Ship's Log: The Expedition Team had told us that our landing at Whalers Bay would be an opportunity for the brave (or was it the foolhardy??) to go for a plunge. About thirty guests and several members of the ship’s crew changed into their swimming gear (or not) and went into the sea. Whilst the sand was hot for the first few inches, the temperature of the water was only around 32⁰F, so few people stayed in for more than a matter of seconds.
There was no way I was going to pass on the opportunity to take a quick dip in the frigid Antarctica waters. I had worn swim trunks under my nice and cozy thermal ski pants and heavy parka in preparation for the big event.
We proceeded to take off those warm clothes and progress towards the water.
A mighty brave gesture before hitting the water.
At first I waded in slowly but as the water inched up my body I realized that it would be best to go QUICKLY and take the plunge.
YES, it was COLD!!!
It didn't take too long for me to head back to shore to bask in the nice 40 degree air temperature.
There was a ready towel to help with drying off as quickly as possible.
I earned my membership into the Antarctic Polar Plunge Club!
The certificate reads:
This certifies that on January 24th in the year
Two Thousand and Seventeen
RUSTY NEWTON
did most sturdily enter the invigorating waters of the
Southern Ocean at Whalers Bay
Latitude 62º 59' South and Longitude 60º 33' West
when the observed temperature of the ocean registered 3º Celsius
(when the waters of the beach were NOT warmed by thermal upwellings).
We do solemnly acknowledge that this was an act of indubitable courage (as
well as extraordinary, incomparable foolishness). Based on the Expedition
Leader's observance of this act of absurd heroism, and the Ship's Doctor's
confirmation of the said person's temporary loss of any common sense, we
consider the bearer of this certificate a key member of the
Antarctic Polar Plunge Club.
NOTE: I am VERY thankful for Andrea, Mike and other fellow travelers who bravely stood on the beach and took pictures to help me document this fantastic event.
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