Monday, November 10, 2008

All is Well on the Good Ship Intrepid

Latest Position: 11/10/08 0758Z 20 08.265S 60 21.337E

And for Sherrie in Laguna Woods who asked for a position that means something for non-charting folks:
At midnight Pacific Daylight Time Zac was approximately 160 miles from Port Louis, Mauritius.

The following photos are from Carine from the Rodrigues Island Tourism Board:




















Looking pretty good, eh?
He's had a pretty uneventful day - resting and cleaning up. He has been motoring non-stop and now the 5 knots on the nose is 5 knots on the beam which barely fills the sail but is still a bit of a relief. We have been talking a lot about timing for his arrival in Port Louis, where he'll be for his birthday and Christmas, etc. He spends a lot of time thinking about what he will do when he gets where he is going. He has some pretty good ideas for what he will do when he gets back - documentary, book, public speaking...buying a house in Mexico so he can surf in between working.
Thank you for all of the supportive emails sent today. It appears that the Los Angeles Times article was also published in Alaska, Washington State, Northern California, New York. So welcome aboard to all of you newcomers. Please don't miss the 'comments' section at the end of the blog. There is a lot of good info that passes through there.
Just a quick call from Laurence saying that he and Jen had arrived in Mauritius and had found a hotel. They will be scoping out the place before Zac arrives so Laurence's time there can be well spent.
Thanks for visiting!
Marianne

PS Several people have asked for an address in Durban to send Zac a birthday card:

Zac Sunderland
c/o Point Yacht Club
PO Box 2224
Durban
South Africa 4000

49 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Three cheers for Carine!
What a wonderful surprise to see Zac on the blog today. It truly is so good to see him looking fit and happy. Thank you Carine.
Nice for you too, Marianne, to see your son doing so well. Hugs.
Laurence and Jen getting to know Mauritius is a great idea, making the most of the time when Zac arrives. ...it will be one wonderful reunion. So exciting.
Love that he is planning ahead....so far in the future!
He will go far and continue to be someone very special. Don't we just love him. He has endeared himself to our hearts.
Hope you don't mind sharing him Marianne!

November 10, 2008 at 1:15 AM  
Blogger Tomi said...

House in Mexico?!? Dude better have plenty of extra rooms! I, for one, WILL be wanting to retire there (okay, give me another 15-20 yrs). None-the-less, THERE'D BETTER BE A SUITE (or four) for we ZacPac'ers who want to SHARE our appreciation of OUR Capt's journey's rewards! ;) Just kidding - KNOT!

Dude, you wanna surf in Mejicanna, you'd better be buying a LOT of coastal land to let we ZacPac'ers come visit on!!! I like camping! :D Just don't be doin' none of that southern Baja stuff -they have like hurricanes/cyclones
& stuff! Stay norte - closer to the States so I can cash me retirement/SS check(s) - k'?!? ;) And of course so Lady Marianne/Lord Laurence can come down to HUG ya now that yer back home :D Funhy, I seem to recall you have SIX siblings who MAY want to come visit y'all now&then. ;)

If yer gonna do that, y'all'd best be having Glen teachin' y'all some spanglish! :)

Better yet, build a "small" mansion, that way we ZacPac'ers can "stay a while". Just to visit, of course.

Ya sure y'all don't wanna rent one of Carla's Mom's rooms in the Marshalls'? be a LOT quieter to write yer book! ;)

HUGS!
Tomi/ATL

PS -
Seriously now, glad things are better. Me knees were gettin' kinda sore, not that God minded me talkin' w/Him so much. ;) (at least so I'm thinkin' anyway)
T.

November 10, 2008 at 1:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great to hear that Zac is almost in Mauritius. i look forward to his arrival in Durban, and then Capteown.

A word of warning: Be wary of sending items of value to SA through the mail. Theft of items of value is rampant - to the point that Amazon.com no longer sends items purchased via post to SA, only by courier. If you must send by post make sure the item is well insured

November 10, 2008 at 1:45 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

Hiya Zac, Sunderlands and Fellow Zac pac!

Hey Zac, the inside of Intrepid doesn't look too bad....good on ya!! LOL!!

I didn't realize you would be spending so much time in Africa, that's great as you will hopefully get to see some of its wonders!! My sister LOVED Mashutu (sp) game preserve in Botswana, maybe you could go and have a look then?

