The Touch of the Shadow…
As Atlantic rowers Paul Gleeson and Tori Holmes enter what they hope will be their final week on the high seas, the 'entity' that follows/haunts/accompanies them has made its most audacious intervention yet:
Our passenger was up to divilment again on Sunday. It was the second night shift. We were going northwest, slightly crossing the swell to hold the latitude. I got shivers down my spine and down both my legs. All of a sudden I noticed there was pulling alongside my left hand. Another hand had come in. There was a pulling motion, as if an arm had come in under my left armpit. I went, Holy Shit. I looked around and didn't see anything, but I just felt what was like a hand and arm was there.
The logic of this, and I didn't want to get too deep into it, was to pull more on the left side so I wouldn't be crossing the swell as much. So I took it that whoever this character is might be saying: "No, no, come on, don't be taking too many risks." And for the rest of the night I didn't. I said, out loud: "Okay, I really appreciate this. Fair enough."
We are still quite cautious. The Spirit of Cornwall came a cropper very close to the end, so we're conscious that we're not home until we get across that line. Cross your fingers and we'll see can we make it in seven days.1
"Holy Shit!" indeed…here's hoping that by this time next week the lads will be back on terra firma, leaving the 'shadow' to roam the oceans in search of other sport.
- The Irish Times February 15th, 2006 [back]
February 15, 2006
3 responses to The Touch of the Shadow…
I think they’re wise to stay on the crayture’s good side until they beach themselves somewhere. Anywhere! (what choice do they have?). At that point they can commence with the heebeejeebee induced screaming and panic stricken running and flailing about. It reminds me of the episode of the Simpsons where Bart has the ability to read people’s minds and do as his imagination allows with the entire population of Springfield at his mercy.
Just the spotted the following:
http://www.newscientist.com/blog/technology/
http://hansonrobotics.com/project_pkd.php
Somewhat bonkers eh? With America’s liberal gun laws it may soon be somewhat armed.
Anyone have Harrison Ford’s phone number?
foolhardy,
Of course Dick himself became “somewhat bonkers” in later life, with visions of laser beams and the old Vast Active Living Intelligence System…so it’s no surprise to hear that the ‘robot him’ is a bit screwy too.