Monday, September 8, 2008

Update from Dad

G'day to all,
Thank you all sincerely from our hearts for your encouragement and much needed prayers. By now, Zach should have completed his journey through the notorious Torres Strait. His last position given at approximately 11:30 pm West Coast time was 9.55 s and 143.05 e. We are in communication with Zac through Majuro where Kerry, Ted, Jerry and friends are in direct communication via the SSB (high frequency radio). They in turn communicate with us through their email. I would also like thank those who are involved for being so diligent, keeping us informed of Zacs progress and helping us give him much needed information. The passage through the Torres Strait has been swift with Zac making great progress in what would seem perfect conditions: 15- 20 knots of wind and neap tides (least movement of water between low and high tide ). Although it seems that Zac's on board Sail Mail is not working, we are happy for the communication that we do have. We also know that he must be extremely exhausted without being able to sleep for the last 48 hrs. or so because of all the reefs and dangers that surround him whilst going through the Strait. We will be very much relieved to get a position report tomorrow which will hopefully give us confirmation.
I am booked on a flight to Darwin Wednesday late. There is much work to be done and for Zac a well deserved rest. We are expecting Zac Sunday or Monday with current weather conditions. Also some of the media will be there: TV crews, journalists etc. We will be hauling Intrepid out of the water to take care of some faring that let go around the shoe of the skeg. Although he is still 600 nm away we hope that this will be covered swiftly without drama or anything else breaking down. Who knows, Zac might surprise us and catch a fish - no probably a croc where he is.
Cheers,
Laurence

58 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

G'day Lawrence, etal,

You had to mention the crocs!!...now some are going to start worrying about that! Your relief is palpable,
your pride over flowing, your son just raised the bar for teens his age. I hope the rest of Zac's passage to Darwin is uneventful and your reunion and haul out goes according to schedule. I am aware of his weather window for leaving Darwin. I hope any problems are quickly fixed and he gets out in time.

You must ask the Majuro folks to ask Zac, Inquiring minds really need to know this, "Has he caught any fish yet?"...

and a good night's sleep will be had by all.
Travel safely yourself,
Kate

September 8, 2008 at 11:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for the great news. We're all breathing easier and praying for Zac. Know that even King Neptune is keeping a close eye on "our" sailor.

Fair winds & calm seas for Zac.

Jeff (from Santa Clarita)

September 8, 2008 at 11:54 PM  
Blogger Debbie said...

Yeah, better news tonight!! Thank you for the update Laurence.I can't go to bed before getting my daily update.

Never once have I lost confidence in Zac's ability to get through the much anticipated Torres Strait!! Way to go Zac! Try to rest when you can, and enjoy the moment. You are making great progress.

Hang in there!! You are doing great!

Laurence, give Zac an extra big "HUG" from all the Zac Pakers when you arrive in Darwin!! Wish I could be there too!!

Debbie
North Hills, CA

September 8, 2008 at 11:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

YES! After a scary week-end, you all deserve some relief and a good sleep (especially the young man some thousands miles away from home!). Hope to get soon his view about the passage through Torres, a friend of mine did it few months ago and is still scared...

ciao, buon vento!

claudio

September 9, 2008 at 12:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please tell me you're taking some dry bags for all his electronics. Poor Zac seems to have a hard time keeping them away from water. Those sat phones are really expensive too.

September 9, 2008 at 1:24 AM  
Blogger Diane Andrews Writing said...

So glad Zac is fine. He just made the news in Cairns. The yacht Moana is here and the owners talked about sailing in tandem with him. Tomorrow he'll be in Darwin - watch those crocs!

September 9, 2008 at 1:34 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You have lightened our hearts laurence. When I prayed for Zac , I just remembered Psalm 121:3 and Psalm 128: 5. On the lighter side let me hope that Zac must have made another world record by not catching a single fish after travelling so far.

Good day to you and your Family.

Hubert

September 9, 2008 at 1:35 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

Thanks Laurence!!!

