Down at L Street with the Brownies at Susan Labandibar

Down at L Street with the Brownies

Does anyone know where you can get a New Year’s Day high that beats watching the L Street Brownies take their annual ocean dip? I suppose you could argue that the elation of actually participating in this frigid fracas might surpass the vicarious thrill of the spectator. Alas, chilblain sufferer that I am, it is not my fate to join the mad force of fired-up bathers who quickly dived into the ocean and who just as quickly jumped out.

The cheering, the bravado, and the hoopla as the Brownies willfully expose themselves to the elements are tremendously uplifting. Even more inspiring was the crippled young man who hitched a ride on his friend’s back for the plunge into the briny shallows. The man stood in the water for a few seconds buoyed by the cold water. Then it was back to the beach again, on the back of his friend.

Talk about a feel good moment.