THE ICEBOATERS
ORIENT, NY USA
The members of the Orient Ice Yacht Club have a problem.
This passionate group of folks sail small craft across frozen bays at astonishing speeds.
They have the boats.
They have the passion.
They do not have ice.
They haven't had ice in over ten years, which, as one can imagine, is tough on a hobby.
For the past couple of years, the members have gathered at a small bayfront boat launch on January 1st to make offerings to whichever God or Gods might have a hand on the switch.
Members are encouraged to dress in their most Norse, most Arctic, or at least most outrageous garb.
Ice is brought from grocery stores, home refrigerators, restaurants, or anywhere else it can be procured.
Over a passed bottle of blackberry brandy, members throw or slapshot ice into the bay to combat the ever-warmer water.
Maybe this is the year that they will prevail against climate change.
May the boats sail again.
