• Sunday-What'sUP January 22 - 09:13 pm

For several years we've had a weekly feature in this spot known as Shoebox Memories. I do encourage you to dig out your shoebox of old historic photos to share with Pasty Cam visitors everywhere. But today we'll take time out to wrap up the current story of the Polar Bear Dive we've followed over the past week. (Special thanks to Z-Man for capturing the moment).

In the first photo, Liz Clawson has just snagged the legendary Big-Headed Carp, which is about to pull her in. I made a video of Liz's routine, which we'll try to post later. Notice the writing on Liz's body... she wore dozens of names of supporters who made contributions to assist Still Waters Elders Home in Calumet this winter. Her effort brought in almost $2,000, which will certainly help with heating bills at the non-profit Home for the Aged. Liz made quite a splash (and caught the carp, too :o)

In the second shot, that one dude looks like he's really saying his prayers, as his cohorts join in the heart-stopping plunge. What a bunch of crowd pleasers! - and quite a crowd it was on the docks at the Ramada in Hancock yesterday afternoon.

Our heartfelt thanks to all during Heikinpäivä who made a donation to Still Waters, always grateful for the extra help, which is tax-deductible, by the way. Don't remind me... time to do the taxes again :-(

Oh - one more thing - just wanted to mention that yesterday marked 25 years since the founding of the Keweenaw County Historical Society, which does so much to preserve the history of the Copper Country. If you haven't been receiving the Society's award-winning "Superior Signal" newsletter, you're missing out on some tremendous articles, pictures, and insights to the heritage of Michigan's northern-most county. Join today at the KCHS website.

Have a good week :0)

I have (very real) goose-bumps jsut looking at these photos. Brave souls !

A commendable effort Liz! The water can't be much colder than the Quincy Hoist in April.

ohhhhh!! It looks very cold...but tons of fun too! What better way is there to spend a sunny day in the Copper Country?? I am sure it is a little like swimming at Little Traverse in July...lol.

I want to know where she got the tan. Looks too cold for me. Lake Superior in July is too cold too. Remember as a kid, we would wade in and turn numb.

Ahhhhh, swimming in Gitchee Gumee, I remember it well. Don't remember quite so much ice though! hahahaha, July is the best time to catch the waves. Glad some heartfelt souls made the plunge for the Sr. Living Center.

Good for these people, but I think they may have a screw or two loose. When I'm up visiting in August, that water feels like ice to me. I go in, but it's unbelievably cold. But I guess somebody has to do it. It just could never be me. Thanks for having the courage to do it.

Best to make these jumps when you're young, eh?
Why is the observer in the second photograph wearing a shark knife?

Those folks are really cool! By the way (kate) most divers wear a knife so if they become entangled in somthing they have a chance to get out,not many sharks in those waters.

HOW HOW HOW CAN THEY DO THAT?????

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....
but a great way to help. Congrats on the donations.

We used to spend a great portion of the day in that cold even in summer water.The skin had a nice bluish glow to it :)

MANY ARE COLD BUT FEW ARE FROZEN

JACK QUINN

Congrats to Liz for raising all that money for Still Waters' heating bill :) Brrrrrrrr.....

Good one Pete!

To Nancy Pritchard (message above): Have you never heard of Orcala, The Great White Trout? That diver may want to consider a larger knife if he wants to have at least a fighting chance.

birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

That's my crazy sister Liz! I'm so proud of you! May be if I weren't in PA, I would have jumped with you...but then again, may be not. =)

By the way, Liz was among the 3 acts chosen as winners in Saturday' competition, who all received a crisp $100.00 bill. Liz promptly added this to the amount raised for Still Waters, bringing the total for the Fuel Help project just a few dollars shy of $2000. (in case you would like to pitch in :o)

I've just uploaded 200 photos of the Heikinpäivä 2006 parade and polar bear dive. You can see the slideshow here in the Heikinpäivä Gallery. At the very end of the gallery is a QuickTime movie of the Polar Bear Dive. It's about 8 MB for the movie. Be patient,especially if you are on dialup.