Sunday, May 31, 2009

A Very Short Holiday - in Costa Rica!

Zac is out dodging fishing boats and their nets this evening but asked us to update his blog as he has had an incredible day.

After a long night of lightning storms and Panama-bound shipping Zac took an unexpected and very welcome detour today to the beautiful, tropical shores of Herradura, Costa Rica.

Talk about amazing coincidence! Blogger Neil Kahn has been following Zac for a long time and late last year emailed to say that if Zac was ever in Costa Rica he would be happy to host him for dinner. We have been in touch once or twice over the year but didn't plan on Zac heading in to Costa Rica until recently.

While in Herradura today Zac fueled up (many thanks to Neil for arranging), had an incredible Canopy Tour over the rain forest (see photos and link) and ate the best pizza he has ever tasted with one whole pizza for the road (so-to-speak). Zac hasn't eaten pizza in a year!



















Zac on Intrepid with Neil Kahn's Ashuma in the background - photo courtesy Neil Kahn.




















Canopy Tour in Herradura - photo courtesy of Neil Kahn

A canopy tour, from what I understand, is like an extreme zip line.

From Vista Los Suenos web site:

Our Costa Rica Canopy Tour is located in Herradura next to Jaco on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica and offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific Ocean. Our canopy tour is set on approximately 222 acres of land and 50% of this is transitional forest which is a mixture of the dry forest of the north pacific and the rain forest of the south pacific.

The Vista Los Sueños Canopy is a very contemporary tour; it was designed by Costa Rican guides that have more than 8 years of experience in conducting Canopy Tours.

The main idea for our canopy tour was to give our clients the adventure of their life, so we made some of the longest cable runs in the central pacific area while maintaining safety as our number one priority. Thousands of vacationing families and friends have visited our tropical canopy adventure with shrieks of laughter and big smiles. Please join us during your Costa Rican vacation for your own personal zipline thrill of a lifetime!


http://www.canopyvistalossuenos.com/index.html


As Zac heads back out into the Pacific tonight he sounded tired as usual but happier than I've heard him in awhile. Just some good fun with no hassles.

We are watching for any Eastern Pacific hurricane developments. The area that is currently being watched remains unorganized with less than 30% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. David is watching everything closely and will be advising Zac as to his options. Zac will be making his decision on whether to head offshore or to hug the coast very soon.


From The National Hurricane Center at NOAA:
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
500 PM PDT SUN MAY 31 2009

FOR THE EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC...EAST OF 140 DEGREES WEST LONGITUDE..

SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH AN AREA OF
DISTURBED WEATHER LOCATED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES SOUTH OF ACAPULCO
MEXICO REMAINS POORLY-ORGANIZED. DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SYSTEM...IF
ANY...IS EXPECTED TO BE SLOW TO OCCUR AS IT MOVES WESTWARD AT 5 TO
10 MPH. THERE IS A LOW CHANCE... LESS THAN 30 PERCENT...OF THIS
SYSTEM BECOMING A TROPICAL CYCLONE DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

ELSEWHERE...TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE
NEXT 48 HOURS.





















Interesting view of water temperatures in the Eastern Pacific. The dark red area is the hottest water and also the birthing ground of most hurricanes in the area.


There are some very real dangers in the coastal waters of Central America. Not only are there a lot of fishing boats and nets but there are those who would try to steal Zac's boat or belongings. It is a small proportion of the population but still worth watching out for.

A site that we all frequent is www.noonsite.com. It is a site that has all kinds of practical and safety information for cruisers for the entire world. It has been an invaluable help during Zac's trip.























Intrepid Heading out of Bahia Herradura into the Horizon
Photo courtesy of Neil Kahn

29 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Got to love Zac :-)

Hey what the heck, always time for a pit stop, chow down some pizza and swing from monkey ropes, LOL. Hurriances and cyclones and icecream cones can all wait.

What's the rush :-))

May 31, 2009 at 9:18 PM  
Blogger Mouse on a Motorcycle said...

Sounds like a great stopover. Just goes to show that the best of plans are the ones that can survive a last-minute change.

Still praying Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Buy "Death and Coffee" here!

May 31, 2009 at 9:36 PM  
Anonymous Karyn in Simi said...

Wow! I watched the video on Canopy tours and it looks awesome! I'd never heard of this before! So glad Zac had a great time and some just plain fun!

Hoping that all bad weather stays away!

May 31, 2009 at 10:03 PM  
Anonymous Melanie said...

Love that photo of Zac's departing wake, thanks to Neil.

"The best pizza ever!" That's mighty high praise. I'm so glad that Neil was there and helped you with refueling Intrepid and your stomach LOL!

Can't wait to hear more about the rain forest. My cousin has a place in Costa Rica (like many Americans) and I've always wanted to visit.

The days are quickly passing. Godspeed and sail safe.

I'm wondering if I'll be able to see you along the PV Peninsula as you make your way north through the bay....? Then I'll jump in my car and race you in!

