Mauritius Update - Zac
View from the mast - Grand Baie
The photographer!
A different view
OK so after two sleepless nights I finally got in to Port Louis in Mauritius around 9am. It was great to finally be in port. After clearing customs we went back to my boat to wait for the boom to be delivered. Because of customs and duty rules, the boom had to be delivered by a customs agent to the boat. It was supposed to come by noon but with the 'island time effect' it showed up around 6:30pm. Then it was over to the hotel for some dinner and sleep. Mauritius looks a lot like Hawaii. It has steep mountains and a lot of sugar cane fields. The next morning I brought the boat up the coast 15 miles to Grand Baie where the hotel and yacht club are. The trip went pretty fast motoring at 6kts with 10kts of wind on the bow - enough to use the wind vane. I dropped anchor in 15 feet of water and then got to work taking off the broken boom and pulpit. By the end of the day we got both off and on shore. The next morning I went up the mast, removed the broken forstay and measured for the new one. Then we went ashore and started transferring all the boom hardware from the old boom to the new one. As the day wore on I started to feel like I was coming down with a cold - not a big surprise because Jen was down with one. By that evening I was feeling pretty bad. Someone at the yacht club gave me a couple of bottles of cold pills. Seeing that the directions were in French I just took 2 of each and that helped me pull my runny nose together long enough to give a speech to the yacht club members. I have been taking the ones with the picture of the nose on it since then. Hopefully, I will have a time on this next leg to listen to the French CDs my mom sent over. I took 2 years of Spanish but haven't used it much so far. The yacht club has been great about offering any help thay can, including letting us borrow one of their dinghies to get back and forth to Intrepid, who is at anchor in the bay. The next day I got a some work done in the morning but by mid day was feeling really sick so I went back to the hotel and slept of a few hours. There is really so much to do in port especially with dad leaving on Tuesday that I haven't had time or energy to do much besides work and eat and sleep. Today we got some provisions and my dad installed a new bilge pump. After lunch I crashed at the hotel which has made it possible for me to type this blog.
Cheers
Zac
Zac
PS I have not forgotten that I need to finish the story of my days at sea in the Indian Ocean with a broken forstay. I will also take time to comment on Mike Perham and his solos circumnavigation out of the UK.
posted by Zac at
4:19 PM
59 Comments:
As always, It's great to read your words again.
You knew going into this quest that sailing was going to be only a part of the job......keeping a sailboat in shape and ready to meet the open ocean was going to be another big part of it.
So far, I would venture that you've had more than your share of equipment failures and maintenance issues. Hopefully the rest of the trip will be kinder to you, but you need to get around to the other side of Africa before any relaxation is warranted. Rounding the Horn.....thank God for all the eyes watching and advising.
All the work you and your Dad did before starting this has paid off big time.
So, hopefully you'll get the relaxation, the sleep and the repairs done so Dad can leave with a sense of confidence that all is as planned.
Then on to the next leg, and the next, and the next.....and someday soon you'll be last outcropping heading into home harbor to the world, and to family waiting to welcome you home.
Hi Zac,
Thats pretty nice of you to catch us up to date on your progress on Intrepid. Not expected but truly appreciated!!
I hope the cold medicine continues to help you get through those nasty symptoms that can really drag you down. Right now you really need to be able to get those repairs done and ready for your pending departure.
I just signed up for the virtual Volvo Ocean Race and was wondering if you think there may be a chance that you cross paths with those race horses on their way north?? That would be something to see I would think :-)
Just wanted to wish you all the best in getting Intrepid repaired and ready and glad that you and your Dad are having the chance to spend some time together for a few days. I don't think I need to tell you what a great family you have, we all admire them quite a bit!
Enjoy your time in Mauritus!
You are in my prayers and those of so many around the world!!
God Bless!
Terri from Gloucester, VA
I'm glad that repairs are going so well, but your cold is definitely added to the prayer list. Remember, amidst all of the equipment on your boat, the most important and most difficult to repair is YOU!
At least, as Slocum said, your crew is always in perfect agreement and harmony...
Praying daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Zac, please take care your health first. We will always be happy to hear of your adventures when you have time. Captain of a boat is a full time job and then some! God bless.
WOW!! Thanks for the post, Zac! Amazing photos from "up the mast." Did you use the bosun chair that Daveh describes in yesterday's blog? Hope you can complete the work soon and find some more time to rest.
