The BIG moment is here.(Off subject.)

[Mick in Dubbo]

A few of you might remember that back in 2007, my brother Geoff, attempted to swim the English Chanel. Due to heavy seas from a major storm that hit that whole region, he failed in that attempt, only completing the first 12kms in a 5 meter swell (15 feet).
Not to be put off, he has gone back and I just received an email from him, indicating that when the conditions are right, he will make his second attempt. This will happen in the next few days. I'll let you know how he goes. Very proud of him to just attempt it. I'll be thrilled if he actually makes it. He has the ability and things are looking far better than last time.
Go Geoff!!!!
Mick Evans.

 

[cwilk]

Isn't there a ferry or a tunnel available? That would make the journey a whole lot easier.

Quite an undertaking and I wish him success. Godspeed Geoff!

Chris

 

[fongu]

Praying for his success and safety. Keep us informed.

 

[oldranger]

Good luck and success to him!!!!

Ron

RLTW

 

[Eric]

I admire your brother for that Mick. I could not even think of it. Will it be an event or will he be on his own with some help?

Thumps up!!

Eric, Holland.

If I had days off, I would even go there. For me it is only a 4 hours drive.

 

[Pyrites Pete]

Go Geoff !!!! Pyrites Pete

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

Hi Eric.
He has gone there with his wife and no other support, but there is a number of folks making the attempts at the moment from all around the globe and they do support each other. there is some sort of official commity that endorses (officially recognises) the swim with a certificate eta, but there are a lot of rules attached. Geoff is following them, but would have loved to be able to wear a wet suit. He will be swimming in a shark cage.
I don't know when he will make the attempt. It's a wait and see game, but I'm sure that it'll most likey occur in the next 48 hours.
Thanks all for your encouragement to him. I'll make my next post about it when he has completed his attempt. Not everybody will want to hear about it, so I won't push the friendship too far by being off subject. It just a bit hard not to say something.
Mick Evans.

 

[Eric]

I think it is very interesting Mick. Please let us hear all about it when he took the plunge.

Good luck to Geoff from the Netherlands.

Eric.

 

[fongu]

His attempt is something to be proud of and I look forward to his success. This forum may be about metal detecting,but anything that concerns the members of this forum and especially a brave attempt like this should be posted. I thank you for letting us know so we can pray for his success and the other people who are trying to swim the channel. I admire anyone who makes an attempt like this and wish them God Speed. Courage and determination are to be admired and are a major part of any successful metal detector or treasure hunter. Good qualities like these are never out of style.

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

For those interested, my brother made his attempt on swimming the Chanel in the English Chanel. He was forced to abandon the attempt (11 hours ago) at around the half way mark due to the swell getting too big.He was body surfing some of the waves out there at times. The swim is 34kms in length (I think that that converts to a neat 20 miles, or there abouts).The swim is in the same area as the ferries that go between England and France. He was in the water for 6 and a half hours.
The was 2 others having a crack at it at the the same time. An American lady called Dorie Miller who was attempting a double crossing. She managed to get across, but had to abandon the return attempt and there was another Australian out there attempting a triple crossing, Jon Van Wisse. He made his first crossing in 9 hours and it took 24 hours before he got back to England again, but he also had to abandon the 3rd leg due to fatigue!
I take my hat of to all these folk. what a magnificent effort by all.
Mick Evans.

 

[fongu]

Sorry to hear your brother did not accomplish his goal, but he was brave in his attempt and that's what counts. Kudos to the other swimmers for their efforts, also. I hope the third time will be the charm.

 

[Eric]

Sorry to hear Mick that Geoff could not make it. But I agree, I take my hat off because I really admire these daring atempts. It is never without risks and more difficult than people might think. 6 1/2 hours in the water is very long. I have been in the channel on the Ferry several times and know how ugly the north sea can be.

Wish him luck for the possible next time.

Eric. Holland.

 

[Fishrgal]

Just to attempt something like that is commendable. Someone like your brother is the type that many of us not only admire, but envy because he has the guts to attempt what a lot of us can only dream of. Thumbs up to your brother.

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

Thanks for the kind words folks.
I was glad to know that Jon Van Wisse's attempt got a mention on the prime time national media over here. It was well deserved. Much better than listening to all the rubbish of our politicians with all the election stuff that's going on at the moment.
Mick Evans.