Thanksgiving
Latest Position: 11/28/08 0622Z 23 01.545S 54 26.934E
Spoke with Zac briefly this morning and again this evening. We passed the phone around after our Thanksgiving celebration. He is really missing some real mashed potatoes instead of his instant Costco spuds but other than that was in great spirits and looking forward to that wind (now at 12 knots on the nose) to fill in from the east. Intrepid performs optimally in 12-15 knots of wind.
On behalf Zac and the entire Sunderland family we thank you all for supporting and encouraging all of us in this endeavour. Zac's quest began as a grass roots effort by a small but growing number of local sailors, writers and photographers. If it had been solely up to our family to fund Zac's trip he may well have had to stop by now. It is amazing to realize that Zac's trip has been supported in many different ways by hundreds of individuals and small companies for nearly 6 months now!
We are truely a blessed nation to live with such freedom and affluence and comfort.
Great to take a day to stop and thank the God who gives us all good things!
Cheers,
Marianne & Laurence
Spoke with Zac briefly this morning and again this evening. We passed the phone around after our Thanksgiving celebration. He is really missing some real mashed potatoes instead of his instant Costco spuds but other than that was in great spirits and looking forward to that wind (now at 12 knots on the nose) to fill in from the east. Intrepid performs optimally in 12-15 knots of wind.
On behalf Zac and the entire Sunderland family we thank you all for supporting and encouraging all of us in this endeavour. Zac's quest began as a grass roots effort by a small but growing number of local sailors, writers and photographers. If it had been solely up to our family to fund Zac's trip he may well have had to stop by now. It is amazing to realize that Zac's trip has been supported in many different ways by hundreds of individuals and small companies for nearly 6 months now!
We are truely a blessed nation to live with such freedom and affluence and comfort.
Great to take a day to stop and thank the God who gives us all good things!
Cheers,
Marianne & Laurence
posted by Zac at
11:02 PM
47 Comments:
happy thanksgiving Sunderland clan,
Jen
ps... Zac - you're doing great - how's the ear ache??
Today is the day that we give thanks for the life we have, and the hope of what we will have.
When I look back on my life I remember the good and the bad, but am thankful for where my life is now.
Is the glass half empty or half full?...mine is half full.
This comment has been removed by the author.
To the Sunderland family...We, the members of the Zac pack are also blessed to have a family such as yours to look up to during these troubling times. Best wishes and God bless you all ! Go Zac ! Know we are with you in spirit !.
Ken Gaunt,Sun City.
Happy [Late] Thanksgiving to the Sunderlands around the globe!!! Love y'all!!!
Prayers and blessings,
EmilyAnne
Fayetteville, NC
I want to thank you for your faith in God and how you have not hesitated to share that faith.
While we appear to have freedom, affluence and comfort at the present time this is soon to disappear. The signs of the imminent coming of Jesus are everywhere. The prophecies of Daniel & Revelation are near complete fulfillment. This country will soon face such a crisis that many will call for a mandatory day of worship to return us to the favor of God.
This country was founded on freedom of religion, that means freedom to worship or not worship according to the dictates of the heart. When a mandatory day of worship is enforced we will return to the oppression of the Dark Ages.
When death is decreed upon those who will not worship the beast and his image (the mandatory worship day that will be in direct conflict with the Bible)then the plagues will fall on the remaining living wicked and Christ will redeem the remaining living saints.
We can see from the current US and world situation that it will not take much to bring this country to its knees. But thanks be to God for His mercy now! May we all take time now, while the door of mercy is still open, to get right with our Maker.
Blessings,
The Kittiwake Kids
thelastgeneration@att.net
Have to agree on that sentiment Marianne and Laurence. God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving. You guys are an amazing family.
Chris Carnaghi
Alhambra, CA
Hello Zac & The Pac,
Hopefully everyone is walking around today full of turkey. Zac, I'm sorry I had to remind you of Thanksgiving. I'm sure you really missed Mom's turkey as well as the real mashed potatoes. I loved Marianne story of passing the telephone around. I'm sure Zac said Happy Thanksgiving a minimum of eight different times yesterday but I'm sure it was more than that. I'm not forgetting you Grandma, in case you celebrated at the Sundlerland home.
