Polar Bear Swim 2010 a BIG Hit!

A record number of swimmers showed up the 2010 Polar Bear swim on New Years Day at Rees Beach. This year included at least one celebrity appearance (see below). Total attendance was estimated in the low 60's. By the way the water temperature was taken and measured at a whopping 48 degrees!

Food and drink has become a valued attraction to the event. Hot buttered rum was a sought after drink as was one of several chili dishes being offered.

SANTA MAKES SURPRISE XMAS VISIT TO PT. RICH!

Neighbors were caught by surprise when Santa made an unexpected paddle by at Pt Richmond Beach on Christmas day. Santa looked a little on edge paddling near the shore on a day as wind and swells made standing a bit difficult. Chanting words like "Merry Christmas, Meli Kalikimaka, and whoa, ho, ho, Santa made 2 passes along the beach before disappearing around the south point. Several children and adults came out to be greeted by the wobbly legged christmas icon.

EXTRA! EXTRA!

The Next annual Polar Bear Swim to take place on Schedule January 1 2010, 12 noon at the Rees Pilings!

PUMPED UP ABOUT PUMP FAILURE


It finally happened. In the wee hours of August 5 2009 the neighborhood well pump stopped pumping water.

Neighbors seemed to take notice the problem almost immediately. At least six calls were put in to Washington Water complaining of no water before 7am. The pump had last been replaced in 1978 putting it about 15 years overdue for replacement. Water was restored to the system by about 2pm that day. It was noted that the old pumps intake screen was clogged which may have contributed to the unwanted debris found in our water over the last several years. The clogged filter may also have put a strain on the pump assisting in the pumps breakdown.


Some statistics of interest: The new pump is 50% more powerful at 3 HP, has a stainless impellor as opposed to plastic and has an output of 40 gallons per minute, the new pump is warranted a full 30 years - 15 more than the old one (the old pump apparently did not know this). The well was found to be 69' 3" deep and had 10 ' of standing water - which is a good supply.


Pictures show; well crane. closeup of old well pump, neighbors and crew gathered at the well.

2009 SWIM YIELDS FASTER TIMES, GREAT FOOD!











Below are the Official Times for the 2009 swim for the "Cold" vos Passage Rough Water Swim" as Recorded by Christy Bortel, the event timekeeper were as follows:



Kids Swim (distance about 200 yards):
Daniel Rees 6:31 Gig Harbor
Rees Parrish 7:06 Charlottesville, VA
Julia Rees 10:48 Gig Harbor

Survivor 1 Mile Swim :
Steve Rees 28:07 Gig Harbor
Tesa Johnson 30:21 Fox Island
Brett Walter 32:47 Olalla
Rondi Thornton 32:54 Albuquerque, NM
Carol Parrish 35:30 Charlottesville, VA
Jim Gates 39:38 Tacoma (no fins) (did 1/2 marathon that morning)
Peter Bortel 40:37 Gig Harbor (Climbed Mt Rainier the day before)
Scott Huntington 43:33 Gig Harbor

If food variety and quality is any indication of success then this was the best passage crossing ever! Additionally, new records were set as surface conditions were optimal and more swimmers opted to use swim fins. This is the first time that the 30 minute mark has been broken for the 1 mile event. 1 mile swimmers are shown in finishing order left to right above.


After the swim we all gathered for a feast of chili, corn bread, fruit salad, cake, flan, and many other delicious dishes!


Thanks to all the neighbors and friends who helped out in the water and on land to make this event safe and enjoyable!

SIDE STORY------------------------------------------------------

The Importance of Being Warm at "The Pit"
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Below is "Team Brower," father and son known for their unparalleled ability to keep the fire warm when family or guests are being entertained at the pit. Todd and father, Al, are pictured here at their special firewood "prep" site at an undisclosed tax free location. The site is where the right wood is chopped into just the right length and shape in order to achieve maximum heat along with another desired outcome; minimal smoke.

Water "Teeming" with life on 4th Eve'

While some were looking under the surface of the water for amusement,











others, like Peter (below), took to the water surface in order to maintain their cool.


Stand up Paddling was a hit this day.











One found a way to hitch a ride while another was bored paddling, or rather paddling her board.







Peddling was popular.

Others took to a more relaxing pass time... Good dog Lucy!

Child's Point of View
In case you have ever wondered what the view is like from inside the "tree fort," I have loaded a few shots taken recently from within. The first 2 are from the main level; there are 2 levels you know! Not a bad view looking through the moss covered trees over the roof tops and across Colvos Passage! Be sure and click on the photo for a full sized view.












The next photo shows what the children see just before they leave the woods and they re-enter the adult world.
Our new STOP sign...(below) or I might more correctly say,"End of County Road" sign. A Road department supervisor apparently gave the word to remove our stop sign, as they seemed to have decided that it was more important to let drivers know where the county's responsiblity for road maintenance ends, rather than to slow down in an area where vehicles may encounter children.

NOTICE: Escape Swim date changed to Saturday August 1, 2009 at 3:30PM.

Why the Sad Eyes, Big Guy?











It was hypothesised that being Friday the 13th, and all, this Harbor Seal thought his chances of survival might be a li-ttle better if he (or she) spent the afternoon on the beach rather than in the water shared with.. "Orca". Another theory was that he was out drinking Thursday night with his pinniped friends and woke up this morning with a hangover.

