July 30th. 8 hours 18 miles Whoa, what a day. All was going well until 3:00 when a humdinger of a storm blew in. The boat barely made it to shore before it hit. The winds were tremendously stout and boaters were hiding from them in some creative places. Since all the creative places were taken, we tied the boat to the dock and sat in the truck until the lightning stopped and the wind settled down. My crew, motivated and tough, was ready to head back out before the rain stopped. Rain doesn't matter to me, but it is quite miserable for the boat's pilots, Pete and Kenley. They acted like it didn't matter and appeared anxious to get me back swimming. I was glad and appreciative of their positive attitude. My river thoughts today focused a lot on the TVA employees that I have encountered during the river swim. Pete Mangum, the boat pilot for two years now, was one of the first employees I confronted about the possiblitiy of somebody swimming the river. I hope he is there for the finish. Prior to starting this swim, I didn't know much about TVA, and still have a lot to learn. But it is important to me to tell the TVA employees who might be reading this how you have enriched my life. I have met so many of you who have such a deep respect and sense of responsibility for the Tennessee River. The knowledge that most of you possess about the environment and the river makes me envious. It is always an interesting and educational experience to converse with you. Thank you for your support of my mission. Please, if ever you have one of those days where it feels like nobody really cares and your efforts are fruitless, remember me. I care and am grateful for your concerned efforts. I believe your examples of good stewardship are models for us less informed stewards of the river. Thanks! My son and husband are going to be at the Mermaid Marina for the finish on Thursday. They were going to come a day early but can't because Forrest has to register for school. It bothers me that I cannot be there, but I am proud of my husband for taking the initiative. That is what parenting is...sharing in the raising of our children. Sometimes it is hard for a mom to guiltlessly "let go" of certain traditional responsibilities allowing the father to be a more active participant. My father raised me, and I am thankful he did. Until my parents divorced, I did not feel I knew my dad and remember being scared when he took custody of the four of us. He became the active participant/ involved parent when he assumed custody and became Mr. Mom. It was kind of like that poem, "The Road Less Traveled" because it was rare in the sixties for fathers to have custody. But I am glad he did and just like the poem, "that has made all the difference". Thanks for the phone call tonight Dad! Never forget- all my idiosyncracies? I come by them honestly! Also, if I have to swim in the morning, you do too. I will be thinking about you, Love mim Everybody else...sleep in! Watch SpongeBob, eat ice cream, and converse water. Take care, mimi