It was a gorgeous day for the Minnesotan praries. No freezing tundra this year as temperatures hit 43F (6C) and sunny blue skies made the city and frozen lake sparkle with joy🌅. So the weather could not be blamed for mirages when I spotted a massive polar bear lumbering towards me.

Arctic Mirage

The joke was on me as it was the annual Polar plunge and Minnesotans of all ages and ilk responded with gleeful abandon at the gift of weather and the chance to not only contribute to the special Olympics but also enjoy the beautiful outdoors without freezing (literally) their tushes off!!!!

Jumping for Joy

Of course I jumped in with both feet, (No panic, I had not totally taken leave of my senses!) to observe and cheer while braver souls than me made the sacrifice for us cowardly mortals.

A Big Bear Welcome

Groups of ‘Gung Ho’ natives spurred by unseasonably warm temperatures lined up to register, and collect hat and shirt incentives that they would later wear to proudly strut  their ‘plunge’ participation, hardiness and  courage exhibited!!!

Hurry! Register and Jump

There were ten year olds and fierce warriors and Elvis (in his trillionth reincarnation) and girls in tutus…. I lost count of all the costumes and disguises. It was like Halloween in early March. One thing was certain. Everybody was having the time of their life and the excitement was palpable.

And the U of M did the city and state proud. Edit

Did the peanut gallery shiver with anticipation at each jump. Oh yea!! And hopefully you too from the comfort and warmth of your abode!

Fire Engine Red Sirens

Emerald Jump Kickers

Jostling Crowd Sourcing

Elvis, Warrior and the Gals

Viking Tutu Gals

Fearsome Twosome

And then of course the fires in the belly had to be nourished and stoked in a minuscule emulation of the food orgies at the Minnesota state fair. I don’t think nutrition was on anybody’s mind😉

Cheese O’Rama

Burgers and Chili Extravaganza

Donut Heaven

And games were played through the largesse of Dunn Brothers (Who knew coffee mugs could so get the competitive spirit firing?) and lots of free coffee to sip at open fires that warmed the cockles of your heart!

Yea! Free Coffee

Spin The Wheel and Win A Mug

Warmth Warmth Warmth

Bands played and the polar bear continued to dominate through ice carving contests.

Swing To The Music

Fun With Ice

The little ones were not forgotten. Though the Pee Wee plunge was there for the taking, it was sadly deserted as there was too much fun to be had with other activities.

Lonely Pee Wee Plunge

Energy Diffuser

Face Painting for the Pee Wee’s

Before Winter sucker punched again, my walk that day was truly a glorious spring experience that left me with images to comfort and warm the next time it is winter again.

Adios till next time!

Exuberance