Polar Bear Plunge was invigorating experience for all

Last Sunday afternoon, under the Libby Creek Bridge on Farm to Market Road, in a pool sufficient enough to successfully immerse myself, I took the plunge — that shallow little dive that made me wish for such creature comforts as a warm fire, hot chocolate and a large woolen blanket for which to wrap myself like a caterpillar in a cocoon.

Yes, I fulfilled my promise to Rick Klin, the granddaddy of Polar Bear Plungers, to participate in the inaugural seasonal dip.

In all, there were seven of us, just one more than last year when I merely went to photograph Papa Bear Klin and the other plungers.

The water temperature was 44 degrees and the air temperature was 42. The fact that the water was warmer than the air certainly was a topic for debate, at least among those who took the plunge.

Those people include Klin, of course, Annette Sauby, Craig Allen, Steve Sonju, Matthew White, Savannah Wooden and me.

The bears plunge at 2 p.m. every Sunday to about mid-April.

The rules are simple: You must immerse yourself — head included — in swimsuit without the aid of a wetsuit, scuba shorty or any other insulating attire.

Some people wear insulated mittens — such as Klin — which is permissible. 

After my initial plunge, I stood and took another plunge, even to the point of staying underwater for about 10 seconds, just to get the full effect.

That “full effect” included a “brain freeze” — one of those cold-induced headaches we experience normally when drinking or eating an icy favorite.

I must admit, this was the first time I experienced one of these “brain freezes” from an external source, a testament to the cold water.

On the up side, the plunge was very invigorating, benefits Klin has been preaching all along.

This “high” lasted about two hours.

Asked Klin: “Well, are you ready to do it again?”

Pausing a moment, I was much more careful this time replying to Klin.

“I’ll think about it. Possibly.”

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I just want to follow up on the Kootenai Heritage Council’s Gala of last Friday, an appreciation evening for its members.

It was a great event that benefits a terrific facility.

In all, about 75 people attended, everyone contributing to the betterment of the venue that is the site of so many cultural and worthy events for Libby.

The Montana Repertory Theatre group performed a wonderful play that stressed the idea of free speech and literary works.

Kudos to KHC President Kristin Smith and her group of most-worthy volunteers who work to make sure the Memorial Center is there for all of us to enjoy.

Finally, the hors d’oeuvres were terrific. Gosh, I thought the food was catered.

Nope. Peggy Williams, Patty Rambo, Lorraine Braun and Rhonda Bothman put all the food together, again maximizing the return to the KHC.

Great job, everyone!

*   *   *

Finally, at this writing, Halloween was just last night, and I want to just say how really terrific it was to see all the kids out in my neighborhood.

Last year, I was still living in an apartment. In May, I purchased a home at Wood Way Park, and I’m happy to say I had 107 ghosts, ghouls goblins and princesses come to my door on All Hallow’s Eve.

Yes, I counted them. It’s something I’ve always done.

Last year, zero. Zip. Zilch trick-or-treaters.

A year ago, I bought two bags of candy that took me until about March to finish. 

This year, I bought two bags again, hoping to not have to eat them myself, and, gosh, I wasn’t disappointed, emptying four bags in about four hours.

There is a catch, however. Those extra bags of goodies translates into fewer chocolate bars at the office. 

(Alan Lewis Gerstenecker is editor of The Western News. His column appears weekly.)