A day at the beach - MSP Polar Bear Plunge 2010 at Sandy Point Park - near Annapolis, Maryland. January 30, 2010; this was the 1pm plunge. The 3pm plunge was canceled due to EMS concerns, leaving many disappointed. I think the snow came to 7 inches later. This is a benefit for the Maryland Special Olympics, their largest. This was the 14th year. It raised about $3.5 million dollars. People came from 35 states including Florida, California, and Hawaii. Now - these people are nuts. But it's a great excuse to do something crazy in mid-winter with a bunch of wild wonderful people, and raise money for a good cause. $50.00 minimum contribution needs to be raised. Many raise thousands. Governors, congressmen and sports figures take part. About 15000 people were signed up for this dip. Some didn't get to experience the full effect of 36 degree water (legs like numb tree stumps, underwater scream, bugged out eyes, icy hair, temporary shrinkage, and a feeling of warmth when coming out of the water into 20 degree air) - 3pm canceled. First time they've ever canceled one, I think. Not to be deterred, some took things into their own hands. See Ali B at www.youtube.com for a good one. See www.plungemd.org for this year, Saturday, Jan 29, 2011. See you there. Don't forget your bathing suit; or at least underwear. (The EMS call at the end was for hypothermia, think. Alcohol in the blood doesn't prevent it.)
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