Abby knew that you all would be concerned if she didn't post a blog tonight but she was pretty wiped out so asked if we would put something up for her. She has gone from frustratingly light winds to nice 20s, to more challenging 30s out of the NE which caused her slightly southward track yesterday.
She has had a series of cold fronts that have brought pouring rain, heavy winds and gusts as high as 40 knots. Tonight's forecast is for 25-35 knots of wind with possible gusts of 40-50 knots. She is sailing under staysail alone tonight for safety, though during the day she carries a triple reefed main sail as well. She likes the speeds and the surfing conditions.
The guys over at Commander's Weather are amazing. Abby loves her forecasts. She says they are like driving directions. Their meteorological knowledge and routing experience have kept her with a nice balance of safety and good winds. She is becoming very knowledgable about weather systems and patterns...among many other things, especially electrical systems (thanks Scott and Jeff!).
Last week she had an email from Laura Dekker, the young lady out of Holland who is hoping to begin a solo circumnavigation this summer, Karen Thorndike, the first American woman to solo circumnavigate as well as keeping in touch with Alessandro di Benedetto, the amazing Italian solo circumnavigtor, and Jessica Watson, whom by now all of you must know!
Speaking from a mother's point of view, I have to say that although Abby wouldn't mind some warmer weather and sunshine, she is really enjoying her trip. She has passed from the honeymoon/thrilling phase to the reality/marathon phase. Every time I say to her that I wish I could transport her for the day to come home for some TLC - she declines the offer!
So rest easy dear bloggers. Our girl is well and hoping for a bit more sleep tonight. I know there are a lot of people praying for Abby out there. Tonight would be a good night to pray for her to have a safe night.
Marianne (Mom/Mum)
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I'm praying for you, Abby! You can do it!
ReplyDeleteWe will pray for Abby during our family worship this evening. Psalm 4:8 "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
The Kittiwake Kids
Hey Abby,
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about you... My girlfriends and I were hanging out tonight and you came up in the conversation. We all agree you're a brave young lady and beautiful as well.
Don't give up...
Jamie Sanders
I will definitely say a prayer for Abby tonight. Thank you for the update Marianne!
ReplyDeleteI was watching tv tonight about the 40th anniversary of Apollo 13 and Capt Lovell and crew doing some heroic things to get them all back to earth from 200k miles in apace. Their spacecraft was badly damaged, but with the support of those back on earth, finally made it back crippling home to earth. That is heroic...you my girl are heroic in what you are doing and will someday look back at this and be sooo proud of what you did...Keep it up...Keep going...Go for it...God Speed...Skipper T...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the report.
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to get a positiv update.
Fair wind and good speed from Sweden.
/Kiddec
I will keep her in my prayers! Have a safe night.
ReplyDeleteA note from Alaska,
ReplyDeleteWe are traveling with you every nautical mile even if WE can't feel the waves. Our little homeschooling family has a few things in common with yours. We're proud of you. Your maturity and courage are worthy of following.
You have our prayers every night. We'll put in a few extras tonight.
Your friends, CRABIA
Have a safe and restful night Abby you deserve it
ReplyDeleteYou're in my prayers Abby. Noting but good energy and vibes coming your way. You'll be able to write a fantabulous book when you get back.
ReplyDeleteAnd from one Mom to another, you're doing great too! You are also getting the good energy and vibes.
Rest well.
Marianne,
ReplyDeleteAbby certainly deserves a break from writing to us. And you know that we all do get concerned when we don’t hear from her, so thank you very much for the update. That really is great that she is getting such good forecasts from Commander Weather. It has to give her a bit of added confidence, although confidence is something that she doesn’t lack. Even though you can’t transport her home, having such tremendous family support is what will see her through to the finish. Thanks again for such a thorough update, Marianne.
And Abby, our thoughts will be with you all the way to Cabo……
From Seattle, WA, USA
SaltyDog
Glad she's okay. Hope she gets to rest a little soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update!! I'm a mom too and I see how loving and strong your family is. Abby is often in our prayers and we will say a special one for her safety and restful night tonight.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa from Irvine, CA.