Marianne, like always your thanks is always greatly appreciated by many people here who are doing something to help Zac. We really do live in a great nation and sometimes I really don't think we always appreciate what we have. I'm sure Zac knows exactly what I'm talking about.
Thank you Marianne for writing so late on Thanksgiving day after I'm sure a very hectic day. We appreciate everything you're doing to keep The Pac informed.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Amen.
Still praying daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Zac & Family, Friends, and Supporters:
I hope you all enjoyed your gathering with loved ones, giving thanks to our blessings, and sharing precious time with each other. My mother (an oncology nurse) worked yesterday, so my celebration was all of a half hour in the hospital cafeteria!
I figure it's not the venue, but the company that makes the time special! And, we can always find time throughout the year to stop and be thankful.
Thanks to everyone who is helping to support Zac and his family.
Troy Brimm
Modesto, CA
P.S.: I've added new stores and over 150 special promotions to Zac's GiftClix portal. If you intend to do any Christmas shopping online, GiftClix brings name brand retailers together in a convenient "mall", and 90% of the sales commission from your GiftClix store purchases is donated to Zac!
If you haven't visited the site before, check it out! I'd love to hear your feedback.
Zac, Happy Birthday!!!! I hope you have recovered some from your earache.
We are thinking of you here at the Palos Verdes Library District where I work....I check your blog each day to see your progress and to thank God that there are still young men like you who are able to dare to live their dreams....thanks for taking us along for the ride...
sail on! sail safe....you are in my prayers...
Betty E., Lomita, CA
Happy Thanksgiving to Zac and the Sunderland family. We are so grateful to be a part of this amazing adventure!
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
HAPPY #17 BIRTHDAY ZAC!!!! SENDING YOU LOVE AND BEST WISHES ON ANOTHER MILESTONE!!!!! YOU ARE DOING GREAT, AND I THINK OF YOU EVERYDAY!! HOPE INTREPID IS GETTING THE 12 KNOT WINDS SHE IS ACCUSTOMED TO!! DURBAN IS WITHIN REACH, AND MY BIRTHDAY CARD SHOULD BE THERE WAITING FOR YOU!!
AND SUNDERLANDS.......I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE MET YOU AT THE LA GATHERING. IT IS MY HONOR TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED IN SOME SMALL WAY TO HELP ZAC ACCOMPLISH HIS DREAM. YOUR FAMILY IS AN INSPIRATION. I'LL BE PRAYING FOR ZAC AS ALWAYS,AS HE HEADS TO DURBAN.
I HOPE YOUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND IS FULL OF JOY AND LAUGHTER!!
HUGS,
DEBBIE
NORTH HILLS, CA
A belated Happy Thanksgiving to the Sunderland family! You guys are amazing. I'm so thankful for God's faithfulness in your lives, it is such an encouragement to me and I'm sure to those around you.
@Zac- I can't imagine spending Thanksgiving alone eating canned food! A lot of people were praying for you though, so you were in the company of tons of prayers! Next Thanksgiving will be a blast for you.
Hope your ear heals quickly.
Tomorrow is your birthday! Where you are you're probably already 17!
Have a happy birthday!!!!!
A homeschooled friend :)
Happy Thanksgiving to the entire Sunderland Family and all the Zac Packers across the country.
Scott
:)
Ooops, it's 5 a.m., November 29th where you are Zac....
HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
You'll honor Bob Marley,
With dreads in your do!
Sail on,
Troy (and friend, Annie, standing over my shoulder at the moment)
Zac and family,
Sail on and blessing to you all. Good to catch up on what is going on. Have you made a decision as to when you are going to up date your route so we can follow along.
Hope your ear is getting better. Keep us up to date as you have time.
Bill
Minneapolis
Happy Birthday to you Zac!
Wonder what you are doing on your birthday.
We know where you are but what did you do!