Also hope the cold pills are helping -- maybe you could type the French into Google translator for instructions in English. I think French over-the-counter meds are wonderful -- my limited experience is that they do what they're supposed to with no noticeable side effects. Best wishes and many prayers for a complete recovery before relaunch.
@ Peter - Welcome back. You were missed by many.
@ Willyboy in Milford - You're missed too. RU OK??
@ Those in CA affected by smoke/fire -- our hearts and prayers are with you.
@ Team Sunderland & ZacPac - Greetings to all and thanks for a wonderful introduction to blogging -- I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience!
CindyinCincy
Just a second to catch up, nice to read you again, Zac, all the best for finishing the repairs and first of all, take care of your cold...
There was another article about you in Le Mauricien last week on Nov 10, but impossible to find a link via their archive, grhhh, sorry!
Thanks also for the latest photos.
A good Monday to everybody
Birgit from Rodrigues
Zac, your long hair is becoming very Samson-esque! I dig it; it suits you to be sure. If Bill manages to shear you one day, perhaps you will donate your locks to Locks of Love, so keep it growing!
That photo you shot from the top of the mast was awesome! Nausea-inspiring, but still awesome.
You know, I just got back from the Dominican Republic, a tropical paradise that I miss already, and I hope that, despite the annoyance of a cold and all your responsibilities each day, you take a moment (an hour at least) each and every day to stop and take in the sheer beauty of the places you visit. After all, you *have* busted your cojones to reach them!
Troy
Thanks for the update and fascinating pics, Zac. I know you have a number of video cameras on board but I don't know what or when they're recording. I was jst going to suggest you, if you aren't already, use a video camera to create video blogs, telling your stories while you are working, etc.. This way the memories are fresh, and you can produce more in less time than you can in a written blog. You may not be able to share them till you get ashore, but even if its just for your after-voyage career, it would great material.
Dad leaves Tuesday... what day do you leave for Durban? Congrats on your progress so far.
Hey Zac!
Thanks for the new pics and update! Hope you feel better! God bless!
Zac,
Isn't it unbelievable? We all know you catch a cold from a virus passed from someone else.
Here you have been alone and healthy all this time, except for some headaches, then you get to Mauritius, and someone blows snot on you, and bam! your down for the count.
Sorry to hear about it. Enjoy the rest of your time with your dad, and get better.
Peter
Rest up. See a doc before U push off as a safe guard. Enjoy the time with your old fella.
So good to hear from you Zac! I'm so sorry to hear about your cold. It must be frustrating when there is so much work to be done but Mouse said it best! The most important and most difficult repair is you! Get well soon!
You are continually in our prayers.
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Back home in Sherman Oaks, CA
Wooo, its good to hear the news right from the horse's mouth, but do take care of yourself Zac! I'm glad you're getting adequate help in the maintanence of your boat...
the idea of taking pictures from the top of the mast sounds sooo well cool!
good luck, hope you get better soon,
tc.
you need a hair cut
love Eugene
Don't give that English chap a second thought. I'm sure he's a good sailor and all, but how hard could it be when money is no object? His main sponsor is called Totallymoney.com. lol. We all know who the real sailor is; you're sailing the world on your terms, on your boat, which to a lot of us, is the definition of sailing and our life long dream. Good luck on the next leg, and try not to break any more major components :)
Hey Zac,great to hear from you. It's good to know you and your dad are together and getting the good old "Intrepid" back into sailing shape!
Also loved the pictures! The island looks beautiful, what a wonderful place to R&R.
Do take care of yourself as you work. You'll have to be strong and healthy to tackle the next leg of your journey.
I know what you mean about the French. I've taken Spanish for a couple years but I'm clueless with any other language!
I'll continue to pray for your health and clear weather!
Enjoy your stay in Mauritius!
A friend :)
Zac,
Rest - Rest - Rest. Great to read your words about what is going on. As always looking for more. You still sound like you are having fun and looking for more. Keep looking and I am sure you will have many things to share. Interested in Mike Perham and what is going on. The local TV station in Minneapolis mentioned him and I wrote to the station and said your story is better and more interesting. Would like to hear more. Keep well.
Bill
Minneapolis
Agh! The view from atop the mast makes my tummy wiggle! That is HIGH!
Hope you feel better soon. Can't wait to "accompany" you on the next leg!
Dana
Santa Monica
Anyone who thinks that Mike Perham has it easy just because he has a big sponsor, can't know much about sailing.
