PLUNGE INTO 2024

On most winter days here in Kennebunkport, the mile-long beach is a lonely place. A few gulls might tiptoe gingerly along the water’s edge. A rambunctious Labrador Retriever could be romping over the cold grey sand while chasing a friendly Goldendoodle as their masters keep close watch. Red-cheeked walkers swaddled in thick puffer jackets and woolen hats pulled down to eyebrow level could be striding the sidewalk.

Otherwise, there’s just peace and quiet rustled only by the steady sound of the splashing surf.

But on January 1 at 11 AM, Gooch’s Beach is a Happening Place. Despite thermometers hovering at 32 degrees, countless hearty and happy Mainers gather along the shoreline to take The Plunge into the Atlantic on this New Year’s morning. They don’t stay in the 44 degree water long. No one works on their backstroke techniques. But what a joyful sight to see!

(Carol gunter on left, lisa foster on right)

Carol Gunter of Kennebunk Beach has taken The Plunge 20 times since its inception 23 years ago. (This morning she fortified herself with a hearty breakfast of Irish oatmeal.) Her sister-in-law Lisa Foster, also of Kennebunk Beach, has Plunged twice. “It’s absolutely exhilarating!” she admitted with a glowing smile as she stood wrapped in a large towel and bare feet.

No matter how 2023 went for you — happy and healthy or not-so-healthy and certainly-not-happy — consider taking The Plunge. 

Go ahead and dive head first into the New Year. Start that special diet, book that trip to Rome, clean out the linen closet, begin putting aside 10% of every dollar deposited into your checking account, pick up the 800-page COVENANT OF WATER and start reading it, throw away that pack of Parliaments, learn how to play pickleball, take a daily mile-long walk, call or text a friend you’ve not been in touch with, put down your iPhone and look around at the world!

What better time to do all that than right now.  Take The Plunge. Happy New Year!