Successful Escape

It was over way too fast.

All the buildup, all the preparation, all the anticipation of the swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park in San Francisco was over in less than an hour.

And it was one of the GREATEST experiences of my life.

I was swimming with 10-yr old Antonio Ramirez, a young man who was hell bent on racing across the bay from the moment we hit the water.

We met up on the Hyde St. Pier around 7 am Thursday morning with nearly 100 other people who were taking the plunge in this 2nd annual fund raising event.

My brothers Tom and Bob, and nephew Colin were also along for the swim.

The three brothers stood around reminiscing of stupid things we had done in our youth and very few things measured up to what we were about to attempt in our 40's.

Three boats would ferry all the swimmers out to Alcatraz Island, with ABC23 photographers Evan and Lee along for the ride and my father-in-law Gordon with his high-speed telephoto camera at the ready.

Our boat, the "Kitty Kat", was the first to arrive off the southeast point of the island.

We were told that we might actually try to land all the swimmers on a patch of sand called "Barker's Beach" on the west side of the island.

It was there, many years ago, that one of Ma Barker's boys had tried to escape, but was shot dead.

Apparently, some of the security types on Alcatraz were alerted to our presence so we steered for a position just off shore.

The worst part of the swim was waiting on the boat for the other two to show up.

They got a late start so we sat, ready to go, for about 15-20 minutes.

Some of the kids began to think a little too much about what we were about to do, so we started goofing around while we waited.

This is not something that needs deep thought.

Swimming Alcatraz is very simple.

Put your head down and GO!!!

A flotilla of two dozen boats had surrounded the group, forming a swimming lane that would lead us through the current to shore.

But we didn't really need it on this day.

A beautiful day, no clouds, 55 degrees at jump time and the bay was like glass.

We hit the water at 8:40am, and I never realized how cold the water was for about 15 minutes.

The wet suit I acquired for the swim was the thickest I could get and proved to be a little too snug.

We started out with my brother Tom on one side and Bob on the other with Colin and two other boys in tow.

The water is murky and it's almost impossible to see your hand in front of your face.

The salt water had a distinctly petroleum taste to it and I'm sure other chemicals that I'd rather not know about.

But it was all inconsequential when we stopped to look around after about a half mile in the ocean.

Alcatraz was getting smaller with each stroke.

Antonio was so focused on getting across he wasn't stopping to enjoy the view.

This wasn't a race, it was a lesson in survival.

We stopped about half way across and floated on our backs for a while.

The ABC helicopter was flying over head taking pictures and we started to wave.

Forgetting of course that when you wave, it alerts the nearby kayaks and zodiac boats that you're in trouble.

Within 1 minute, a voice from behind us yelled out, "Are you alright?"

We looked at each other and laughed, before continuing on.

It was at this point I realized that the tight fitting wet suit was preventing me from taking deep breaths.

Without concern for the 52 degree water, I pulled the suit away from my neck and let it fill with water, while I took a deep breath of air.

It felt great!!

We continued on as the break wall now got larger and larger.

We were on the inland side of the opening with the tide now starting to go out to sea, in perfect position for the push to the beach.

Once through the wall, our pace picked up a bit, stopping every once in a while to let a little more water into my suit.

It actually felt great at this point.

Just under 50 minutes into the swim, it was over.

We came on shore to the cheers of a large contingent of my family members who came to see 4 Hart boys walk out of the bay.

I was completely amped at this point and felt absolutely no chill.

I grabbed the microphone and started interviewing people on shore, wanting to share my stories with their own.

One of the last people out of the water was Joe Underwood.

An 11-yr old swimmer with spina bifida that also made the swim.

The other media crushed around Joe for the trademark inspirational sound bite, but he offered only responses of "yes", "great" and "no".

Not the stuff lasting statements are made of, but he had already provided the cap to the entire event.

The slogan, catch phrase or whatever you want to call it for this year's swim was "Escape your Limitations".

I had done that.

Joe went way above that.

It's the kind of moment where you already start thinking about next year's swim, and maybe beginning your preparation by starting right now.

It was a moment that sank in with my son Michael, who came within 20 minutes of qualifying for this year's swim.

He says he definitely wants to swim next year.

I think I have Joe to thank for his new found motivation.