MACHIAS – The Pilchuck River in wintertime.
Brisk.
Refreshing.
Invigorating.
Everything shrivels up.
“It takes your breath away, and you have to be prepared for that,” said Neil Green of Marysville.
Green, head to toe in red long underwear, bounded first into the river behind Doc’s Pilchuck Tavern as part of the Polar Bear Club’s annual dunk.
Dozens followed Green on Monday, lining up on the river’s bank for a daring dip.
They hooted, shrieked and cried out in triumph after hitting the 40-degree water, measured with a Taylor 6092 kitchen thermometer.
Most leapt out as quickly as they went in. The air was an inviting and comparatively toasty 45 degrees.
“Safety first!” shouted Eric Verd, who is “34 going on 24.” Wearing a safety vest, the framer from Hillsboro, Ore., leapt into the shallow water. He landed in the chest-high water with a smack.
High water can dangerously pull people downstream, low water is a boring ankle-deep stroll, Verd said. This year was just right.
“I love this place,” said Verd, who has dunked for seven years. “It’s tradition.”
This marked the 30th year – give or take – the tavern was packed with good cheer and beer for the event. More than 100 people came from around the state for the reflective reunion and toasting of the New Year.
“It’s an enlightening experience to bring in the New Year,” said Danny Sansaver of Granite Falls. When the human body hits the water, he said “all you want to do is get out. There’s no floating or nothing.”
Except for Evan Ingram, 19. He floated with only his head above the frigid water for about 15 minutes.
“I like cold water,” Ingram said, adding that he’s run afoul of the law for swimming in the Wenatchee River.
The event also draws lovebirds.
“It brings you to life!” said Lorry Darling, who took the polar plunge with new husband Jim Gore. “Starbucks couldn’t hold a candle to the Pilchuck River.”
The dunk chases away remnants of New Year’s Eve, and many braced themselves against the cold or toasted friends with bottles of beer.
The big-screen TV bounced between bowl games. Women and men alike growled “get ‘er done.”
Tavern owner Jim Young moved through the revelers with an easy smile, handshake and a “Hey, baby!” for his guests. He led the plunge brigade from his tavern to the river’s banks.
He hasn’t dunked since he got a pacemaker two years ago, he said.
“It’s about fun, and camaraderie,” Young said. “It’s a way to start the New Year, and cleanse the soul, ya know.”
It was the first dunk for Terri Kortekaas, 52. “Refreshing!” she said. “What better way to start the New Year?”
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
