The Doldrums
Another good day. The sun is so hot here! I haven't had much wind and what I do have is right on the nose. I am happy enough because I don't have any lightning storms. I've had a few squalls but they didn't last long so I still haven't crossed the equator. I'm hoping to cross sometime tonight.
I have been meeting Chris and John off Moana on the radio everyday. They haven't had any wind and haven't crossed the equator either. We are having a bet to see who can catch the first fish. Flying fish (my specialty) don't count. I've been sorting out my tackle today. I've got 2 lines out even though I am really going too slow to troll. I need to try not to be the only person to sail around the world without catching a fish. Thanks Pete!
I tried to get on the Sheila Net from Australia today but wasn't close enough and needed a relay to talk so I decided to wait until I'm a little closer. It is hard to get up by 7:00am to make the Rag on the Air Net. Sorry guys! I'll try again tomorrow. I'm often up in the night so I don't just wake up at dawn anymore.
According to David, current satellite images show quite a few areas of convection nearby but nothing real close. I definitely have been well-guided and protected on my journey. I really have so much to be grateful for. There are way too many people to thank. I couldn't do this trip without everyone who is advising, coaching, encouraging etc.
But for now, I am going 3 knots off course in the blazing hot sun and there is another squall coming that looks like trouble. That is all for today.
Cheers,
Zac
Link to LA Times article (without all the cool pics):
www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-zac14-2008aug14,0,6815518.column
posted by Zac at
5:08 PM
35 Comments:
Hey Zac,
You can't believe how much pride and joy I have for you today. Your LA Times article really touched my heart. It was so full of the humanity of your journey.
When we read daily of your challenges and goings on, we don't really know how the trip is emotionally affecting you. The things, friends, family, and the life you left behind in pursuit of your journey.
Reading the Times article brought back what you were sharing when you first took off, and I'm sure the emotions that your mom and dad know you are experiencing.
You are such an inspiration to all who have gotten to know you through your blog, and now through all the press you are garnering. You have the love of so many people that I hope you feel it, and know that we are all here to see you through in every way we can.
From your article, I feel like I know you as a best friend, and this makes wanting to know how you are doing daily, is so important to me. I want to be there to support you.
So I pray for you, care about you and wish you the best every day. Have a great day ahead, and keep reaching those milestones in your young life.
Best,
Peter
You've been gone 2 months today. WOW!
Praying always for your safe keeping.
xoxo
DZ
Hi Zac,
Sorry to hear you aren't getting much wind out there. Hope your equatorial crossing was a great one... assuming you have made it by now (if not, hope it's great when you do make it)! Be sure to let us know what you did to mark the event. And let us know who wins the 'first to cross the equator' race, too.
You know with everything that you have done, and will do in the future on this fantastic journey, even if you don't catch a single fish - no big deal. You'll just have accomplished two records - youngest solo circumnavigator and only person to solo circumvent without catching a fish!!! :)
Wishing you safe travels and full sails.
Karl
Colorado Springs, CO
FOR HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU, TO KEEP YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS. PSALM 91:11
ALL WILL BE WELL!
BLESSINGS
SERVANT OF THE LORD
Whatever you do Zak, don't give old Neptune any rotten fruit! Give him something good so as not to bring his wrath...if you are superstitious!! Let us know if water really does flow the opposite direction once you cross. :-) Have you seen any dolphins way out there? I remember lots of dolphins on my journey up the coast of California but I don't know if they follow boats in the middle of the ocean. Any schools or pods of anything out there?
Patrick
I love reading your blog! It's been absolutely fascinating thus far and I feel for you being out there day in, day out by yourself. But, not for long! I've convinced quite a few of my colleagues at work to assign reading your blog and following your route in the social studies classes they teach. (I'd assign it myself, but unless you're learning a language...I'm not quite sure how to relate it) Prepare to be an even bigger inspiration to the kids coming after you!
Zac,
We sailed through there a couple/three years ago and had a great 4 month stay in Majuro. To win the fishing competition, make sure your lures have a little surface action. They should pop to the surface, collect a little air and create a smoke trail. If you have a bird teaser on-board tie it on so that it is about 20' out. If not, you can make one out of a plastic bottle with a couple of washers and the foil from a chip bag stuffed inside. The teaser will get the fish to "come take a look" and then they'll go for the lures. It's kind of like a jet plane; if it didn't make a little noise or leave a contrail, you'd never see it in the sky.
The fish (especially tuna) are usually deep during the day and come up to feed at night (hence the need for a teaser). We don't fish at night, but the lines go out when the sun comes up and come in as it sets.
We usually run four lines and there is nothing better than fresh fish to make your day. When you get to port check out our Sailboat fishing tips at www.creative-cruising.com/sailboat-fishing-tips.htm.
Best of Luck,
Chris and KT SV Billabong
sailbillabong.com .. We left Ventura 5 years ago.