Am looking around for some b-day gifts, haven't spotted "it" yet but will know when I see.....how's that floss holding up ;)?

Sail on you are so close to a little rest and your dad!

Hugs, Blessings,
Anita Miracle
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
Avid Zac fan
Proud member Zac-Pac!

November 10, 2008 at 2:59 AM  
Blogger Birgit Rudolph/Dirk Krehl said...

Hi Marianne,

I see, Carine was faster than me, I have just put the 2 photos on the Rodigues Blog, as here the speed is incredibly slow, it took me so much time....
Good to hear that everything is fine

Sorry
Birgit

Rodrigues via Mauritius
http://die/K/files.blogspot.com

November 10, 2008 at 3:31 AM  
Blogger Birgit Rudolph/Dirk Krehl said...

Hi,
Oh, I just came here to announce the 2 photos of Zac taken by the Tourism Offce in Rodrigues as I have posted them too in our blog but it took me a bit longer as in the library the speed was down...So, Carine was quicker...
I have copied as well the entry Zac wrote in the sailors visitor's book run by James Waterstone.

Anyway, good to hear that everything is fine...Better an uneventful day than one with too many events...

For those who need the link to the Rodrigues blog

http://insel-rodrigues.blogspot.com

A nice day to all of you
Birgit from Rodrigues

November 10, 2008 at 4:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I too have wondered what Zac will do after his journey is over? He is having such wonderful adventures, I would think that his life will be well, somewhat of a letdown or will he yearn to do it again? Going back to the daily routine of general life will not be quite the same as the challenges he is having now. Will he have had enough of sailing and want to be on firm ground or will be want to relive and revisit the people he has met and experience more?

Please Please--share some pictures taken as he travels on his boat.

November 10, 2008 at 4:48 AM  
Blogger Birgit Rudolph/Dirk Krehl said...

It's me again...

I have just added in our Rodrigues blog entry of today a link to a long article about Zac in Frech with 2 different photos...

It's from the Mauritian Tourism Office

Bye now, it's cooking time...

November 10, 2008 at 5:15 AM  
Blogger Daveh said...

It's like the Indian Ocean is teasing Zac... I see less than 10 kts for 5 days... crazy for tradebelt...

Daveh

November 10, 2008 at 5:34 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Way to go Zac. Good to see a recent photo to prove that you still need a haircut. :-)

Also good to see that your boat is nowhere as messy as my room and my office. Are you sure that Toby is not tucked away somewhere helping you to clean up?

Hey Zac Pac,

The weekly auction will end at 6:00 PM this evening so there is still time to get in your last minute bids. The new auction will start tomorrow.

Use this link to see the offerings. www.barstools4u.com/zac.htm

I will have a link sometime this week to publicly thank all those who helped make our Los Angeles gathering so successful.

Darrell, one of my sons was dropping his parents off at the airport yesterday. He swung by MDR and retreived the things I had left there. He put your article in the closet so you can pick it up at any time. Thanks for your help in this.

As Zac is reflecting upon what to do in about five or six months, it is time for us to reflect upon what we shall do while he is on the beaches of Mexico. Zac, you have become an important part of the lives of most of the readers. I would hazard the guess that for the majority of the readers, Zac's blog is the first thing that the mouse clicks on when we go to the computer.

Well time to worry about that after your safe return to MDR.

Godspeed Zac and remember as your 17th birthday fast approaches, that today is the first day of the rest of your life. Enjoy it.

Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com

November 10, 2008 at 5:52 AM  
Blogger Jodi said...

i read about Zac about a month ar two ago, and i've been following this blog. i'm glad to hear he's ok! can't wait to see when he compleates his journey!
--Carrie - "Music is my Weapon"
(igotajarofdirt.blogspot.com)

November 10, 2008 at 6:13 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac Pac & Marianne,

Thanks Marianne for this new update. Not much wind but we must continue forward.

Thanks Carine from Rodrigues Island Tourism Board for those two great pictures. We always enjoy seeing new pictures especially when they're posted here for everyone's enjoyment.

If you can't sail because of the no wind factor it's great you can motor forward knowing your destination isn't that far off. So Zac is keeping his mind open and thinking about a documentary, book, public speaking, and buying a house in Mexico. It's amazing what a few days without wind does to relax your mind from everything that goes on while he's under sail.

