Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Young Adventurers

Me, Joey Machado, Zac and Jordan Romero
Hey everyone,
I'm sitting in the airport right now about to head out to New York for a few days. Zac and I had a pretty awesome weekend. We went up to Lake Arrowhead and met with Jordan Romero and Joseph Machado. Jordan is the youngest person to climb Mount Everest and Joe rode his bike 3,000 miles across America to raise money for under privileged youth. They were great people and we had a good time out there.
I'm really glad I got the chance to meet both of them.
Life has been pretty busy here. We have been working hard on the book and are hoping to have it finished and in print before Christmas. More info to come!
Abby

49 comments:

  1. wow.... is all i can say about yalls adventures!!

    Taylor

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  2. That is awesome! Well done to all 4 of you! I know I don't know you personally but I'm definitely proud of you!

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  3. Hey Abby, boy you are getting around the country, almost as much as me....and I'm a trucker!! Enjoy yourself (take in a Yankee game in New York)....I'm really looking forward to your book. Keep on truckin' girl. Gus

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  4. i'am so exited to read the book!! have fun in N.Y!

    madi
    oshkosh WI

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  5. Excellent post, and even more wonderful to be able to click on the photo and get it in high res.

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  6. Dear Abby, it's so nice to hear form you! It's wonderful that so many interesting things happen to you! You gave a lot from yourself and now Life gives to you new kinds of emotions and opens new windows through which to see things unseen and unknown... What a group of special young people! I'm glad to read something about these boys. I wish all of you new dreams, love and health!
    Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see San Francisco! A very nice post!:-)

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  7. Keep up the good work.. and the book..

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  8. Abby,from January 23rd till June you gave us all an E-ticket ride.I used to check your blog ten times a day to check on you,I really miss all the excitement.
    I have your T-shirts and I wear them.
    You had lots of followers and then the the whole world watching when you were lost at sea.
    I really miss your wild adventure.
    Good luck in the future.

    Libby Di Bernardo
    San Pedro,Ca

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  9. Bonjour Abby and Zac,

    What a very special group of people you make!

    Can't wait for the book,Christmas looks even further away now...

    In NY don't forget to take pictures!

    Enjoy, take care!

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  10. Abby, its good you aren't doing your book tour at the same time as Jessica b/c it would LOOK like you were trying to ride her coat tails. Meeting her would be one thing, but trying to combine tours etc would be REALLY awkward and not a good idea at all. Even if you get it done after Christmas your adventure should be a cool read!
    Paula

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  11. Who says teenagers are lazy? You four show what one can do when you just do it.

    Good luck on thebook.

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  12. Hi Abby,great to hear from you! I am looking forward to some pics from New York. Haven't been there since I was 12 years old. It's been so long that I can't even remember what snow looks like any more. Yeah,we gave up snow for the Florida sun.
    I am so happy to hear that your book will be out soon. Can't wait to read it!
    Have fun in New York!!!
    Virginia

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  13. Abby:
    GO GIRL GO!!!!!!!!!

    I just cannot wait for your book, I am positive that it will be a great read of your excellent adventures to date. Keep plugging away on the book and continue to live life to its fullest.

    I would also caution you to think about school and continue with your book education as you continue with the life experience education. Both types of schooling are important in later life.

    Please say hello to your Father and Mother, your brothers and sisters, and, especially, Paul.

    As you continue to grow and explore do not give up dreaming and reaching for the stars. About all, just be Abby and follow your heart, it has done a great job so far.

    GO GIRL GO!!!!!!!!!!!

    John R Willis

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  14. Thanks for coming to the BBQ Abby. The Romero's all enjoyed meeting you and Zac and the whole family. Joeseph and his family were a last minute thing but im so happy we could entertain everyone. Im still bummed out you 4 wouldnt pose for a goofy picture, BUT, I still got some great shots anyways. Our door is always open to the Sunderlands, Machado's, and of course Jordan being family is a permanant fixture in our lives. Again...THANKS for joining us!

    Art Romero

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  15. Hi Abby,
    So glad that you are having a little fun. New York is a great city and enjoy it while you are there. I will be looking forward to reading your book when it comes out. You have fun while you are in New York, I hope Zac is with you, your parents should be very proud of both of you and I know they are. I am very proud of you. Gail/Ventura

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  16. Hola, Abby~
    It's been awhile since I've been able to check in on your progress...very glad to see you're doing well. I'm on my own adventure...still settling in -- as you know, it takes a little time :)

    To you and others, please do not adopt a kitten unless you truly want a CAT. Do not adopt a puppy, unless you truly want to care for a DOG.

    Check your compass and stay on course.

    Stay safe, and Godspeed
    ~Breeze

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  17. Thanks Abby.
    Bless you.
    Love ♥
    Richard

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  18. Wow, it must be awesome to be in the company of a few of the most adventurest spirits in the country. and New York, another great fun place to visit! Always keeping busy with great places to see. :D Whenever your book comes out, I'll be among the first to get a copy!! I'm sure it will be a priceless story. :)

    -Howard W. California.