An Ocean 50 is an extreme racing machine and, as such, hard to handle. Also, Mike's non-stop route around the Southern Ocean is very demanding. To attempt this, he has to be a very good sailor, indeed. I'm sure people on Mike's blog won't be saying Zac's not a real sailor because he's going through the Panama Canal! ;-)
The two boys are undertaking quite different challenges, so it's childish to compare the two and suggest that one is better than the other. Indeed, I'm sure that Zac and Mike are themselves far too mature to do so!
So please, let's stay clear of silly comments and appreciate that here are two incredibly brave boys doing something that few of us reading their blogs could ever attempt.
Zac,
I know you are planning on week or so in Mauritius, but keep an eye on the Volvo Ocean Race fleet. Lord knows you wouldn't want to have to deal w/ them in the open ocean!
From San Diego
Sir Captain Zac, "You" are the man
just Great to hear from you, and the shot from the mast..."W O W"...
Intrepid looks so so beautiful,
such "graceful lines"
and "you all" did a super job on the dodger,solar and wind vane..
you're "humor" so refreshing, it shows us how clear your mind is, even though your nose is stuffy...
plenty of time to "catch up" on the indian ocean, not to worry, just get to Durban, safely and swiftly...
"sweet sixteen" soon to be just a memory, Zac...you sure have made it sweet for all us, Zac-"Addicts".
as far as the Mike Perlman, comparison, it can best be summed up thusly...
"which one saved up with his own money and bought his own boat?"
and whose main sponsor
is "totallymoney"
great verse in ecclesiastes 10:19
"men prepare a meal for enjoyment
and wine makes life merry,
and money is the answer to
everything"...
just the opposite of
"the righteous man shall live by faith"...
for all those who have prayed fervently, all hours of the day and night, don't stop...
as far as you Zac, pray...
"Set a guard O'LORD over my mouth,
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Do not incline my heart to any evil thing"..psalms 141:3,4a
whenever this topic comes up...
be wise and don't lose your witness...
Durban and the kitten right around the corner..
Zac Pac, "YOU ARE" the best...
mark n adino, vicksburg,mississippi
Nice post Zac Man. Some scary and yet exciting times for sure. Nice to be able to have Dad around and get Intrepid back into top form. Time sure does fly for sure. So are you keeping up with all of your exercises? What is your regime? I am sure their are some days where sleep is your priority. You must have seen some of the most awesome Sunrises and Sunsets by now. Hope you have been taking lots of photos.
Now that's the way to take pictures!!!! They are beautiful shots Zac!! way to go! Thanks too for having them larger as the one of you on the top the mast looking down at Intrepid is my 'background'... so thanks for that!
I loved the idea of everyone who was able to be at the gathering to sign your new boom! were you surprised by that??? was also wondering what the large jugs are of in your cockpit?? water?
take care of yourself Zac!! I check on you daily and it's great to listen to new voices on your blog.
Be Safe around the Cape!!!
Jen
Hope you get much more rest and fully recuperated before you have to head off before the hurricanes! Great to “hear” from you, Zac, and I absolutely love the pictures from Jen and you the past few blogs…
Definitely curious to read what you and team Sunderland say about Mike Perham. As for me, I’m along on your adventure not because I know anything about sailing (never done it!) or records or any of that, but because I heard you and your mum on NPR one day and something fascinated me about your determination and her support. I checked out your web site and have been a regular Zac-Pacer ever since! Your story is already phenomenal, and while I enjoy reading the blog, I also look forward to anything you’ll put out in the future – I especially hope for a book, as I am always reading a book myself and love reading to my children, not to mention that you and your parents have shown yourselves to be excellent writers!
Anyway, get well and enjoy your stay in that beautiful place what you can… Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Zac-
It's great to see your words once again. I'm sorry you're sick and hope you're feeling better.
Great pics too! Although the one from the top of the mast made me dizzy. I'm not too fond of heights, but still it was a great shot. It does prompt a question though and perhaps daveh or someone else can answer. What are those three panels at the rear of the boat and what is their function?
please read the comments from Marilyn from yesterdays blog....
@Bill: please read anonymous of todays!
@Mark: your comments about Mike & Zac confuse me as you claim/preach you are of Christian faith - so why the implied name calling?
They are different people, doing different things... again, read marilyns post she said it beautifully!
sorry if I am too blunt, but really!
I wouldn't of heard of this young guy if it wasn't for this site! Go Mike! Go Zac!