I'm sure Zac will finally get some good rest after arriving. It's great that Zac is having sometime to think about the future. The non wind issues from when he first started this journey until now shows how much Zac has truly matured as a young man. Everyone who has been here from the start knows exactly what I'm talking about. Way to go Zac, keep your mind open and continue thinking about your future.

Good luck Laurence getting everything ready for Zac's arrival. I'm sure you're anxious to see Zac again. Jen I know your going to do a great job also.

It's great that the LA Times article also ran on many other newspapers and states. Welcome to everyone here reading Zac's blog and the comment section for the first time. It's a wonderful place to escape and we have a great bunch of really interesting writers and commentators here. If your new we would love to hear from you. Register and lets hear where you read the article from and where you reside. New bloggers are always welcomed and we can't wait to hear from you.

@ Zac, I hope the wind will pick up for you and you're able to sail most of your way in. That diesel won't last very long!!!

Sail On Zac,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

November 10, 2008 at 6:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow Marianne - Zac looks great! He looks very healthy and like the typical 16 going on 17 year old. I have one at home and he looks to be the same size and weight as my son. We are also sporting the long hair. Zac and my son Miles could be twins!

(Actually "Miles" would've been a good name for Zac - just kidding).

Thanks for sharing the great photos and update.

Maureen
Boise

November 10, 2008 at 6:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great pictures..you look good Zac. I sent you something for your birthday but its going to SA.

Good luck with the repairs and let us know what you think of your new decorated boom lol. Have a great visit with your Dad.

Laura
Bermuda Dunes CA

November 10, 2008 at 6:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

new here, but does Zac not write his own blog entries? realize he's busy, but from reading, he's motoring - far different than busy with sailing.. just wondering as earlier posts had him writing.

thanks rob, CA

November 10, 2008 at 7:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac and all,

It was so great to see your photos today. You are definitely doing better than your boat.

Safe sailing to Mauritius and seeing your dad.

Everyone, be sure to check out the blog from Rodrigues, as there are more photos of Zac's stop.

Zac...can you compile a list of some items that you might wish to have sent to you as a birthday gift? I am sure many of us would love to send some items that would be of great use.

Fair winds and following seas.

Bill and Linda
Camarillo

November 10, 2008 at 7:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very best wishes for Zac. Started sailing last year at age 51. Why oh why did I wait so long. Oh to be that age and have an adventure!

November 10, 2008 at 7:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks to Carine for the pics. Is it me, or does Zac look a bit older? Maybe it's the hair, although I don't want to get Bill started...!

I had to chuckle when Zac talks about his future. Er, I didn't hear anything about a desire to go to college. With all of his world-experience under his belt, being a professional vagabond sounds rather inviting!

It looks as though we've gained some new "voices" on the blog. Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey. There's plenty of space, the accomodations are good, the journey exciting, and the company is grand!

November 10, 2008 at 8:25 AM  
Blogger Jim said...

Hey Skipper,

I was wondering if you have seen any quality surf spots on your journey. You are certainly in an area known for excellent waves. When I google earth those islands I can see tons of possibilities. Hope you can get a borrowed surfboard when you get on land for some warm water barrels.

November 10, 2008 at 9:20 AM  
Blogger Scot said...

I hear the L.A. Times article was on the front page. Very cool. Welcome to any new people on board that might like to follow along. It's been quite a ride so far. There are people following along from all over the world.

Looking forward to your reunion with your dad in Mauritius Zac. I'm sure you are too. Hopefully soon you'll get your new boom. I'm only sorry I didn't get to sign it.

Rock On!

Scot
California

November 10, 2008 at 9:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Strange, nobody mentioned that yet:

CONGRATULATIONS ZAC!

For reaching you the opposite meridian of MDR (half-way longitude).
For the statistics, your reached it 3,549 hours after leaving MRD (interpolating between the two last positions). IF you needed the the same time for the other half of the world, your ETA at MDR would be 6am on April 6, 2009. So you have plenty of time for some R&R on the way.

Sail on, Zac.

All the best
RK

PS: Anybody with proficient in French, who could translate that French article, Birgit linked in her blog. Nice pictures there.

