New Years Day 2009 Polar Bear Swim!

Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach was bustling with people on 1st January 2009 this year.  Lake Michigan is the last place you would expect to find people swimming on New Years Day!  We went down to watch those brave enough to test out the waters of Lake Michigan.  The air temp was in the 20′s the water temp was in the 30′s with overcast skys and it was quite windy!  Despite the cold weather many showed up for the fun.  We went to watch but came up short at first as the traffic was terrible.  Lake drive was completely jammed with cars from the freeway exit at Summerfest all the way up past Bradford Beach.  We finally ended parking on the West side of St. Mary’s Hospital and made the walk over to the bluff overlooking the lake.  Lots of people were already headed back up the hill returning to their cars.  We ended up watching the crowd for a few minutes wishing we had came earlier.  On the way back to the car we stopped at Whole Foods Market and walked around and then got in the car anticipating a drive back home.  Instead we found that much of the traffic was gone and we were actually able to get a parking spot in the Bradford Beach parking lot.  We got out and walked up the beach and found a few brave latecommers that were still looking to take a swim oh, and might I mention that there were large iceburgs in the water too!  We got a few pictures and had a few laughs.  My wife has vowed that next year we will come down earlier and actually participate.  She can speak for herself but as for me, I’m not so convinced.  After watching the last few people freeze themselves in the water we went to Veteran’s park and watch some of the kites that were being flown at the Cool Fool Kite Festival.  We saw plenty of kites, some ice sculpting and a horse drawn buggy.  A few hours earlier there were dog sleds and dogs  pulling people around the park.  What a great day to be outside celebrating the day!  Next year dressing a little warmer and bringing a thermos full of our favorite warm beverage will make it that much better!