I read your article in the Sports section of the LA Times. Right up there with Phelps. Quite a journey you've created for yourself. I envy your night skies! I wish you the best and I'll keep an eye on your blog. -Kirsten (Mar Vista, CA)
Hey Zac, I have been gone for awhile over at Catalina and I'm glad to hear that you are once again underway. Catalina in August is packed but we still had a good time and the snorkeling was great. Easy passages both ways. California will still be here when you get back but you will see it through different eyes.
HOLA ZAC !!!
HOLA todos...
Si no podes pescar algo en toda la travesía, mas allá que seas el primero en no pescar nada, te vas a comer un gaste (cachada) muy, MUY GRANDE... Y si el Flyingfish no cuenta como tu lo has dicho...
Que hay poco viento, relájate!!! Y descansa, que ya vendrán tus vientos y querrás estar un poco mas tranquilo, así que descansa y disfruta lo que hay...
Cuando estés más cerca de Sudamérica te llamare por radio y probare el equipo y las antenas... Hoy por hoy no por que estamos demasiado a contramano con los horarios…
Te deseo lo mejor y seguí escribiendo, que esto te servirá de buena practica para cuando escribas tu libro… AH! No sabias que vas a escribir un libro??? Bueno si lo escribirás, y además se lo dedicaras a tus padres y a tu ZAC PACK… (cosa de brujos)…
Hoy no escribo en Ingles, así que “sorry” a todos los que no entienden nada !!!
Glen
Ahhh, the bob and bake, I'm sure it takes on a new dimension at sea..not so much fun.
I'm headed out today for a daysail on my boat "Wombat"; your adventure as always will be the hot topic among crew! As soon as we get sails up and set a course someone always asks: "OK, where is Zac now?"...naturally any loyal Zac Pac would know this....(HELLO)so I always answer...LOL
Good that you have some lines in; hopefully you'll land a nice big fish. I like to go out fishing with my dad. This past June my brother was home from Colorado with his family and we took a charter boat out for some trout fishing........one trout....many more northern pike......way too much fun. Good times.
Hang in there, that breeze will fill in and away you'll go!!!
Be safe, know that we're all behind you with a collective "good on ya mate"!
God speed,
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
USA
ps do you have floss????? LOL!!! Hopefully you'll have an address in Oz.... guess what I'm sending.... :)
The Doldrums must be rough. How many books have you on board? Hope you get a good breeze soon and make the equator. King Neptune is waiting to welcome you!
Hoz
But, but, Zac... You didn't share what you've decided to do to celebrate when you "cross over". I definitely think swimming across is a bad idea; glad you've at least ruled that out. Whatever you do, or doing nothing, just the crossing is a thing to remember.
I know it must be hot; the times I've been at the equator (in Africa and South America) it was wicked hot *and* humid. I do hope you can pass on over and get out of the doldrums quickly.
Be safe and nibble some more makwon...
Cheers,
willy
milford, ohio
Good Morning Zac,
Its casual friday here on the 29th floor downtown Ft. Worth and I am proudly wearing my offical Zac Sunderland solo adventure tshirt and I have already gotten a couple compliments on it today. Zac buddy you are seriously becoming a household name! Keep it real... catch some fish.... and can't wait til you pass the equator!!
Catch you on the
flipflop
Wheat
Another great blog entry and another great newspaper article. Go, Zac!
from Iowa
Hi,
I've been tracking Zac and thought I'd help others visualize his trip and keep up to date with his latest position. It automatically extracts the positions from his blogs, and plots it in an interactive map which sits above the latest blog entry. Users can select from any blog and it will zoom into the entry location AND then they can read the blog below. It even keeps track on how far he's gone (both time and distance). Think of it as a map navigation menu for all his blogs.
Not only will it help the Zac Pack cheer him on, it will help others catch up on his travels as new people start to follow his amazing adventure.
http://www.creative-cruising.com/TrackZac/zac-sunderland-map-intrepid.html
Note: The first photo of a blog entry will become the map Icon and distance are approximate based on straight line distance between routes. There may be a slight delay between a blog entry update and the map.
I did modify some of the positions around Ventura and Majuro based on my knowledge of the area. (We left from Ventura 5 years ago on our sailing trip and visited Majuro two years ago).
Please use the comment form on the bottom to contact us with any feedback.
Enjoy and Go Zac Go!!
Zac- I've been following your journey for awhile now- and your line
I need to try not to be the only person to sail around the world without catching a fish
made me laugh . I wanted to just say hi to you on a day where the doldrums (understandably) visit. Your trip has been like a vicarious vacation to me. I went into a power wheelchair over the past year (from a manual one) and needless to say it doesn't fit in my car so I've been a tad landlocked until I can get an accessible van which will, unfortunately, take many years for me to afford. So this summer I'm enjoying "traveling" with you. Thank you for sharing all this- your writings , the photos, the stories,etc. I admire your goal, perseverance, sense of humor and am rooting you on.
Hello Zac & Everyone,
I'm sorry you don't have any winds right now. I know without wind and being so hot this might make you a little anxious. You can't change what lies ahead so just take it easy, think everything through, and don't loose your cool. You're doing a great job so far and you can only play the hand your given.