Much easier read than your last post whew!!!!

Good to hear that Zac navigated the Straights with out much drama or excitement, I'm quite certain he has God's angles as his co-captains.

Seems you have an amazing network of helpers; such a blessing! All belivers know these things are not just coincidence; how awesome is that!!??

Poor Zac has just GOT to catch a fish....maybe I should take a trip to Bass Pro Shop and pick up the banjo minnow and send it along to Darwin....LOL!!! Yes a fish would be great, a crock...not so much!!

Have a safe flight to Oz, hugs to Zac from all the "Zac-Pac". Enjoy your time with that special young man you have!!

Looking forward to the next post.
God Speed,
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
USA!

ps to those that choose to post negative comments,no worries, we'll pray for you too :) ><>

September 9, 2008 at 2:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying for you from Dallas, Georgia, USA.

September 9, 2008 at 2:20 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

All misty eyed here and riveted to your posts- all of you involved. I had read up on the straits ( shallow waters, reefs, dangers, etc) and have anticipated this for some time. Now I am reading up on the next port. This latest couple of days I have been praying for ALL of you in this huge project. As a landlubber I had no idea of the complexity of this undertaking and the huge numbers of contacts you maintain. What a family- what incredible love and trust.It is difficult to comprehend the vast knowledge you have infused into a 16 year old boy. But for all of us, no matter how sophisticated, there is little guarantee of our destinies. The old Greek myths were never as alive as now.
-Charlie, landlocked in Maine

September 9, 2008 at 3:12 AM  
Blogger Vasyl Pawlowsky said...

Dear Lawrence and Marianne,

I have been following Zac's incredible quest since his departure date, and on occasion have dropped him a note on his blog. Yesterday, I was busy with many things so didn't read his blog.. When I saw Lawrence's entry and this one from today after it was relieved to say the least...

Your son has a guardian angel sitting above, and I know that all the prayers and good wishes he receives definitely are a positive thing.

I am very happy to hear that he is well.

Vasyl Pawlowsky
Kyiv, Ukraine

September 9, 2008 at 3:22 AM  
Blogger Jim said...

Hey Laurence,

Great relief for all. Darwin sounds like heaven right now for a layover. And probably the perfect spot to really dig into the repairs.

Can you expand a little on the fairing around the shoe of the skeg damage. Thank God he has a shipwright as a Dad.

I would love to hear if Zac catches a fish and how he prepares it.
Have a good flight mate.

September 9, 2008 at 3:48 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

We are praying for a safe trip and that he can get rest. We are right there with you Zac!!!!!

The Kumlander's

September 9, 2008 at 4:16 AM  
Blogger Willyboy said...

Laurence, as always thanks for the update. I am glad you have worked out a communication process.

I was a bit surprised by the coordinates you gave - Zac seems to be more north than was was anticipating, hugging southern PNG as opposed to staying closer to Oz and Thursday Island... But, that's just based on my visual "routing" through the strait.

Glad Torres is almost behind you, Zac.

Cheers,

willy
milford, ohio

September 9, 2008 at 4:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We are all happy to hear that Zac is through the Straits (or close to it). It is great to know that he was able to go through in optimal conditions.

Let's pray that the continued good weather holds all the way to Darwin and that all the gremlins are off the boat. He might need that "bell" to keep the gremlins from coming back on the boat.

Bill and Linda
Washington DC

September 9, 2008 at 4:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whoo!! My heart is pounding here as I read the last two posts. I found this blog through one of the home school lists I'm on, (I'm a HS parent) and feel like Zac is in my distant circle of home school support. Successful youth! That's what I want for my kiddos! I'm thrilled to hear he is okay and am sending hugs all around. Our boy's doing great! Way to go Zac and family.
Stephanie

September 9, 2008 at 4:45 AM  
Blogger Clay said...

G'day Laurence,

Great read today, happy that Zac is well on his way. I am happy to read that you will be leaving on Wednesday to meet up with Zac, I am sure he will be trilled to be at port in Darwin and happy to see his Dad. That's some accomplishment.

