January the 3rd 2008 9-30 am. Sunshine. 15 degrees below zero (5 F).
I am running to the River. In fifteen minutes I am there. But what was open water yesterday is covered with ice now. But as the stream is still quick the ice is thin and it is not difficult to break it to have enough space for dipping.
I start breaking the ice and do several dips.
It is not cold on the shore except fingers. I try rubbing them all the time against wool sweater. Dressing is over and I run home to take hot shower.
Later in the afternoon if anybody asked me how I dared to go into the water I am afraid it would not be an easy question to answer…