The Polar Bear Swim, Baby!

Oh, baby, it was cold.

The polar bear swim was this morning. I haven't seen the actual numbers or temperatures yet, but I would estimate about 150 people on the Hidden Valley Lake beach.  The water was as cold as always (or so I'm told), and even had chunks of ice floating along the shoreline.  The outside temperature was cold, but the sun was out and that helps tremendously. 

As promised, even the baby bear joined in the craziness.  

He quickly regretted it.  Between sobs, I kept hearing something about not being able to feel his own feet...

But ten minutes later, however, he declared that he was 'SO in' for next year.  Grrrrrr....Guess the power of the swim was catching.  
Steve decided to start the year off doing something crazy.  The Polar Bear Swim qualified as crazy.   Crazy like freezing crazy.  I couldn't believe Steve and Theresa's excitement.  Silly, cold, cold people.

Jon said that as he ran back to our spot after the plunge, he felt his shirt starting to crack and freeze.  This is what happens when you do a dive all the way under the water, my dear darling.  He said that even after doing this for five years, it is still difficult to take the plunge and dive in.  But he did it, he pushed back fear.  Again.  I love him.
Theresa had the best energy.  Just look at her face!  She did it!  Without her permission, I can't tell you what happened to her.  You, however, can feel free to ask her yourself...
Gable, Gable, strong and able...Yup, he did it.  Again.  With gusto, the crazy polar bear.  
The whole crew of swimmers. From left, Steve, Theresa, Tom, Jack, Jon, Jonah, and Gable.  

Way to start off the year on a high note, guys.  

I, however, feel no loss for starting off the year warm and dry...