Well, as most of you who might be reading this know, my experiences with this body of water provided a roller coaster of emotional intrigue.  There were many ups and many downs, but now the journey has ended.  For now.

How did it all end?  My body was cautiously pulled out of a body of water that I personally decided that I could not overcome on the day.  She proved to be much too cold; the swim beginning at 14 deg and slightly increasing to 16.  I covered a distance of about 18 kilometers over 5 hours and 14 mins. 

I failed in the accomplishment that I set out for.  For that I feel deep disappointment.

However, in that failure exists some of the greatest success that I have known.  The achievements that I made along the way heavily outweigh any letdown I feel. 

This challenge 'carried' me away from a way of life that I was not happy with and into one which I awake smiling for the daily events to come.  The friendships that I made before and along the way are as strong as any I hold on earth; and the bonds of sharing this challenge are immense.

I want to thank here formally a few people for your support along the way.  First and foremost, my beautiful partner Andrea whose mind and spirit are absolutely abundant in gifts.

Mighty Mick thanks for being such a profound role model, and a great mate.

Marg, Sandy, Nick, Majella, Kirsten, Brett, Quinten, Andy, Tracey, Greg, Michael thanks for putting up with a babbling yank obsess over a common passion.

Adam and Pegs.  Thanks for bringing the dolphins.

To the Saturday Morning Swim Crew and the Coogee Surf Club thanks for making a foreign land home.

And finally, my unabated appreciation to my mother who has the amazing talent of being able to be with me no matter where I am.