Polar Plunge
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Take a Polar Plunge in Minnesota

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Polar plunge
It’s getting hot in here…might as well take the plunge!

America has had a pretty mild winter so far. However, it’s still cold enough to freeze lakes in Minnesota. On my recent trip there, I was able to experience one of the things that makes Minnesotans great – their love of the cold weather. I admire people who live in the Northern US; they have winter for five months of the year, yet they don’t hibernate; they embrace it.  That embrace comes in a multitude of forms, from hockey rinks in backyards to broomball leagues to ice fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling.  They love the winter so much that they even go swimming in the winter via the Polar Plunge.

The Polar Plunge is a fundraising event for the Special Olympics held all over the Northern US, where people raise money for charity and take the ultimate plunge in a frozen lake. I happened to be at White Bear Lake in Minnesota for this year’s event.

I bundled up in my down coat, hat, scarf, fur-lined boots, and mittens and went off to photograph the chilling event. You simply walk out on the ice and watch thousands of people line up to take the ultimate, refreshing dip.

Check out my winter packing list for extreme temperatures

A square is cut in the ice, and it is carefully manned by emergency personnel bundled up in the latest high-tech gear in the water to assist in an emergency. Then, people step from the warming tent, line up on the ice, and plunge one by one.  Some approach it with apprehension, some with gusto. Most all use the opportunity to dress up as if it were Halloween. Some of the costumes were outrageous, skimpy, and not very buoyant! Young and old participated, and no one chickened out.

I snapped pictures for an hour and then I couldn’t take it any longer, I had to get inside and warm up with some hot chocolate! So, if you are upset that it’s a mild winter in the US, then check out these pictures, they should give you a chill…after all, it is still winter outside!

super man and woman
This dynamic duo didn’t seem nervous at all pre-plunge
leap
Catch me! This father from Madagascar had his hands full!
cold
A cold wake-up call!  Brrr…
jumping turtles
I’ve never seen jumping turtles before. I wonder if the shell kept them warm?
happy
I think she’s still in shock!
splash
Making a splash!
hula
I think this guy lost his grass skirt!
enthusiastic
This is one enthusiastic plunger!
splash
Emergency personnel are floating in freezing water all day – I hope they get overtime pay!
jumping in water
It’s easier to do it with a friend who is dressed exactly like you.
celebrate
Mission Accomplished! Now…go warm up!

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    10 Comments

    1. A group of my friends and I went skinny dipping on New Years Even back in 1997 in Northwest Michigan (Lake Michigan) and all I remember thinking was that they would find my find my body a few days later in Wisconsin and think it was the great lakes new species of whale 🙂 Yes, alcohol was involved- these people seem to be stone sober. Not sure which is crazier…

      1. Whew! good thing you survived! I’m not completely sure some of the people I saw taking the plunge weren’t drinking in the warming tent earlier! 🙂

    2. Haha, I’ve always wanted to attend one of these! Not sure if I’d be brave enough to try it myself, but it sure looks like a fun (if cold) event!

    3. That looks interesting. I definitely want one of those yellow suits, the ones the rescue people have on, if I was going to do it.

      Some great pics.

    4. YES! I discovered this article a bit late, but love it anyhow. Thanks to this bizarre winter, we will soon be plunging into REAL water much earlier than usual. Not to worry, the lakes will still be cold. Next time, I hope you take the leap!

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