NORDLAND – A plunge off the dock into the icy winter waters off Marrowstone Island might be described as an out-of-body experience.
“I can’t feel my body!” shrieked one teenage participant before running off to warm up during the 14th annual Nordland Polar Bear Dip on New Year’s Day.
There, nearly 100 outlasted wind chill and heart-stopping water temperatures of between 38 and 42.5 degrees, depending on who you asked.
The event, sponsored by Tom and Sue Rose, owners of the funky Nordland General Store, lures the quirky and the young at heart.
Dippers range in age from 7 to 70-plus.
“Get a picture of my bustle,” says Miss Behavin’, fluffing up the chiffon rainbow around her waist.
She’s the event’s pink-wigged, tiara-wearing ambassador with a matching parasol, who spreads the love of the event with a red lipstick peck on the cheek.
That bustle appeared to double as a life-preserver when it bubbled to the surface after Miss Behavin’ plunged off the dock, remarkably emerging with wig, tiara and sunglasses still intact.