Cheers

September 9, 2008 at 5:10 AM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hi Sunderland Team & bloggers...

What a WONDERFULL NEWS you give us Laurence….

UUiiJAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…

To the Majuro’s Friends, I just have a single word to tell you.

******** THANKS for your COOPERATION *********


Keep Sailing BOY

The World is yours…

Glen ;-))

September 9, 2008 at 5:48 AM  
Blogger md said...

Lawrence,
Good to hear that Zac is on track. Thanks for the update.
Michael
San Diego

September 9, 2008 at 5:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let's hope you can ALL get some well deserved rest while Zac is in Darwin. As parents, it has to be easier to sleep when he is on dry land.

Good luck to you all and thanks for keeping us updated when I know you have a million other things going on. I don't post often, but I read the blog fanatically.

September 9, 2008 at 6:04 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac, Laurence, & Everyone,

Thank you for the update Laurence. If Zac has already gone through the Torres Strait that's great news. I'm sure that Team Sunderland is a little anxious right now with the lack of communication. We must say a big Thank You to Majuro and friends for the little communication that the world now has with Zac and the great job they are doing to keep everyone informed.

Amazing how prayer works. We all thought that the Torres Straits would be a big concern for Zac. It seems like everything went fine (knock on wood) and we are all worried about the communication factor and he might already be past the Straits. We truly have something to be thankful for. Hopefully the update Laurence gets today will confirm this. Lets hope Zac will be able to get some rest soon. We know he's really going to need it before arriving to Darwin.

Laurence please let us know if Intrepid had some minor or major damage. I know we won't be hearing much from you for a little while so have a safe trip. Give Zac a great big hug from everyone here at the Zac-Pac. Enjoy your time together and get all the repairs done but most of all have a little fun while the both of you are together in Darwin.

Take Care,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

September 9, 2008 at 6:20 AM  
Blogger Jag said...

Hi

Can't wait to welcome Zac to Australia. At one point I planned to fly to Darwin from Adelaide to catch up with Zac. But have to cancel due to work commitments. Anyway I wish Zac all the best trough out his journey.

Jag

September 9, 2008 at 6:34 AM  
Blogger Dana said...

Laurence, nice to hear a more light hearted report from you today! I'll bet you can't wait to get Zac in your arms next weekend!

Zac continues to amaze me with how he keeps himself together. A quiet strength, I'd say.

Prayers to you all.

Dana
Santa Monica

September 9, 2008 at 6:42 AM  
Blogger davejb851 said...

It does a heart good to hear all is as best as can be. Zac is again and continues to be underway and safe. Praise be above and continued guidance from the hand of the almighty. And as always look towards the best to come.

September 9, 2008 at 6:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update Laurence, and especially to the crew in Majuro for relaying the communications. I finally had to give up and go to bed, but the first thing I did this morning, was check the blog.

Not to be contrary.... but according to Google earth, 9.55 s and 143.05 e,
seems to be less than a third of the way through the Strait, with the shallowest yet to come, and somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 miles, before Zac is in the clear. At 5 knots, it would seem to be late today or tonight West Coast time, before that happens. Is there something I'm not understanding?

Also, when time permits, could you, (or someone.... you must be busy preparing for your departure), please post several of Zac's positions during his passage of T.S.? It would be interesting to see the route he took through there.

Thanks,
Kevin

September 9, 2008 at 7:01 AM  
Blogger Anonymous said...

Hi Laurence,

That is great news. Thank you for the update. I had no idea the the passage through the Torres Strait could be so swift. So much for my knowledge of such things. I'm sure you are excited about the arrival to Darwin. It will be a great meeting between you and Zac, and a chance to get all the equipment back in shape!

Best,
Peter

September 9, 2008 at 7:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. Good to see that his HF/SSB radio carried the day.. Have a safe trip to Oz..
Bill
Running Springs,Ca.