May 31, 2009 at 10:16 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Loved this post. There is nothing better than an unplanned holiday. What a difference a day makes!! Heard that Costa Rica is beautiful. The Canopy sounded amazing fun, plus pizza after a year, wow. I cant help but wonder what your first food will be when you return to MDR.

PS, Did u pick up the CD's etc in Grenada

Still praying for your safe return home
Regards
Sherna

May 31, 2009 at 10:31 PM  
Anonymous Jen said...

Neil.... great job taking care of Zac - another great memory for him!!!

way to go Zac! stay safe, tethered and get some naps!!

Jen

May 31, 2009 at 10:42 PM  
Anonymous Rory Gogan Singapore said...

No pizza for a year! (I bet U didn't see that in the small print when U signed up for this circumnavigation hitch) "DOAH"
Kool pic of Intrepid sauntering out of CR.
Cabo Wabo time soon? Order up some mahi mahi taco.

June 1, 2009 at 2:36 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

HI Zac!
I was hoping you were having fun! Thanks to Neil for hosting Zac!
Be safe, and hopefully there will be more adventure as you head up the coast!
Blessings
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"

June 1, 2009 at 2:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fantastic news....that's fabulous that Zac could make that stop over and grab some fun....Yeh!
Wonderful.
Love Anonymous at 9:18pm comment.
Bet that pizza tasted extra yummy.
Thanks to Neil Kahn for looking after Zac!

Onward.
Stay safe and we'll be praying.

UK friend

June 1, 2009 at 4:04 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

It's great to know Zac was able to stop in Costa Rica. A canopy tour and some pizza now what could be better? I'm sure Zac really enjoyed the pizza since it's almost been a year since his teeth has sunken into pizza.

Stay alert, watch those fishing vessels, and keep track of those hurricanes.

Sail On Zac,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

June 1, 2009 at 5:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac-
Yes sir, Zac- There's always time for a pit stop with zip lines and pizza. Smooth sailin'.
Kodiak Mike

June 1, 2009 at 7:26 AM  
Anonymous Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher said...

So glad you had a stopover - relief from all that lightening! Costa Rica sounds like the perfect place for you to take a short vacation from all the hard work... How great for it to work out like that with blogger Neil as your host! Yeah Neil! I really appreciate your sharing all the information on the weather patterns and the decision-making you are going through with David Morris - I find it very helpful to understanding the serious situations you are in and just plain interesting. Take good care out there - looking forward to your next update. Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher

June 1, 2009 at 7:48 AM  
Blogger Becky said...

A short, but oh, so sweet stop in Costa Rica!

Very nice pictures also. :-)

Namaste~~

June 1, 2009 at 8:25 AM  
Anonymous bikegirl said...

What a great blessing for Zac to make a pit stop without the frenzy of media, PR talks, and boat repairs. Such a nice way to head into his final leg. While staying alert and focused is still top priority it seems as though Zac might be relaxing a little knowing that home is so close now.

May God continue to bless your journey.

Renee in Atlanta

June 1, 2009 at 9:10 AM  
Blogger Joy on Journey said...

I second Bikegirl's comments and the rest of the Pac. I hate the thought of all that lightning around you! I keep praying for safety.
What a cool thing to be able to pop into Costa Rica and have safe harbor and a caring host ready to help. THANK YOU, NEIL!

I am sure Zac has had plenty of adrenalin lately with all he is juggling on Intrepid - must be fun to swing through the canopy with a RUSH without the danger accompanied by the usual threats out on the sea. NO WORRIES - just fun - and a staple of most teenagers diets - PIZZA. YEA! And 'one for the road' too, how cool is that?
Did he get to spend the night and have a good nights sleep?

Glad you continue to make progress. I will keep asking the Father for fair weather as you continue your journey home.
LA in MN

June 1, 2009 at 10:40 AM  
Blogger Dana said...

I was just looking at pictures from another great adventure: Space Shuttle Atlantis' recent trip to the Hubble Telescope. Check out this picture of Baja California:

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/347691main_s125e007774_hires.jpg

A different view of your last leg!

June 1, 2009 at 11:53 AM  
Anonymous Marie said...

Hi Zac! So glad to read that you were able to stop and have a little fun along your way... A zip line and pizza --- not a bad way to spend the day! Prayers are with you as you head for home.

Beautiful pictures --- thank you Neil!

Blessings -
Marie
WA St.

@Laura: To answer your question from yesterday, no I've never lived in So. Cal. Have spent my entire life in SW Wa., but I have to say, my heart has been wrapped around MDR for the past year!!!

June 1, 2009 at 1:51 PM  
Anonymous The Kittiwake Kids said...

Just a question from a mom- Are you going to get a haircut when you get home?

