Takin' the Blog for a Walk

I'm a moron?

Posted by Brien Lee on Jan. 1, 2008 | 2 comments

Tim

As crazy as it sounds, I've often been tempted to jump into Lake Michigan on New Year's Day. A quick in and out and you're done. You want crazy? How about those fools at Packer games who go shirtless when the wind chill is below zero. Besides, I've seen the pictures of the Polar Bears in the media and they all look like they're having a good time. 

If I were to go in, I'd have to have family or friends there to support me (hold the blanket and Thermos) and verify that I did indeed go in. And once again, I couldn't even pay anyone to go with me. As a matter of fact, one member of my family said anyone who jumps in the lake in winter is a moron . . . plus they'd never talk to me again.

It wasn't that bad, Mom. It was still 23 degrees away from zero. I know you think I just did it as a stunt for my blog, and you're right! I joined thousands of other morons at noon on frozen Bradford Beach for the annual party. Maybe we could write to each other instead?

I learned this morning that an 18 year old I knew was going to take his first dip also. Could I possibly meet up with his family for mutual support and encouragement?  Tim is the young man I've mentioned once or twice before, and I was looking forward to seeing him and his parents again. If a young athlete with leukemia felt he could jump in, surely I, a middle-aged, out of shape blogger could join in the fun? Actually, I think a little extra body fat is preferable in this sport.

There must have been a thousand cold bodies there, half to watch and take pictures, and the other half going in. There were some tents and campfires but most people didn't use them. I parked almost a mile away at McKinley Marina and worked up such a sweat walking there that I was about ready to cool off in the lake anyway. Never found Tim and parents among the throng, though talking to him later by phone he did verify that he went in. 

I wore nothing but my swim trunks and went all the way under. Because I did a lot of barefoot walking on snow and ice, the only thing that got really cold were my toes.

The Polar Plunge is a huge party atmosphere, lots of "morons" there to watch. I'd go again, but would leave earlier to find better parking.