After nearly two weeks of overcast weather, the sun finally came out on New Year’s Day Morning. At 7:30, about 35 swimmers showed up at Casino Point for their first swim of the year in crystal clear, calm waters.
The youngest, a 7-year-old girl, Dillan, from Kansas City, Missouri, was excited to have swum to the offshore buoys. A high light of the morning, never seen before, as the simmers were entering the water, a little sea lion popped its head out of the water and was immediately spotted by Christy Lin’s dog, Charlie. Canine Charlie quickly turned and chased and swam after the sea lion only deterred by the depth of the water. Following the swim, which for some was a mile swim to the middle of Hamilton Cove and for others, shorter was a delicious potluck breakfast of sweets, fruits, egg dishes and Coach’s Cafe Latte.
Four hours later, at 11:30 a.m., at Middle Beach, seventy visitors and residents of all ages showed up for the Polar Plunge, a plunge into the chilly 58-degree water and swimming to the first row of buoys. It was a high tide so the swim to the first row of buoys was further than usual. After the plunge all of the swimmers and spectators were treated to burritos that were made by our Avalon Fire Department. I can assure you that firefighters are some of the best cooks, ever! The burritos were big, hot, and tasty. Catalina Cookie company, generous as always, donated hot coffee and hot chocolate.
We thank the city of Avalon’s recreation department for organizing these fun and festive events.
