Polar Bare Plunge

Nineteen hardy Bay of Plenty Naturists (including a couple of kids) took part in the annual Polar Plunge at Katikati Naturist Park. The pool temperature was a mild 12^oC (1 ^oC warmer than last year)! Most warmed up in the spa pool, before posing for a photo by the main  pool. Then it was all on, with lots of shrieks and squeals, lots of splashing then a quick dash back into the spa pool to warm up the frigid bodies again. Some of the keen (crazy?) participants even went back in for seconds! Some arrived later and still did the deed, and it was great to see some kids take part as well. Good on all those who did the plunge. I would have joined you but hey, someone had to take the photo!

A glass or two of sweet, spicy mulled wine was served to all present to warm up the insides, followed by some hot savories. Thank you Linda for making up the ‘mulled’ part of the mulled wine. It was so popular that the participants asked me for the recipe. So I twisted Linda’s arm and here it is.

Linda’s Mulled Wine

1 cup water                                                                                 ½ cup brown sugar

4 cinnamon sticks                                                                        10 whole cloves

4 star anise                                                                                 2 cardamon pods

Rind of 2 lemons

Boil all together and leave 24 hours. Strain and stir into warmed red wine. (I added 2 litres of port to the mixture above).

Following on later was a Karaoke evening by Willie (the Groove Dokta). There were some hidden talents amongst those present and the music and dancing carried on well into the evening. Thanks Willie for taking the time to come along and entertain us (and for jumping in the pool)!

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