OMG! Get well soon. . . . I just started reading other people's blog today. I saw yours first, and I was shocked! :(( Get well soon :((
ReplyDeleteStill think of Abby daily and how awesome her trek is. If this is going to you, Mom, I gotta tell ya my hat goes off to you and Mr. Sunderland for not only allowing, but encouraging Abby to run with her endeavor. What a bonding measure that will last forever. Abby is always in my thoughts and I pray for her often, as I will tonight for her sweet dreams. Take care, Gary from Folsom, Ca.
ReplyDeleteI offer a prayer for Abby's safety, each night. My wife and I have unoficially adopted her as one of our Granddaughters. We have come to love her as if she were. Abby .... Saty Safe, sleep well.. Blue Skies and Friendly Winds
ReplyDeleteLuv Ya
Bud & Charla Winnett
Have been and will continue to be praying for you Abby.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Abby & Wild Eyes and Mom Abby,
ReplyDeleteLearning lots and great solo friends to share the voyage with :-)
Thanks for thinking of us followers and asking Mom Abby to post for you while you get some R&R. Thanks Mom Abby.
Take care, Be safe
Abbie, I'm an elementary substitute teacher. When I teach a 4th grade thease days, as I am now, we have a language arts unit on survival.
ReplyDeleteI try to bring to the class real, current examples of that theme.
Last year I cited your brother, and now we follow you online.
I was raised on sailboats, but NEVER had an adventure such as yours.
Can you share with my class what your elementary school experience was like?
Fair sailing!
Nice update, Marianne. But, the hairbrush! Did she find her hairbrush? Is that really why she hasn't written
ReplyDeletenor posted a recent photo of herself.
Guess we'll have to organize a prayer group to pray to St. Anthony to find the hairbrush?
Thanks Abby's Mum (Mom) for the update. Much appreciated. You have an amazing daughter there, as I'm sure you appreciate. Hopefully tonight won't be too uncomfortable for Abby (or you for that matter) and she can update us all as and when. Good sailing Abby, from North Canterbury, New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteHi Marianne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for thinking of us, as we think about and pray for Abby each day. It's always great (and comforting) to get a report, whether it's from "Our Girl" herself or from HQ's (Team Abby). Praying for a restful and safe night, and then fun and productive winds tomorrow!
Keith and Kathy Wargo, Lynchburg VA
I am following you as our courses came that close together for some week !
ReplyDeletesee http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=100901497129455024856.000481840e50504514267&ll=-45.58329,-38.847656&spn=55.406973,113.027344&t=h&z=3
Yes the winds can be tricky in that part of the Oceans.
I have now passed the Equator on route to France. Our courses are now really separating and I wish you strength, perseverance and fair winds to make your world tour a success. ard
Well done Abby. It is very smart thinking to concentrate on sailing and let your Mum handle other things. Please take care and be safe tonight. Many thanks to Marianne for your thoughtfulness. Abby's a lucky girl she made an excellent Mother choice. Regards, Jeanp, Australia
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, mom. :) Abby's Circle of Friends appreciate the news. Let her know that we are keeping her in our thoughts and prayers, and that YOU, mom, are included too.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed, Abby!
Hi Marianne, Thank you so much for your update. Abby is so loved and I know you are very proud of her. She is a wonderful young lady. Abby, My prayers and thoughts will be with you and I pray that you will get a good night rest and blue skies tomorrow. Be safe and god bless you. Love, Gail/Ventura
ReplyDeletenice
ReplyDeleteWe are on it, Mom. Prayers are the norm for the evening.
ReplyDeleteI had an inkling Abby was in her grove. I think the other sailing contacts she connected to help her feel her niche.
You tied together a lot of parts very nicely that feed Abby's experiences and for us enlarge the picture and deepen our understanding and feel for it all.
Restful sleep dear Abby. You,too,Mom.
