Update from New Zealand

Weather conditions continue to be problematic.  However, it is expected for wind and rain to subside in a couple of days for 24 hours.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my boat pilot and organizer of my Cook Strait swim , Philip Rush, will approve a swim for Thursday (Maine time zone).  New Zealand is 18 hours ahead of Maine so my swim may occur on Friday morning (New Zealand time zone)My crew and I have kept busy. Today I trained in Wellington Harbor during a heavy downpour of rain and strong winds. My crew stood on the beach in their rain gear and closely monitored my training.  I am blessed to have such a dedicated crew.  Yesterday, we experienced a 6.2 mag earthquake.  No injuries were reported. Some damage throughout the Wellington area.  At the airport a one ton ceiling display of an eagle collapsed. Last week on arrival to Wellington airport, we stood beneath this beautiful display of artwork.  We have felt minor aftershocks.  As soon as I receive confirmation from Philip Rush, I will post. My daughter Sarah will receive text messages from my crew during my swim and she will post on my blog.
 My swim will be in memory of Matthew Rairdon of Westbrook who died a few months ago in my hometown from domestic violence.  He was a very caring and compassionate young man. On the day we arrived in New Zealand, headline news reported the death of two young children from domestic violence on the South Island of New Zealand. This news was very heartbreaking.  Domestic violence occurs in every country and there is no simple solution to solving this major problem.  I hope you will join me in bringing an awareness to this very tragic problem.  Thank you.