Jen
The 3 Panels are his solar chargers, and the fan-blade looking device next to them is his wind charger.
Daveh
Hello Everyone,
I loved the picture of Zac at the top of the mast. I guess Zac isn't afraid of heights either. Great pictures Jen. It's always great to see your work.
Let's all just get along, PLEASE.
Take Care,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hi Zac,
great pictures from the top of the mast, especially the one looking down.
Intrepid's mast looks kind of tall to me. Is her mast taller relative to her length compared to other yachts?
Get well soon,
RK
@Terri: There is Zac Pac group in the virtial Volvo Ocean race. If you have not yet joined, send me a message therel. My boat is called "dunbur".
Thanks daveh.
Zac,
It's great to hear from you. Sorry you have caught a cold, but better at port where you can get some good rest and meds than after you left for another leg (trying to look at the brighter side).
Your picture from the mask was awesome. How tall is you mask?
Hope you feel better soon! And enjoy the rest of your time on Mauritius.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
Hey it's great to hear from you Zac. I hope you don't get sick any more. (Weird, I got a cold around the same time you did. I feel your pain.)
Happy for you that everything is going along great. Thanks for the pictures too. Wow, you were high up. Mauritus sure is pretty; I'll have to visit there some day.
Get lots of rest!
Prayers and blessings,
EmilyAnne
Fayetteville, NC
Homeschooler
Fantastic photos! Sorry about the cold...but glad you're not at sea. Funny story about the medicine. Here is hoping it isn't heartworm medicine for a dog.
Sounds like me with the kids' toys at Christmas. Open package, put together contents, doesn't work, take apart contents then read the directions, replace parts that you broke putting together the first time incorrectly, put together contents according to the instructions.
The nose on the package was probably enough. All said I hope you feel better. The repairs to Intrepid look like they are coming along nicely.
Steve
Birmingham, AL
Well, we figured Zac, that you should think about the Coast Guard so you'll always be on the water. Customs would be something you now know tons about, eh? Vessel traffic , security , you may hold dear to your heart, ....or
NOAA for weather, wind, wave swell etc...just a thought (smiling)
blessings and prayers for calm, small waves ! surfmom in Nh
details, details! Zac, was your dad running alongside the shore as you approached the harbour? were you squinting to see someone waving from shore??? ;-) okay, maybe I should wait for the movie!!!!
excellent shots of you especially the ones with you up the mast - wow!! thanks for sharing your life with all of us!
Barb
ZacPacers: The Vendee Globe race is in it's 2nd week and there are now loads of great photos - plus amazing to see a few skippers that have already been up their masts during their sail! great photography if you wish to view them.
Cheers,
Rob Lakewood CO
More fantastic pictures. Great!! There can't be too many.
RE: Mike Perham -- I noted somewhere, perhaps on this site, that he is attempting to be the youngest to circumnavigate solo non-stop. I've perused his site and do not find that term. Does anyone have a definitive answer?
Further, I have made what may be considered disparaging comments on Perham's endeavor and I wish I had not done so. (Put brain in gear before operating mouth!) This is Zac's blog and our function here is to support and cheer him on. So far, it seems to have done well towards that purpose. If it degenerates into a debate on the relative merits (and resources) of Zac's and Perham's endeavors, it will be counterproductive and generate negative karma.
Go Zac!! Hang in there Zac-Packers!! Now let's move on.
The Croaker
@ Croaker
Regarding your question about Mike's record being solo and non-stop, this is from his Website:
"In order to satisfy the requirements of the world record – currently held by 18 year old Australian, Jesse Martin – Mike will be setting out from Southampton in November to complete a circumnavigation of the globe. The journey must be entirely unassisted and completed under sail by wind and muscle power alone. The trip will cover approximately 21,600 nautical miles (40,000 km), taking Mike across the equator and every single line of longitude on the earth’s surface. He will be at sea for four and a half months."
It doesn't specifically state that he will not make any stops, but I think that is the assumption. If anyone else has a better answer, please let us know.
Marilyn
Woodland Hills
Ahoy Zac!
Great photos & great hearing from you too :)
Good thing you aren't afraid of heights, YIKES! I don't think I would ever be able to gather the courage to head up a mast, esp. since it would be MOVING!!! I guess if I had started sailing at 4 instead of 44 I'd be much more brave!!
Hopefully your cold is starting to go away. You might want to stock up on some meds just in case you get another cold or the flu!(God forbid)
Essayez de trouver une certaine médecine froide qui a des directions anglaises....I'm pretty sure this is correct...try and find cold medicine that has directions in English!!!