Hi Marianne aka Mom/Mum
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update on "Our" Girl as you stated. Its good to know she is getting some wind and making some good time.However the 45 to 50 knots can get a little tricky I would think.
I must say Abby is living the dreams of many folks out there and I just wish her all the luck in the world. Abby also has a one of kind family supporting her. Not to mention the rest of team Abby. Great Job Everyone. Sail On Abby, each day/night puts that much more behind you and makes the rest of trip shorter. Stay well and Safe.
Dear Abby,
ReplyDeleteI'm the 3am mom that checks on you in the middle of each night. For some reason, I wake up thinking about you and your progress. I have two daughters of my own, one 16 and one 18 studying abroad in New Zealand. I have kind of adopted you as my third for a while, hope that's OK. Get some much needed rest!
Hi:
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful of you both for this latest update.
Abby is constantly in my prayers. Will pray harder tonight.
s.n.
Just read this as I am about to turn in for the night. I will send good night and safe sailing wishes. Hoping that Abby is able to get some rest tonight!
ReplyDeleteBe well and sleep well Cap'n Abby!
~ Cynthia (sleepy in Half Moon Bay, California USA)
Nice post Mom and yes we keep Abby and all these adventureres in our prayers with special ones for winds and seas like tonight.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Kerri
Hi Marianne aka Mon/Mum,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the most welcome up-date, always appreciate hearing from the ‘home team’ when conditions don’t allow hearing from Abby. I’m sure she is extremely busy and working hard at her ‘job’ (or recuperating from a very busy day). But on top of all this I know that Abby is having a wonderful time sailing and surfing the big ones. If it’s not a ‘little’ rough she would think it was boring or frustrating to her. She is a true champion……
Abby is an intelligent girl and I know that she’s very satisfied with C/W who have done an excellent job of guiding her safely around troubled areas. I’m glad to see that she has an excellent crew behind her, thanks to Scott and Jeff, she has worked through some of her problems. It’s not always easy taking instructions by phone and working them out, but Abby seems to do that quite well, there is no doubt about the tenacity of Abby, she has proved that many, many times.
I enjoy the fact that she is in contact with all her “comrades in arms“…lol… and hopefully someday she will get the opportunity to meet them, I think that would be excellent. What a conversation that would be with all of them together, a whole different language to the average ‘landlubber’…lol…
I know that she loves you very much but it doesn’t surprise me that she would turn down (graciously of course) your offer of some TLC. I’m sure she’ll make up for that when she gets back home!!!!!
Tonight will have lots of special prayers for our California Champion, with many more to come. So I hope she rest easy tonight and prepares herself for another day of great sailing.
Again Marianne, thanks for the up-date.
May God hold her in the palm of His hand, and may the Angels keep her sails full, and I, I will be praying for her.
Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
hi abby,
ReplyDeleteit takes time for a die hard jess fan to accept one more hero. But looking at the camaraderie between you young sailors, I cannot help but become your fan too.
Take all care and have a safe journey.
love
the sundars - bangalore.
Thank you very much, Marianne, for your detailed update on Abby. It is much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteAnd, thank you Abby, for your desire to keep your blog-family informed about you and Wild Eyes. That just shows what a loving, caring person you are in addition to being a very competent sailor!!!
I pray for you often and shall pray especially that you are able to get some restful sleep....not only tonight, but throughout your journey.
God bless you and keep you in His loving care.
GO GIRL
Blessings,
Janell in Oklahoma, USA
04-14-10 @ 02:21
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
Just wanted to say hello and wish you luck and good sailing, sounds like you’re into some ‘good’ sailing conditions, something that you would like, so enjoy and be cautious. Hope all is well with “Wild Eyes” and yourself, other than being tired, but try to get some rest. That is a major requirement, although not always available, hope you’ll be able to get some.
Take care and continue doing a great job.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand and may the Angels keep your sails full, and I, I will be praying for you.
Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
Michael (75) from Kingwood, WV
Abs... I have'nt prayed in a while, but 2nite i am on my knees, asking for your safety & peaceful sleep, God Speed...
ReplyDeleteOld Fart, from NC
She's an incredible girl to say the least! Her experiences here will be priceless in her coming years as this trip will be unforgettable. Where God guides He provides. He never said that it would be easy but He did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us! It's only through the Lord's power that can get us through any storm whether at sea or on land! Praying for your safety, strength and continued diligence!
ReplyDeleteThanks mum. Thanks Abby.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all.
Richard (QLD) Aus.♥
Dear Marianne,
ReplyDeleteShe is an amazing girl. You must be very proud. Thanks for the update!! :o)
Kev
We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in darkness. God is with you...along with thousands of followers worldwide. Take care Abby.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that Marianne. I'm a mum (mom) too, and a sailor in a past life, and the parents among us can't help but feel a little parental towards Abby - Jessica commented in one of her blogs quite early on that it felt like she had lots of parents keeping an eye on her. And we are!
ReplyDeleteAbby too!
Fingers crossed she's back on deck - metaphorically speaking - soon, and back to her old self, rested and rarin' to go.
Regards
Toni
Wishing you the very best, thinking of you. Sleep well tonight and many nights to come!
ReplyDeleteAnita (Norway)
Thank you Marianne for the update. Looks like things have been hard for both Abby and Jessica the last few days. We have them both in our prays and hope they can both have some rest tonight.
ReplyDeleteJoy,
Ballarat,
Australia
(Marianne) & Abby, I track your journey each morning (together with Jess Watson's) & I'm still overwhelmed by our amazing youth setting examples for others. I just wish there was more news coverage about these young people. It takes amazing parents to support such youth. You're ALL to be highy commended.
ReplyDeleteHAY ABBY:
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that good advice from brother Zac. Don't become complacent under good conditions or bad. Take care of the boat.
Hang in there, you know you can do it. Some times we have to take things one day at a time or even half a day at a time.
As always your in my prayers.
JUST GO! GO! GO!
Marianne,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your update. We know that Abby feels obligated to put out her updates but we all believe that her safety and comfort are most important of all.
I am amazed by the support and backing that you, Laurence and the Watsons have provided for your offspring to give them the confidence and skills required of great achievers. Your parenting is something that this world is sadly lacking in this day and age and I salute you both.
You are all in my nightly prayers. Know that when you and Abby are asleep, all of us on the other side of the world, (especially Down Under) are thinking of you and wishing you Gods protection and support.
Thanks for the update, Mom! :)
ReplyDeleteI said a prayer of safety for Abby last night, and the kids and I will say a prayer this morning on the way to school.
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,after reading your moms blog and reading all the comments it puts tears in my eyes.It just boggles my mind how a 16 year old girl in the middle of the south Atlantic ocean with 45-50 mile per hour winds and heavy seas can cope.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine what it must be like in the middle of the night with overcast skies and pitch black.
Abby you are one special and amazing girl.I pray for you every day, for your safety and safe return home.
God is watching over you.
Libby Di Bernardo
San Pedro,Ca
Thanks for the update Mom. Abby is a strong girl with alot of determination, she will get through this with no problem! She will be in our prayers. Sail safe Abby!
ReplyDeleteDenise and family
South Dakota
Dear Marianne,
ReplyDeleteA Mother's intuition is a powerful thing!
I layed in bed last night tossing and turning trying to figure out why I couldn't go to sleep and it finally hit me like a ton of bricks... I was worried about Abby.
I layed there trying to imagine what it would feel like to be in her shoes out there in the middle of the ocean and I thought about how brave she is and how alone she must feel at times, yet she sticks it out and overcomes any fears that she must have and just keeps on keeping on.
Simply Amazing!
I want you to know that I said many prayers for her last night , and I find myself thinking about her many times during the day, and when I catch myself doing it; I say a prayer for her.
Your daughter is an amazing person, and I really appreciate the update that you gave us and I appreciate Abby asking you to notify us, because I would have been extremely worried had I logged on this morning and still no word from her.