Hope you weren't too lonely....I bet your family came up with some surprises via the internet and other forms of communication we have these days.
Do hope the ear is settling.
Uk friend.
Ahoy Zac,
Happy Birthday !!!
When you get home you can drive,
how cool is that for you.
Continued success & be safe.
Happy Thanksgiving season,
may God bless us all.
Clay
Happy Birthday to you....
Happy Birthday to you....
Happy birthday dear Zac.....
Happy birthday to you!!!! :)
Very cool you are out on the water headed to Africa on your b-day, doing what you love, priceless!
LOL @ Troy, his birthday song was much better than the standard :)
Hugs Captain Zac, and blessings too.
Anita Miracle
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
Thanks Marianne for your update;
Zac hope your ear ache has
What a blessing to be able to share these times with you. I too thank you for giving us this opportunity.
I believe thanksgiving has nothing to do with the food, it is our gratitude and love that brings us together.
Hey Zac Pac, I have printed copies of the front page of his website and I plan to tell others about Zac tomorrow on his birthday.
@ Debbie-North Hills
a side bar
No offense meant, but try not to post in Caps- In the blogging and email world, it is the equivalent of screaming.
Sail on Zac.. we are thankful that the relative calm you are experiencing as this gives you the opportunity to recover.
Blessings and prayers for your continued safety
Sherna
Hello Zac,
Happy Birthday. I know you won't be able to read my card until after you actually arrive in South Africa but Happy Birthday anyways.
Be safe out there, stay alert, and watch for other ships!!!
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hi everyone –
I’ve received a few quite negative eMails from one particular blogger (and I don’t think it’s polite for me to mention this person’s name) but because of this, I wanted to say that I hope others understand my post are altruistic about Zac, his conditions, challenges and experience.
I just wanted to iterate that my posts are all designed to help “some” understand Zac’s experience, conditions, and challenges, nothing more… I know that the sailors that have done long passages and even circumnavigation understand all of this, but some struggle to understand or relate to what Zac is dealing with.
It’s difficult to very difficult for Zac to post sometimes, for extended periods of time, so I try to paint some color to his situation, conditions, etc… That’s all….
This is why I’ve tried to make my post 99% about Zac and his conditions… Occasionally, I may thread in some of my own experiences, but only to add to color to what Zac is going through…
I eMail and speak with Marianne quite a bit, have donated some equipment (night vision scope) to help Zac during his night passages, etc… With honor of course…
Like all of you, I am honored to be involved in this expedition and share in the intimacy with the Sunderand's, Zac, and all of us. It's a once in a lifetime experience for many to be this close to such an endeavor, especially by someone as young and valiant as Zac and gracious as Marianne and Laurence
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and may Zac’s winds be at his back…
Dave & Skipper
Good morning from Rdrigues Island,
Hi Zac,
it's your birthday today!!!!!
Have a great day without ear infection and good winds, enjoy your day!
Birgit
Happy Birthday Capt!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!!!!!!
May you be blessed with many, many more!
i've been following this from the beginning. i was wondering how much it cost to fund such an adventure. and will you still owe money after the trip is over. and will the book deals and such be enough to cover it all. i know alot of questions. i'm just curious. also is there like a diagram of zacs boat.. one could look at that shows what he is talking about.. so some of would understand what he is telling us about his boat. thanks..
joe from columbus,oh..
Happy Birthday Zac!!!! I hope you are able to have some celebration on board.
@Daveh, I, for one, really appreciate all of your posts. I know absolutely nothing of sailing. The one time I went out on a sailboat I was soooo seasick that I marvel at people like you, Axel,and Zac that spend so much time on the seas. Please know that most of us really appreciate your posts. They help tremendously.
Zac, you are always in our prayers. Wishing for wind and an uneventful passage to Durban! And especially wishing your a very very Happy Birthday!
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
Happy Birthday Zac! ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
How is the ear doing?
I wish I could be a mouse in the corner when you collect your mail in Durban!
I'm wishing you a safe, speedy sail to Durban.
