Only in Bucks County: Bristol's Delaware River

   I am absolutely in awe at the beauty of the Delaware River; even an industrial stretch of it like here in Bristol. Sure, you will see folks fishing from the wharf, recreational kayakers, and people out for a boat ride or on jet skis, but I've also seen HUGE cargo ships originating from places like Holland  and Hong Kong go by. Whether it's for sport, relaxation, or transportation, the river gets good use and the sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular. 

Here are just a few photos that I've taken since I moved in:

As cute of a town as Bristol Borough is, and as calming as the river is every time I see it, I feel completely aware that this town at the southern tip of Bucks County has its ties to an earlier time, and its evolution. When I stepped into the Grundy Library yesterday and saw this poster advertising an event they are having about Bristol during the Industrial Era, I knew I had to go!

Only in Bucks County: My First Polar Bear Plunge (as an Observer!)

  I always thought that Polar Bear Plunges were for thrill seekers who live near the ocean until I learned that we have a very popular one right here in Lower Bucks County. On January 30, more than 500 thrill seekers (since "crazy people" isn't really a very nice description) participated in the the 8th Annual Eastern Polar Plunge.

Best of all, I was one of more than 2,000 people who came out to support friends and family who planned on plunging at what was the biggest tailgating/parking lot party this side of summer.
I quickly observed that a Polar Bear Plunge is basically broken down into three parts; the pre-party, the after party, and the plunge itself. And all of this partying is for a great cause! The Polar Bear Plunge at Neshaminy State Park raised close to $125,000 for the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.

Somewhere along the line, plungers nationwide started wearing costumes of cartoon characters and Superheros and there is usually a contest competition at the event. I'm not sure which was more entertaining-- seeing folks standing in the snow in swimsuits, watching them dash into wintertime water, or all of the cool costumes people plunged into the river in.

The temperature was about 38 degrees and the water was only a little bit warmer. My favorite group were the men and women of the Trevose Fire Company who all wore wedding dresses. Boy did I feel for them when they emerged from the water... cold and wet ... with those heavy dresses clinging to them!

Here are the photos I took that Saturday, beginning with the Pre-Party. It may have been sunny out, but it was January, and it was cold.

                                                                                  

The Plunge

After Plunge

"Too Chicken To Plunge" Tee would be for me 

Oh, and by the way ... here's a huge thank you to Dunkin' Donuts for making the day even more fun with free hot chocolate and baked goods, and for providing free hats and gloves to not only the participants, but to anybody who attended the 2016 Eastern Polar Plunge.

Who's doing it with us next year?? KIDDING!