He used to break bones. Now former Hollywood he lives what he speaks. In April 1986, McDonald
stuntman Robert Mc-Donald uses popsicle sticks rocked his way into the world record book by rock-
to break world records. ing in a chair for 340 hours. Last year, he grabbed
McDonald has built three Viking-ship replicas out another record by sailing a ship made from 370,000
of ice cream sticks. All have been seaworthy, includ- ice cream sticks, the Baby Ola Bison.
ing his latest beast, built from 15 million popsicle The bigger replica is 50 feet long and weighs in at
sticks over three years. He’s now working to break a hefty 13 tons, including more than two tons of glue.
another record by sailing the ship across the Atlantic Named Mjollnir (mil-ner) — the Viking god of thun-
Ocean in true Viking fashion. der — she is an open craft with no protection for the
“I have a dream to show children they can do any- sailors whatsoever. The 6-person crew sleeps in true
thing,” he says. “If they can dream it, they can do it.” Viking style: hammocks strung across the deck. Her
In fact, that’s what started McDonald down this voyage across the Atlantic began in mid-April.
popsicle path — he wanted to encourage his 8-year- McDonald heads the Sea Heart Ship Foundation, a
old son to aim high and believe he could succeed, group spreading fun to kids in hospitals around the
all the while making the world a better place. He is world. Captain Rob (as the kids call him) recently
adamant about creative recycling — all the ice cream returned from a hospital tour of Florida, the Gulf
sticks he used were previously used or imperfect, Coast, and New Orleans, where he gave away 28,000
and were donated by the Ola ice cream company in stuffed animals in 14 days (yet another record).
Europe. McDonald’s home port is in the Netherlands. —Shawn Connally
“[ We’re] demonstrating how amazing objects can be created from everyday, recycled goods,” he enthuses. >>Great Atlantic Crossing Adventure: obvikingship.com/
“Creative” and “fun” pepper his conversations. And index.php
Photography courtesy of the Sea Heart Ship Foundation
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