Godspeed,
The Kittiwake Kids

June 1, 2009 at 2:16 PM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hey!!
Hello to all
@ Hey Bill Man I said again, I want a have picture from you when you are using your scissor with ZAC. Jajaja.
@ Anita How beautiful are you sail ship and it pretty cool the way that you write WOMBAT, but I don’t have Any idea What it this Means… By the way, thanks for your Emails.
Well ZAC!!
You are very close to your home and to become the youngest solo globe circumnavigation…
What you are gone a do after that, I know, finish your school, and them?
Your gone continue your studies in the university or have the intention to do other RECORD?
Whatever you do, I KNOW & FEEL you gone do very well
See you around.
Take care.

Glen
Bs.As.Argentina

June 1, 2009 at 5:50 PM  
Blogger Croaker of FrogPond said...

This blog entry exposes one of the 'side benefits' of being a Zac-Packer. Knowledge. Wish I had kept a list of the miscellaneous bits and pieces that I have learned over the past year. Thanks so much.

The Costa Rica stop sounds much like a standard justification for the cruising life: Flexibility and spontaneity. It sounded like a perfect moments escape for Zac. No expectations from others and no pressure of a time-line for repairs. Even I felt a bit more relaxed after reading of it.

The Croaker

June 1, 2009 at 5:51 PM  
Blogger Glen said...

@The Kittiwake Kids
What you said about ZAC hair, that is no responsibility from MUM. Its responsibility from Bill Man, He is gone DO !!!! Or not Bill?

June 1, 2009 at 5:54 PM  
Blogger STEVE B said...

NO pizza for a year! Amazing how much different your life aboard Intrepid has been from the Zacpac. Glad that you got to enjoy the Canopy Tour...good to have friends and admirers all over the world. The picture of Intrepid departing looked a little lonely until I remembered that you are heading home.
Sail on Zac!

SteveB
Birmingham,AL

June 1, 2009 at 5:59 PM  
Blogger Arminius said...

It was just a couple of days ago when I found out about your current project. I can't believe how on Heaven's name have I missed it from the begining! :|

Anyway, as soon as I knew about your story, I wrote a tiny blog-post for the occasion. It is people like you who truly inspire others to endeavour on huge tasks. It got some really nice comments about people really admiring you... Since you seem to speak Spanish, please don't be shocked about what my friends have said, hahaha! They are just complimenting you ;)

One year ago, you were getting ready to take off; now, you are about to return with a huge kilometre-count, and some more experience nobody on Earth could have given to you, but yourself.

I've never been on a vessel or a boat in my 25 years of life... Yet, that sense of adventure is just the spice that adds to life (Such as racing a mountaing bike, hahaha!)

But it's all about freedom... And you're one of the freest people I've ever known. Today, you express your freedom, by sailing-solo; tomorrow, that same freedom will take you to reach for your ultimate goals, and your own happiness, which is just inside you, and spreads to the World in a split second.

And yep... Take care of the Hurricanes, and "La Ventosa" in Tehuantepec... My dad has been driving there, and he saw a large truck being swept away by the wind!

Not to mention Zipolite in Puerto Escondido, where "other" things tend to disappear mysteriously, hahaha!! (Enjoy the sight =P)

That's all for now. Greetings and Good Luck all the way from Mexico!! ;)

--Arminius, the Lawyer of Insanity.


P.S.: Have you been able to watch the η (Eta) Aquarides Stars last May 7th? I bet they looked awesome at the sea!!! ;D

June 1, 2009 at 6:11 PM  
Anonymous Dawn Ziegler said...

I'm curious to hear if any other ZacPackers have given up any habits/food etc. in honor of Zacs journey???
My teenage daughter has given up soda for Zacs entire trip and I know is getting very anxious to have one, especially if its at the Welcome Home party.
Anyone else???? How has Zacs trip amazed or affected you???
Prayers and Blessings still being sent!

June 2, 2009 at 12:06 PM  
Anonymous Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher said...

No update here, so checked out the weather situation on my own - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo_epac.shtml
Shows no tropical cyclone activity in the next 48 hours, keeping in my prayers that Zac's conditions are good! Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher

June 2, 2009 at 2:33 PM  
Blogger Mouse on a Motorcycle said...

I gave up reading boring blogs, and just read ones about solo circumnavigators now...

June 2, 2009 at 5:05 PM  
Anonymous Betty E., Lomita, CA said...

Hey Zac,
I received my copy of ESPN magazine today! Wow! what a spread...and you got the cover! How great is that?...
I felt as excited as if you were my very own....so happy for you.
Sail on Zac and sail safe.
Betty E., Lomita, CA

June 2, 2009 at 7:33 PM  
Anonymous chanla said...

Dear Zac
I'm chanla and im from long meadow in Milton keynes england.

When i'm at school i 've learn about you and i think your just amazing and your blog is just wonderful.

What do you do in Your spare time then?

LOVE your hair style me think its gorgeous.

You are so brave going around the world all by yourself you must be fit to do that especially getting chased by pirates.

April 6, 2011 at 6:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi zac,
i'm holly, i live in milton keynes and i'm age 11.
In school we have been learning about survival and we did a project on you.i found it was really interesting .
your so brave
having been followed by pirates through storms and every thing.
bye

April 6, 2011 at 6:04 AM  

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