Rokky is saddened that she cannot use the blog but alas, we have no photo to illustrate our very own Flipper’s Extreme Alcatraz Swim. Flippy slid into the water crested with whitecaps under the watchful eye of Leslie of Swim-Art and two kayakers. Joining her were two veteran Alcatraz swimmers, Alan, who was too scared to take photos, and Gary of SERC on his 700+ Alcatraz swim along with a birthday boy of 54 years. Rokky got caught in an eddy due to her legendary navigation (lack of) skill and a bout of seasickness and therefore was pulled back into the boat until we got close to the opening. However, the intrepid Flipper battled the waves for TWO HOURS (yes, two hours it was). Her strength and courage were phenomenal as she honed into the Jeremiah O’Brien with a strong ebb tide at her face. In a nanosecond of faltering, Leslie gave her encouragement by stating that she was doing quite well and Dave, in a kayak, stayed along side until the final triumphant landing on the beach.
So you see, Babes, this was no mere winter Alcatraz swim- this was woman challenging waves, tides, cold and fatigue in her quest to conquer the bay. And that she did with glory.
Unfortunately, dc did not consider this effort as a qualifier for Alcatraz on New Years Day. But as Flipper stated, “I have proven myself worthy”. And, by the way, the veteran Gary told us it was one of his 5 worse starts for an Alcatraz swim.
So as we gather together tomorrow evening to celebrate the winter solstice and a full lunar eclipse, I am sure you will see a happy little dolphin welcoming both the longer days of sunshine as well as brightening the shadow of the moon.
And Rokky will continue in her efforts to overcome navigational challenges and motion sickness.
To thee, Flipper, I salute!
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