NOTICE: Escape to Pt. Richmond 3rd Annual swim tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, July 18, 2009

Polar Bear Plunge and Potluck 2009!
A total of 53 neighbors and friends assembled on Rees Beach for I think, the 6th annual Polar Bear Swim. Food was served potluck style featuring 3 varieties of chili, cornbread, cornchowder, meatballs, chips and dip, tasty desserts. The 15 swimmers could join the others for a hot buttered rum or sip congnac after the swim - if of legal age of course! Rainy weather gave us a reprieve for a few midday hours so that we could spend time outdoors on this 1st day of January 2009.

Why Yes, there will be a Polar Bear Swim on New Years day 2009; 12 noon at Rees Beach. costumes welcomed. There will be chili and cornbread - and a warm fire!


PS. A little know secret is that the water will be warmer than the air!

Outdoor Movie Night Draws "Small" Crowd

The Point Richmond Beach inaugural outdoor movie night was a success according to attending children. The movie Kinder Garden Cop was chosen for the occasion. Neighborhood kids had their cake and watched the movie too! Requests have been made to make the movie an annual summer event.

GRUMPY'S GETS MAKEOVER!

The Point Richmond Neighborhood is still coming to grips with the fact that Grumpy's place, now known as "13207 Pt Richmond", received a makeover by child artists recently. Neighborhood children have become very fond of Grumpy in the past few weeks. Though on one as ever seen Grumpy many children have had lengthy discussions with the talkative troll by way of the drainpipe, where he apparently lives. A few have questioned whether he is related to Sleepy or Dopey. As of this writing, these questions still remain unanswered. I was informed that today, Sunday, is "pamcake" day, where Grumpy is brought Pam's delicious Pancake breakfast, so perhaps Grumpy is not so.. "grumpy" today.

RECENT EVENTS

BOUNTY WITH NO MUTINY

Would you like to hear a tall tale? Would you believe, that tall ships were in town? No, really, the HMS Bounty from the 1962 movie "Mutiny on the Bounty" sailed by our beach on July 2 destined for the tall ships festival in Tacoma.

Big BOOM!

Now that's a BIG CANNON! and you should have heard the noise that came out a that leg sized piece of artillery! Some swore, in a christian kind of way, that they heard thunder in the report coming back from Vashon Island after the initial blast.






Just Fishin'












Rocket Launch
Observers were supposed to keep an eye on the rocket after the launch, but this elusive rocket went skyward never to be seen again! If you happen to find this red, white and blue painted rocket, or see it hanging from a tree, or in a dogs mouth, please notify Daniel.





Pass the crumpets please...

Tea party on the beach. Yes, one summer day at Point Richmond Beach a tea party was held hosted by Miss Sarah and Miss Julia. Rumor has it that there was warm chocolate in that tea pot. Hey, why wasn't I invited?









Talk about Grumpy!
You know Grumpy; the storm drain troll? Although noo one has ever actually seen him, Grumpy has been in high demand with local children recently.

EXTRA EXTRA,
Read all about it!


Yes, our swim was published in the Peninsula Gateway on July 2, 2008, the week after the swim occurred. Congratulations to all involved!

Swimmers Escaped to
...Point Richmond Beach!

Five crazy adults (and 3 crazy kids) really escaped to Pt Richmond Beach during the Escape to Point Richmond 2nd Annual open water swim. The event began at the Jane Macready retreat, "The Loafsalot", on Vashon Island at about 5:15pm. Dozens of spectators awaited on the shoreline feasting on a potluck while they waited for swimmers to arrive.

(click on collage to enlarge).

2008 Swimmers

Fins 1 Mile

Name...................... Time.........Previous
1) Larry Burr......... 32:04............. -
2) Brett Walter...... 32:43.........58:04
3) Peter Bortel....... 35:14.........58:32

No Fin 1 Mile
Name..................... Time........ Previous

1) Steve Rees....... 35:57............45:01
2) Tesa Johnson.. 44:48........1:02:21

Youth Swim (100 yard)
Name...................... Time

1) Daniel Rees ........2:50

2) Noah Johnson....2:58

3) Julia Rees......... .6:23

Escape to Point Richmond Beach
2nd Annual open water swim.

What new swimmers will enter the event this year?
Will Tesa's new wetsuit give her the "edge" she needs to win?
Will the swimmers all be pronounced crazy... again?
Will Steve "the metronome" be able to retain his title?
What will Brett's pick up line be this year?
Which Shore will Peter end up on?

...June 28th 2008 5pm on the beach

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATE ON THE 2nd ANNUAL ESCAPE TO PT. RICHMOND BEACH OPEN WATER SWIM.

TENTATIVELY DATE/TIME:

SAT 28 June 2008 5PM

2008 Comes in like a Polar Bear..Swim!
This years swimmers: Dave Langworthy, Kyle Mahony, Lane Landry, Julia Rees, Brett Walter, Peter Bortel, Annie Johnson, Calvin Luce, Daniel Rees, Paula Schrader, Jeff Focht, Carol Winge, and Steve Rees - hey thats me!

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Daniel Rees as Captain Toilet Plunger, above, fearlessly leaps into 2008!
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Neighbors and friends gather in anticipation of what is about to occur.


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Apparently air and water do mix! Carol Winge prepares to dive in dressed as an aerobics instructor.



Interesting Shorts Calvin!

Announcements:

Polar Bear Swim January 1, 2008 12PM at the Rees pilings.

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Preliminary plan for:

Second Annual Swim across Colvos Passage:
"The Escape TO Point Richmond Open Water Swim." July 26, 2008, 4:30PM.
(Alternate date is June 27 at 5:30PM)

Yes we did have an annual picnic and meeting in September. Below are a few pictures provided by Ken Warter

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