Once A Popsicle Stick, Always A…… Viking Longship
This has got to be the ultimate recycling story of all time. An American stuntman who has worked in more than 400 films has built a 50-foot long replica of a viking longship. Out of 15 million recycled Popsicle sticks. No, really. And it went for a sail today.
A replica Viking longboat made out of 15 million ice cream sticks has been launched in Amsterdam harbour.
The ship was painstakingly glued together by former Hollywood stuntman Robert McDonald and two friends - a job that took two years.
The sticks were collected by children all over the world. Mr McDonald is claiming the world record for the biggest boat made that way.
He hopes to sail the 15m (50ft) ship across the Atlantic.
The ship carried a crew of 20 on its maiden voyage.
"It's a dream come true. It's truly worth all the hard work," said Mr McDonald, quoted by Reuters news agency.
"I never want to look at glue again. I don't think I will be in a hurry to look at ice cream sticks again."
Oh, Lord, from the fury of the Creamsicle, please deliver us. (I find these things just for Lars Walker, you know.)
UPDATE: More here, including some pictures. Apparently, this is McDonald's third Popsicle stick longship! Here is the website for the Sea Heart Foundation, McDonald's charity.
Weird Stuff, World news | Gaius Friday, 13 July , 2007
By Lars Walker, Saturday, 14 July , 2007 @ 6:05 am
Alas, now the secret of Viking power has been revealed.