I had trouble falling asleep last night, it was only in the early morning that I got few hours of good sleep. I didn’t know how it was going to affect my day.
Paul woke me up 7 am to let me know that we will be back at our swim location in 2 hours. During those 2 hours I had to eat my breakfast, it was a full portion of rice, veggies, and meat and then some oatmeal. After I spent sometimes on the computer to write my blog and had to get my equipment ready before I could get suited up.
I got on deck, it was raining, Ty and Maks were on the RHIB ready for me. I got into my routine very quickly and the first 2 hours were behind me in no time. It was still raining, not a problem for me but I felt bad for Ty and Maks. Fortunately, a group of dolphins came by and lift up our spirit, I raced toward them and for 30 seconds they let me swim right about them. This was amazing, some of them were jumping out of the water and I could hear Ty and Maks scream “whooooooo!”
Later on, we met another group of dolphins, this time they didn’t stay with us for too long, I think they were interested by the school of fish that was seeking refuge right under the RHIB. Those moments are so unique and precious that sharing them with people I feel deeply connected with made them even more important and enjoyable. Thank you guys! We already had a day full of amazing experiences but it didn’t stop there.
A big container ship sailed right in our direction. Maria, on Seeker, called them on the VHF and asked them to divert their course. They passed us on their starboard side, it was the closest call we ever got. As they sailed by, Maks and Ty pumped their arms up and down to get them to blow their horn, but nothing happened. Maks turned on the VHF to channel 16 to get in communication with them and after he briefly explained what we were doing, he asked them to blow their horn, which they did. The three of us screamed YESSSS!
Ben
14 thoughts on “[DAY 20] Another near collision”-
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You are an inspiration! I would love to swim with dolphins.
Take it one day at a time. Slow but steady wins the race!
Thank you for following!
My favourite part of the day since you have begun your adventure across the ocean to bring environmental awareness has been to read your blog. I happen upon this site through I don’t remember what but I am thankful I have.I can only begin to imagine what you are going through on a day to day basis. The glimpse you provide us with is wonderful. So many things happening around the world and in everyone’s lives. We must always remember that there are things we can change and others we can’t. We must accept this and do what we can to appreciate what we have and what we can do to better the world we live in… and how to do this can be as small as a smile towards a stranger to change their day to a good one or a bigger step like yours to change our view of our impact on this planet. Thank you. I wish you safe travels across the ocean and you’ve got this!!!
Thanks for sharing, amazing!
Cheers
Hello Ben,
I follows daily you adventures. You and all the fellows of the Teams give their best for the sake of the ocean. I have a question: how do you manage to remain in a good mental state all the long hours swimming. Imagination and memorizing? Did you ever had the feeling of somehow melting with the water? Düring my own much shorter outdoor swim sessions it sometime occurs.
I hope,you will always achieve your daily goal. You inspire all of us.
Best wishes from Germany
Brigitte
Hello Brigitte, thank you for following. I prepare what I will think about for the 8 hours in the water before I dive in each day. This puts me in a meditation like state while I swim. thank you!
Wow, I’m so impressed and inspired by your complete mind control and commitment. Your focus is outstanding. Today’s young people need a role model to prove that the seamingly impossible is in fact possible, but you have to work hard for it. Great things don’t come easy or quickly. Keep up the great work, good luck and stay safe.
Wow, I love reading your blog. I am terrified of the deep ocean but thrilled by it at the same time. Keep it up. You are doing Great!
Beth- Houston, Texas
Class 2D love reading your blog before we start our lessons each day! Here’s what they had to say!
“I really hope the weather doesn’t change for you tomorrow and the Jellyfish keep the sharks away!”
“You are doing really well and we love that you didn’t give up.”
“Good luck for tomorrow and stay away from the Jellyfish!”
We look forward to reading tomorrows news!
Class 2D,
Regent International School
Hello Class 2D! Thank you so much for following my swim. If you would like to get involved, send your questions to hannah@thelongestswim, we would love more schools to come along on my journey! And thank you for the words of encouragement
Wow, so it seems that the man-made element of passing container ships presents more of a hazard than the natural element of sharks! Once again it gives pause for thought!
It’s also amazing to hear about the pods of dolphins that you guys are encountering, because to a non-sea going person, the open ocean seems like a rather barren place with just water as far as the eye can see. But to hear about the marine life you encounter like the dolphins and jellyfish is quite eye-opening.
I just wanted to ask at some point, what sort of ocean swell heights do you find out there most days? And what is the temperature of the water that you swim in (the surface layer of water)?
May you have continued strength and resolve and may the dolphins continue to dance with you all the way to San Francisco!
Amazing to swim with dolphins in the Pacific Ocean – so inspiring ?
thank you for taking the time share. glad to read of the moments of joy.
you are lifting our spirit, no dolphins here 🙂
I love that you got the ship to blow the horn ha! Wonderful hearing of your day today. I look forward to your posts each and every day.