Carolyn

One of the most rewarding thing's that becomes I find from choosing to take part in various sporting events all over the world, is the many charming and wonderful people that it brings me around and into close contact with, while being away during those said athletic adventures and travels. Of course during my most recent trip to Hawai'i, that unique aspect continued to ring true in the fact that I was able to be introduced to a couple of really talented, and incredibly awe inspiring people, whom certainly know a thing or two about setting the bar high, in and amongst their own respective walks of life.

Carolyn just so happens to be one of those people that I've referenced above. I was fortunate enough to be assisted in my recent attempt of a solo crossing of the Maui Channel, by Carolyn. She had graciously agreed beforehand, and even before ever meeting me in person, to take part and offer up her supportive services of me in this challenging event. Her willingness to offer assistance in that specific role came as no surprise to me, when I had come to found out that she works from within the health care field, where she is gainfully employed as a registered nurse. Equally not surprising as well, was the fact that she is quite the avid outdoor enthusiast too, being active in a few different separate sporting activities that require skill and determination, let alone hard work. Her training in both fields, would prove to be a perfect fit when it came to performing her duties in the position she filled, throughout the entire course of events taking place that day.

Carolyn wore many hats that day. For starters, she acted as a spotter for me as I kept swimming the 6.5 hours, and mile after mile throughout the choppy water conditions of the Maui Channel. She dutifully held lookout on my position in the water, while the escort pilot steered and maneuvered the boat through the turbulent seas. That job alone wasn't easy in the way that the water that was separating the boat and myself, raised and lowered with much greatness. With the enormity of the channel filling her sight and under the aforementioned conditions, I must have looked like the proverbial "needle in the haystack" to her at times. Amazing job there Carolyn! Secondly, at appropriate selected feed times, Carolyn was right there to render liquid nourishment and nutrition, and in a most expedient manner. I was even completely surprised twice when I had stopped to feed, only to find her waiting in the water for me, treading water with filled bottles of refreshment in each hand. How cool was that? Kind of like taking it to the playing field herself, sort of in your face Maui Channel. That was unbelievable! The thing that really amazed me the most about Carolyn though, was her constant positive outlook, and endless verbal support she gave, from start to finish during my effort. I really felt, and believed that she totally was being inspired herself, in my continued effort of trying to cross the channel alone. Somewhat like my success would be her success as well. 

This monumental sporting event for me will hold so many special memories for me, some that are big, and some that are small. The vivid remembrance of them, will always include the amazing and memorable contributions, that Carolyn herself brought along with her, for this incredible attempt of human endurance on my part. The time spent not only on the day of the swim, but the entire time I happened to be around her, were found to be most rewarding. Something for which I am most thankful, and appreciative for.