Although the biopsy on my stomach went smoothly yesterday, I was not sure that I would have sufficient time to get hydrated and nourished before the New Year’s Day walk in Stanley Park.
Although the Vancouver Venturers (my walking club) has several different route options for the park, the club decided to name the first scheduled walk of each year – Connie’s Walk. That decision was made a few days after the passing of Connie MacLean (September 13, 2019.
I wrote about Connie’s passing a few days after her death. Here is the link to the story: https://atomic-temporary-98187226.wpcomstaging.com/2019/10/04/whats-in-a-name/
But after I got home from the hospital at 3:00 PM on New Year’s Day Eve, I fell fast asleep and did not get the hydration or nourishment I needed after fasting for the previous 18 hours.
When I awoke at 4:00 AM today, I tried to drink several containers of Protein supplements but knew that I would not have enough hydration or nourishment to make the walk possible. But I was going anyway – so I could say hello to my many friends before the walk began.
It was somewhere on the Alex Fraser bridge that I finally decided to not walk. I would instead go to another one of my firsts – the Polar Bear Plunge in White Rock.
I pulled into a parking spot at the walk starting point, at 9:20, right behind Doug and Nancy Jackson. I had brought a box of dog biscuits and other treats for Colby and Tessa, the two lab dogs that are often with their owners, Denise and Al.
However, at 9:45 AM, I decided to head back to White Rock. But not until I explained to Doug and Nancy why I would not walk. I told them, and Frank Sam that I would be doing the polar bear swim in White Rock. Doug mentioned that his brother would also be at the White Rock event and said that they were almost look-alikes – except for the beard that Doug was now sporting.
But Danny, why did you not go to Wreck Beach? You could have bared all of your clothes.
Yes, Spanky, but I would have gotten goosebumps, larger than my sinking boobs!
I was late getting to the beach area near the big white rock, but there were still several people in the water, so I was not alone.
The official start of the plunge was Noon, but people arrived late, just like me.
So, in closing, I have attached this video clip of my first-ever – polar bear plunge. However, I decided to only go as deep as my knees instead of completely submerging in the icy water.
NOTE! When I got home and played the video clip – I noticed that I still had the wristband on my wrist, that I got at the hospital yesterday. Absent-minded or what?
Also, the air temperature at the time was -5 degrees Celsius!
Yes, some of you might have thought that I was crazy to do the plunge. And although your assumption may be correct, it was one of the biggest thrills of my life.
My biggest thrill of all time – is having you as a friend, and loyal reader.
Happy New Year!
Dedicated to my brief time in the Fast Lane
I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.
Hugs,
Danny
Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):
The wind is playing in my hair,
Waves are crashing, my feet are bare,
A revelation dawning in salty ocean air.
This is more than just goodbye,
It’s the ending of a lie,
A web of veils, and wounds, where I was your supply.
This is how I draw the line, this is holy ground.
For my heart to play and shine,
I will no longer be bound
To anyone who’s not aligned with this joy, that I’ve found
From now on, only love, only love,
Only love will be cherished here
It doesn’t matter what you try too tell,
I know your every word now all too well,
They can’t reach me now,
‘Cause I’m no longer under your spell
This is not to judge or blame, loving truth is all I claim,
Turning shadows to light was the essence of our game.
This is how I draw the line, this is holy ground.
For my heart to play and shine, I will no longer be bound
To anyone who’s not aligned with this joy that I’ve found
From now on, only love, only love, only love will be cherished here.
Songwriter: Carl Jonas Arnberg
© Carl-Jonas Arnberg
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