Antarctica, Taking The True Polar Plunge

 

While there are many beers from around the world, we all know that there is only one King Of Beers, Budweiser. Quit laughing, I am serious. The same comparison can also be made in reference to Polar Plunges.

Although done annually in places like Minnesota, USA and Vancouver, B.C, there are only two regions in the world where one can experience the King Of Polar Plunges.

 

 

I happen to be in one of them, Antarctica.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even with the sun shining, the weather seems even colder as the wind continues it's harassing ways. This scenario reminds me of a winter day in Minnesota where there is often clear blue skies but bitter cold temperatures. Something that becomes confusing to the mind if you are not use to it.

 

 

Walking along Whalers Bay, Peter and I discuss our individual strategy for the Polar Plunge.

So far, I am favoring his plan. “Get In, Get Out, Go Home!”

 

 

 

Arriving at the launch spot, others have already gathered for the plunge. The first plunger of our group is getting prepared as I review plunging instructions with Val, one of the expedition staff members.

 

 

A True Polar Plunger

 

 

 

Complimenting Val's instructions, with the Ioffe in the background, the first plunger is in the water, “Just like that!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter’s Polar Plunge

 

 

 

Peter makes his entry then returns victorious.

He vividly comments on the temperature of the water. “So, Cold!”

 

 

 

 

Since Peter is busy getting his body temperature back to normal, the plan for him to capture my plunge is not going to work. Fortunately, my Cabin 314 roommate, John is witnessing this almost insane spectacle and agrees to do the honors.

Sometimes it is interesting how the mind works. Even as the wind is howling around us with the temperature in the 30's, I am not cold as I strip down to my tropical swim trunks.

 

 

Ready to take the plunge, I pause a minute to remove my watch.

I know it is waterproof but I am not sure if it is polar-proof.

 

 

 

Then I am racing into the wind driven waves with no thoughts of how cold the water is at that moment. I dive in to the applaud of the Russian judges who  give me a 1.3 score.

 

 

 

Taking The True Polar Plunge

 

 

 

 

It is only on my rapid return to the shore that I realize, “The water is …F.. F…. Freezing.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using a towel to dry off does me no good, the wind now becomes my friend and does a better job.

 

 

 

 

Again, I do not have a sense of being cold but my feet are numb. I look down and although they have lost some color, I am thankful to still have toes.

 

 

Even with a 1.3 score, I feel like the King of The Polar Plunge, not bad for an island boy.

Yeah, Mon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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