Polar Bears Spotted in Seven Lakes

Here they go! Maggie Beamguard/SLI

Posted By: Maggie Beamguard January 1, 2023

Post Views: 1,466

BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD || SLI Editor

While many were home taking down Christmas decorations or soaking their black-eyed peas, over 150 hearty souls gathered at Johnson Point in Seven Lakes West to test the waters of the first day of the new year.

Those brave enough to jump in Lake Auman for the First Annual Polar Bear Plunge were engulfed by 53 degree water. Most made a hasty exit, seeking out towels, robes, hot chocolate and the toasty bonfire. The outdoor temperature at the time of the plunge hovered at a mild 57 degrees. A mighty few relished the refreshment of the cold.

Members of West End Fire and Rescue were on hand to ensure a safe event. Neighbors appeared in good cheer and excited to ring in the new year at this event organized by the SLW Events Committee. A member of the Events Committee, that 2024 would likely bring the Second Annual Polar Bear Plunge.

Members of the Events Committee helped organize the first ever Polar Bear Plunge. From Left: Laura Haskell, Lyndsey Matthis, Stephanie Carrozza and Rita Wanser. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
A “celebration” of Polar Bears. (Yes, that is what you call a group of bears). Top row from left: Blake Weitzel and Megan Weitzel, Cody and Rachael Nash, Molly Schrader and Shelley Reil. Bottom row from left: Scarlett Weitzel, Jackson Weitzel, and Teagan Reil.
Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Steve Haskell, or is that Father Time? Maggie Beamguard/SLI
From Left, Jaxon, Hollie, Finley, Avery, Indy and Erick Duplessis are robed and ready. Maggie Beamguard/Seven Lakes Insider
Hollie and Erick Duplessis go together like eggs and bacon. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Tristan and Hugh Matthis don’t look the slightest bit worried about the water temperature. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Marcia Bohannon and Bitze look forward to the entertainment. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
From left, Harker Strayhorn, Fifi Dempsey and Reese Strayhorn are properly outfitted for the Polar Bear Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
From Left: Neil and Crystal Stodghill, Courtney Bunker, Jackie & Brad Thorsky, and Carrie and Mike Jarman
ready themselves for the Plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
The good guys from West End Fire and Rescue wait for the Polar Bear Plunge to get underway. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Seven Lakes West residents take refuge around the bonfire. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
A crowd gathers at Johnson Point hoping to spy the Polar Bears. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Mckenzie Johnson and pup Saul have the right idea. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Before the plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
And the bears are ready. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Here they go! Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Polar Bear Plunge 2023 Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Polar Bear Plunge 2023, Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Which way to the shore? Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Whoop! Its cold. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
A few bears make a beeline for the shore. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Brrrrrrr…… Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Polar Bear Plunge 2023, Lake Auman Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Polar Bear Plunge 2023, Lake Auman Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Polar Bear Plunge 2023, Lake Auman Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Lets do this! Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Run for it! Maggie Beamguard/SLI
These Polar Bears are all in! Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Polar Bear Plunge 2023, Lake Auman Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Warming up after the plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Maggie Beamguard/SLI
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