I haven’t been to baikal but I have been to Issykul which was a favoured resort of some Russians. A very tired resort with rather chilly water. I didn’t take the plunge but I have done so in the river that runs through ivalo, an arctic circle town in finland.
I was picnicking on an island which is accessible only to Sami and their guests and was unexpectedly tempted to try the clear, beautiful water. A quick strip and a plunge before I got a grip on myself the shock nearly sent me ten foot in the air. I think I last less than a minute.