November 10, 2008 at 9:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just came across this article on you on World Net Daily.com. My friends and I were just discussing the books on Robin Lee Graham, and Tanya Aibee--other young sailors to circumnavigate the globe. Good reads. Please be careful in Durbin, South Africa. A lot of crime goes on there. Take care we will be praying for you daily and reading your blog. Lorrie Magee Schnittker, Walnut Creek, CA

November 10, 2008 at 9:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update Marianne. Yes, Zac looks fantastic! Strong, healthy, and here I agree with Melanie, "a bit older."

We (my family) are all so proud of Zac's success sailing alone for five months and handling myriad challenges with courage and ingenuity ... you and your clan must be positively bursting with admiration.

Loved Pete's article in the Times and would love to read the French report from Brigit's blog if anyone is able to translate ...

A warm welcome to all newcomers and thanks to davejb851 for his recent post which was packed with great wisdom for new Zacpackers.

BTW, thanks to Brigit and Carine for the photos -- such fun to experience Zac's travels visually, as well as textually.

And thanks, too, to Daveh for yesterday's link to wind conditions. I looked at the 2 wind maps you posted and decided to save the grib link for a day when I have more time and more courage. (I didn't realize that conditions may be even more challenging in the legs to come.)

Good luck and many prayers to Laurence as he makes preparations for giving Intrepid and Zac a whole lotta love!

Best wishes to all! CindyinCincy

November 10, 2008 at 10:12 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It would be beneficial if a list of characters were put somewhere on the web page.

November 10, 2008 at 10:48 AM  
Blogger Daveh said...

Hi Everyone –


First, I apologize about this long winded post…


Second, I want to say that ClearPoint Weather is waaaaaaaaaaay more sophisticated and detailed than the free Ugrib application…


With that said, the Ugrib application is a great tool for those following Zac and for GROWING THE APPRECIATION for what Zac is experiencing on a day in and day out basis, ESPECIALLY for this next leg around S. Africa…


Like I’ve said in the past, Zac has met many challenges, and done just soooooooo amazingly well, thus we are lifted by his success and have also rode the roller coaster with Marianne & Laurence…


So far, Zac has had mainly consistent trade winds, broken up by the occasional mild to insane squall. Most of his sailing has been largely beam to off the beam (coming from the side or from the side to stern, or mainly quarter stern). So, sailing with a stern’ish wind is let’s say, easier (to an extent)


Why? You’re largely going with the wind and with the waves, so you don’t get bounced around so much… Yes, there’s a lot of rolling, but overall, a more pleasant point of sail.


On his leg around S. Africa, there will be hours and maybe days, where Zac is beating into the wind a lot, or somewhat into the wind… This means the wind and waves will be coming at him or worse, a mixed and confused combination…


This changes the entire experience, not that 3/4 off the wind in 25kts is a cake walk, but it’s not 25kts on the nose in 12’ seas, no way at all. If the wind is 25kts and Zac is progressing fwd (beating into the wind) at 6-7 kts, the apparent wind feels more like 30kts. If he’s sailing downwind in 25kts, at 6-7 knots, the apparent wind is 12-15 kts, radically different…


Now I am by no means trying to scare anyone, or worry anyone, but I am trying to help some that haven’t sailed understand what this next leg entails…


I’ve posted some images on www.temphost101.com for those that don’t want to register and download the Ugrib application…

I’ve also posted the original “wind currents” image for those that are interested.. BUT remember to scroll left and right to view the entire global image…

When you look at the Ugrib image, note that there are little hash marks on the little sticks (best I can describe it) so if the hash marks were like the back side of an arrow, then that would indicate the direction the arrow is going, and thus, indicates the direction the wind is going… the more hash marks and the longer the hash marks are the more wind…


www.grib.us


A few tips about using Ugrib…

1. There are 3 tabs on the lower left, Data Selector, Data Viewer, Animation (I don’t use the animation much, I scroll through counting the days to get a better fell.
2. On the Data Selector tab, I adjust the “GRIB data options) to be 7 Days and 24 (hour) Interval
3. Next, select the area you want to see by putting the cursor in one corner, clicking on the mouse and dragging it to your end point
4. Next select Download GRIB File
5. After a few seconds (depending on your connection speed) you’ll be switched to the Data Viewer tab
6. To select another area or adjust your settings, go to the Data Selector tab and make your adjustments…

Have fun, and feel like you’re with Zac a bit more with this…

Daveh & Skipper

November 10, 2008 at 11:10 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Marianne,
Thanks for the update. So nice to hear Zac is doing great. He looks well rested in the photos.

