This was another one of those crazy ideas that sounds like a lot of fun when you're sitting in your warm house: the POLAR BEAR PLUNGE! Months ago Josh and Jason decided to jump into freezing (well, almost) cold water to celebrate the new year. They seemed excited about it at the time, but they weren't quite as enthused this morning on our way to Long Lake Park. In fact, Jason kept asking Josh to give him a good reason why they were doing this. Apparently, it came down to bragging rights and because he could.
Although it wasn't exactly warm this morning, they had it pretty good compared to recent years and it was 40 degrees outside with 41 degree water, 10 degrees warmer than last year.
We got there early so we could park near the lake and spare Jason and Josh a long walk to the car afterwards. Which apparently gave us too much time to get into trouble. Jason and Isaac were walking around trying to keep warm when Isaac had another run in with the pavement that he did not win. And gosh darn it, those head wounds bleed something nasty. Luckily, a medic saw Jason running towards me with blood streaming down Isaac's face and she brought a first aid kit to help us get him patched up. He has a pretty good gouge in his head, but luckily that was the only injury of the day. (well, so far)
Finally the time came and the plungers got out of their warm clothing and ready to shiver until jump time. Aunt Rachel had arrived by this point and took over the camera duties. She took this picture which may be one of my all time favorites.
All ready to go!
The spectators stayed on the beach.
3...2...1...JUMP!
So very, very cold.
Very, very, very cold.
Kind of takes your breath away.
They did it and seemed to be happy with the experience afterwards. There was hot chocolate and warm apple cider waiting in the car and warm showers and an electric blanket waiting for them at home. It was a great way to start off the new year.
