The London Bridge Polar Swim 2010

Every year on the friday after Thanksgiving it's a tradition in Havasu to challenge the waters and race from one side to the other. Whoever wins gets to turn the lights on the bridge and surrounding stores...with music, they win money and their picture is on the front page of the paper. Well this was our nephew Derek's 3rd year at giving it a shot for 1st place. The weather was exceptionally cold this year. His brother Devin came out this year to give it a shot...here they are on stage. Derek actually took 4th. Devin was 6th. Pretty impressed for Devin to come out and challenge something so gnarly. Some 40 year old dude (who looked like he was on steriods..j/k won 1st). Whatev! haha Here is Jordan, Devin and Derek. Derek heard from his girlfriend that rubbing vaseline on you before a very cold race helps rid the chill. That's why they look extra shiny. Good job guys! That was amazing....

Just shortly before the race...the anticipation was crazy. There was a little platform out there this year for anyone too cold to make it. That platform was full. It was super duper cold this year.

All lined up and ready...they actually line the entire dock side...so when they jump it's a crazy free for all. You see them start, then sort out, the good swimmers, the kids, the charity swimmers, etc. This year, kind of like Dereks first year, he veered to one side and then corrected it. That correction cost him a quicker time. So we've decided to let him tell us whether he wants to do it again...Either way...he knows, his Auntie Lisa and Uncle Bill will do whatever....

After the race...all the lights on for the holidays....

Before we left to the race. We make a sign every year. Devin decided kind of last minute that he wanted to race. That's why his sign is a little smaller. Couldn't find one that big in town.

Although they are guys...it's still nice to see their signs, held up high on the bridge representing what we're there to be. Support. (And I think they really do like it )

Kali, Ava and Riki. We build our little traditional fire in the channel. This year the water was way up and it was funny to be so close to the wall. But still a warm fire is always a great way to start up that exciting night.

Devin and Joni. Joni and Russell (Derek and Devin's parents) normally plan other things for Thanksgiving but we've had Derek for the last few years doing this little traditional race. This year they drove over from Parker, (the river) to watch the race and hang with friends.

Derek, Kali, Riki and Devin. Going over a few things before the race.

It's so strange to be in the channel by the fire when a few months ago we were sitting in the boat, searching for shade...cold drinks and sunblock.