If you want to indulge in a lush, boozy brunch, you’ve gotta earn it!

And earn it we did – with a grand finale swim of 10.6 km from the Six Mile sand bar all the way into Nelson. The original plan had us wading ashore at Lakeside Park, but cooler and hungrier heads and hearts prevailed and we climbed out at the marina just below the patio at the Prestige Hotel. Brunch never tasted better. More than just an extra mile, the additional distance added another 3.17 km to our grand total taking us to 27.17 km swam over 3 epic days.

The swim was glorious. The golden morning light and calm water were gifts to our tired shoulders and determined heads. My daughter Scarlet was my personal safety kayaker, and I enjoyed her sweet company so much through the duration of the swim. When I passed under BOB (Nelson’s iconic Big Orange Bridge), we sang the opening verse of The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Under The Bridge and fuelled that last stretch with joy and relief.

I felt quite emotional coming into the dock. Part of me wanted to bawl my eyes out, and the other half wanted to laugh like a maniac. If you know me, you’ll understand that I actually did both. 😉 And then I drank 2 delicious Mimosas.

Doing this swim helped me work out so many things that I have been wrestling with. Like a moving meditation, I made promises to myself that I fully intend to keep. My body kept its promise to me by supporting 27 km of sheer effort. I owe you big time, body! I hate cliches, but you really don’t know what’s possible unless you believe in yourself. I’m starting to get there and swimming is so key to that transformation.

I was honoured and inspired to spend time with the Steven family and couldn’t have asked for a better team. Bruce, Mark and Deanne swim with such heart and determination. I hope we have many more swimming adventures in the future. And many more margaritas (far superior to any Mexican version 😉 ) – and dance parties on the dock. Thank you. ❤️

Now I must rest up for a few days before tacking the 11.8 km Skaha Ultra Swim next weekend.

The adventure continues. It’s the only way.