West Seattle, Washington
12 Friday
There’s no simple way to count the number of people who join in the Alki Beach New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim – but this year just might have been the biggest yet by one measure: As we arrived in the area by car about 25 minutes before the 10 am start, parking was bumper-to-bumper further out than we’ve seen it before. And even after the official “swim,” some were still showing up belatedly and plunging in on their own. Above, our view from the center of the lineup, including the countdown; below, our view from the east edge:
Some lingered in the water for a photo op:
It was also a way to close out the holiday season:
We saw dinosaurs:
Dalmatians:
And politicians:
(That’s former U.S. Attorney and current State Attorney General candidate Nick Brown with 34th District State Senator Joe Nguyễn, both West Seattleites.) Organizer Mark Ufkes counted down the crowd by bullhorn and then joined them in the water:
His invitation to write down what you’re letting go for 2023 and your hopes for 2024 had some takers:
After all, today’s the day to retake the wheel and be the captain of your destiny:
Final note – this year’s air temperature was 41 degrees, 10 degrees below the water temperature.
(Reader photo – The Brothers’ peek appearance)
Welcome to 2024! Here’s info we hope you’ll find helpful on this holiday:
BUSES: Metro‘s on the Sunday schedule. (Fares ARE being collected today, after fare-free NYE.)
WATER TAXI: It’s not running today.
STATE FERRIES: Weekend 2-boat schedule on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route – check for alerts here.
MORE TRANSPORTATION NOTES: No charge for street parking in areas of the city with curbside pay stations … West Seattle-relevant traffic cameras are here; see all cameras citywide via this map.
GROCERY-STORE HOURS AND OTHER BIZNOTES FOR TODAY: Though we don’t make full New Year’s Day lists because closures/changes are far fewer than on the other fall/winter holidays, we do have a few notes for today: First, grocery-store changes — Trader Joe’s is closed; PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) opens later (9 am); Whole Foods opens later (9 am); Metropolitan Market opens later and closes earlier (8 am-8 pm). For Costco fans, the SODO store and other locations are closed today. … Other biznotes, including a few sent in – C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) is open 8 am-4 pm today … Grillbird is open regular hours; Freshy’s is open 9 am-7 pm, Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is closed today but returns to regular hours tomorrow (Tuesday).
NEW YEAR’S DAY WALKS: The Emerald City Wanderers‘ New Year’s Day walks are on again ths year, starting at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW). Choose the 5- or 10-kilometer walk and start between 9 and noon, with soup and snacks afterward. No fee, but donations to help cover costs are welcome.
ALKI POLAR BEAR SWIM: Be at the beach to be part of the annual tradition of running into Puget Sound with hundreds of other people at 10 am sharp, just about anywhere on the sand – here’s this year’s announcement, with a special invitation to – before going in the water – “write down what you want to leave behind from 2023 and what you want from the New Year for you, your family, and for our great nation” (there’ll be a jar to drop your wish in).
OTHER NOTES: Seattle Public Utilities customers’ trash/recycling/yard-waste pickup is on one-day delay all this week too – Monday customers get Tuesday pickup, Tuesday customers get Wednesday pickup, etc. … Seattle Parks & Recreation closure info is here … Libraries (city and county) are closed today.
ASTRA LUMINA: The celestially inspired light show continues on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, opening at 5 pm. Tickets and info here.
‘4040 HOUSE’ LIGHTS: Last night this season to see the music-synched light show at 4040 47th SW, 6-9 pm – the display’s creator asks that you park on Andover or Dakota if you’re driving to see it.
If you see/hear news, please text/call 206-293-6302 – we appreciate your tips 24/7/365 (or, this year, 366)!
12:27 AM: Big emergency response near the Admiral Way Bridge for a car crash. It was initially dispatched as a “rescue extrication” but responders then reported finding no one in or near the car – so far.
12:32 AM: The location of the crash is logged as 39th/Admiral but one crew has told dispatch they’re actually on Fairmount, so we’re not clear whether they’re on or below the bridge. Dispatch has checked the plate of the crashed Acura and told police it’s “clear and current” to someone in the Pierce County town of Milton.
12:48 AM: Per commenter RS, “The crash is just south of the Admiral bridge on Fairmount. Car is on its side on the east side of the road. You can see it from the Admiral bridge.” Responders searched all around but didn’t find anyone, so SFD has closed out its part of the call.
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