It has been cold – very cold. But we bundled up to take a New Years Day walk. The temperature started at 19 degrees but by noon it was almost up to 32 degrees. Still cold enough for me to put on two layers of thermal underware and a thick sweater.

We headed down to the waterfront to do our usual walk along Sunset Avenue and then along the waterfront by the marina. We had noticed something was going on when we passed by Daphnes. There was quite a crowd several dressed in white robes.

We realized that there was a polar bear swim in Edmonds. We did not know if it had already happened or not. We parked and went on our walk.

The day was crisp and clear. The snow covered Olympics glistened in the distance. The grasses were dusted with white frost. We were returning and almost to the ferry dock when we heard a large cheer. It was 1pm. It must be the plunge.

We rushed to the beach near the ferry dock and it was mostly over. Everyone was milling along the shore and several people were toweling off. A few late comers plunged in screaming the whole way. We noticed several people in white robes with Edmonds Uplift Society embroidered on the back. The Society has been doing the plunge for the past four years and is headquartered at Daphnes – Edmonds Uplife Society. What a fun and crazy idea.

Mt Baker in the distance

Taking the Plunge

Crowd at Brackett’s Landing in Edmonds for the Polar Bear Plunge