Thursday, August 9, 2012

No verbal updates GRRR

I was able to call once time--he began officially at 3 PM.    This was about 3:30 when my call went through. Since then I have not been able to have my phone get through to the crew. . . at first I figured it was because they were busy.    They KNOW I wanted to hear at the minimum of hourly. . . so I'm giving them the benefit that the phone service is out for some reason or another.      So, I'm with everyone else--merely watching the "Track Gordon Now".   It looks like he is doing super super good!  I get choked up just typing this.

I talked to two swimmers staying here in the RV park with us.    They did the swim last evening--exactly 24 hours earlier.    They were less than 100 meters from France's beach!   It was about 4 AM BUT the fog was so very thick one could not even see to the length of the boat.    How they knew they were that close to France is not clear to me--perhaps some "sonar" on the pilot boat?      Anyway, the pilot captain could not permit them to swim further because the swimmers were basically out of total sight--wouldn't risk losing the swimmers.    IT WAS CALLED OFF!  When we learned all this from one of the swimmers--it was a sobering conversation, indeed. To be so very close to a goal and have to leave it behind was very hard for these swimmers.    We are all praying that weather conditions continue to be in Gordon's favor. . . as I'm sure you all are as well.  

It is dusk now.    The weather today was absolutely gorgeous.      Sunny and warm.     Couldn't have been blessed with better conditions.    Gordon will now be finishing the rest of the swim in the dark.    He knew this once the time was set. . . didn't phase him in the slightest.    He is TOTALLY DEDICATED.

If...if...if  we receive any phone calls I will post something immediately.     I'm thrilled at how many good friends and family are cheering him on and joining the team.

Love, Marcia.

11 comments:

Elayna said...

Ugh, so frustrating not to know how he's feeling but he is a super strong swimmer and strong willed guy. praying that he keeps going at this pace and finishes before it gets too foggy. thanks for the update mom. : S

IronMike said...

We're pulling for you, Gords! And good job on the blog, Marcia!

Eric said...

Thanks for the update, Mom. I have been amazed at his progress on the map. It looks like he is about half way and it's only been about 6 hours. I would feel so bad for him if he got pulled because of the fog, and I know he would be very frustrated. Hope for the best!

Binza said...

I'm tracking Gordon through the spot device but also following the boats on this page:

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/

Anyone know who Gordon's escort is (boat name)?

Ben said...

Go Gordon! Lots of spectators at Tomax!

Elayna said...

I am not totally sure but from the location of the boat and the vessel's track, I am going to guess that it is Pace Aarow.

Elayna said...

or it may be sea satin, they are both pretty close to the same path.

Eric said...

I'm not any more sure than Elayna, but based off the track and location of the last check-in, I would guess Pace Arrow as well.

Binza said...

If Gords is with the Pace Arrow then his neighbor is likely Vermont resident Charlotte Brynn right nearby with the Gallivant. She started earlier (her SPOT is here: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=08Y2j0NKq4qcKx6eSEbDvpC1RlkscPugG) and appears to be a bit further ahead so Gords may be with Sea Satin.

DD said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ron said...

Congratulations Gordon. It is thrilling that you were able to pull this off. You actually swam the English Channel!!!! amazing. Now, just return home safely. Hope to see you soon. Uncle Ron