24 Comments
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Molly Walker's avatar

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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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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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Anne Hamersky's avatar

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

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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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

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Nancy Friedman's avatar

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

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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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

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Jon Bailiff's avatar

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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Pia Hinckle's avatar

Well said Jon, thank you.

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Camille Brightsmith's avatar

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

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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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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Camille Brightsmith's avatar

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

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Becca HS's avatar

I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing!

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Pia Hinckle's avatar

Thanks Becca, so happy you enjoyed it. ❤️

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Ali Lopez's avatar

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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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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

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Rebecca Taggart's avatar

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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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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

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Lisa Van Dyk's avatar

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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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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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Donna Benedetti's avatar

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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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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

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Paula Gregorowicz's avatar

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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Pia Hinckle's avatar

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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Bonna Flynn's avatar

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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