Hilary Clinton Green Lights The Swim!

Today started as a tough day. July 23 was the day slated on the TEAM calendar to get down to Key West and start waiting for calm seas to make the Big Swim.’ But we have been held up on a number of fronts, frankly giving me an ulcer with worry.

The biggest hurdle has been the Treasury Dept. official license. I have been apprised for many months now that it is a delicate time between the U.S. and Cuba, not for tourism, but for events such as this that shine a positive light on Cuba. I was told by high-powered lawyers in the State Dept that, short of having Hilary Clinton herself wield her power for our cause, I would have to wait until the summer of 2011 to be approved. After all this grueling training, there is no way I could continue another full year. So, in the nick of time, Hilary Clinton herself did actually make the calls and, as of just a few hours ago, we now have our License in hand. Next will be the visas from the Cubans. Will find out on Monday just what the bureaucratic time frame will be for that. Need to get to Key West to test a new escort boat and a new night lighting system. Once that’s cleared and the visas come through, the expedition will move to Key West and hope for what they call The Doldrums, very flat water for several days, to come our way. In the meantime, I am pool swimming, 5 to 6 hours each time, here in Los Angeles. Not ideal, compared to the ocean, but certainly good for the shoulders and work for the body in general.
I love, just love, the vibe you all send my way, in terms of the strength and inspiration you’re acting out in your own lives. Keep those stories coming, please.