I prefer to drink vodka after a polar plunge
We’re surprised to wake up and find the ship is still moving…
When we returned to bed after the official north pole arrival celebration the night before, the vessel was supposed to adjust its position and stop in an area where it would be safe to disembark. It is now 6 hours later, and we’re still moving. The morning announcement clarifies that the Captain and crew are backtracking our route to a place where ideal ice was last spotted. While the plan was to begin the north pole ceremony on the ice at 9am…it will be postponed until after lunch. The planned on-ice BBQ lunch will be shifted to dinner.
A little disappointed, we walk to breakfast and throughout the dining room tables are abuzz with the same topic – the polar plunge. With each voyage to the north pole, in the area of open water created by the ship breaking the ever-present ice, a polar plunge takes place for those interested in participating. Wikipedia defines polar plunge as “an event held during the winter where participants enter a body of water, despite the low temperature”. A polar plunge at the north pole, seems like the ultimate plunge experience – and not an opportunity that will present itself again. As days passes and we get closer to the pole, the frequency of the question – are you going to do it? – dramatically increases. MG is in, and I remain undecided. Even as we make our way down the stairs and onto the ice, I am uncertain.
While the BBQ is being set up, all passengers are instructed to assemble in a circle around the “official” north pole sign that has been placed by the expedition crew. A seemingly simple task proves to be quite difficult with language issues. Ultimately we prevail, however, the attempt to move in unison around the circle is a disaster. We are then set free to explore the area – guards on polar bear watch keep the group safe and form a boundary within which we are required to stay. Although we are no longer technically at the north pole, spirits are high and passengers are keen to start taking pictures (and we are no exception). We wander around as MG captures the events of the celebration.
Prepared for the possible polar plunge, we have bathing suits under our layers. MG is quick to complete the plunge…diving in and expertly swimming to the boat and back (a grand total of about 25m), while I take pictures fully dressed at the sidelines. He makes it look easy and doesn’t complain as he waits in a bathrobe and rubber boots while I get the courage to undress and get in line. Our north pole BFFs plunge one after another and finally I’m at the front of the line. In less than two minutes, I’m in and out of the water. At first, I think I can make it to the boat…but after two strokes I make a speedy u-turn and climb out… but it counts! I did it! After a shot of vodka, MG and I head back to the room…in bathing suits, bathrobes and rubber boots. The water from the warm shower burns our cold feet. We chat about how unbelievably cold the -1.1 degree water felt and how our bodies were still feeling “electrified” minutes after getting out of the water.
We dress in layers again and head back out onto the ice. Unfortunately, our time is cut short as the expedition crew has identified ice cracks that are potentially dangerous. We are forced back on the boat and the BBQ takes place in the dining room instead of on the ice. When we eventually retire to our rooms for the evening, we find “official” Quark issued certificates – two each – one for reaching the pole and one for completing the polar plunge. As we look at our certificates, I can’t help but feel a little proud of our accomplishments.