Tuesday, January 8, 2013

River Jump 2013: A New Year's Dip in the Mon


For the third year in a row, I was up early on New Year's Day. The thought of waking up before 8 a.m. after a late-night holiday for many is completely foolish. The thought of waking up before 8 a.m. after a late-night holiday to jump in an icy cold river for nearly all is completely idiotic. It's idiotic fun to be had, and it's one of my favorite things that's become a tradition with some very good friends.


The two previous years it had been gloriously mild. Temps both years were in the 50s. This year, it was below 30 and snowing. Finally. A true Polar Bear Jump. This year's jumpers were much the same as last year's, with our last year's photographer taking her first plunge.

We shouted "Monongahela!" before this was snapped. WTAE was there; not sure if we made it to the television screen.


This costume made me laugh all morning.



Honestly, the worst part was the cold ground on my bare feet. That was really terrible.

The secret is stripping down in stages.

Another secret is to huddle together for warmth.

And to argue about how to do a countdown in an effort to stall the inevitable.

Oh, yeah, and then you're like "GET ME OUT OF THIS RIVER WHY DID I DO THIS?"



We all gathered together for a big brunch after we all took showers to wash the river away. It was cold and a bit crazy, but I'm glad this is a tradition that continues.


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