September 9, 2008 at 7:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac.
The progress looks good. :-). I would drop the hook somewhere and get some sleep before you continue to Darwin.
@ the Zac Pac.
Don't forget to put your mark on the map :-). The link is:

http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestmap/show.php?usernum=2662145323&password=&icons=0&movetox=-29&movetoy=-180

September 9, 2008 at 7:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yo, Cap’n Zac!

Now that I have about a zillion more gray hairs (and I’m sure I’m not the only Zac-Pac’er suffering this affliction!), congrats on your successful passage through the Torres Straits. You must feel like you have constant jet-lag…aaaaaargh… But you know what? The survival skills you are learning on this voyage will serve you well in your life – you will be so far ahead of many of your peers with all these experiences you’ve had – wow!

I’ll bet you can hardly wait to get to Darwin (and you too, Dad Laurence!) for some much needed sleep, rest, and boat maintenance.

I’ll be running off to the store soon to buy a(nother) bottle of champagne to toast your arrival in the Land of Oz…woohoo!

Kathy

P.S. Keep your shorts on…the weather should be in the low 90s when you dock!

September 9, 2008 at 7:59 AM  
Blogger Mouse on a Motorcycle said...

Wow, modern technology can be a two-edged sword, can't it? On the one hand, all these super electronics keep Zac safe, and allow not only his family and team members, but also all of us Zac Pac 'virtual crew' to tag along. He gets support, while still having to depend upon his own judgment and ability, and G-d's grace, when it's just Zac against the ocean.

On the other hand, ignorance is no longer bliss. When Cpt. Joshua Slocum set sail on his solo circumnavigation, his wife was fortunate to recieve a few pieces of months-out-of-date mail. She was able to think, "No news is good news." For good or ill (mostly for good) we no longer have that luxury.

I'm reminded of when I used to take off as a kid, my parents would freak out when they couldn't locate me for a few hours,and I'd saunter home and tell them, "I knew I was ok." Being a parent (and grandparent) now, I can identify with the other side of the coin. There's a lot of pride in Zac's ability, and confidence that his parents prepared him as well as humanly possible, but if this wasn't dangerous then it wouldn't be an adventure.

Praying for you all daily. Numbers 6:24-26

Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle

September 9, 2008 at 8:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

AWESOME! Thanks so much for your post Laurence. I'm so happy to hear that Zac (and you) will reach Darwin soon. I hope you find Intrepid and Zac in good shape. I wish we could all be there to welcome him.

When you're not reprovisioning, doing repairs, planning/reviewing the next leg, and being on time for interviews, etc., make sure you show him the sites, eat some good food (lots), make some new friends, and hug him real tight for all of us.

Enjoy your time in this "safe harbor" and we can't wait to see/read all the interviews, etc.
And Laurence, try to remember the Zac that left MDR in June. I'm sure you'll agree that he's changed; albeit subtly from port to port, nevertheless he's slowly morphing into a young man by experiencing life in a way that most of us can only dream of!

GO ZAC!!!

Melanie in Torrance

September 9, 2008 at 8:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just learned of Zac's voyage through Channel One news. I'm adding him to my prayer list and will be keeping up with his progress.
Carol
Virginia

September 9, 2008 at 8:35 AM  
Blogger Jack said...

Saying a prayer for zac.

J

http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/

September 9, 2008 at 8:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laurence,
Gosh, it is nice to 'hear' some relief in your writing. I just can't imagine the ups and downs you and Marianne are going through on this passage. It is certainly clear to me where Zac obtained his courage, common sense and desire! Well done, Mom and Dad!
OK Laurence, I know what a skeg is but the 'shoe', what is the shoe of the skeg?
I wish you a safe and magnificant trip to Darwin. Please give Zac a giant hug from all of us!
Cheryl

September 9, 2008 at 8:49 AM  
Blogger johnnyBgood said...

hello all -- thsnks for the update laurence --- we are so pleased with zac's progress and are confident all will go well right smack into darwin. what an adventure this has been and we are thrilled to be along for the ride.
john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com

September 9, 2008 at 9:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lawrence,
Given that your heading to OZ with a bunch of stuff for Zac you might want to make sure you add a couple of Pelican boxes for those vital electronics like satellite phones. I have one of the new smaller Iridium handsets and its kept in a Pelican box...which floats as well as being waterproof.
http://www.pelican.com/

MS

September 9, 2008 at 10:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laurence,
Enjoy some well deserved father-son time with Zac in Darwin. I'm sure you both need that as much as anything!
Marianne, bless you as you hold down the fort on the home front!

