13. Go Swimming in the Ocean in Winter

I have an amazing group of friends, but no one was really interested in joining me for this challenge. Coming to the rescue: my mama! My mom graciously offered to accompany me on this venture. She was worried I would attempt this on my own (I wouldn't) and feared I would cramp up and drown.  She even wore a bathing suit and told me, "Just in case you get into trouble, I will run in and rescue you." This woman is both fierce and adorable; she weighs approximately 95 lbs soaking wet.  The idea of her running into rescue me, who greatly outweighs and outmuscles her, is laughable. That said, if something threatened one of her daughters or grandchildren, come Hell or high water, this woman would do some damage! Adorable...hilarious...fierce...that's our Nan!

The air temperature was 34 degrees. The water temperature was 45.   It was cold. Really cold.  A picture is worth a thousand words…

This is the moment I realized I was crazy.

 

No turning back...

The tide was low...

 

...it was a long run to get here...

 

I could no longer feel my toes.

 

Shockingly cold.

This felt plenty far.

Plunging.

Couldn't submerge my head. Sorry. Wasn't happening.

2 hour drive.

30 second swim.

 

Totally worth it.

 

...And we're out.

 

Nan: Best adventure companion ever!

Photo Credit: Nice lady who was walking on the board walk, saw me run towards the water and came running to us. She screamed, "I knew you had to be crazy! I knew you was up to something and I just had to take a picture."  She took a picture with her camera too because she said no one would believe her that people were swimming that day.