Nagaa
@daveh~~I appreciate your explanations of what may be happening in Zac's world of wind and water! Keep them coming!
Zac -
Happy Birthday! It is my son Jeff's birthday also. I've always thought that November 29th was a very special day!
@Daveh-
I for one always look forward to your comments and find all information very helpful, and the bits of your own personal experiences that occasionally are shared very enlightening! Please continue.
@All Zac-Packers:
We are so blessed to be able to share this experience vicariously. Let us all be grateful, as I am grateful for all of you as well.
Karyn in Simi
Happy birthday, Zac! If all of us wishing you a happy birthday got together, you'd have some party...
Hope your ear clears up and the sailing's smooth.
Blessings,
Tricia
Happy Birthday Zac!!! I hope today is fun for you as much as ever!!
Lots of hugs!!
EmilyAnne
Fayetteville, NC
12:14 A.M.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZAC!
I don't know what to say other than I'm so proud of you, and am inspired by your courage and perseverance. As I'm sure you know, you are enjoying AND toiling through a once in a lifetime experience that is teaching you some wonderful lessons about life that will serve you for many, many years to come. The good, the bad, and the ugly. This is life! Enjoy it, embrace it, and be grateful for it! God Bless you today and always!
@ Daveh- I so enjoy your participation here on the blog as well as those others with sailing backgrounds. My suggestion to those who don't; use your scroll feature on your mouse and go to the next entry. Personal attacks cannot and should not be tolerated. If you can't play nice, get out of the sandbox.
Happy Birthday Zac
Rock On
@Marianne
Thanks, ma'am for the update on Capn'Zac. Glad he's getting a little wind. Talked to him twice on Thanksgiving? I can predict two highlight of the Sunderland day! Another Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
@Kittiwake Kids
Some of the religious content on our blog has been a bit over the top. You've gone over the edge. How can such Voices of Doom as you exist. I am a believer and I talk with my Creator. I don't know what your god is but it's something else we do NOT have in common. My God is still filled with hope that we'll live up to his expectations to a degree that is acceptable to Him. Most of us are trying. I enjoy reading the thoughts of those who seek the Truth. Those who are confident that they are the ones who know it scare me!! Such moral certainty is surely a sign of something that is far from positive.
@daveh
You show the signs of your good breeding by not revealing the identity of whomever is sending you emails that apparently not flattering concerning your participation on this blog. That is genuinely sad. In your post of today, you stated your intent in your contributions. May I please inform you that you have been successful in execution of that intent. You have informed many with no sailing experience of technical esoterica to understand events and situations on Zac voyage. I'm not a very experienced sailor but extensive reading has given me a certain nautical vocabulary. I still learn from you and have been reminded of things that I'd forgotten. You are credible and appreciated.
@Zac
Hello fellow. It was Friday, Nov 28, but my clock just kicked past midnight so where I am, it's officially Zac's Birthday, 2008!! Happy 17th! You'll never forget where you were on this one, what you were doing, nor how you were feeling. We all have a few such benchmarks in our lives, but Buddy, you've got the gold-plated one. Halfway around the world and headed home!
May my God bless you. It's obvious that he loves you.
The Croaker
Thinking of you at this time of thanksgiving and praying for your family and for your safety and God's speed. I want to also wish you a Happy Birthday..Hope you have a good day sailing and make the progress you want. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday! Blessings and love....a friend in Nebraska
Hello Zac- Since you are hours ahead of us here in the OC, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! I hope all of your memories of past birthdays warm your heart on this special day. You are fulfilling a dream and that is the best gift you can give yourself. You are a courageous, confident and intelligent young man and I am proud to have my life touched by you. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! To your mother, HAPPY "BIRTH"DAY!! You gave birth to this amazing young man and I think I speak for everyone, by saying, THANK YOU!! God Bless!!
Lori
VERY. VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACHARY.
I wish you the best in your Day!!!
I send to Durban, two weeks ago a present for you, I hope you like it…
See you around MAN!!!
Glen
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Hi Zac
Happy birthday! - and congratulations on passing the halfway point. As always I have complete confidence that with the sterling help of your family and well-wishers you'll achieve your ambitious goal.