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  19. Hi Abby!
    I am reading Jessica's book "True Spirit", and I like it. Have you bought it? It can be ordered over the internet.

    When you write your book, I would really like to read more of your early sail experiences.
    How did you convince your parents? I have read that Dad has said it took three years and a lot of sailing offshore, before he was convinced you could do it.

    Jessica wrote that she was at age 12 allowed to sail on daytrips offshore together with her older sister and two other teenagers,
    without anyone older than that onboard. When a nasty gale turned up, Jessica took the partial lead in that situation, and then she understood that she could do something bigger, maybe sailing around the world, as Jesse Martin did in her favourite book.

    Bengt "Ben" Larsson, Sweden

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  20. Chris The Dutch PirateAugust 18, 2010 at 5:14 AM

    Props and Big Ups to all of you guys/girls!
    Peops who get themselfs a lot of life, and still dont forget about the underprivileged!
    Awesome, bless you all.

    Have a bliss-tering blast!

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  21. Abby, so nice to hear your Summer is full of meaningful and fun activities! And I am especially pleased to hear of the progress on The Book! :) :) :) I'm SO excited to read it... cuz I love the story, the author, and your wonderful way of expressing yourself!

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  22. Hey Abby! I hope that in your book you have allot of tales of the sea and all of its creatures...looking forward to it and you must be having some fun! Awesome company you keep as well.
    hugs~
    lg!

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  23. Abby, I wanted to wait for the exact right time to share this. The following is a poem I wrote and the ending makes me think of you. Strangely enough, I wrote it the week before we got the reports that you were 'in peril.' I hope that you enjoy it Abby! I hope that it continues to inspire you to write!! :)

    Also, it has been selected by an editor and published in an e-journal.

    "On Poem Writing"

    Some words jingle, foam and pop;
    sweet dainties of the mind-delight.
    Like twangle, dangle, smoof and pling-
    words that make my heart-song sing.

    There are those words that ‘ping’ the night-
    they sneak up fast behind with fright.
    Like hooga, dooga, swarf and blight;
    they grab your ankle--snarl and bite.

    Like mit, and split, and stagger-twain;
    they haunt like spirits…and remain.

    Words like soldiers flood my cortex;
    piling high; a thought-filled vortex.

    A small battalion; they hold me fast;
    accusing voice- “You battle-axe!
    Just let us loose…to fly away-
    or we’ll take you to court today!”

    Terse and mean-they oft’ dispute;
    “Let us out… avoid ‘bad’-lawsuit!”
    They shake their finger-they rock the boat;
    and when they’re out-they sometimes gloat.

    But after all is said and done-
    words like friends are lots of fun.
    They link arms and settle down;
    to bring joy and blessing
    all around.

    Like “…joie de vivre” or “jolly elf,"
    just stash these words upon your shelf.
    And if a rainy day consumes, or black pitch-filled night
    ---it finds you;
    just take words out and shine them up
    to grace your head-
    revive you.
    They lead you on; they save the day-
    words can take your breath away.
    Adorning gems or jewels that glisten-
    take them out and oft’ to listen.

    Windswept; racing ,vast filled rooms
    encrusted ones; dug up from tombs-
    Like burnish or skirmish or gobbledygook
    these words, to use--require work.

    So when you’re lazy-or your mood; its gray
    take them out and oft’ to play.
    They might sing, or jump or move
    but they will help you find a groove
    to produce a haunting tune,
    of a blue haired girl
    ’neath a pink-yellow moon…
    or of a sailboat lost at sea
    Words can tell… your own story.

    So don’t delay-
    put your pen down,
    and satisfaction
    in (mere) words,
    be found.

    (Copyright K.P., 2010)

    Karen (Louvregirl)

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  24. hey abby! how fun for all you young adventurers to be able to meet and swap stories no doubt!

    wonderful to hear the book is coming along and may be done by Christmas --- see?? A few months ago you were concerned about how to approach the book and now you are doing it -- congrats!! xoxo

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  25. Hey Abby
    Keep doing hard things! the world may not approve, but too many teens are ruining their lives. Just type teenagers into google! I don't want to look back on my teen years and say, "I wish I had..." Thanks for your great example!
    SDG

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  26. Hi Abby,

    I'm so glad you're keeping the blog going as I would miss your posts. I'm definitely looking forward to the book! Have fun in NY, it's a great place.

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  27. @ Art Romero....thanks for sharing.

    Great photo Abby. Nice to meet your new "adventurer" friends. Beautiful location.

    I hope you enjoy New York City....it's like no other. I am sure you will be checking out the harbor and Manhattan with camera in hand. Don't forget a souvenir for Little Paul, Little Katherine, Jessie......

