join a Polar Bear Club

I guess I’m officially a cub. I’ve been told I have to go twice to become an official polar bear. The water was around 47F and the air temp was around 39F. I will definitely come back next year.

Well, of all the lousy timing, I got sick yesterday (31 Dec) and still feel pretty bad today (1 Jan). This is a bummer, because most of the polar bear swims in Chicago are on 1 January.

So for now, I give up, but that’s only because I don’t want to have this taunting me on my list all year. It will be back, and next year I won’t be sick.

I think I’ve found the time and place for this in the Chicago area. I can’t wait.

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/holidayhappenings/34942,0,1456520.event

Every February, there’s a polar bear plunge into Lake Erie for Special Olympics. It takes a special breed to want to do this. The pleasure of raising money for a quality organization was enough to make me do the plunge. I always envied the rush the jumper must feel while submerging into 34 degree water. Now I know, yes it is a rush…all I could do was smile and say “I know I’m alive!” Take the dare and enjoy the experience.

I want to stretch my boundaries, do daring things, and taking a dip in icy water on or about Jan. 1st would be a one time thing.
Know about this? There are lots of Polar Bear Clubs around the country. At the sound of a whistle, everybody – at the same time – runs into the lake, ocean, etc. wearing swimsuits or such, all you have to do is run in, get completely wet including putting your head under water, and IMMEDIATELY leaving – someone should be there holding a big towel for you to wrap up in. That’s it! Go home and warm up!!!!
I love doing odd things, this surely counts as odd and fun!