Taking the plunge

They came. They saw. And they plunged anyway — and no, we’re not talking toilets.

Neither the rain nor the 51 degree water would deter dozens of brave souls from dunking their fears (and toes) into the Mariposa county pool at 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day for the 7th annual Polar Plunge.

So who shows up for such a bone-chilling event? Read on.

Margaret Martinson drove 30 minutes from Hunters Valley because, “It’s just a challenge!”

Nine-year-old Benjamin D’Esposito made the same-length trip from Catheys Valley, saying his favorite part is, “When my brain tells me I can’t do it, but I just push myself through it.”

Around 8:45 a.m. excitement builds as people start filtering in wearing robes, carrying umbrellas and clutching towels very territorially. They know what’s ahead.

Blue lips.

At 9 a.m. sharp, it’s time to literally toe the line. No retreat. Adrenaline rushes commence.

Lexie Verdugo, director of Mariposa County Parks and Recreation, shouts the long-awaited countdown as piping hot chocolate and glazed donuts taunt swimmers from the sidelines. “Three, two, one” — and suddenly … bodies in, bodies out.

Just like that.

You’ve never seen so many people exiting water as speedily as entering. Like a shark had been released. Still — everyone did it, which alone earned much respect and admiration.

Half the fun is watching each person’s unique style of take-off. Fearless cannon-ballers, proper pencil-divers and nose-plugging, slow-to-fall-in’ers — some of whom may not have even gotten their hair wet.

Though the pool was constructed in the 1950s, the Polar Plunge has only been entertaining the community for seven years. Verdugo said this was the first year it rained, and the first time it never snowed.

She grew up swimming in the pool and has worked there since high school. Her face lights up when she talks about it — she’s happy witnessing the event grow over the years.

The first year drew just 10 participants. Last year, there were 60.

Three locals who came this year — Beth Pratt, Dr. Mimi Carter and Stan Wheeler — are regular summer lap swimmers at the pool. Pratt and Carter also swim the whole length of Tenaya Lake every year (1.2 miles one way) — and sometimes back again.

Though the initial shock of getting in is tough, they agreed the feeling afterward is “amazing and invigorating.” That feeling, Pratt said, is what keeps her coming back — along with the strong sense of community.

This was Dr. Carter’s first year attending, because, “If someone dares me,” she laughed, “I’ll probably do it.”

Verdugo noted that most participants are “returners.” Local Jeremy Collins is one of them.

He’s on the list of yet another adventurous thrill seeker at the event. Last summer he climbed Mount Whitney with his significant other, Charity Montgomery, who was also a first-time-plunger.

As you can see, a mix of vigorous young and old alike made it out for a great time of shivery smiles, refreshing chills and forever memories — all with different stories, but the same strong, overcoming mindset to conquer the New Year head on … together!