Thursday, January 1, 2009

New Years Day Dip....

Known as the Splash and Dash. Since 1990 the Splash and Dash has grown to see hundreds of Racine residents jump in Lake Michigan on January 1st. and hundreds more come down to North Beach every year to witness this bone-chilling event.

This year I went “as a witness”. Unfortunately, the waves and the ice made it too dangerous to enter the water, so they held a “dry plunge”. I watch several groups get into the spirit of the event and they where running around with just their swimsuits on! I think a few “liquid spirits” help some of these individuals get into the “spirit” of the event.

I did take a few pictures for everyone’s view pleasure. The event had a very nice turnout.









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12 comments:

  1. hale-boppJanuary 1, 2009 at 4:35 PM

    Thanks, Ser. I always enjoy pictures of Racine. I ran by that beach so many times. Them's crazy people. I never once went in Lake Michigan when I lived there. Even in the summer, it was too cool for me!

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  2. kkditherJanuary 1, 2009 at 4:45 PM

    I used to swim in the lake every day when I was in college. I'd go down in the morning before classes. It was cold even on the warmest days.

    I went to the polar bear plunge once. It was below zero that time. It was so cold standing on the beach, in my winter coat, hat, mittens...I could hardly take it.

    Those brave souls (idiots) did go in though. I swear, there had to be some alcohol in their blood to keep it from freezing solid.

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  3. BeejayJanuary 1, 2009 at 6:50 PM

    SER, where are the guys with their 6-paks...what is this...misleading information...I thought I was going to see a bunch of Chippendale types...oh well. out to my beach......

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  4. drewzepmeisterJanuary 1, 2009 at 7:58 PM

    Couldn't get me to swim that cold water! I can't even handle a cold shower.BRRR!

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  5. drewzepmeisterJanuary 1, 2009 at 10:39 PM

    Here's a video of it.

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  6. BailersJanuary 1, 2009 at 11:01 PM

    One more reason for me to check the job listings for Florida. It was in the 80's over the weekend. 80's!

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  7. MinnesotaChickJanuary 1, 2009 at 11:55 PM

    Brrrrrrrrrrr I always thought that was a crazy way to celebrate the New Year!

    Too bad it got canceled.
    All those people running around freezing their butts off only to be disappointed that they didn't get even colder..... oh well.

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  8. BeejayJanuary 2, 2009 at 7:25 AM

    Yes, it was in the 80's and today's high will be about 75. Nights in the
    50s. Over Christmas, we had beautiful weather..warmer than normal.

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  9. LizardmomJanuary 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM

    hmmm, a Polar Plunge in Florida, sounds like a party needs to be organized to Beejays, I think we need a New Years road trip next time!

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  10. BeejayJanuary 2, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Given that I can up the pool temp to 90 and the hot tub even higher, the New Years' plunge could be enjoyable, if followed with one of my famous steak dinners! Anytime you want, I am here.

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  11. OrbsCorbsJanuary 3, 2009 at 12:10 AM

    I grew up near that beach, and forgot all about the Polar Bear Plunge as I drove down Michigan Blvd. on New Years Day. When I saw all the cars, I remembered. I assumed that copious quantities of alcohol were a requirement for this lunacy.

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  12. BailersJanuary 3, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    Beejay,
    I was in Orlando between Christmas and New Years. I stepped on the plane and it was 70-something. Stepped off the plane and it was 17. I'm moving down there - how is the Tampa area for schools and general living? Probably want to live inland, I want to be in a zone 4 or 5 at least.
    The only polar bear plunge I want to see in 3 years from now is at Busch Gardens.

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