24 Comments

Wonderful read, Pia. I’m not an open water swimmer like you, or even much of a swimmer, but I was with you the whole way and loved it. Congratulations on your accomplishment and thank you for sharing your adventure with such honesty and openness. I also loved the reference to HEX codes and the many songs. You are a poet, too.

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Thank you Molly. I never think of myself as poetic so that is so appreciated. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

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Nov 8Liked by Pia Hinckle

Incredible Pia! Beautiful, honest writing and astonishing accomplishment. Thank you for sharing your journey and your voice. Brava!!!!!

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Thank you Anne! Thank YOU for being my cheerleader. XOXO

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Nov 8Liked by Pia Hinckle

What a recap! Congratulations on the swim and thanks for sharing your words and images.

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Thanks Nancy! I love reading you so much and honored to return the favor. XO

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Nov 13Liked by Pia Hinckle

It’s never too late! A beautiful idea. And often true. And…it’s never too late to request of your inner critic that they take a break, though you appreciate their effort to help you defend your nascent consciousness, you are driving the bus now, thank you very much.

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Well said Jon, thank you.

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Woh. This is epic and wild! Congratulations. My god. What a thing. I’m moved.

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Thanks Camille, it was a wild thing, for sure. I hadn't posted in so long, I felt bad unloading so many words, but we need distraction right now. XOXO

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I read every single word. I needed it. For sure.

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I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing!

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Thanks Becca, so happy you enjoyed it. ❤️

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Wow Pia! This was such an amazing, beautiful, moving, inspiring read. I was holding my breath and swimming along with you. I have done a few open water swims in triathlon but cannot imagine something as epic as this. I totally related to the post race depression feelings, but I hope you can shut that inner critic the F up and celebrate your amazingness! Both in the water and on the page!

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Thank you so much Ali. You are an inspiration! ❤️❤️❤️

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Nov 9Liked by Pia Hinckle

So inspiring, Pia, especially acknowledging and facing the inner critic. Thank you for sharing. Your prose, as always, is wonderful to read.

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Thank you Rebecca. Let’s catch up soon. ❤️

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Congrats, Pia! What a magical adventure - nature really put on a show for you. I hope you are still celebrating yourself and your accomplishments every day!

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Thanks Lisa, working on it! And thanks to our cowriting group or this baby would have taken even longer to get posted.

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Nov 8Liked by Pia Hinckle

Pia, you never cease to amaze me with your swimming and writing. Congratulations for living your dreams with great courage and honesty.

Loved your encounter with the Ghost Dildos.

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Thanks Donna. Loved our lunch the other day, let's do it again. XOXO

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Wow what an article. I am thrilled to read the details of the swim (inner and outer). Just to jump off a boat into the abyss is a major accomplishment. I can’t even imagine open water swimming yet alone this channel (that we ferried through en route to our trans Catalina backpack last year).

This cracked me up “This is beyond HEX codes. “ so much of nature’s colors are like that- beyond capture.

Congratulations on the swim and every step before and after that has gotten you here.

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Thanks so much Paula and god bless our cowriting group! Having that time together has really helped me respect my writing time.

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Congratulations on accomplishing such an incredible challenge and then being able to so eloquently write of it. Way to go cuz! Can’t wait to hear what your next adventure will be.

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