“AFRICA!”
I got a little carried away after we landed on a large rock which was set about 50-100 yards off-shore of the Moroccian coastline. I tried to out-sprint Ollie at the end, but he got the best of me, ha!
I yelled pretty loud when I pulled myself up on top, and then grabbed my team in a giant, “channel greased-up” hug! The sun was shining, the waves were crashing up and we could not have been more happy to cross the chilly, 12-mile stretch of the Strait of Gibraltar! We were the #341-344 in history to cross since the famous Merecedes Gleitze of the U.K. first crossed the Strait on April 5, 1928.
I don’t think that I could have asked for a better team of friends to take part in such an incredible journey! I know I’ve talked a lot about our group, but when I came back to Pittsburgh and “reality” set in, it was amazing to look back on the experience I had! I mean, I swam to Africa from Spain! Just so cool. Kim Plewa and Michelle Nelson were incredibly helpful on the crewing side, and we were able to return the favor when they conquered the Strait the following day!
I hope everyone was able to follow Jamie’s portalwhich gave GPS updates, video and pictures from our adventure; if not, please let me know, and I would be glad to link you to plenty of great shots from our days spent in Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco!
The 3 hours and 42 minutes that we spent swimming together were very special because it truly allowed me to appreciate the camaraderie that we established; just great to think that we all came from different parts of the globe, and conquered the Strait of Gibraltar!
I cannot say enough about the town of Tarifa in southern Spain, as the hospitality was very inviting. I would recommend the Copa Cobana hotel to anyone, as it was great to be outside the city, yet so close to the beach and other great areas to explore. Make sure you take advantage of the potato/cheese and egg breakfast dish, as we didn’t know about it until we were leaving!
Rafael Mesa of the ACNEG was very accommodating, and I could tell he was quite thorough in his planning to make sure the swimmer gets a great day to complete the Strait. We met with him multiple times during the days prior to the swim, and he made us feel very comfortable with his warming demeanor and explanation of how the day will take place. His team on the water (Fernando and Antonio) were excellent pilots, and they were always smiling and happy to help in anyway possible. A+ team all the way…
Please continue to help the Team Forever mission, as we have been able to raise a decent amount thus far, and I hope this trend continues well into the summer. You can make a tax-deductible donation through the website, and know you are helping make the difference I am trying to make! With my eyes on Manhattan, Japan, Red River and Lake Tahoe, this is sure to be a summer I’ll never forget! 
Open Water Swimming Article
KDKA Radio – Live Interview from Tarifa, Spain
Tribune-Review Follow-Up