January 16, 2011
Lake Michigan
I’m not sure exactly why the idea was proposed, but our family is inclined to jump on spontaneous ideas and run with them, so last year when a certain somebody said they’d like to do the Annual Polar Bear Plunge into Lake Michigan it wasn’t long before a number of us had signed on. I suppose the bigger question might be why did I choose to sign on. I never gave it any serious thought – it sounded like a ton of fun! I’ve been in some pretty cold water before so I had a hunch it was bearable. Unfortunately, for me, I had a small surgical procedure just days before the plunge and my surgeon gave a firm, “No!” to the idea of me getting my wound into the icy cold waters. I went in as deep as I could and enjoyed the event, but I wanted to experience the complete plunge! We immediately started looking at 2011!
It was decided we would do our own private plunge this year due to many factors, and we invited some special friends to join us in our madness. There were ten of us who went into the waters and I’m now completely convinced that the way to do this is with a group. The group needs to include at least two who are inclined to vocal expressions of the day (loud screaming) because this will motivate the others to go the distance! Arriving at our chosen location, we were disappointed to see much more ice then anticipated along the shore line. There was even an ice volcano! Fortunately, we found a spot with pretty easy access to shallow waters. Once we were all set up we did group photos before going into the water. This proved wise because once in the waters it’s hard to remember that you want to actually STOP and take a photo.
The call to plunge was given and everyone headed for the entrance. Due to the ice we couldn’t all go in in mass. My biggest fear is always slipping and falling because I know that I will injure myself in one or more ways if I do. I held back to let the others in first. Some of them were already coming out as I went in. Their screams (the cry of the warriors) were pure inspiration to me! Out in the water, I watched Daniel and Emma count to three and go all the way under together. I turned and looked at Gracie and in a flash she and I were both also under the water! Coming up is the most exhilarating feeling! Your body tingles in a way that can’t be described. It’s amazing! It’s fresh! It’s cleansing! I felt GREAT!
It seems like you’re out there a long time, but in reality the whole event is over rapidly. As friends, we have a new bond of shared experience that only we can truly understand! You should try it!
Looking forward to 2012!
Definitely icy on the shores!
Entering the waters.
Group madness!
That blue spot out there is the top of my scarf as I went under!
Running for the shore!
Standing in a tub of hot water!
That was fun!
I was wondering if you guys did that this year. At sometime on the 1st as I went out into the garage for something and noticed the dramatic temperature drop from the night before and thought, “I wonder if those crazy Kordiks will plunge in this weather, and if it will stay this cold all day?” I assume you did it on the first in the super cold temps. Too bad the balmy weather on the 31st didn’t hang around for you. Fun times for you! I am not inspired to join you, but I enjoyed your photos. How long does it take you to thaw?
Fun loving more then crazy would be my preferred description! We did not do it on the 1st this year. I’ll admit that when I saw the wind that day, I was not sorry. We plunged this past weekend, which was actually colder then the 1st, but no wind. I won’t ever pressure you to come into the waters, but you’d love being down there in person. It’s really an experience! How long does it take to thaw? That depends on several things. The people who go in all the way are chilled the longest. Some key things that make a difference: Foot care! You want to keep your feet warm until right before you go into the water. Then when you come out, have some containers of hot water to step into right away. When your feet are warm they send a signal to your brain and it tells your body you are warm! The second thing is to get the wet clothes off as soon as possible. Putting a pop up tent on the beach to change in is a smart idea! Finally, have some hot beverages ready to consume! We also had a crock pot with warm stew waiting for us at home.
WOW! You are CRAZY!@!
I’m thinking you will fit into the crazy PTP group of ladies just fine!!!! 😉
Ok, if I can get permission from my docs….I’ll do a polar bear IN THE GALVESTON STATE PARK!!!
Probably NOT the same feeling!!!! It looks like GREAT fun!
Welcome to the Crazy Ladies!
You gals crack me up! Yes, Elizabeth it’s probably true. Christi, I just don’t think that’s going to give you the same feeling of exhilaration! Down there isn’t it a Crocodile Plunge or something like that?
Had fun reading your account to my girls (one of which would join you in a heartbeat if we lived nearby). As my husband would say, “Glad it was you and not me.” and welcome to the ‘loopy ladies’.
Sharon, it’s too bad you don’t live nearby, we’d love to have your daughter join us! You could come too!!