I hope the fresh sea air and your natural immune system is restoring you to full health. Time and rest generally work but the credit for recovery is often given to medication which is sometimes vital but often unnecessary.
I read your blog and the associated comments every day. I enjoy the relevent sailing focussed ones particularly but, as an atheaist, the religious ones disturb me. No doubt the guys who have just shot up Mumbai are of another religion but sincerely believe they were right to do what they did - most of them have given their lives for it. Religion scares me! I truly believe that the world would be a far better place if there were none.
A recurring theme of your blog is how friendly and helpful the locals are when you call into port. I've travelled the world quite a bit and find this to be my universal experience. Why is it that we seem surprised to discover that other folks are as nice as us?
Are we big-headed, self satisfied or something?
Sail on! Take the rough with the smooth, stay safe and keep smiling!
All the best, Tim.
When this is all over, the people, experiences, friends, and excitement will be what Zac remembers and cherishes. Records will always be broken. He is living a dream many of us could only hope for.
Al in Ohio
@ Daveh
You reminded me of my boating english. So keep teaching all of us land rats (German word for land locked) If there is something like this successful blog there are and always will be some party poopers in between. Maby it's jealoucy.
Regardless what other people say you are a great sailing instructor in this blog as well as a good english teacher for me LOL
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
My word, the Kittiewick Kids are a bit over the top. Can we all keep our beliefs to ourselves and concentrate on Zac's voyage around the world?
Zac, you've been very quiet of late. Hope all is well and the journey is progressing. Do find time to update us 'in person' when you're feeling up to it.
Happy sailing
Jim
~ Hi Zac~
From all of my family..............
We wish you a very Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy Birthday, Zac!
from Iowa
Hello Everyone,
@ Daveh, I'm sorry you received some negative emails. I know exactly how this makes you feel since I have also received a few of them myself. Please don't let these negative emails get you down. You bring a lot of knowledge to this blog and I always read other bloggers that are waiting for you to chime in with your knowledge and experience. I could have sent this to your personal email (I have done so in the past) but I thought everyone should read this message.
1.) Always think about what you're going to write before you actually start typing.
2.) Ask yourself, Is this something uplifting to Zac and everyone else reading?
3.) Would anyone be offended by some of the things I'm writing about here on this entry?
4.) If the answer to #3 is YES then please refrain from posting here or sending personal negative emails to anyone else here.
5.) Always re-read what you wrote before you actually post and send your message.
This world is full of all kinds of different people. We all have different views and opinions about everything. This can make things very exciting and fun, or they can have an adverse negative effects. We want everything here on Zac's blog to be cheerful, fun, exciting, knowledgeable, and most of all for Zac to experience what human caring and kindness is all about.
Thank you Daveh for all the time you spend trying to help educate those who know nothing about sailing. I know this must consume a lot of your time and in my eye's you're greatly appreciated here.
@ Zac, sorry about that but I had to get it off my chest. Hopefully you received at least 12 knots of wind since Mom informed us last. Let us know how the microwave birthday cake experiment went!!!
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Happy Birthday Zac !!
We thought of you last night at the annual "Festival of Trees" in Boise. One of the trees was all blue and at the top of the tree was a giant sailboat. Every ornament on the tree was a fish of some sort. Out of the tree poked coral and kelp. At the top of the tree dolphins were jumping around the tree top sailboat. The garland was a long chain that lead to the anchor resting at the bottom of the tree. It was very cool.
Hope your Birthday was fantastic as the day must be over for you now.
Maureen
Boise
All in all, one meets the nicest people on this blog.
It is a privilege to be a part of the group. I resolve to not be so testy and opinionated! All should feel welcome here but should also remember (or figure out) what this site is designed to accomplish. We are admirers and cheerleaders for Zac Sunderland who is living his dream to an extent that few of us have or will. At one time I also wanted to be Joe Namath, then Hank Aaron, then Michael Phelps, and now the one who floats my boat is Zac!
The Croaker
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