Ryan Romeyn (he and Andrea own Providence Farm) was over at the market last night with his son Winter, filling up the gas tank, buying a few supplies, talking about the nice time they had sunbathing and swimming at Barnes Park. Yes, it has been a beautiful day, I said, a lovely day for—wait, wait! You did what? Where? Today???
In the fullness of time, and after a little begging, I got the whole story in an email from Andrea.
Warm blue sky, still waters, and sand between our toes on St. Patrick’s Day. Where are we… Jamaica you say? How ’bout northern Michigan!
Our youngest, Jacob, spent the entire time playing in the water.
But only, Isaiah, 9, actually went completely under water.* Maia did her best to follow suit, but missed her head. Our dog didn’t miss the chance to take a dip, but just had to keep his tail high and dry. Pretty funny. Winter, 13, declined the water deciding he’d rather play football with dad on the beach.
You never know when the weather will turn up here, so it’s best to take advantage. Today was warmer than some days last summer!
(The kids with their little snowman picture was taken February 27th, which is 18 days ago.)
Andrea
[Pictures of Isaiah’s full immersion Bay swim exist, but we are having technical difficulties extracting them. Update to follow, I promise. – Gerry]
Torch Lake Views 
Allie
March 18, 2010
Love the pics, reminds me of my kids when they were young. Our family was on the beach at Barnes in sun, rain and snow. Come to think of it we are still usually the only ones on the beach in inclement weather. We were on the beach a week ago also barefoot and playing in the water…aaah heaven!
Gerry
March 18, 2010
There is no accounting for tastes, but hardiness tends to run in families.
Susan Och
March 18, 2010
From your side of the bay to ours and back again:an afghan.
Gerry
March 18, 2010
Beautiful afghan. Would probably keep a person nice and warm on the beach.
p.j. grath
March 18, 2010
THESE BEACH PICTURES WERE TAKEN IN MARCH?????
Gerry
March 18, 2010
These beach pictures were taken on Wednesday evening, March 17. You will notice that the Romeyns were the only ones frolicking on the beach. I think it’s all that healthy Providence Farm food. And their being part polar bear.
Scott Thomas Photography
March 18, 2010
They can’t fool me, I know that water is COLD! Lake Ontario is barely swimmable by July 4th so I can only guess what that water was like in March just after the ice has left.
Kids, they’ll do the darnedest things. I see the oldest knew better. 🙂
Gerry
March 18, 2010
Ah well-keep in mind that the Bay is shallower than Lake Michigan proper. Still . . . the Romeyn kids are part polar bear. And yes, Winter has become quite a mature young man and is not swayed by taunts from younger brothers.
Beth Toner
March 18, 2010
OK, I have two responses to this: a) You all are hardier stock than the folks ’round here, and b) somebody call Al Gore!
Gerry
March 18, 2010
We are a hardy bunch. We have to be.
katherine
March 18, 2010
OH my,my oh my,. They are after all children who’s senses haven’t fully developed yet. I say this because had I been here as a kid, this early in the year, I would have done the exact same thing!
Cindy Lou
March 19, 2010
Crazy, crazy young ‘uns! I remember when my kids were little and frolicked in Superior on days I wouldn’t even think of getting my feet wet….I think they have different thermostats when they’re young!?!?
I don’t know Grandpa Dave, but prayers and blessings to his family….losing a grandpa leaves a pretty big whole in the heart.
flandrumhill
March 19, 2010
What?!? Our waters usually are just starting to warm up in August.
Gerry
March 19, 2010
Ours too. For a couple of weeks it was really, really nice out. Now . . . not so much. I about froze myself over in the old Antrim City Cemetery a couple hours ago. I hear it’s going to, you know, s@#$ over the weekend. But for one shining moment, for those young of heart and short on good sense, it was practically summer!
Uncle Bill
March 26, 2010
So Cooool!
What great pics!
I can remember laying on the dock up near Ely (MN), and busting through a thin layer of ice with my head to wash my hair (no elec, no plumbing)…nuthin’ better. We did go for dips (submerged) but it doesn’t count because we were coming out of the sauna (aka converted fish-house). Tell the kids I love’em! LUB
Gerry
March 26, 2010
Ohboy. Now I’m going to have to explain saunas to Australians.
Grandma Romeyn
March 27, 2010
These are the only kids I know that would do this. They are ALWAYS so adventurous! I can’t even go in the water in the summer let alone the winter! I could hardly believe it when Andrea told me what they did that afternoon. I’m with you Winter! No Way! BURRRRRRRR! I am cold just thinking about it. I can’t wait to see you this Easter!
Gerry
March 27, 2010
Welcome to Torch Lake Views, Grandma Romeyn! Those are some very nice grandchildren you have.