MARROWSTONE ISLAND — About 120 thrill-seekers braved 42-degree water to join the annual Marrowstone Island Polar Bear Dip on Sunday at noon.
The prevailing question coming out of many mouths prior to the dip was, “Are you going to jump in?”
The common answer: “Of course.”
Some faces exuded unadulterated excitement while preparing for the frigid water, while others looked anxious.
The group met at Nordland’s General Store, 7180 Flagler Road, before noon to chat with one another and to build up the proper level of courage.
About 80 people had signed up at the general store earlier in the week, and those who had not yet signed up did so on their arrival.
One couple, Jim and Norma Wiesman of Marrowstone Island, signed up Sunday for their first Polar Bear Dip on this coast of the country.
Moving to Jefferson County 5 years ago, the Wiesmans said, they had previously been dipping polar bears on the East Coast and were eager to participate on the West Coast as well.
“This is kind of a Marrowstone initiation for us,” said Norma Wiesman.
This was the 12th annual Polar Bear Dip into Mystery Bay from the dock across Flagler Street from Nordland’s General Store.
