OTSEGO LAKE POLAR PLUNGE 2011
Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 7:58 pmToday was the day for the Otsego Lake Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. This is the third year for this event. It's always held at Otsego Lake State Park where I work summers as it's easy access to the lake and parking for the people who come to watch as well as participate. I didn't go to the first one but did last year and it was fun. The weather was beautiful last year. Sunny, no wind, forgot what the temp was, but it wasn't bad. The people who were doing the plunging were out waking around in their costumes and chatting with other folks till it was time to do the "Parade of Plungers" and then start the activity. There was no rush and everybody had a good time.
This year however was far different. We had high winds all day yesterday and although they calmed down some, there was still a good stiff 20-25 mile an hour wind with some wind gusts. And blowing snow across the lake surface. Those of us who came to watch were bundled up. It was cold. The "plungers" arrived via private autos or by bus from town where they registered this morning and then were brought down to the park. The festivities were to have started at 10:45. But with the wind and wind chill factor, it was obvious that nobody dressed in costumes or whatever they were wearing, were going to be able to stand out there very long. Hypothermia was going to be a big factor before long. So as soon as everybody got ready, the did a quick parade and then got with it. Went pretty fast this time. Actually started about 20 minutes earlier than planned. But everybody had a good time and got cheered on by the crowd.
This was the scene as the busses and "plungers' arrived. As you can see, plenty of EMS folks were on hand too. You can see in some of the pictures, the snow blowing across the ice in the background.
The hardy folks who came to watch or support their loved ones or friends
The State Polic divers in the water, waiting for things to start and keeping the water from turning to slush again
A shot of some of the "plungers" getting ready.
And we are off
Even this little guy was part of the act
I had to do some quick shooting with the camera as my fingers were getting numb from the cold and a couple I took with my heavier gloves on. But at least you can see what was going on. These things seem to be growing in popularity all over. As for me, this old body can't take that kind of stuff anymore, so I will just watch and enjoy.
This year however was far different. We had high winds all day yesterday and although they calmed down some, there was still a good stiff 20-25 mile an hour wind with some wind gusts. And blowing snow across the lake surface. Those of us who came to watch were bundled up. It was cold. The "plungers" arrived via private autos or by bus from town where they registered this morning and then were brought down to the park. The festivities were to have started at 10:45. But with the wind and wind chill factor, it was obvious that nobody dressed in costumes or whatever they were wearing, were going to be able to stand out there very long. Hypothermia was going to be a big factor before long. So as soon as everybody got ready, the did a quick parade and then got with it. Went pretty fast this time. Actually started about 20 minutes earlier than planned. But everybody had a good time and got cheered on by the crowd.
This was the scene as the busses and "plungers' arrived. As you can see, plenty of EMS folks were on hand too. You can see in some of the pictures, the snow blowing across the ice in the background.
The hardy folks who came to watch or support their loved ones or friends
The State Polic divers in the water, waiting for things to start and keeping the water from turning to slush again
A shot of some of the "plungers" getting ready.
And we are off
Even this little guy was part of the act
I had to do some quick shooting with the camera as my fingers were getting numb from the cold and a couple I took with my heavier gloves on. But at least you can see what was going on. These things seem to be growing in popularity all over. As for me, this old body can't take that kind of stuff anymore, so I will just watch and enjoy.
I always got a chuckle from the tourists down in FL that would start running a distance from the shoreline and just barrel into the water. Their expressions, realizing it was as warm a bath water, were quite a source of entertainment to us "natives". Linda