Meet Evan 

As my theme this year is things that inspire me I thought I'd introduce you to Evan. 

Keep reading to the end.

A few weeks back ( about 6 or so at this point) I saw this article in our local newspaper. As he is a friend of mine I sent a text when I saw the article to congratulate him on this story being published. 

(My original post did not take you here so I have added the text in this edit)

 

In the heart of Traverse City’s Oak Park neighborhood resides a legend.

A legend who’s a local hero in sustainable food systems, an avid sailor, a devoted husband who loves to run with his wife, Cindy, and, when winter blankets northern Michigan’s capital with snow, an A-plus sidewalk shoveler.

But there’s more to my friend Evan’s story than meets the eye.

You see, Evan has a ritual, a monthly pilgrimage that has woven him into the fabric of Traverse City’s identity for nearly two decades.

Every month, without fail, for 20 long years, Evan has submersed himself into the waters of Grand Traverse Bay.

This incredible 20-year streak — he’ll officially complete his 20th year next month — began in April of 2003 and has since become a testament to Evan’s dedication and respect for our precious freshwater.

Evan grew up in Detroit, moved to Chicago after graduating from Alma College, and then realized that “big cities weren’t for me.” He took 18 months off work to travel and figure out where he wanted to live.

He narrowed it down to the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, and Traverse City.

“I’m really a Midwesterner, and it’s about the freshwater — it’s my happy place. I wanted to sail and be on the water.”

He chose Traverse City and has now lived in the Oak Park neighborhood for 40 years.

For Evan, Grand Traverse Bay is more than just a source of recreation; it’s sacred — a sanctuary.

I was privileged to witness Evan’s February dip, his 239th straight, at Sunset Park after he finished a run along the beach with Cindy.

It was a sunny, windless, and abnormally warm Saturday.

The air temperature was 36°F, and Evan guessed the water was also in the mid-30s.

He waded into the bay with tranquility and quiet resolve. Once in thigh-high water, he turned to face south, outstretched his arms to the side, and fell backward into the water.

No theatrics, no bravado, no screaming. Stoic. Calm.

“It’s like a monthly baptism of sorts — like I’m renewing my vows.”

Evan’s connection to our water goes beyond the physical act of immersion — beyond the current popularity of cold plunging.

His practice is rooted in gratitude, honor, and humility — a way of paying homage to our water.

In the book “Blue Mind” (available at our wonderful public library!), marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols explores the science around the therapeutic power of water, presenting research on its ability to calm the mind, uplift the spirit, and foster a sense of unity and interconnectedness with the world around us.

In Evan’s monthly ritual, I see echoes of the research Nichols cites — a testament to the social-emotional benefits that water can have on our wellbeing and its ability to inspire us to be more empathetic, compassionate, and connected.

To paraphrase Alan Watts: We didn’t come into this world. We came out of it — like a wave from the bay. We are not strangers here.

Evan admits that his streak “now has a life of its own,” but it’s not an unhealthy obsession. There’s also no goal or plan on how long it will keep going.

So, for now, with each monthly submersion into the blue, Evan will continue reaffirming his bond with our freshwater — a public show of honor and respect for what makes Traverse City a special place.

His nearly two-decade journey serves as a reminder that amidst an increasingly chaotic and tumultuous world, there exists a sanctuary of peace and calm to boost our health and happiness right here in our backyard.

A sanctuary that’s for all of us — if we have the courage and commitment to dive in.

Cheers on 20 years, Evan.

Legend.

His reply was shocking. 

He & his wife Cindy were in Florida on vacation for 4 hours when he slipped on some stairs. 

He was having surgery the next day to reattach his quadriceps that had ruptured on both legs.  What the...  Apparently his knee pain he had been experiencing for years, & being told when he was ready knee replacements could be done, was actually calcified tissue. Basically he was a walking time bomb with this event being somewhat serendipitous.  Repair, braces on both legs for... well, still. Rehab, no bending for a month...you get the idea. A tough one. One of his comments was, well there goes that 20 year record. 

 Last Sunday, March 31st, this happened

 

 The last opportunity to keep his record intact. Braces, garbage bags, ski poles & some very good, dedicated, crazy friends to assist.  A couple of them had never done the cold water plunge before. 

 Evan is my ex husband. The father of my 2 adult boys. 

Me crouching, my husband of 31 years Merrill directly behind Evan to the right. 

 Here we are warm & dry at another gathering several years ago for our older son's best friends wedding. 

Younger son far right older son next to him. 

 

This was 10 years ago on the island of Vieques. Not planned it just ended up we both had scheduled vacations there at the same time.