From one Mom to another....I admire your faith and your trust in God. Abby wouldn't be where she is today with out amazing Parents. Give yourself a hug from Kansas! You and your Husband have done a great job with your Daughter! She is one of a kind!
Abby,
I'm praying that you have safe sailing and more pleasant conditions soon. Thank you for asking your Mom to give us an update! Your extended family cares very much for you and we are all cheering you on just like we would if you were running a race at a track meet! We are all giving you warm hugs! Can you feel them? :)
Warm wishes from Kansas!
Thank You for the update Mom.Abby you are always in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteKen Thousand Oaks
Hi Babsy,
ReplyDeletekeep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Thank you Marianne. You are correct- there are folks who are concerned and pray for her - and you all - daily. I Praise God for you all. We prayed for her in the service sunday, as we have been for several weeks.
ReplyDeleteI asked about setting up a fund to help with incidental expenses...I know, you probably dont have time to address each one's comments, but if you think it might be doable, or if I can help, contact me. rzacc@centurytel.net
I am just getting over a pretty nasty flu bug, and Abby was on my mind constantly...praying that something like that would not happen to her. How does she react to being exhausted? Can she still function? Will she have a chance to catch up?
All I can say is what so many have said: our prayers are with you. "I can do all things throught Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13.
Psalm 91.
Rest easy, Abby, and may He guide you through the storm, as He has promsied to do! We Love You!
Ron in Colorado
ps: How do some of these posts attach a photo?
Thanks
Marianne-
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. God speed to Abby. You'll be off the coast of SA before you know it!
Kodiak Mike
Amazing!
ReplyDeleteAbby is out in the middle of the Atlantic fighting high seas and high winds and exhaustion and she is worried about US! Such character! I know I speak for most in that you just can not help but love this young lady. Dear God thank you for allowing us to all take this voyage together.
Marianne, my prayers are with your daughter several times each day as with many other of my fellow bloggers. You can always count on that.
Oh by the way Mom, you are pretty amazing as well.
Thank you Scott and Jeff and the rest of Team Abby. You guys are great, really GREAT! Thank you!
God Bless you all!
Cheryl
Abby, awesome that you thought of your Blogger Family, when you're in the midst of fighting pouring rains and rough seas.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Marianne, for sending us all, Abby's update. That little girl(whoops - young lady), is in my heart AND PRAYERS.
Well, when you(obviously a Rock in her life), offer TLC for a day and she declines....I can let out a sigh of relief. Although really a tired sailor right now....she absolutely, unequivocably ....LOVES the sea and is one determined young lady.
Praying for Abby daily.
Sail on....sail on....sail on
Sandy
Prayer said for Abby and her family - I know if she's in a tight spot they're not sleeping either. May God grant you all rest and strength through this journey.
ReplyDeleteAs supportive as a Mum should be! What an amazing job you have done with your family. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteDearest Mom:
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing more fresh water to my thirsty lips.
Your postings and comments always provide new perspectives and give more dimensions to this odyssey.
Will keep Abby in my prayers till she is safely home.
Steve from S.F. Bay Area
Marianne:
ReplyDeleteNothing like a Mom to warm even a skeptic's heart. That was a REALLY nice post...extremely real and heartfelt in its conveyance; simple in its expression of warmth, support and good will.
I may still be a skeptic (no need in this comment to rehash the reasons why), but I gotta say..."Abby has a seemingly lovely Mom".
Nice post, Marianne and "Thank you."
Thanks for the update Mom. As the father of an adventurous 22 year old I know how much you want to give her some TLC.
ReplyDeleteRock on Abby you are so bright and such a skilled sailor I know you will fare well no matter how tough it gets.
The good news is that you have some weather (speed) the bad news is your have some weather (cold, rain and rough seas) but with that all being said the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and closer.
Kenny B
Studio City
Abby,
ReplyDeleteHave a good night's sleep, tonight. As conditions allow of course, but I wish for you that they do.
