Cold Plunge with Friends!

I've been invited to join some friends for their weekly early morning 'cold plunge' at Lake Crescent for a couple months, but I steadfastly refused—even when they lauded many perceived benefits. I was skeptical that they actually enjoyed this activity. But! I knew this special, quasi-unique PNW activity would be great for the blog, so I (reluctantly) conceded. I had some trouble sleeping the night prior knowing that a cold plunge early in the morning loomed so close. <cringe!>

My friend Helene, the coordinator of this activity, offered some early helpful advice to make it easier and I followed it to the letter. I wore the recommended layers, warmed the car adequately for re-entry post-dip, and brought along a steaming mug of beef broth to drink on the ride home (having already consumed my caffeine while at home). I was as ready as I'd ever be!

The drive over was beautiful, and I spotted a herd of elk resting just a couple miles from our meeting place. I showed up at 7am to Helene waiting for me wearing her smile, a beanie, Crocs, and a big poncho over her swimsuit. She informed me that the best thing to do is get in immediately—delay only makes it harder. She entered up to her knees and sat down, keeping her hands out of the water (no benefit in soaking them, and it will only make you colder). I went in likewise up to my knees and kneeled down, feeling certain I'd roll underwater if I sat back without using my hands. So, she sat, and I knelt in the bracing, cold water. The cold turned to numbness within seconds, and my complaining quelled to peaceful chatter about the day ahead and the beauty of the trees leafing out around the lake.

I felt as though the energy that had been escaping my body was sealed in by the cold and was bouncing around inside me instead.

The timer went off before we were ready to exit, so we actually remained (voluntarily!) in the lake another couple of minutes. Upon exiting the lake, we changed into dry clothes and made our farewells. And just like that, I think that I'm hooked on cold plunges!