God be with you all and the wonderful network of Zac supporters throughout the world!

September 9, 2008 at 10:23 AM  
Blogger Joy on Journey said...

The end of this leg is in sight! Praise the Lord the King of the Heavens, Earth, sea and all that it contains.

I pray for safe travel for you, Lawrence. With all the HUGS that that you are supposed to deliver - that first greeting might be kind of embarrassing for a teen! He might have to "lay off, Dad..." Maybe deliver them a few at a time. ;)

Can't wait to see some new interviews and pictures and so forth. I am so glad he will get some rest soon.

I knew Zac was well-studied for this Torres-Strait-business! And I praise God for very good sailing conditions that help keep the drama to a reasonable level! That is huge. Zac does what he can do, G-d does what Zac can't do. Mighty partnership. :)

Well, Sail on, Cap'n Zac! Your virtual crew is behind you 100%! Enjoy the land of Oz.

LA in MN

September 9, 2008 at 10:40 AM  
Blogger Croaker of FrogPond said...

vmmylivLaurence & family,

Wow. Wow! Wow!!

What a welcome post! What an ironic situation with me. I never had a moments doubt that Zac would succeed through the Straits, but then why do I feel 20 lbs lighter reading this post!? My real feelings do not translate into mere words. All I can say is

WoooooHOOOOOOOO !!!

Hopefully we'll soon get a post from you and/or Zac entered as you both sit before a functioning email facility aboard Intrepid who has been re-shoed. Where you are sitting in a position where you can touch Zac and feel the warmth of your son, your fellow man ... the role model for youth everywhere in this great world.

Thanks to the friends and supporters in Majuro who came through in the communications pinch. It's a small world after all, and our lad is casting his shadow over it.

Thank God for prayers answered.

The Croaker

September 9, 2008 at 10:58 AM  
Blogger Mona said...

Laurence,
Thanks for the encouraging news. So much easier to read today than yesterday.
Have a good flight to Darwin and give Zac a BIG HUG from all of us Zac Packers!
Sail safe Zac.
Mona
Tucson, AZ

September 9, 2008 at 12:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac
Good on ya! Here's to getting some zzzzzs in Darwin. Thanks, Laurence
for the updates.
Kodiak Mike

September 9, 2008 at 12:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the update - so glad that you've developed a network of friends and supporters throughout the world to help out! Looking forward to more good updates once Zac reaches Darwin. All the best for your travels... Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher

September 9, 2008 at 12:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks, Laurence, for your update.

Great to hear Zac has made it through the Strait and on his way to Darwin. Now we can breathe a little easier. He deserves all the rest he can get, since he must be pretty exhausted by now. We knew he would make it through, being the excellent sailor he is. You have taught him well and we know you're very proud of Zac, as we all are.

We know how anxious you must be to see him again. Your reunion will be a very joyful one. Please give him a hug from all of us. Have a safe trip!

Zac, you are doing a superb job! Stay safe and God speed.

Dick & Gin
Upland

September 9, 2008 at 1:14 PM  
Blogger STEVE B said...

I know you are looking forward to seeing Zac. I'd love to know more about the condition of the boat and equipment once you are through with all of the work.

Marilyn,
I watched your video over the weekend. You were very thoughtful to take the time to film and upload. I enjoyed watching and appreciate all that you do.