Sounds like you and your dad have made great progress with Intrepid. Are you anxious to get back out on the water? Half way and headed home!!
@ Peter...nice to see you again!
@ Glen...¿Dónde usted ha estado? ¡Le faltamos!! Abrazos!
@ rklein: where is this virtual race you speak of?? I must know..LOL!!
Prayers going out to all in CA!!
Zac, hugs to you, know that you are in prayer each and every day!!
Hey, how's that floss holding up?? ;)
Worry looks around
Sorry looks back
Faith looks up
Sail on Captain Zac
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
To add to Marilyn's comments, re: Mike Perham…
You can rent the movie “Lionheart – The Jessie Martin Story” from 1999, not a bad movie, but not great, but if you’re into this type of thing, then it’s one of the must watch’s for you library…
He will have to sail around, alone, unassisted and can’t stop at a port (remember the story, accept a bolt and you’re disqualified)…
He started his trip just this last Saturday actually. It’s a cold harsh route around the bottom of the world (some of you might remember one my with images about this a long while back), but he also has to cross the latitude lines for this type of challenge… For a visual of this, cut and paste this link
http://www.boatweb.com.au/images/route.jpg
The anonymous poster’s comments about the Ocean 50 (known mostly as an Open 50) is absolutely correct, they are a temperamental racing machines. They are light, fast, and sometimes fragile, obviously… I would hope that the particular vessel he’s on has been beefed up because they are not known for strength, but speed. Things breaking with a crew? Not so bad… A teen alone, not so good…
They run about $200k used, $1M new, and of course, much more, limited only by the size of your “discretionary” budget…
Hope that helps…
Daveh & Skipper
Mike's attempt is for a record differs from Zacs as mike will attempt solo, unassisted, and under wind power alone.
Great pictures, Zac! The one looking down from the top of the mast made my stomach turn, however.
Do you have photos of the jury-rigged tiller or the repais on the old mast? Thanks, Jen, for the one showing a slice of the signatures. What a treasure to have this personalized one! How did the boom get to Mauritius by the way? Was it shipped in advance or taken as carry on luggage? ;)
Get some rest, and keep plenty of that heartworm medicine on hand...
Jasmine Wevers
Lake Tahoe, CA
jwevers@qbaroo.com
Here I sit inside my home built from trees
Wondering what Capt Zac's latest triumph will be
Team Sunderland has been really great in keeping us updated
To think this journey is only half over is really understated
Does Lady Intrepid's lines look better after her repairs
The Sunderlands & the ZacPac surely don't need anymore topside scares
Will Capt Zac get over his cold before setting sail
I'm glad he's able to make the next port so he can read our mail
This little rhyme was written to put in a change of pace
Surely we all know this is a personal goal but maybe a bit of a race
The Sunderland Tribe including Capt Zac are always in our prayers
May the next sunrise bring y'all heartfelt joys and smiles w/out bad airs
So sail on dearest Capt Zac
Your ZacPac will do our best to watch your back
Warm Fuzzy HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
Great photos from atop the mast Zac. Two questions: How tall is the mast and was that a normal lens or wide-angle?
Go Zac!
Tripp
Wonderful Tomi! Thank you! Fantastic rhyme.
Cheers!
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
Hello Zac & L & M too. Wish I was there so I could make you some chicken soup.
Vicki Arkoff
Sherman Oaks
The Indian Ocean is also merciless to the professional racers of the Volvo Ocean Race. One boat (Green Dragon) got their boom broken, too, and they are considering getting it a spare in Mauritius. The race's second leg goes from Cape Town to Cochin, India, and the fleet still south of Mauritius is in pretty heavy weather with 40+ knots of wind and the confused seas Zac already experienced, but with 10-12 m swells, they say.
So Zac be careful when you set out again in opposite direction. But you don't need to chase the high winds as these racers do.
All the best,
RK
The photos of you up the mast were quite a surprise - not being a sailor I guess I didn't ever think about having to go up THAT HIGH!
Hope you can shake that cold before leaving the island. The sail to Durban should be 15 days or so but it would be awful if you had to do it while coughing and sneezing.
You'll love South Africa. I spent some time in Capetown a couple of years ago; Table Mountain is one of the tourist places to visit but the view is tremendous. Aquarium down by the waterfront is cool. Lots of marine activity in the port.
