1st Annual Escape From Vashon Swim a chilling Success!6 swimmers successfully completed the crossing from Vashon Island to Point Richmond today when this first known swim across the frigid waters of Colvos Passage was held. Before the swimmers entered the water Wren Huggins, the team psychologist, declared the entire group of swimmers "crazy." Neighbors were invited to help out and did a great job making the event go smoothly and even more fun with their enthusiasm! After the swimmers were in a lunch of chili (both carnivore and veggie) and cornbread was served on the lawn by the finish line. 
Behind the scenes neighbors and staff members worked on food prep, setup, safety paddlers, photographers, even a standby nurse, and operated power boats to guide swimmers and keep passing speeding boats at a safe distance.
Pictured at the top of this entry are the
inaugural swimmers wearing their survivor shirts from left to right; Steve "
the metronome" Rees, Wren "
dilly-dally*" Huggins, Brett "
why yes, I am available" Walters, Peter "
black turtle"
Bortel with daugther Sarah, and
Tesa "give me a blanket" Johnson. Below is Heather "
direct finish line" Pennington, running to... the finish line (not present for the group photo).
*Note: It has been suggested that team
psychologist Wren, who came in dead last (by about an hour) did this intentionally so that the other swimmers could "feel good" about
their times!
Special thanks to the staff members!
Showing off their staff shirts are Pam Brower (all around support), Harry Hovey (yacht skipper), Daniel Rees (side entertainment), Joyce Winge (paddler, and all around support) and Karen Warter (photographer). Not shown but also provided support to the group were Gordon Thorne (event safety and PR) , Linda (nurse), Al Brower (row boat support), Frank Schrader (inflatable power support), and Paula Schrader (timekeeper), and all the safety paddlers.
Kids gathered around the pit and it became obvious what must be done; bring out the s'mores!