Daveh,
I hope you are not sailing into Ike. Looks like Laurence added a new word...skeg. I think the faring covers the door going into the boat? Pulling the boat out of the water sounds major, has the weather over the past few weeks beat it silly? From engines to skegs and sat phones to ipods to cut hands?

At any rate, I am looking forward to the blog boredom that will surely follow Zac's arrival in Darwin. Boredom on this blog can be defined as any posting that doesn't invoke heart attacks, tears or sleepless nights.

Hope you have a good flight Laurence and may Captain Zac average 10 knots.

Steve
Birmingham, Alabama

September 9, 2008 at 1:18 PM  
Blogger Fulgum said...

Hi, Lawrence. Enormous relief that everything seems to be going smoothly. All this technology has made society into a "results now" frame of mind. Now that we know Zac is fine, we can all chill as he heads to Darwin. Give him our best when you see him. You'll have a lot of stories to tell him when you see him!

Scott

September 9, 2008 at 1:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To Zac, Team Sunderland and all the Zac Packers,

Zac your adventure has brought together the nice collection of people that I have ever had a pleasure to experience.

You are quite an ambassador and spreading good will all around the world.

Keep up the good work and keep your slate clean, so that you can run for President someday. (tee hee)

September 9, 2008 at 2:06 PM  
Blogger Croaker of FrogPond said...

Laurence:

I've just returned from running a few errands that took a couple of hours. Every minute that I was not otherwise occupied was spent thinking of Zac being through the T. Straits. I did a lot of grinning I'm sure.

My thought was that we all grow with our experiences. When you see Zac in Darwin, please let us know how tall he is now. How low must he bend to pass through standard doors?

Enjoy some private time with him away from the admiring crowds. No matter how tall he's grown, I'm sure he's craving some 'Daddy time." Happiness to you all.

The Croaker

September 9, 2008 at 4:10 PM  
Blogger Heather Wilds said...

WOW...what a family. I don't know who I'm most impressed by at this point. We have two amazing parents who continue to parent/coach 6 other children all the while worrying about the fate of their lone sailing son. Simply amazing...I know that Zac has plans for a book but I can't wait to read Laurence & Marianne's account of this adventure from home. More and more prayers for all of you.

September 9, 2008 at 4:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sir Captain Zac,
You, are the man...

so so wonderful..
as you glide past the Straites,

a little 'levity' for you
and the ZacPac

"Southern Cross"
by Crosby, Stills, and Nash

kinda says it all and written some two decades before you came to be...
i sure hope you can be playing your sounds up on deck as you ride the waves and come to know who you are...
under the KING OF KINGS stars, drinking up every moment of being alive, and ever so humbly thankful

"KUDOS" to Team Majuro in all your support and encouragement
and being a "lifelink'.. big "Mahalo" to you all..

bring an extra blanket and pillow papa Laurence, it's a long long flight... to OZ land
but your heart is full and at peace, you'll sleep well!!!

see if they'll give ya a bump up to first class, ask the captain (of the flight your on) to check out "zacsunderland"... it's a captain to captain thing ...
they'll have great respect for you and your son...
don't be shy, they love to do stuff like that, belive me...

all our hearts are with you L&M
and "TEAM SUNDERLAND",
there's gonna be lotsa lotsa shrimp on the barbie...
and "Intrepid", the real girl in Zac's life...
is gonna get a good bottom scrubbin...LOL

and my GOD shall supply
all your needs according to
HIS RICHES IN GLORY
IN CHRIST JESUS
phillipians 4:19

in our hearts and prayers
mark n adino vicksburg,mississippi

what a trip !-),great verses cruz

September 9, 2008 at 4:54 PM  
Blogger Xray said...

Good job Zac!
Half ways around the world and it seems you just left.

Fair winds....._/)
PS Anita you stole my sign off.

