I decided to spend New Year’s Day up on the Purple mountain walking around the Purple Cloud Lake. 
I took all my cold weather gear; 2 scarves, 2 prs gloves (1 silk, 1 thin wool), 1 pr Gortex ski mitts, 2 hats, thermal long johns, full length cashmere coat.
There were very few people on the mountain so it was peaceful and picturesque with snow on the ground. I have never been up to the lake and not seen someone swimming. I wondered whether there would be anyone today as the temperature was below zero. I was not disappointed. As I got to the lake there was a swimmer getting out of the lake and drying himself.
I went around the lake to have a chat with him. By the time I got there he was almost dressed. His friend, who was just about to get in the water, told me that the swimmer was 80 years ago. I asked the old man how often he came to the lake to swim and he told me he came every day no matter what the weather. I asked him whether he was cold. “No I am never cold” he said.