Saturday, August 9, 2008

Goodbye Majuro

Warning! Post from Mom :)

It has been a busy couple of days with Laurence and Zac working and visiting and never a dull moment. Everyday it rains (pours actually) in Majuro. After the rain, it is hot! Both Laurence and Zac enjoyed their stays in the Marshall Islands. Zac will elaborate on his impressions of Majuro in a few days. He was meant to leave Majuro and head south yesterday but was still feeling sick from a stomach bug and nervous that he wasn't stowed and really ready. He left today at noon Majuro time to sail under a firm breeze out of the atoll and back into the Pacific tradewinds. He follows a day behind Moana who is headed for the Solomon Islands. They will remain in touch as long as possible with Zac heading west after the Solomons and into the Northern Australia Territory and Moana continuing south to Cairns, Australia and home. Laurence arrived home late last night full of stories and photos. The web site is preparing for some updates and will have some video and photos soon but for now I will post some of the photos that Laurence brought back.



















Zac entering the anchorage.


















Intrepid at anchor

















Zac at the Canoe House






















Zac dancing with some local youth










Pigs liver in blood (and Carla!)

























Greg from Itik Productions enjoying the local cuisine







Jen Edney - photographer
Beautiful day on the beach

36 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Marianne, thanks for that post. I've become addicted and was going into withdrawal.

Prayers continue with Zac on the leg to Oz.

Zacphan

August 9, 2008 at 9:36 PM  
Blogger Willyboy said...

Oh, Zac, sorry you still have a bug, but I suspect it will run screaming now that you are underway again. Travel safe and good winds to you, my friend...

August 9, 2008 at 9:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Marianne and Laurence,
Thanks for the update and pics from Laurence. It's great to see Greg and Jen too, as we've got some faces to put with the names we hear on the blog. And Carla, well an adorable young girl with whom Zac I'm sure will have a life long friend.
As for the stomach bug; perhaps Zac got ahold of some bad pigs liver?!
Anyway, thanks for the update on Moana. Happy to hear that Zac is on the high seas again and will look forward to his post once he settles in.
Again, Marianne thanks for keeping the posts going. I know it can't be easy with Laurence gone and six other kids at home who have needs of their own. However, I sincerely appreciate everything your doing to keep things interesting around here!
Melanie in Torrance

August 9, 2008 at 10:00 PM  
Blogger Anonymous said...

Hey Zac,

I loved your moms update tonight. What a time you must have had. Can't wait to hear your stories that will be coming as you set sail.

Sorry to hear you were not feeling too good. Its amazing that you have lasted this long without getting ill. I hope it was just the food, and that now your stomach will get back to normal!

I have a heavy heart as you sail further away. You have an incredible amount of bravery as you move into the next leg of your journey. You are in my heart always, and I won't stop praying for you to be safe, happy, and determined. Sail on Zac.

Best,
Peter

August 9, 2008 at 10:03 PM  
Blogger Uncle Hectic said...

Alright! Back on the water! I'm sure Zac enjoys being in port, but I really enjoy the daily blogs from the open sea. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks for the pictures; it looks like he had fun.

August 9, 2008 at 10:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wonderful pictures! Thanks so much Marianne! Hope Zac is feeling better. What an incredible experience.

Wishing him good sailing on this next leg of his journey.

Blessings to you all!

Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA

August 9, 2008 at 10:23 PM  
Blogger Fulgum said...

Marianne & Lawrence:
Thanks for all the pics. Majuro and the Marshall Islands look wonderful. Zac is looking great. He's looking even better when he standing next to a pretty girl!

:-)

Hope you get rid of that bug fast, Zac!

Scott

August 10, 2008 at 12:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well Zac, you're off again. This next leg you're on is going to be character builder...it's a long haul. Hopefully the closer you get to OZ, the cooler the weather will get...which should be a welcome change!

Keep up the good work.

August 10, 2008 at 1:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks to Marianne and Laurence for the update and photos. It's always good to see what's been happening.

Hi Zac,

Glad to hear you're under way again and looking forward to your posts with your thoughts and impressions of Majuro and its people. It's no surprise given your interesting diet lately that you have had a bit of an upset stomach. Hopefully that's all it is (or was) and you'll feel better soon!

May safe travels and good winds be with you, Zac!

Karl
Colorado Springs, CO

August 10, 2008 at 1:11 AM  
Blogger Mancubs said...

Hey everyone. It's Greg...the jetlagged producer. I want to tell you how encouraging it is to read the blogs. It continues to be challenging trying to get the right people on board to make this show a reality on a network. It's such a great story! Anyway, as Marianne has written, Zac is doing pretty well. I ended up flying back before all the stomach stuff hit. We are going to get some more video clips on the website in the next couple of days. Thanks for your prayers and well wishes!

Greg Lawson

August 10, 2008 at 2:00 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

Zac,
Sail on!! Hope you are well rested, and are feeling better. Your mom did a great job keeping us "Zac-Pac" junkies plugged in....a big thank you to her!

Hopefully you will be able to spend some time in Oz, Australians are some of the nicest people you will ever meet! I spent this past Feb. in Tasmaina, it was incredible!!

