I spent New Years Day on Coney Island. An annual event had sparked my curiosity and I wanted to experience it first hand.
Since 1903 the Polar Bear Club has been holding it’s annual New Year’s Day Swim. I traveled the distance with camera in hand. Clothed in my ski gear and feet protected by my yellow wellies, I figured I would be “water proofed” to get as close as possible without actually going in.
As I waited for the event to begin, my toes started to freeze up. Standing in the ocean, they actually began to warm. The outside temperature was about 38˚ F, the water temperature was about 45˚F.
The first group raced to the water at 1:oopm. It was such a rush to watch-truly driven by adrenaline. Such enthusiasm and zest for life! Incredibly contagious!!
As I watched the bathers come back to shore, some had shear delight in their expressions, some had shear pain. I myself was in about calf high and experienced just a bit of the salt water rush I was witnessing.
I wish everyone joy in the New Year. To a fabulous 2013-take the plunge!
Until next time.
Teresa, 51art
adventure is life, live it! ®
A Touch of Yellow in NYC 