Zac,
If you have reached the midway point in your journey, CONGRATULATIONS!. You're doing a fantastic job. Bet you're really looking forward to seeing your Dad in Durban. It won't be long till you drop anchor. Take care and stay safe.

Godspeed!

Dick & Gin
Upland

November 10, 2008 at 11:35 AM  
Blogger surf mom said...

Ahhh, man after our hearts...surfing :)
We are waiting for 7 months of winter to go away up here in the freezing weather due to setlle in....until May or June and our wetsuits and us can blissfully hit the waves again....yep, I'm trying to convince my hubby to retire on some warm oceans so I can surf...
We are all relieved that you are doing well, slept up, fed, etc. ALL mothers now 'breathe' a sigh of relief and thanks that God has seen you through some seas. We are still praying for you !! Again, thanks Zac for the great geography lessons....this homeschool family won't ever forget your route. In His Care,
surfmom in NH

November 10, 2008 at 11:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! Thanks so much to the new Zac-Pacers in Rodrigues for the great pics and interesting blog... So much of the world I would have never known if it weren't for Zac's adventure, and his & his family's desire to share it so wonderfully with us!

Thankful, hopeful, and prayerful here in OK for you all... Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher

November 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We have been following Zac since last May, I know it's been an eventful journey, and Rob, mostly sailing...go back through some of the older entries.

Marianne, I appreciate you and Laurence writing when we don't get anything from Zac. I hope you will have another event, we couldn't make it to the first one. Unfortunately, work comes first!

The article from the LA times was also in the Fresno newspaper, although I'm not sure if it was complete.

I read "Dove" years ago, and just finished Tanya Aibee's book, enjoyed them both, even if I'm not a sailor. I can see why you want a cat, Zac, but it would be awful to lose it overboard!

Glad you will be able to get Intrepid back in shape. Safe journey!

Rose, CA

November 10, 2008 at 1:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I want a room like that!!!.

That would be sweet. Glad to see your doing great Zac. Keep it up don't quit.

I am actually doing something for school where I have to write a sequel of my own to a story. I'm sure you know about Around the World in Eighty Days. I have to write a sequel of my own to it. Sooooo, I'm thinking about basing it on your journey. I Have the plot.

The characters are fictitious. But based on the Journey of Zac Sunderland. A week after Phileas Fogg returns from his journey and wins his bet, a young boy of 18 (Older than Zac mainly cause Zac will soon "beat him") named Christopher Johnston makes his own bet to himself. He lives in the New World, America. After hearing of Phileas's win he makes a plan of his own, " To be the youngest person to travel the Earth.

He starts his journey with a small sailboat, enough food to last him a month, he leaves from His home in California. Will he complete his task. Find out when I write the report

~Whitten

November 10, 2008 at 1:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with all who speak of taking care in South Africa, maybe especially Durban. One must be very vigilant.Would rather you be prepared, than be taken by surprise.

November 10, 2008 at 1:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Marianne and Laurance( i hope he gets to read this) and fellow Zac fans, is it just me or has are young sailor looks as thou he has age just a we bit since he left California. looks like a young Man instead of a 16 going on 17 year old, anybody else notice this? keep the sails full and follow your heart Zac. best wishes from florida

November 10, 2008 at 1:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yo, Cap’n Zac!

I just kinda cyber“met” your grandmum in Lymington! Since I knew that Jen Edney had been in the UK traveling to take more of her beautiful photos of your journey, I thought that she might have posted some pictures of merry old England…and woohoo – she did!! And there were some of your dad's mum...Very lovely lady!

(Note to ZacPaccers – check ‘em out on Jen’s blog: http://jennedney.blogspot.com/)

More coolness: As I was sitting on my couch yesterday morning, reading the Sunday Seattle Times, who pops off the page but YOU! In the front section, no less! What a media star – or as “The Croaker” called you, “Alpha Dude”. LOVED that one!!! LOL! Great article, Pete Thomas…

Now I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a sailor, but when I saw the pics of the Intrepid that were taken at dockside in Rodrigues, I actually gasped! I could not imagine how you were able to successfully navigate your boat with sails that were twisted up like that… I think that you and the Intrepid are a perfect match for each other. You know her well and have faith in her, and she knows you well and trusts that you’ll take the best care possible of her. A good team – the best kind!