September 9, 2008 at 5:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Again,
Gee, I have to say that I cannot add more to what all these Zac-pac-ers have already said...I was sitting at the edge of my seat reading the last two posts from Dad and feeling all the anxiety and then Hooray! came the news that Zac was going thru the Straits already....I HAD to find that map! so I could see with my own eyes where he's at....wow! It's the most exciting trip I've never taken! and it ain't over yet!!
I add my prayers to those that have already been sent and those coming.... I feel like I KNOW Zac and his parents and family....I am blessed to be a part of this Zac Pac.
Keep the posts coming....I thank Marilyn for the Oxnard video.
Hope you have a safe trip going and coming Laurence, Our best to Zac.
Betty in Lomita, CA

September 9, 2008 at 6:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I remember learning in the fourth or fifth grade that all stories have a conflict and that the conflicts could be summed up as

MAN vs. MAN
MAN vs. NATURE
and
MAN vs. HIMSELF

Zac's "story" has the vs. nature (obviously) and the vs. himself (battling his fatigue, for one). I hope his story never encounters the vs. man conflict.

It was good to read of Zac's most recent safe passage. God speed to Darwin.

September 9, 2008 at 6:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Many, many thanks to Laurence for keeping the blog going when Zac is too busy. It is such a relief to hear of his progress each day.

I also appreciate the different "voices" we "hear" on the blog. It is fascinating to me to be following this adventure in this manner. And so, not wanting to be left out, I, too am now a blogger and not just a reader.

September 9, 2008 at 6:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac!!! I request your pardon because my English is very bad.
One friend, Glen, talk me about you.
Congratulation for your important travel, I hope that some day arrives at Argentina.
I live in this country.
I think to see, all the days, your wonderful adventure in your blog
Nice to meet you
Maria Elena (my nickname: Chuni)

September 9, 2008 at 6:55 PM  
Blogger Tomi said...

It never fails to amaze me the power of prayer & thinking positive thoughts for someone. This is truly GREAT news! Safe journeys to both Lord Laurence & Capt. Zac in their respective travels to Darwin, NT, AU.

Side note to those of you who prayed for my Mom - the docs released her & she’s now safely at home recovering from surgery & the unexpected afterward infections. Thx again to all who kept positive thoughts/sent prayers & encouragement when I was half scared to Hades. Bless you all!

Agreeing w/the rest of the ZacPac’s request, please give Capt. Zac a Great Big Bear HUG from all of us ZacPac’ers! If he’s uncomfortable w/that ;) then rough up the hair on his head to remind him, he’s still a youngster after all :D “Aw Dad, wha’di’ja go & do that for?” lol

A crocskin handbag for Lady Marianne? ;) interesting thought!

HUGS!!!
Tomi/ATL

September 9, 2008 at 7:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac!!! I request your pardon because my English is very bad.
One friend, Glen, talk me about you.
Congratulation for your important travel, I hope that some day arrives at Argentina.
I live in this country.
I think to see, all the days, your wonderful adventure in your blog
Nice to meet you
Maria Elena (my nickname: Chuni)

September 9, 2008 at 7:47 PM  
Blogger dallen57 said...

WOW, WHAT A CRAZY TWO DAYS! WAITING ON NEWS ABOUT YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU AND KEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY THOUGHTS! BE SAFE ZAC AND AS ALWAYS GOD SPEED! IT'S LIKE MY OWN SON IS OUT THERE. TALK TO YOU AGAIN SOON. HANG IN THERE TILL YOU GET TO DARWIN, REST UP AND REPAIR THE BOAT. I KNOW THAT TIME IS A FACTOR WITH THE WEATHER IN DARWIN. KEEP UP THE GREAT STRENGTH AND DESIRE THAT YOU HAVE ZAC AND KEEP ON PUSHING ON!!

DAVID

September 9, 2008 at 8:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi there Marianne!! Have been following Zac's blog since day one!! Feel almost as if he is an "adopted" son by now..Amazing how we can all become so close - just following his amazing journey every day..getting to know you all - as if you lived next door!!
After all is over..if you are ever up north in Santa Cruz...would love to meet you all!! you're definitely in my thoughts each and every day..

September 15, 2008 at 8:36 PM  

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