All the best,
RK
hey abby,
ReplyDeletestay safe. have fun. learn lots. come home. put it all in a book.
God will get you where you are going.
I love reading these updates as the voyage continues...
ReplyDeleteGo Abby, go!
ReplyDeleteHola, Mum!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update! I will be praying for Abby and for you and your family as you wait in faith for God to bring her safely home.
Jesus slept soundly through the storm - it was the fears of His followers that woke Him. :)
~Breeze
Thanks Marianne for the update. I check Abby's progress each and every day and look forward to hearing how she's doing.
ReplyDeleteAbby - You Go Girl!!!
Donna
Trenton, Ontario Canada
Dear Marianne
ReplyDeleteOur prayers and thoughts are with you and Laurence and all your family, especially Abby at this challenging time. We hope and pray for a safe and successful voyage. Best wishes
“There's no thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue, there's no joy in merely doing things which any one can do. But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you never thought you'd make"
ReplyDeleteThanks for being an inspiration
~Becky w
North Carolina
We are with you Lady, as is Our Lord.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I think Mom's going to get an earful from Abby once she wakes up and reads what Mom has posted :-)
ReplyDeleteLike the last post like this.
Do I hear 'mom how could you, you're embarrassing me' :-)))
Thanks for the update Marianne and continued good luck to Abby. We are all routing for you.
ReplyDeleteRichard.
Los Angeles, previously from Bournemouth/Poole
Okay, I keep checking the blog.......WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT!!!!!!! You're killing me here...you would think it was my daughter out there! You can't leave us hanging like this :[
ReplyDeleteHi Abby
ReplyDeleteI'm in Sydney and check in regularly to see how you're going. As you know Jessica is back in Australian waters so you know it can be done. Hang in there, find yourself a nice rhythm and keep on sailing!
Susi
Thanks so much for the update Abby's Mom! And as a few have said, thanks to COMMANDER'S WEATHER for doing such a fine, professional job for Abby! And to SCOTT AND JEFF for helping Abby scare away those Gremlins! And lastly thanks of course to Abby. For being so brave, and for showing us all how it's done by a Pro! Keep the faith Abby!
ReplyDeleteKevin, Aiken, SC
Hi Miss Abby,
ReplyDeleteThough I understand, I don't like much the fact you can be already tired and wiped out so early in your journey. I wouldn't like you could be facing a task over your strength. This awful weather you are having now might well worsen as the Winter will come before you are back home. You are young, skilled and brave, but not a super powers hero, so hang on! You can do it, but it will push your energy to its limits. If you feel it becomes beyond your means, don't take silly risks, and give yourself a break. I am sure nobody will criticize you for being careful, or simply human. Capetown is in front of you; much further, you will have Perth.
Try to rest and to resource yourself. There will be some sunny days too, and some windy days good for surfing as well. First of all, restore your sleeping patterns and eat enough.
Good luck, young lady!
I have been following her progress since about day 5 of her journey. She will be in my prayers tonight. Tony in Gold Canyon, Az.
ReplyDeleteI have been following her progress since about day 5. She will be in my prayers tonight.
ReplyDeleteAgain, she has a lionesses courage at a kittens age. Best Regards, Anthony
You will be in my prayers tonight. Like I said when your journey was about 5 days old, " the courage of a lioness". Best Wishes, Abby. From Anthony in Gold Canyon, Az.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you each day, Abby. May God look over you and bring you a safe and happy journey
ReplyDeletePrayers are with you Abby and Thanks Mum for giving us bloggers news on our Hero! I Have to say I get worried when The team goes a little while with out News!! Thanks! And good thoughts and Prayers are with Abby tonight!
ReplyDeleteDear Tired Sailor,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking me on your adventure. I wish you safe travels.
Abby, you are obviously very fortunate having the mom/mum that you do. What a fantastic post giving us an update.