You must almost be to Mauritius by now – or very close, huh? Hooray that Laurence and Jen are both there waiting for you – and now we’ll be waiting for some more pics from Jen and blogging from you when you get a chance. Have a good, educational, productive, and FUN time!

Hey - thanks muchly for all your writings, Marianne – I know you wish you were there too!

One more thing: Thanks again – and welcome aboard - to Team Rodrigues – Customs, Coast Guard, Kisna, Carine, Birgit/Dirk et all – for the care and comforts you shared with our Cap’n during his unplanned visit to your home. It is so nice to meet you!

You go, Zac!

November 10, 2008 at 3:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

My son and I are Nor Cal
fans. Saw the article about your adventure in the chronicle and
had Jack, my nine year old son
read it. First thing he said was
"PIRATES". Of course I was right
there with your mom and dad,
stay calm......HOLLY #$%#.
Jack and I will now be going along
your adventure with you (if that is
o.k. with you)? All the best and from a mom "stay safe".
Shannon and Jack Wilson

November 10, 2008 at 3:25 PM  
Blogger davejb851 said...

Some random thoughts.

I go to bed each night, wrapping myself comfortably in my warm covers, resting my head on a couple soft pillows. Yet before I close my eyes to the inevitability of sleep, I think of a young man, half way around the world, sailing alone on a small sailboat, out in the middle of some huge ocean.
What will his night be like, or his day. Will he sleep or will he struggle with some unknown issue. So I close my eyes, I whisper a prayer to God, asking to keep him safe, show him the way, and hold him gently in your hands.

Knowing the impetuosity of the open ocean, where calm seas can become rolling waves and high winds with little notice. Where on any sea the water knows no restrictions, and cares for no one. It is also the place where peace and tranquility can be experienced like no other. Where gold and red sunsets say good night, and glowing sunrises announce the new day, I find myself picturing a young man looking out towards the horizon, heading towards somewhere new and unknown. Yet relishing those same facts and realities. Sailing his way to history, and to life unfazed and all before him.

Zac, may you have peace and relative calm. Enjoy your Dad's love and time. Rest, restock, and repair......and at the same time you're feeling the soil under your feet, yearn for the sea, and for the sail towards home and family.

November 10, 2008 at 3:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Any news on when we are to expect the calenders purchased at the fundraiser?

November 10, 2008 at 3:58 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

@ RKlein,

My French leaves a lot to be desired but I will have a go at it. My German is much better than my French.

@Don

There is only one main character on this blog. That is Zac Sunderland. There are 8 minor characters. Mom and Pop Sunderland and the six little Sunderlands.

There are many, many other people but we are not the meat of the story nor should we be.

However as so many of us now know each other outside of the blog, perhaps you would like to do a page with a short bio of the folks who read and take the time to post. Those that post a profile and email address obvioulsly will be the easiest to catalogue. It would make an interesting project.

@Whitten, we are waiting for the rest of the story

@anon in Flordia, Yes, he has matured but he still needs a haircut!!

Regards,
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com

November 10, 2008 at 4:06 PM  
Blogger James A - KF5WT said...

Hey Zac,

Saw the article about your voyage on World Net Daily today. Awesome!

Too bad you're not an Amateur Radio Operator. No doubt you would be on the receiving end of a radio pile-up every time you came on the HF bands. You could also set up schedules with schools so students could talk with you along the way.

Have a great trip. You are truly an inspiration to anybody who has big dreams.

73,

James (KF5WT)
Dallas, TX USA

November 10, 2008 at 6:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am pleased to announce that Kodiak Mike and Conrad Lopez both won a copy of the watercolor print of Zac and Intrepid. I want to thank Jasmine Wevers for making a second print available.

Anita in Waterloo is the winner of Kodiak Mike's Kodiak Island Brewing Company pullover.

Karyn Newbill is the winner of the refrigator magnet, also donated by Kodiak Mike.

Thank you for your generous support of Zac and for making the auction such a success.

I was supposed to start the 2nd auction this evening, however due to technical problems, the auction will not start until Wednesday.

The technical problem is that Bill Mann was so busy making crude remarks about Zac's haircut or lack thereof, that he knocked off his reading glasses, stepped on them and now cannot read what he is typing.

