Map Monday, Rubber Ducks in the Ocean

Rubber ducks in the ocean, has Map Monday gone the way of fake news? Before I answer that question, let me digress. For those of you new to this forum digression is one of my go to techniques. Please be assured that I will eventually get to a map of rubber ducks in the ocean.

My town has recently been inundated with a series of signs. Each series contains four signs. The first reads “They,” followed by “Swim,” then “You,” and finally “Win.” The same words appear on the back sides of the signs, but in the reverse order. Thus they deliver the same message for cars traveling in either direction. In addition to this seemingly cryptic message, the signs picture several large yellow ducks. The ducks resemble one made famous by Sesame Street’s Ernie. For those unfamiliar with Ernie’s song, feel free to click on the link. Please note that the link does include graphic video of a Muppet in his bathtub. Rubber Ducky Video

Racing Ducks

As many of you may have already guessed, these signs are tied to a fundraising event known as the Duck Derby. PYS (Pittsford Youth Services) sells ducks to townspeople for a nominal fee ($6 this year). They also offer discounts for volume purchases and collect sponsorships from local businesses. After several weeks of feverish buildup and the conclusion of a town concert, the race begins. The rubber ducks race on the Erie Canal, which conveniently runs through the middle of the village. From the Main Street bridge volunteers dump hundreds or perhaps even thousands of rubber ducks into the canal. The normally placid waters of the canal overflow with racing ducks spurred along by an induced current. Volunteers in kayaks scoop up both wayward ducks as well as the winners. The event offers family fun and raises money for a great cause.

Ocean Bound Ducks

How do we get from a small town fundraiser to rubber ducks in the ocean? In 1992 a cargo ship left Hong Kong. Its cargo included a container of almost 29,000 bath toys. About halfway to its Tacoma, WA destination, the container of bath toys spilled into the Pacific Ocean. Red beavers, blue turtles, and green frogs joined the yellow ducks in the middle of the ocean. Over the next 15 years, members of this ill-fated bath toy entourage spent winters frozen in the Arctic and traveled as far as 17,000 miles. Which at long last brings us to our featured map, courtesy of Wikipedia.

Ah, the perils of world trade.

As always thanks for reading.

Armen

Note to Pay the Bills: While Piper Falls, NY is a mythical town that doesn’t feature its own Duck Derby, it does serve as the setting for my Misaligned Series. Underpinned by Welsh mythology and the basic elements of String Theory, the three book series explores the intersection of science and myth. Check out a summary of the series here or find links to purchase books here.