Hey Zac Me and my family are praying for you!!!
Hi, Zac. Sounds like that cold really zapped you. Hope you were able to get everything done before your Dad left. Rest as much as you can and take advantage of the abundance of food right now. We sometimes don't feel like eating when we're sick but that is the most important thing our body needs......fluids too!
Good luck, Zac.
Scott
:)
Hi Zac!
It's good to see you are doing ok! My family has been following your story in the God's World News Top Story magazine.
God sure is taking good care of you!
Will be praying for you!
Katie
Did you guys see the news about Somali Pirates???
This is why Zac is going South vs. Suez...
Article Below
Daveh & Skipper
NAIROBI, Kenya (CNN) -- The crew of a supertanker are reported safe after pirates hijacked the vessel laden with oil and holed up in lawless Somalia.
Two more ships were attacked Tuesday off the East African coast and a third was seized Saturday but only reported Tuesday, according to a monitoring agency.
The spate of hijackings underscores a dramatic increase in piracy that has alarmed national governments and shipping companies around the world.
"This is completely unprecedented," said Michael Howlett, assistant director of the International Maritime Bureau in London, which tracks pirate attacks. "We've never seen a situation like this."
The three hijackings reported Tuesday bring to 95 the number of incidents involving pirates and commercial vessels off the East African coast this year -- up from 31 incidents in 2007 and 10 in 2006, Howlett said.
By the way, the most amazing thing about this new hijacking is the ship was 450nm offshore... The safe zone is usally about 150nm offshore...
This means these pirates had at least enough fuel to go 900nm round trip...
$100M cargo was their booty...
Daveh
Just a note for geography clarification. I've noticed a couple of posters refer to Zac's pending passage around the southern tip of Africa as " rounding the Horn".
Not so....."the Horn" (Cape Horn) is that other pointy one to the west....the southern tip of Argentina.
Zac will turn right and head north as he rounds The Cape of Good Hope.
Anonymous just 'cause he's lazy,
Steve in Northern CA
(checking in and wishing him well everyday!)
wow, hope you feel better soon! I get colds ALL the time and I hate it!
That's so cool. I love those pics. I love the one that's up on top of the mast.
But rest up. When you head of your next task will be to get aroung the Cape of "Good Hope." Just keep on prayin' and I'm sure God will let you keep on truckin' er umm sailing with no problems.
~Whitten
Zac
Someone mentioned chicken soup for your cold. Don't laugh. It's no myth nor an 'old wives tale'. The benefits to one with a cold have been proven, but science hasn't been able to figure out exactly why. If you can't find chicken soup to 'heat n eat', then find a raw chicken or chicken parts to suit your red vs white meat taste. Use lots of water to boil it with onions, celery, and any other vegetables that are available and appeal to you. Potatoes and carrots come to mind. Keep boiling (and adding water as needed) until the meat is coming off the bones. Add salt and pepper to the pot or after you have it in a bowl. This is so easy that even I can do it! It can be made heartier by putting over rice, couscous, or bulgar, but just the soup is best for a cold.
Hope your dad has a swift and safe flight back to the world and that you have a swift, safe, and uneventful passage on to S. Africa.
Bon Voyage (again))
The Croaker
Hey Zac,
You are an inspiration and keep going, Man. It is great to hear from you again. I hope you write a book on this experience. It would encourage a lot of people.
Dave
I admit, I get really amused by all the people whose stomachs fluttered at just a photo of the view from on top of Intrepid's mast. It reminds me of when I was young, working at a place called California Stage and Lighting. We did a lot of events and concert setups, and this obviously involved crawling around in high places fairly often.
Whenever we hired a new person, we would take them out back, lay a 2x12 board on the ground, and ask them to walk across it. Everybody did it.
Then we'd raise the board up to where it was about 2' off of the ground. Most people could still do it.
When we put the board, the exact same board upon which they had just proved that they could balance and walk, on a scaffold about 10' up, only about 1 or 2 in ten could walk across it. Those are the ones who lasted more than a week with us.
See how many relevant and amusing stories you can come up with when your resume consists of, "I've done just about everything, briefly."
Of course, I've never done what Zac is doing. Probably never will, if I look at it realistically, but then practicality would never have put a man on the moon, nor painted the Mona Lisa, nor built the Statue of Liberty. A practical head is required, however, in order to figure out how to make the impossible happen, and that's Zac's inspiration.
He's doing it.
So can you.
Still praying daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
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