Thanks everyone for tremendous support...I almost signed up for another HIM, the California Oceanside in chilly March, but when I had to put my credit card number in for the $305, well, I just couldn´t do it. Will see what I can drum up, read about swimtrek (like a bike trek, swimming from greek island to greek island and the boat carries your stuff), thought is sounded worth saving my money for.
Good luck to everyone on their day to day training and races!