Artfest 2004 Polar Bear Swim
©2004, by Aisling D'Art

six polar bears at artfest* click to see larger	five polar bears in the water click to see larger
one polar bear arrives late	three polar bears holding hands for the plunge

On Friday, April 2nd, six of us took a quick dip in the icy waters at the Fort Worden beach, during our Artfest 2004 lunch hour.

The eagle that flew overhead when we arrived seemed a very positive omen as we posed for a picture and then ran into the water. I was the last one in, since the knot at the waist of my skirt would not come undone. But, after a few minutes of thinking that I might have to swim wearing the skirt, I was able to join the group.

The water felt very cold, and it took courage to get wet. I have enormous respect for the women who dunked fully into the water before dashing for shore. But everyone who joined us for this annual swim was tremendously courageous and indeed, we're all wild women!

When we returned to shore, the hill sheltered us from the wind and the sun felt so warm, a few of us considered going back in for another dip in the crystal clear water. But, a hot lunch awaited us at the Fort Worden Commons (after a hasty but much appreciated hot shower), so we climbed into the Artfest shuttle bus, and returned to the event.

It was a fabulous way to celebrate my last "Polar Bear Swim," an event that I'd begun many years earlier when Artfest was a smaller and very different event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in the water, or stood on shore to take photos and encourage us. I will remember this fun for many years to come.

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