Polar Bear Plunge

February 10, 2019

 

Polar Bear Plunge

You have probably seen the videos, crazy people from frigid Northern climes jumping into frozen lakes or rivers in the middle of winter. These Polar Bear plunges are popular and have always been a source of amusement for me. Of course, not to be left out, Key West has its own version of a Polar Bear plunge held in February each year at Higg’s Beach near Salute restaurant.

 

The irony is of course is that it is never frigidly cold, or even usually slightly chilly here, though sometimes the water temperature in February drops below 70, which generally keeps locals on shore. This year that was not even the case as it was a sunny and warm day for the plunge as a few hundred hearty souls gathered to brave the waters of the Atlantic to support a charitable cause. 

 

The entry fee to participate entitled each person to receive a t-shirt and a small Conch Republic flag. The money raised was all designated to go to the non-profit Samuels House which provides services to homeless women and children, so as is usually the case in Key West, the fun was had to the benefit of a deserving cause. 

 

Kathy

The water was pretty nice as at the crack of noon, word was officially given and the hundreds on hand headed out into the water to make the plunge. I was both a participant as well a documentarian as I took my waterproof point and shoot camera out with me. It was a great and very fun early afternoon and the water felt so great that I really could have stayed at the beach all day.

The other highlight of this week was a wonderful sunset sail where we joined our friend Bill Rowan and a great crowd of revelers to celebrate his milestone 75^th birthday. We have been friends with Bill and his family for many years, almost since arriving in Key West back in 1991. We count them among the truly interesting, creative, fun and wonderful characters we have come to know and love on this island community.

Aviva and Bill

Bill has always opened his heart and home to the wide range of friends and family and we have spent many a happy Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday at Rowan Manor, because to know the Rowans is like being a family member and when so many Key Westers find themselves away from their own family during the holidays, the Rowans have always offered a family setting to their friends.

Josh and Bill

Kathy and Gae

This sunset sail was along those lines as well, as Bill invited the regular cast of colorful Key West characters to share in his birthday celebration aboard the beautiful “Argo Navis” a 75 ft. luxury catamaran that was able to easily accommodate the crowd of well-wishers, friends and family that assembled to share and celebrate Bill.

 

The sunset sail was wonderful, mostly for the wonderful people and many friends who were on hand. Of course the vessel is one of the nicest in Key West and the ride was comfortable, the food and drinks flowed freely and the weather cooperated nicely as it was somewhat overcast, but otherwise lovely and smooth. 

Gae and Steve