Year 37. I love telling people that I've participated in this swim for 36 consecutive years. My goal is to do it at least until I reach 50 years when I'll be able to swim with my grandson, Zephyr, who will be 18 then. Last year after the swim, Zephyr saw my swim number 007 drawn on my arm and asked for me to mark the same number on his arm. Then, for the first time, he swam with floaties to the floating dock and back at Fishers Island. He was very excited to have that number on his arm and it clearly inspired him. For me, swimming is inspiring but it's also an overall spiritual, physical, and cognitive activity which I find more rewarding the older I get. 

My commitment to the mission of Save the Bay has only grown since I started swimming. Over the years, we've witnessed the increased health of our waters--the bay, the rivers and the sea. I'm so grateful for the ability to swim year round in such a thriving environment knowing that there are so many people I personally know who are committed to maintaining the health and beauty of the bay and beyond. Every time I leave the area then return to see what surrounds us, I realize that this is something to be treasured and nurtured. Thank you all for your years of support and I hope you continue to donate to this most worthy cause. The photos below are of 1) Zephyr at Fishers Island and 2) Liz, me, Hannah, and Kelly taken last year after the swim. It was COLD!