Completed!

Steve Vick completed his swim from Skagway to Juneau to protest the proposed new road between the two towns. He swam into Auke Recreation area at around 6:20 pm this evening to be greeted by a crowd of about 250 supporters. There were approximately 12 other swimmers in the water with him, as well as several kayaks and small craft to welcome Steve in.

Today's completion was mainly ceromonial since Steve actually arrived in Auke Bay yesterday, effectively completing the 90 mile swim in 9 days. More than two thirds of the days involved swimming through rough seas, difficult currents, and colder than normal temperatures. It was truly a mammoth achievement.

Steve conducted several interviews with local and national media outlets today and met with dignataries from Juneau, Haines, and the State Government.

Many thanks to all the supporters and well wishers. Keep up the pressure on the administration to ensure that the momentum created by Steve's swim is sustained.

Report Time: Tuesday Aug 9, 7:30 PM
Location: Auke Bay, Juneau
See Map

Steve Vick had a great swim this afternoon, covering about 10 miles in under 4 hours and 15 min. Today's swim brings Steve within easy striking distance of his destination at Auke Recreational area at 6:30 pm on Wednesday. Steve will cover the remaining distance on Wednesday afternoon and his epic journey will culminate at the celebratory barbecue mentioned below on this page.

Conditions this afternoon really favored Steve as he powered through the water, in sharp contrast to his last two swims through frigid sections and against steady currents.

Steve and the support team hope for a good turnout at tomorrow's conclusion to the swim. Supporters are encouraged to attend and to spread the word!

EVENT NOTIFICATION

WHEN: Wednesday, August 10th, 6:00-8:00 PM

WHERE: Auke Recreation Area, north of the ferry terminal.

WHAT: Show support for the Lynn Swim, ferries, and oppose the Juneau road! Donations gladly accepted.

What: Bring your swimming suit and join Steve for a quick dip in Auke Bay. Food and drinks will be available to purchase – all proceeds and donations will go to the Lynn Swim.

On August 10th Steve Vick will take the final stroke of his 92-mile swim from Skagway to Juneau at Auke Rec. The purpose of the swim is to protest the unwanted, unnecessary, and unsafe proposed Juneau Road; Steve supports the ferry system instead.

Steve Vick’s epic swim comes at a critical time. Congress recently passed a transportation bill that included $15 million for the proposed road.

The Lynn Swim will help raise statewide and national awareness about the controversy surrounding this outrageous road when it is most needed. For more information see www.lynnswim.org or contact SEACC at 586-6942.

Join Steve at Auke Rec for a barbeque, hot cocoa, and a dip in the water for those brave enough!

Report Time: Tuesday August 9, 11 am
Position: Between Shelter Island and Eagle Beach Rec Area

This morning's swim, which commenced at 5am, was a tough one for Steve. He encountered a steady current that seriously impeded his progress, resulting in him covering only 1.4 miles in 2 hours of swimming. The channel through which Steve is progressing is known for its persistent northward flow except at the height of the ebbing tide. As a result, Steve will enter the water again this afternoon at 1pm to try to take advantage of better currents that will enable him to make forward progress.

While still on track for the predicted finish on Wednesday afternoon at Auke Recreation Area, the final portion of the swim will be a serious challenge for the already tired swimmer. Any form of encouragement is welcomed (see below on the blog for contact numbers).

Report Time: 9:30 pm, Monday August 8th
Position: Off Eagle Beach, Juneau
See Map

Steve Vick swam this afternoon again from 4:45pm to 7:45 pm, covering a distance of 3.35 miles. Steve's progress was slowed by a steady 1 knot current right in his face. Then, to compound the difficulty of today's swim, the outflow of the Herbert Glacier resulted in random pockets of freezing water. Steve described it as 50 yards of cold, 50 yards of warmer water, 50 yards of cold, 50 yards of warmer water, etc. This took a lot out of his system and really slowed his progress. Mentally and physically it was very challenging this afternoon. He hopes never to have to repeat that grueling experience!

The outlook for tomorrow looks better with more warm weather in the forecast and no major glacial outflows to cross!

Nick Jans from Alaska Magazine visited Steve while he was swimming today and Juneau media also covered Steve's swimming today. Jan Rumble once again joined Steve in the water this afternoon.

The team is staying in Amalga Harbor tonight and will be continuing on Wednesday from Eagle beach 5:00 am and then they plan to swim again the afternoon on the outgoing tide.

Of Note: the Reuters article re-posted on this blog on August 1st (see below) had a gross error in the amount of money that the road is projected to cost. The article referred to the proposed road project as a $15 Million project, when in fact, the project is slated to run at least $281 Million (see Facts and Impacts for more info). The $15 Million figure is apparently for feasibility studies.

Report Time: 10:30 am Monday August 8
Location: Just north of Amalga Harbor, Juneau
See Map - Amalga Harbor is in the center of the map, in the area of the small island.

Steve Vick is in the home stretch! After yesterday afternoon's swim from Berners Bay to just north of Amalga Harbor, he is within 3 days of completion. Steve was joined yesterday by Juneau Master Swim Coach, Jan Rumble, for about 2 hours in the water. Steve covered about 7 miles yesterday afternoon.

The Fjordland, a Haines-based tour boat that runs visitors between Haines, Skagway and Juneau, came close in yesterday and the passengers on the boat were able to talk to Steve and lend encouragement to the team.

The team is receiving a great deal of media attention and anyone who wants to see Steve in action this afternoon, can put in at Amalga Harbor. Steve will be swimming through the Amalga Harbor area between 5 and 6 pm today. Supporters and media are encouraged to visit the team and to call the support boat at the numbers listed below.

Projected Finish Time!!!
Steve will be finishing his epic swim on Wednesday evening, August 10 at about 6pm at Auke Recreation Area, just north of the Ferry Terminal.
There will be a celebration barbecue between 6pm and 8pm for all supporters. Please spread the word and come to the beach to welcome Steve and his team!

Photo by Judy Hall.