Back on the boat, I could not but hug everyone in elation before taking a seat with my head in my hands trying to absorb the moment as it slowly sunk it that the swim was finished.

It was a difficult swim due to the tidal conditions even though I had technically swam the same distance from Bundeena to Bondi a few months ago.  I knew that I had to push hard and take advantage of the tides to reach North of Cap Gris Nez so that when the tides turned again heading South then I would be guided into my destination rather than have to fight against the tides … or even worse extend the swim waiting for the tides to turn again.

I thank The Lord that He granted me great conditions on the day especially with the wind not as strong as previous days and sun out to help with my body warmth in that cold water.  It was perfect and the final thing that I needed after He had helped me all along the 2½ years of preparation.

Back in Dover we all had a big dinner together and straight to bed.  Let me tell you it was a great sleep once I was able to calm my body, mind and heart down after having “all systems go” for 12½ hrs.

Today, at the holiday park, they are flying the Australian flag in recognition of my successful crossing.  There is also an Irish flag flying as we heard that a relay team of 4 (who alternated their hours in the water) are also staying here and yesterday completed the swim in 13½ hrs.

We have taken a lot of photos here at the holiday park on the cliff overlooking the English Channel.  There is a “bitter-sweet” atmosphere as everyone is packing and leaving in their different directions following the swim being over and getting delayed 3 days.  

Coach Daniel and wife are off to Paris to enjoy a few days of well deserved leisure before heading back to Sydney.  I hope that they greatly enjoy Bastille Day celebrations in France.  My younger sister Sherien, cousin Mark and family as well as support swimmer Ryan and his parents are all off to London for work / visiting family / sight seeing to end their trips.

My parents are staying with my wife and I today before we also break up tomorrow.  I’m off to Munich followed by London and expecting to return back to Sydney on 1/8 … here’s hoping that there are no delays for that!!!!!

I’m now off to Dover town for a massage and then can’t help myself from sitting in front of the computer screen for a while to catch up on all your blog comments that my brother Hanna has been telling me about.  

Thanks again for all the support, encouragement and prayers.  You’ll hear from me again soon and I hope to also see you soon in person.

Kaise