The St. Paddy's Day Plunge went off without a hitch at 5:30 am (ie, as far as we know, no one was fatally trampled, frozen or swept out to sea).

Consider the plunge Portland's offical St. Patrick's Day kick-off. And consider it a sign that the locals might be just slightly left of center.

But boldly they rushed forth, half naked and woohooing, into the frigid waters at East End Beach.

A little crazy in action:

Even our friend Tom plunged ahead - with crutches. A noble effort on his part, but he admittedly took down two women with aforementioned aluminum walking aids (by accident, of course).

Aside from the post-plunge glory, St. Patrick's Day dippers were able to bask in the Guinness glow over at Ri Ra. By 6:00 am the bar was fairly well crowded with plungers, spectators and general holiday revelers.

And a fine Irish breakfast they're having over there.

It's St. Patrick's Day people. Expect more of this...all day:

Check out the Bar Guide for a round-up of St. Patrick's Day goings-on around town