A report from our Arctic correspondent, John Cumberland.
Location: Svalbard: August ’11.
We’re happily bobbing around in our Zodiac in the middle of an Arctic fjord against a backdrop of three colossal glaciers that ‘calve’ noisily and create mini tsunamis with blue icebergs the size of articulated lorries, bouncing around and sometimes rolling over. The water beneath us is a gorgeous shade of aquamarine and a chilly 10C.
Pete, one of our so-called ‘expert’ guides, is in ‘Viking mode’ sitting on the prow of our flimsy vessel enthusiastically searching out a seal here, a bird there, was that a bear in the distance? Then suddenly, a splash. A very loud splash. He’s in the water! He’s actually in the bloody water! His camera and 500mm lens remain on the zodiac, somewhat lonely, on the prow. But Cairns himself is completely submerged! His lifejacket automatically inflates, just as it should but whilst returning him to the icy surface, nearly throttles him in the process. Chaos reins. ‘Belfast Annie’, sitting on the starboard side, is in no mood to see our Viking hero float off into oblivion. Adrenaline pumping, she leans over the side and grabs Pete in the neck region clamping him firmly to the side of the Zodiac. As her spectacles steam up, Pete is heard to say, over and over again , “Annie, I am trying to get my leg over!” This sounds to Annie like one of the best offers she’s had in years and so her grip tightens on her Viking hero. While those of us on the port side balance the Zodiac (and if truth be told take as many pictures as we can), calm Swedish Captain Dan intervenes and soon Pete is safely back on board.
Pete becomes the subject of great concern (that doesn’t stop us taking yet more pictures) but our bedraggled leader remains cheerful and Annie helpfully points out the similarity between Pete’s inflated lifejacket and a ‘Double D’ bra that’s somehow got caught around his neck. Spitting out several mouthfuls of Arctic brine, Pete admits to feeling somewhat foolish, or words to that effect. A hollow, unsympathetic, chuckle is heard from our sister zodiac which Pete immediately recognises as the voice of his (supposedly) best mate, Mark Hamblin. We all vow that he should be next for a dunking!
On returning to the mother ship, Pete is soon restored to warmth and his usual level of exuberance. Never mind, you can’t have everything!
This was John Cumberland, Northshots News, The Arctic.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily shared by Northshots and are clearly those of an individual who derives satisfaction from the misfortune of others.
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Priceless! and what a great photo of the wreckage! Good to hear that Mark was sympathetic as usual.
At least your binoculars are waterproof!! Did nobody take any shots of you practising your best stroke?
Oh my God, this is so funny!!!! Not just the image but the story telling too. Thanks for the laugh.
Ed
Is that rope securing him more firmly to the boat?
I hope embarrassment was your only ill effect!
In true media fashion, it seems apparent that the real reason for Pete’s dunking has been “lost” in favour of “a good story!”
What was neglected to be mentioned was that Pete was actaully taking a dip because he can no longer use the bath or shower at home because they’re full of bloody books!!!!!
Ah Phil, now we’re getting to the nub of it. It was actually an entirely voluntary action in the interests of personal cleanliness, something that I’m particularly obsessive about. So obsessive in fact, that I even took a spare pair of pants with me on this trip. Whatever next?
Pleased to report books selling so well I can now get to my bed each night but will have to do something about Sam sleeping upright under the stairs.
Absolutely fab….. best giggle I’ve had for ages! Thanks for that!
Fantastic! When’s the next instalment?
Chris
Well, after a good 10m laugh I have to be honest: That title (and the whole story) is some kind of revelation!!! After all even Peter Cairns goes “finally over the edge”. Besides that, Pete, don’t worry about a thing. It only happens to the ones… (sorry, I started laughing again and can not stop) Way to go, good man!!!
All the best for next dives! 😉
This is too funny! What a great story. Thank you for writing this. Cheers
I was actually quite concerned as I thought it was one of the guests but then once I saw the reddened face of his truly, all sympathy quickly faded knowing all too well that Calamity Cairns would have entirely brought this upon himself as he has done on numerous other occasions – the tales of mishaps and misdemeanours are amassing nicely for the next book!! The words that came to mind when we we reconvened back on dry boat were simply, ‘What a knob!!’