He collapsed on the dock in sort of a spiral fashion, emerging from this odd performance with a bounce – sans pack frame. His slumping shoulders gamely bore the dripping frame and pack the bedroll lashed atop the pack reached above his head. His somewhat bedraggled scout kerchief had obviously seen duty wiping sweat and probably an errant nose. He was a little fellow – cold, wet and extremely tired. Jim Marshall piloting the boat up Merritt’s Lane, right, at the northeast end of Isle Royale. In this start of our 40th year, we are honoring Jim and his contributions to the magazine and to the region by republishing this column, which also is in his book Lake Superior Journal: Jim Marshall’s Views from the Bridge. I have a bit of first-hand knowledge of JR, as he was known to his friends, and his stories he was my father-in-law, so I was privy to years of stories too numerous to count.When JR passed on in 2006, we decided to keep “Lake Superior Journal” alive with others telling their stories of the Big Lake. In his multi-award-winning Lake Superior Magazine column, “Lake Superior Journal,” he brought it all to life. On his trips on Skipper Sam and Skipper Sam II, he encountered thousands of people, all of whom contributed to his knowledge of the Lake. He had done it all – prospector, scuba diver, shipwreck salvager, boat captain, airplane pilot, explorer, researcher. Marshall, former owner of this magazine, to be the consummate Lake Superior authority. The NC State Polar Plunge uplifted and reminded me of the importance of having ongoing adventures and my love for NC State.Jim Marshall at the helm of Skipper Sam II, left, and piloting the boat up Merritt’s Lane, right, at the northeast end of Isle Royale. After I warmed up and saw the TV coverage at home, I knew I’d be back too. One dad says he and his son have done this five times. ![]() But it’s exhilarating-a nice, short-lived adventure and definitely memorable. A polar plunge is not the adventure from my earlier travels-backpacking and working throughout Asia, or cycling through California. As I ran into the water, getting soaked up to my neck, I also enjoyed feeling brave. This year the plunge raised $13,000 and the companion 5k race generated $15,000.Įveryone I spoke with agreed their motivator was charity but also their love for this university. Yes, the goal of the Polar Plunge is giving to the North Carolina Special Olympics. Let’s also say something for the spirit and love for NC State present that day. By the time you’ve waited around in your costume you’re acclimated. Wolfpack pride seemed to make a difference. How cold is that lake? Some handled the cold better than others. The zombies started snarling, so I ran for it. Then the Timberwolves basketball team, students, staff from employee relations, human resources, the police department and parents with older children dressed as Vikings. First a football coach and his staff from University Recreation plunged. Everyone was whooping, hollering (and bouncing, like me, to stay warm.)Ī highway patrol lieutenant blew a horn and the plunge began. Ric Parmley concluded the national anthem, with his rich and deep voice, a terrific spirit came over the crowd. This year’s was in the 30s and rainy, causing even spectators to shiver. ![]() Previous Polar Plunge events landed on sunny winter days in the 50s. Feeling the Spiritįun aside, you’d think this experience would be hideous. Debbi Gardiner McCullough says there’s no hard feelings after surviving the zombie attack and the Polar Plunge. Womble, disguised as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, told me to pretend the zombies were chasing me. In my beach dress, Mardi Gras beads and fairy wings I was set. When it was time to line up at the lake waters at 2 p.m., Kim Womble, organizer and emergency communications supervisor, had me stand in front of the police dressed as zombies. My husband refused, saying he’d be “in a foul mood for weeks.”īut plunging into the lake solo was no problem. I invited several staunch friends who were sweet and supportive but declined, saying the plunge sounded way too cold. Part of the experience is the camaraderie. ![]() The website encourages participants to wear a costume and form a team-a wonderful idea, I thought. I participated this year and thought it was fabulous. The annual NC State Polar Plunge is organized by the university’s police department as a fundraiser for the North Carolina Special Olympics. That’s where 96 staff, family and students gathered on Saturday to brave the icy waters on Centennial Campus. If you’re wondering where the spirit of NC State truly lies, try Lake Raleigh.
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