Things are going a little slow now but they will change. You just need to get past this time without getting frustrated. I hope tomorrow will be a better day. By the time you read this it will be tomorrow anyway.
Take care and read your mail if you get very frustrated about your speed or the heat.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Best of luck in the doldrums! I remember from my sailing days how no wind was way worse and more agonizing than stormy weather! I find the same to be true in real life. Activity is better than boredom even if the activity is stressful.
I also gave you a shout out on my blog www.jquaglia.blogspot.com
Stay safe Zac!
May your blessings outnumber
The Shamrocks that grow.
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
Blessings to you, Zac
Zac: I am new to this "blogger" stuff so if you get multiple messages it is because I'm a dummy. I sent you a package to Majuro and inside are some sure fire fish catching lures.
best of luck
Warren
Hi Zac, future Shellback,
Ugh, the doldrums. On the positive side, it should give you some time to get reorganized, do some boat/house cleaning and get some school work done. LOL
Enjoy the down time while you can and catch up on things that you need to catch up on.
Stay cool; catch some fish for a nice meal; continue keeping the Zac Pack entertained with your posts.
We are thinking of you always. We all are anxiously awaiting a recount of your crossing.
Stay cool.
Linda and Bill
Washington DC
The LA Times article was really well done. Really enjoyed reading it even though I already knew the details of your trip so far from your blog.
You're going to be a fellow SHELLBACK soon, but I never considered my status any big deal since my crossing took place on a US Navy Ship and I was merely a passenger. You, on the other hand, will be a true Shellback.
In a way, though, you might be considered lucky to escape the usual ceremony involved. I remember having to kiss King Neptunes (a Navy enlisted Chief) big, fat, red grease covered belly as he looked down at me and laughed. I even got a certificate to demonstrate the ceremony... long since lost, however.
C-18
Zac
I think King Neptune would enjoy
some of your teriyaki salmon jerky
from Alaska. Give him a bite.
Sail On, dude!
Kodiak Mike
Hey Zac,
I hope you got my postcard and even if you did you probably haven't had a chance to read it yet. I will pray that the wind will pick up and you'll be cruising soon. And don't give "MR. Neptune" anythng, you'd just be feeding the fishies.
Just curious, but, have you read Kon-Tiki By: Thor Heyerdahl? I've read experts from the book and thought it would be a good read for your next leg.
And when all is said and done with your trip (that probably seems too far away to even consider) come up to Duluth,MN. WE HAVE WATER! LOL!
"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord." Pslam 27:13-14
Zac,
Hope you have some sunscreen for your nose! Have you decided how you will celebrate crossing the Equator and what your token for Poseidon will be? Thoughts are with you...stay safe!
Cheers!
zac---just keep doing 'your thing' kiddo. we are praying for you as always. we are outta here for the weekend....but you remain in our thoughts.
john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
Zac... You know, I've not seen it mentioned recently, but your talk of doldrums and heat brought it to mind. I'm sure you know it already, but make sure you stay very well hydrated.
Hope the wind picks up soon or, even better, has already.
willy
Hey Zac,
Enjoy the Doldrums, as boring as they seem, you will long for them & the much needed rest they provide, if you run into any serious conditions in the course of your travels.
Congratulations on reaching the Equator!
Zac,
I heard about your journey on Good Morning America back in June and blogged about it then. After sharing your story with my team we were so inspired by your trip that we decided to sneak in an extra design to our fall additions to our Use Your Words clothing line in your honor.
Check it out:
http://www.whimsicalwalney.com/useyourwords.com.
I would love to send you one if you'd like, I just need to know what size you'd like and if you'd like it in Spanish or in English?
Either you or someone from your family (I'm guessing Mom?) can contact me through my contact us page to let me know where to send it.
We wish you a continued awesome adventure!
Hey Zac,
You don't know us, but we know the rest of your family through TPCS and EVFree. Anyway, we've enjoyed your blog and wanted to let you know we are praying for you as you sail the world. I saw this quote and thought of you:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things
that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
--Mark Twain
Blessings,
The Cragoes
Oh, those ol' doldrums. Hang in there and keep thinking about your celebration when crossing the equator.
LA Times article was wonderful.
You are in our prayers, Zac.
I love the t shirts and wear them often.
Kathy, Bend Oregon
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Chris and KT, Wow! Went to Billabong's website. What an amazing journey you two have had over the past 5 years. The photography is amazing and the places are as well.
If only I could.
That's a great tracking software you're using too, year by year.
Zac meanwhile....stuck in the doldrums....a time to rest. That's a good Article in the Times buddy. And passing the equator so close to the water. Did you reach out? That's gotta be spiritual.
Sail on!
Scot
California
Zac, Wow! and,... WOW! You are in our prayers. God gives rest to the weary and strength to those that are weak. We are so blessed by your endeavor. We will not cease to pray for you.
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