since my first 1 Way Windermere..

I am hoping to have a tracker on the support boat, where if you are so inclined you will be able to follow my progress as I attempt to swim the length of Englands Longest Lake in both directions, 21 miles hopefully in about 14 hours.

Everything after 7 hours will be new territory, hence the nerves and anxiety at the prospect. your support is really appreciatted and any comments are greatly received!

More news soon...I promise