Very polar plunge

First photo: Rod Hardin grins from his kayak as Diana Parish turns around quickly after dunking into the frigid water at Spring Canyon boat launch at noon on New Year's Day as the air temperature was about 12 degrees, before accounting for a cutting wind. They were the only two who showed up to get in the water at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. "Refreshing," Parish said seconds later. "This is going to be a good year."

Second photo: Ron Hardin and Diana Parish pose for a photo after exiting the water at Spring Canyon

- Scott Hunter photos