So when I have my new glasses, hopefully on Wednesday, the auctions shall resume.

Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com

November 10, 2008 at 6:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Zac,

My name is Parker and I'm 9 years old. I have been battling leukemia since I was 3 and had a bone marrow transplant when I was 5. I think it is so great how you are living life to its fullest. I never wait for tomorrow when I can try something today. I for one don't know if tomorrow will ever come. I'm going to follow your journey and I thought you might like to follow mine. My web site is; caringbridge.org/ca/parkerfritsch Sign my guest book so I know you checked on me, k?

Good luck and God speed! Your new buddy,

Parker

November 10, 2008 at 6:40 PM  
Blogger surf mom said...

Surfing? say hi to Rob Machado ...Hawaii...Laird Hamilton...then try for international surfing titles next...it goes with the nautical theme of things..
surfmom in NH

November 10, 2008 at 6:47 PM  
Blogger AERIA Records said...

Good luck kid!

November 10, 2008 at 7:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac. Just wondering. What's it like to be on the edge of becoming well famous.

What is it like having people following you everywhere? Annoying? Pretty sweet? What's it like living the "good" life?

November 10, 2008 at 7:49 PM  
Blogger Marilyn said...

@Don, whose email address and profile are not available, or I would have sent this to you directly.

Who are the list of characters you would like to see mentioned? I am somewhat responsible for the FAQ pages (have you looked at them?), but it's hard getting all the answers to questions during times when Zac and/or Intrepid are in distress. We're somewhat behind in the FAQs right now, but we're working on them, and your suggestion about a cast of characters is an interesting one to be on the FAQs.

Please elaborate.

Thanks,

Marilyn
Woodland Hills

November 10, 2008 at 8:03 PM  
Blogger Tomi said...

Here's the Google Language translator version of the Mauritian Tourism Office article:

http://tinyurl.com/4kwepk

Warm Fuzzy HUGS!
Tomi/ATL

November 10, 2008 at 10:15 PM  
Blogger Birgit Rudolph/Dirk Krehl said...

@ Bill

I just discovered your preparedness to translate, I couldn't do it yesterday when I found the article link, just checking in here and see that

@translation link of Tomi- how wonderful as I thought I would be doing it if nobody else had come up...

I am impressed by what I see, never thought that automatical generated translations would do so well...Thanks a lot, I will add this link as well in the entry of yesterdays' Rodrigues blog!!!

And here another link for those who want to see the crew of the Rodrigues Tourism Office, Carine and Kisna included...(German/Engl)

http://insel-rodrigues.blogspot.com/2008/08/welcome-in-rodrigues-ein-neues-team-im.html

Birgit

And a big hello to Parker...

November 10, 2008 at 11:23 PM  
Blogger Becky said...

Hey Zac,

Thanks for that description of the stars reflecting on the water. That sounds amazing.

Goodness, you sound like my boys...tying the tiller to your foot to steer the boat using the stars to navigate. Not that they do that, since they've not yet been on a sailboat, yet they do stuff like that. I think your generation will be thinking way outside the box! Maybe that is really why their called the 'y' generation. 'Y' do it like that, when you can do it like this?!

I'm glad you are nearly to Mauritius.

Thanks to Birgit and Carine for the photos from the Island of Rodriguez. It's so nice to see a sneak peek into Zac's adventure.

Photos of Mauritius look amazing. I pray all goes well with doctoring the Intrepid. Enjoy the time there with your Dad and the new friends you will find.

November 11, 2008 at 10:39 AM  
Blogger Heather Wilds said...

Way to Go Zac...the LA Times article also ran in Virginia.

November 12, 2008 at 9:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
I am a 49 year old single guy who just read your LA Times story in the Louisville (Kentucky) Courier-Journal, our state wide newspaper.
I am astounded ....and I have also been wowed by your website!
Curious - how does your Christianity play in all this endeavor? I immediately noticed the Paul to the Phillipians quote about "doing all things in Christ who strengthens me." I was greatly heartened.
I would love to meet you some day.
Any chance of that??
I met a movie will be made of you some day.
Hope to hear from you. My phone is 502-836-0911.
I will be praying for your safety and success!
Schu Montgomery

November 17, 2008 at 6:43 PM  

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