I can imagine it is a job to get your gear stowed, I have trouble getting everything in its place on a day sail!! I'm sure you've become a master of making every little nook and cranny count!

Well, settle in. Remember you have many well wishes and prayers headed your way.

Be safe, have fun.
Anita
Waterloo, NY
USA

ps will there be an address in Oz to send along post cards etc??
pss brush and floss!!! :)

August 10, 2008 at 3:47 AM  
Blogger Redwood Girl said...

Thanks for the update, Marianne. My husband has gotten me into Zac's trip and I am now addicted!

Can't wait to hear more now that he's back on the sea. Godspeed to you, Zac. We're all here cheering for you!!
Nanci
Boulder Creek, CA

August 10, 2008 at 7:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is so nice that with the blogs you cn share this journey with so many. I was runningon bourd this tremendous journey after i saw your cnn interview. I really hope you wip the record. thanks for all pictures. please send the support if he doesnt read this

August 10, 2008 at 7:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mom,

You are doing a great job and thank you (both) for all that you do to allow for your son to dream. I can not beleive some of the comments, but remember thism, you are living a life that 99% of the world can only dream. You all have much more information than we do. You ALL are making great decision.

Zac my man, SAIL on SAIL on. Have fun, becareful and remember you are the captain. Use the help you have available and go forward.

Only proble with the photos> WE WANT MORE AND MORE, Thanks,

Blessings,

Bill
Minneapolis

August 10, 2008 at 7:18 AM  
Blogger Dana said...

Zac, sorry to hear about the stomach bug; hoe it's cleared up.

The pictures are a nice tease! Can't wait to see more!

Dana
Santa Monica, CA

August 10, 2008 at 7:58 AM  
Blogger Mouse on a Motorcycle said...

I hate to join the "Amen corner" but I agree that it's inspiring to see you "set your sails and go" again!

I find it ironic that, the more time I spend sitting at my compy and being inspired by Zac, the more time I'm just sitting here and not doing anything about it.

And, to close with a famous quote:

"May the wind at your back not be your own..."
-Anonymous

In prayers daily for you,
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle

August 10, 2008 at 8:26 AM  
Blogger jwevers said...

Marianne,

Thank you for the wonderful post and pictures. I appreciate your posts while Zac is busy on land. It is great to see Zac enjoying his stay in Majuro.

Zac - sorry to hear you were sick. Hope you feel better soon!

Jasmine Wevers
Lake Tahoe, CA

P.S. For the record, I like his hair just the way it is!

August 10, 2008 at 8:34 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Wonderful photos. Just finished a book about Scottish Highlanders coming here on English prison ships.Not as romantic I can assure you and glad to have these fresh open air photos to get me out of the hold!
I've got a hunger to try those exotic dishes now. Might skip on the pig dish.
Be well...
Charlie

August 10, 2008 at 8:49 AM  
Blogger Joy On Journey said...

Wow! It is wise to give yourself permission for another day on land vs. forcing things. NOT worth it. Then you can continue and stay strong for this next leg.

DON'T EVER FEEL BADLY when mom posts in your place. You are doing what is right - keep your nose off the computer screen when you are in an exotic port you might never see again. Enjoy the sights and wait to post 'til you don't have anything better to do! :) YOUR MOM DOES A GREAT JOB! I love reading her reports too. THANKS, MARIANNE!

The photos are wonderful - thanks for sharing them!

So...Sail on, Cap'n Zac! "Go with the wind at your back and the sun on your face, with a song in your heart and the promise of grace. Go in peace and in Truth and let love lead your way...Go with God." That's a song lyric - Do you know it? Well, it is my prayer for you on this journey.

L.A. in MN

PS - bad pigs liver - Funny!
PPS - Mouse - your ironic observation nearly made me get up! ha ha

August 10, 2008 at 9:57 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac and Marianne,

I agree with Peter and have a heavy heart as you venture on. However, I know that you will do well and I look forward to hear all about it! YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!

Minnesota Family

PS - May I suggest a hair binder?

August 10, 2008 at 10:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Boy, I hope the bug hasn't ruined Zac's appetite for pig liver and blood.

Thanks far the pics, and I'm sure we all are looking forward to some video.

Glad to see he's back on the move.

August 10, 2008 at 10:04 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Marianne,
I enjoy following Zac's progress but reading your blog's instead of Zac's is getting old. I've followed a few folks as they sailed around and it's exciting hearing directly from the horses mouth so to speak. It's second hand information hearing from you. Why isn't Zac righting his own blogs? I think people would rather hear directly from him. Thank You

August 10, 2008 at 10:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac:
I knew your grandparents when we all lived in Buffalo, NY, and still keep in touch with Dave, a friend of your grandparents. So I've been stalking ever since he told me about you.

I just want you to know that you've been in our daily prayers ever since we heard about you. What you're doing is inspirational, and I compliment you and your parents because of the kind of person you're becoming.

About your hair: if you can stand it, you could let it get really long and then donate it to Locks of Love, a service for cancer victims who have lost their hair because of chemotherapy.

