Swim By Mike Welsch

[Waterbaby]

I know there is already a thread somewhere here on this, but I felt the need to start a new one so that people don't have to search through and besides, WMUR just did a segment on this guy and I find him totally amazing with what he is doing! Here are some of the facts WMUR had........

1) He lost his left leg in an alcohol-induced motorcyle accident when he was 19 and in (I believe) the Marines.

2) He is doing this swim to benefit PAN-MASS, which is solely to benefit the Jimmy Fund which contributes most, if not all, of their proceeds to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for the benefit of Children with Cancer.

3) He has 9 Boston Marathons to his credit.

4) He has done several other difficult swims, including the harbors in Manhattan and Boston (I think).......

5) He is not planning to climb into or even touch his companion boat at all during his estimated 14-hour swim.

6) WMUR is asking everyone with waterfront property to turn on their dock lights and any other lights on their properties to support Mike on his route from Alton Bay to Meredith.

I wish I had taken notes, this is a person to definitely support in his endeavor! I don't know him, have never met him, but when I was cooking dinner I heard the name and naturally my attention was drawn. IF YOU WISH TO DONATE TO HIS CAUSE, CALL 1-800-WE-CYCLE and specify that the donation is to be in support of his swim.

I wish I had more information to impart, I knew I should have taken notes while watching!

Last but not least, GOOD LUCK MIKE!!!!!!!!!!

[Pepper]

I have had to honor of meeting Mike and his escorts for this swim. This man is an inspiration! We hope all the homeowners on the route will illuminate his way, and all those who are able to provide additional escort will do so.

Good luck, Mike. Semper Fi, Brother!

Pepper

[Waterbaby]

Thanks, Pepper, for replying to my thread - first time I ever started one on my own! Do you know how to get hold of Don Z? I'd like to get this one "stickered" if at all possible, so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle........ I've never "stood up" for a cause before, but this one I believe in and yes, he is truly an inspiration! Do you have any more info to share, i.e. when he is "launching" from Alton? Thanks in advance!

[jrc]

The previous thread was a little confusing. What time, on what day will Mike depart from which town? And 14 hours later where will he arrive?

The midnight thing screws me up, is midnight attached to the previous day or the coming day? Just to be clear, assume I'm walking down to see him off at 11:45 PM, what day will that be?

[Pepper]

I've got a poster advertising the event, but of course it's at the restaurant, and I'm at home. Tomorrow I'll copy down all the details and post them here. ;)

[GWC...]

Link to other thread:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1676


Midnight Aug 7th sunday i will enter the water at Alton Bay and swim to
Mill Falls in Meredith. I will be looking for a tough KAYAKer escort me to Mill Falls, 20 Miles Call Don 603-335-0700. Kayak-Please

Thank you, Mike Welsch :)

Mike,

Are you swimming Sunday or Monday from Alton Bay to Meredith?

Inquiring minds need to know... ;)

[fatlazyless]

So, the estimated time for Mike Welsch to finish at the Meredith Mills' Falls is noon on Sunday. But, the smart money says he will finish at 4:30 Sunday afternoon, due to all the weekend wave action created by the all-too-numerous canoes, kayaks, row boats, sailboats, and of course the evil peddle boats. All these little boats that just plow through the water and create big fat rolling wakes unlike the friendly Bajas, Fountains, and Formula's which are totally wakeless and not-to-blame!

[Boater]

the smart money says he will finish at 4:30 SundaySince he's swimming against the usual wind and current it could take longer than that. A stiff NW breeze could cause him to lose ground with every stroke. Anybody know why he chose to swim upstream?

[Woodsy]

FatLazyLess...

Why do you have to resort to mean spirited sarcasm? Why is it you feel the need to bash someones choice of recreation in thread that has nothing to do with anything other than Mike Welch's swim?

I am sure wave action will be an issue for Mike, but its caused not just by those 3 particular brands of boat. Its caused by all of the people who will be boating near to Mike's path during the swim. I am sure thats why he scheduled the start for midnight. He should be just about done before the all of the boaters come out. Hope that kayaker he is asking to accompany him has a tall mast with a white light....

Woodsy

[BroadHopper]

A lone kayak in the middle of the night has to be dangerous. If he has a battery powered white light, I'm sure the light will get dimmer as the battery wears down. Hopefully there will be a cloudless, full moon sky that night of the swim.
One of the MP boat with a blue light flashing will definitely get attention. I'm all for an MP escort. Has Mike ever thought of that? :confused:

[Lakewinniboater]

I can understand why he wants a kayake.... cuts through the water... he won't be swimming in a wake.

However, I think someone should get in touch with his group and suggest either MP's or another escort BEHIND him.

Seems pretty dangerous. I am also in awe of him and what he has accomplished.

Good luck Mike and be safe. I will put our lights on in Alton Bay for you!!!

[Pepper]

I'm assuming that the swim will be Sunday. That is my understanding from the poster, and from the statement referenced above. I hope this is correct.
:)

[fatlazyless]

Today, Saturday's, Union Leader has an article that says Mike will be swimming under the Governor's Island Bridge. Could be a bit of a surprise for the Governor's Island locals who hang down by the bridge as the sun comes up for fishing and getting out of the house. " I say Reginald, is that someone swimming this way, or what was with the Club's new pink champaigne?"

[GWC...]

You will have to click the link instead of reading an excerpt, someone must have complained about this practice to our Webmaster. :rolleye2:

So, for those with a slow connection, sorry, you'll just have to grin and bear it. Wish I could post an excerpt to save you the aggravation, but I’ve been politely requested to refrain. Just trying to keep the peace. ;)

Here's the link to the Citizen online that states Mike's intended time of departure from where he plans to depart:

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050806/CITIZEN0103/108060015/-1/CITIZEN

[GWC...]

Did anyone take a picture of Mike and company leaving the departure point in Alton Bay? :rolleye2:

Did he have a Marime Patrol escort, as published? ;)

[Waterbaby]

Has anyone heard if Mike made it to Meredith or not? I thought I may find something on the WMUR site, but apparantly they are more interested in posting news blurbs about padlocks and private parts rather than something like this.......... (and, Don Z., I have already voiced my dissatisfaction with them.....)

[ces]

Yup, he made it!

It was on the news tonight but not a lot of details.

ces

[Pepper]

Here's a link to the story in today's "Citizen".

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050808/CITIZEN0103/108080076/-1/CITIZEN

[MikeWelsch1559]

The People of Winnipesaukee are the BEST! Thank You for all of the Helpful words and support along the way. The 7 hours in the dark was tough but the Wiers was even tougher. I was glad to reach Meredith were i finished. Thanks Mike Welsch

[GWC...]

You did a good job and the Jimmy Fund is a good cause. Thanks

[Pepper]

Mike, I can't believe how well-rested you looked the following morning! You're one tough old Marine! Hope you enjoyed your time with the family afterwards, and I really hope Cookie got over that English Channel remark. :laugh:

Be well, and SemperFi!