TRADITION....
There is a wee tradition here that we have grown to love. Each Christmas Day the whole town where we live gathers down at the beach to raise money for a charity. Everyone leaves their presents, turkey dinners, and fire places to come to the little stretch of sand and rock for an excrutiating - self inflicted - time of torture. Yes... A swim in the 37 degree North Atlantic Ocean! (Now doesn't that just scream Christmas!?!) In the past Dee and I have been very happy to go down and watch/laugh as people zoom down the rocky shore... Across the dark sand.... And then fling themselves into the crashing waves. This year, however, a good friend talked me into taking the plunge with him.
It was a brisk 45 degree morning with overcast skies and a good Irish breeze coming off of the water (If you have ever been here you know what I mean). Dee went down in her winter coat and hat... And our friends (R&B) helped with towels and cameras as I quickly changed on the beach and then shot out into the water with my friend. To be honest with you... I didn't really know what to expect. I knew that it was really cold outside on the beach, and I knew that the water was going to be cold... But I HAD NO IDEA IT WOULD BE THAT COLD! The moment that I hit the water my body went into panic mode. I instantly could not catch my breath. In fact - I almost could not breath at all. We took a few quick moments in and under the water and then I quickly ran for Dee and the towel that my friend was holding. Here is the strange thing: After I came out of the water, my body temperature had dropped so much that the temperature on the beach felt like a summer's day. I had thought that I would just keep on running to the warm car... But in reality I was very content to stand on the beach talking with my friends in just my swimsuit.
I can now say that I am a member of the polar bear club! It was a blast! I really enjoyed participating in a local tradition... I think that I might do it again next year............ But we will see.
On a totally unrelated note... I currently have a cold.
It was a brisk 45 degree morning with overcast skies and a good Irish breeze coming off of the water (If you have ever been here you know what I mean). Dee went down in her winter coat and hat... And our friends (R&B) helped with towels and cameras as I quickly changed on the beach and then shot out into the water with my friend. To be honest with you... I didn't really know what to expect. I knew that it was really cold outside on the beach, and I knew that the water was going to be cold... But I HAD NO IDEA IT WOULD BE THAT COLD! The moment that I hit the water my body went into panic mode. I instantly could not catch my breath. In fact - I almost could not breath at all. We took a few quick moments in and under the water and then I quickly ran for Dee and the towel that my friend was holding. Here is the strange thing: After I came out of the water, my body temperature had dropped so much that the temperature on the beach felt like a summer's day. I had thought that I would just keep on running to the warm car... But in reality I was very content to stand on the beach talking with my friends in just my swimsuit.I can now say that I am a member of the polar bear club! It was a blast! I really enjoyed participating in a local tradition... I think that I might do it again next year............ But we will see.
On a totally unrelated note... I currently have a cold.
8 Comments:
duh.... we all know how you caught the cold!
jo
looking good, wallace...
so now you are a polar bear. good on ya!
...i'd have done it with you, if that is any consolation... (yeah, i'm just that crazy).
now about the other 'random' pic. just WHAT instrument was that person playing? shoes? (perfectly fine - but odd)
hahahaha!!! Seth was just saying over XMas week "I wonder if Wallace will ever join in the swim??" hehehe Glad you enjoyed it! We miss you guys!
Foxpaw - In the making music pic – the guy was playing the guitar… but in reality the pounding of feet is really an instrument also (when the session is really going well)!
Jen - I was thinking of you & Seth while I was out there.... do you recognize the towel?
LOL Holy cow, I DO recognize it! I was just thinking about those towels the other day, too. Laying them, my bathrobe, and every article of clothing for the day on the radiator while I braved stepping into the icebox known as our shower/bathtub. Seriously, porcelin bathtubs should be outlawed in Donegal. LOL
Adam - Thanks... can you tell that I have been working on my Irish Tan?
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