I know God is with you, and with all the prayers coming your way, I know you're being well taken care of.

Blessings!

August 10, 2008 at 10:57 AM  
Blogger barefootbob said...

Thanks for the awesome update and photos Marianne. Sorry to hear about Zac's bout of stomach problems. I bet Zac was ready to get back on tack (ugh pun intended)

Greg, can't wait to see the pictures and video.

peace,
bob
college station, texas

August 10, 2008 at 11:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Marianne,
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on Zac's Majuro visit. We really appreciate your filling in when Zac is busy.

Zac, glad to see your on your way to Oz and I'm sure you made your stop in Majuro a very memorable one. We enjoyed the pictures and all the Pacific Magazine articles.

Hope you get better as you continue on your adventure. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your awesome journey.
God speed as he watches over you and stay safe.

BTW, our 11 y/o grandson thinks you're totally awesome.

Dick & Gin
Upland

August 10, 2008 at 11:29 AM  
Blogger Heather Wilds said...

Great to see your smiling face while in Majuro. Wishing you the best as you get underway again. Looking forward to hearing about your newest adventures on this leg of your journey.

Cheers!

August 10, 2008 at 12:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac, I know why you're feeling sick buddy. It's from having to say goodbye to beautiful Carla. I'd be upset too. But keep pushing strong on your journey and keep your head straight. You have a dream to fulfill and there's no room for error.

"There's plenty more fish in the sea".

Send us pics of your next catch!

August 10, 2008 at 12:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

In case anyone missed it, here's another really great article in Pacific Magazine by Karen Earnshaw:

http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/08/10/american-teen-sailor-leaves-majuro-for-australia

August 10, 2008 at 1:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

my prayers go with you zac....Marianne,plz contact NPR (national public radio) about Zac's journey.Also, what about google earth doing a tracking chart? just a thought....

August 10, 2008 at 2:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bon Voyage Zac!!

ALL THE BEST on this long leg!

Thanks to Anonymous for the article URL... I had missed it. It filled in some blanks I had about the next leg/route and also Zac's doin's in Majuro.

Thank you, Fellow ZacPac-ers. I feel part of a world-wide caring community as I read of all the good wishes for Zac.

My Best to All!

rjvista in New Hampshire

August 10, 2008 at 2:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Marianne.
Thanks for keeping the Zac Pac up to date all the time.
Hi Zac.
Just checked the different possibilities to get to Darwin. Looks like this will be the longest leg on the entire trip if you do it non stop
Greetings
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net

August 10, 2008 at 4:07 PM  
Blogger Ptolemy said...

It's quite obvious that when Zac is on land, he's got no time to be wasting with his computer... And when he's at sea, he's got all the time in the world. I can wait, and certainly enjoy Mom's explanations for what's happening in the meantime and when we can start expecting Zac to post again. It's a great TEAM effort to let the Zac Pac know what's going on... Don't change a thing!!

August 10, 2008 at 6:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac who? I want to read Carla's blog!

Jus kiddin. Fair winds to you Zac looking forward to reading your thoughts as you sail toward Oz.

Hoz

August 10, 2008 at 6:21 PM  
Blogger Daryl said...

I've been without puter access for almost a week while traveling and it was killing me not to know how Zac was doing! Now I feel better! Thanks, Marianne.

From Iowa

August 10, 2008 at 8:57 PM  
Blogger Becky said...

Thank you Marianne, for keeping us posted on Zac's Island adventure so he can have time to spend with his generous hosts and new friends in Majuro. It wouldn't surprise me if Ms. Bigler and other friends he makes along the way, plus some lucky members of the ZacPac, will plan to be in California when he reaches his destination.

It is also wonderful to see a few photos. I'm sure we will have to wait for a book or a documentary to see what happens on the Intrepid! LOL! He looks healthy and toned.

I work with a gal who told me getting off a boat and regaining her land-legs, was worse than being on the boat. Yeah, she only got sick when she got back on solid ground.

I am curious about what kinds of fruit he got from the President.

I also hope there will be an address for Zac in Darwin. I knew my 'posty' would not get there in time (procrastinator!) so I didn't get to send.

Take care of you Zac.

I'm calling on angels to be waiting at the Torres Strait so you will have smooth sailing! The biggest and the best. And, some little ones to keep you company along the way. :-)

Sail on safely Captain Zac!

August 10, 2008 at 10:59 PM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac, Mom, & Everyone,

It was great to finally see some pictures. I hope your feeling better and your stomach calms down. Sometimes it takes a while before you get accustomed to the diets of other countries. Hopefully by now it has all passed by the time you read this.

I can't wait to read all about your adventures on the Island and also at sea. Hopefully you'll have great winds on leg #3 like you did on leg #2.

We are all waiting to see some great video footage and pictures as well. Thanks for all the pictures sent on your blog and the article as well as the Australian video footage. It was great to see some new video. I'm sure when you reach Australia the media and the Zac journey will hit another new high.

Keep on sailing and were looking forward to seeing you approach the land down under mate. Be safe and please eat your fruits before they go rotten.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

August 11, 2008 at 1:03 PM  

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