Polar Bear Swim

The location where Steve got married was in Lakeside Montana. His wedding site was overlooking Flathead Lake that is a glacial run off lake. The color of the water had a unique aqua tone to it. The locals state that Flathead Lake is unique in the color due to the minerals that wash down from Glacier National park.

The morning of May 30^th before Steve’s wedding, per the request of Steve decided it would be great to take a morning wakeup swim. We were informed that the water temperature was about 40 degrees. The people that attended were; Steve, Mike, John, Jim, Aaron, and Ryan. Aaron who was the most brave decided to be the furthest away from the ladder. Yours truly was only two people away. I think Steve was probably four people from the ladder. Before the jump everyone’s spirits were high and optimistic.

On the count of three everyone jumped in unison into the freezing water. Upon entering you can just see everyone’s eyes light up in pure fear and tear because the water was so cold. Steve who was about 4 people out swam the fastest to get to the ladder. At the same time, Aaron was attempting to climb up the step dock but feel short and had to wait after everyone got out of the lake.

After getting out of the water, I felt that every limb. Yes, the tripod was practically frozen off and felt imploded. The sudden shock of the cold temperature removed any remaining hang over.