ReplyDelete@anonymous skeptic: 4/14/2010 9:53am- You had a really nice attempt at a complimentary blog in spite of being a skeptic. Didn't quite make it when you had to qualify your compliment with "seemingly" lovely Mom. Come on, you can do better than that. You KNOW she is a lovely Mom. :-)
Go Abby, prayers for you.
Dwight in North Carolina
Dearest Abby,
ReplyDeleteIt's great that your Mum updated us with how you are (thanks so much Marianne for your blog).
Keep up the great job you're doing and know that you have thousands of people out there praying for you and supporting you in your journey. It's great that you have all those other fellow adventurers out there, and you are able to support each other and compare notes. They will certainly know how it feels to be in your shoes. You are such a brave, inspirational young lady.
You go girl :-).
Big hugs and warmest wishes from Jan Pace (Auckland, New Zealand)
Dear Marianne,
ReplyDeleteAny news from Abby?
After sailing south east in 25-30 knot winds earlier today, sudden gusts of 50 knots hit Ella’s Pink Lady, creating two large tears in the mainsail. Fortunately conditions have eased to 25 knots, but it has been another very challenging day for 16 year old Jessica Watson.
ReplyDeleteTwo days north out of Port Angeles, Ryan Langley weathers the worst storm to hit this part of the coast in thirteen years.
ReplyDeletehttp://theimpossiblevoyage.blogspot.com/
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Abbey, I hope you sleep well.
ReplyDeleteMichael Earnest, QM1(SW), USN (ret.)
Marysville, WA
Best of luck to ya Abbey
ReplyDelete-Samm
NEW READER
A mighty brave and dedicated young girl....well done you!!! Keep it up, you are an inspiration to all the yellow bellys out there....
ReplyDeleteDear Marianne, Laurence, Abby, and Zac. I admire your spirits, aspirations and determination to see them successfully fulfilled.
ReplyDeletePraying won't help one little bit but we can hope things go well.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to you Abbey, I hope you sleep well. The previous sentence is one of the many idiotic things that people write in this blog. Prayers and thoughts will do nothing to help Abby. It is all up to her skill and the weather.
ReplyDeleteAbby consider this when you take on the world you not only be tested on your ability, spirit and stamina but also on the hardware, its design, How well everything was installed and your resourcefullness to adapt to any given situation. In the Navy that is why we have sea trials before going out on any major venture such as what you are pursuing. I am not saying that you did not prepare adequately because it looks like you did..The only thing that gave out was your equipment and perhaps its design for sea conditions was not adequate enough. I know you must be more than a little dissappointed but give yourself a pat on the back to adapting to the situation and working with your team so effectively. Most would have given up and headed home...But not our Abby. That is the spirit Abby. Stay determined and see the quest out if your family will allow you that is. I know you have to listen to them also and probably give them the final say. Take care out there Abby you are doing fine there Gal...I hope to see you back home soon.
ReplyDeleteBenjmain
Abby,
ReplyDeleteStill have the deepest respect for what you did, and I am glad your choice will be for safety. The oceans are not the right place to take any such risk. Regret what is happening now but I will be still admiring your curridge and skills to sail the boat that long way.
You go girl!!
ReplyDeleteAngels on your shoulders!
After reading about your journey I have to say you are one of the most brave young women I have heard of. A friend once told me it is hard to see the stars in the night sky if you are always looking down. So, keeping looking up Abby and keep your hopes and dreams high also. Good luck to you and may the Lord bless you and be with you in all that you do!!!
ReplyDeleteYour spirit of adventure is simply remarkable...
ReplyDeleteYour courage is second to none...
Abby,
ReplyDeleteYou have shown maturity with your decision .
God bless
After reading your April 24th. blog entry, I have to say you are much wiser than your years, very well said/written. Good luck with your journey!
ReplyDeleteKevin E.
Ottawa, Ks.
Way to go! You might not have to stop. Maybe the repairs can be made on the open sea. If a boat or aircraft and someone brings you the parts you need and helps fix it while you are still traveling it may not be considered a stop!
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