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/SLISteve Haskell, or is that Father Time? Maggie Beamguard/SLIFrom 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/SLIMarcia 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/SLIThe good guys from West End Fire and Rescue wait for the Polar Bear Plunge to get underway. Maggie Beamguard/SLISeven Lakes West residents take refuge around the bonfire. Maggie Beamguard/SLIA crowd gathers at Johnson Point hoping to spy the Polar Bears. Maggie Beamguard/SLIMckenzie Johnson and pup Saul have the right idea. Maggie Beamguard/SLIBefore the plunge. Maggie Beamguard/SLIAnd the bears are ready. Maggie Beamguard/SLIHere they go! Maggie Beamguard/SLIPolar Bear Plunge 2023
Maggie Beamguard/SLIPolar Bear Plunge 2023, Lake Auman. Maggie Beamguard/SLIWhich way to the shore? Maggie Beamguard/SLI
Whoop! Its cold. Maggie Beamguard/SLI
A few bears make a beeline for the shore. Maggie Beamguard/SLIBrrrrrrr……
Maggie Beamguard/SLIPolar 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/SLIRun for it!
Maggie Beamguard/SLIThese 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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