    Have a safe trip Abs.
    john, Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, Canada

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  28. @GlobeMasterOne.....Your welcome.

    Art Romero

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  29. You are quite busy these days and it is good to know that you are managing your time well, updating your blog while waiting for your departing flight.

    When working on your book please keep in mind that your story is both a tale of adventure and also a guide to self-help (motivation, inspiration), which I very much like to find it in both sections of a bookstore.

    I hope you are having a good time in NY and coming back with big bags of presents. -Pictures I mean-

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  30. We are very fortunate that you are sharing your adventures with the world!

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  31. The fantastic 4!!
    Have fun in NY...Bye bye :)

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  32. Abby- You, Zac, Joey and Jordan are an inspiration to all young people (and us parents as well). Thank you for showing us all how to set goals and reach for the stars!!!

    Steve in Wisconsin

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  33. Hi Abby,

    So glad you're enjoying your summer. It must feel so different from last summer.

    I just read that Laura Dekker is starting her solo trip around the globe. Knowing what you know now, how do you feel about Laura's trip?

    Jim from La Canada, California

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  34. Dear ABBY,
    I hope/wish/pray that you have a most wonderful and safe time in New York! God bless you!

    In His seveice
    SurfKat(*~*)

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  35. I'd come across some news that a 16 year old was circumnavigating solo but the news, at the time, had you lost at sea - that hit me hard knowing that someone so young, alone, and vulnerable to the nasty forces of nature may have succumbed to a tragic death. Just the fact you had not yet built a life on your own and could have been cheated out of having that opportunity REALLY bothered me, even though I knew nothing about you. I am VERY relieved to find out you were found and are now safe and well in every way.

    I solemnly wish you a wonderful and RISK-FREE future 'cause you scared the crap out of me, lol.

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  36. Abby, you are my hereo! I have followed ur story and prayed for you during ur adventure.I am so excited about ur book..cant wait to read it! What is ur opinion about the 14 year old girl now set off to sail the world alone? Maybe she could use some advice from you...Enjoy NY!!!

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  37. Ron Spears n SC. AKA SeaWolfnscAugust 22, 2010 at 6:41 AM

    Abby, What is the latest intel on Wild Eyes???

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  38. Dear Abby
    So great and wonderful to hear that I must get your book and zac If he Is writing one so I hope to get a message from you I saw a beautiful boat In Sail magazine 42 foot deep hull sailboat In san Diego for 298 thousand which I wish I had It Is perfect for me but no credit or lotto winnings to get It It Is a Hinkley I wanted to say that your brother Is like Indiana Jones of Thousand Oaks well I hope never to klose contact with you and your family

    Yours Always
    William k. Hass
    mystic_seas92805@yahoo.com

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  39. Hi Abby,
    I just now read your blog. Wow, I'm impressed with Joe and him riding his bike across America. And to climb Mt. Everest and make it back home alive to talk about it, that is a pretty interesting story. Both adventures, including Zac's solo trip around the globe in a sail boat at a very conquering age. All of you are impressive. Abby's heroic rescue and world wide attention.
    Abby, maybe your book can include an Analogue from each of your friends and their adventurous story's too.
    Keep enjoying life and keep learning. And keep us updated on how things are going in your life. It's fun to hear about how things are taking shape.
    You have great pictures to show us.

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  40. Hey Abby,

    I noticed you wear your cross made of rope around your neck pretty much all the time, and I appreciate a lot that while sailing in rough sea conditions you always kept that cross close to your heart. Why don't you tell us something about where it comes from and how it is important for you? It looks like nobody has ever asked you anything about it, but I guess it does have a meaning for you.

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  41. 08-22-10 @ 21:49
    Hi Abby,
    I like that picture, definitely one to treasure, “The Four Young Adventurers”.
    I’m looking forward to your completion of the book, it should be pretty good reading. It will also make a very nice Christmas gift. I hope you are enjoying yourself in the “Big Apple”, is there any chance that you might see Jessica while you’re there? It’s a real shame that Laura closed down her ‘Guestbook’ there’s just no way to contact her. I did read some good news in various newspapers but it’s just not the same. Do you or are you able to reach her???
    Abby, take good care of yourself and enjoy your travels.
    Loads of love and hugs, and remember God is always with you.
    Your faithful friend, fan and follower.
    Michael (75) from Kingwood

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  42. Abby,
    It will be exciting to see any photos you take on your trip to NY. You know us fans are still here. Just so excited to keep in tune on your great life. Just waiting for that book of yours is getting a little intense. Ha.
    Be safe and stay adventurious.
    Dee in Santa Clarita, Ca.

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  43. Pretty soon the Northwest Passage should be useable. Here's a link from a story a few days ago.
    http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=45333&src=nha

    That would be fun
    Bill Holliday
    New Braunfels, Tx.

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  44. Hi Abby,
    It is I again SurfKat. I too have always noticed that cross around your neck in all the photos of you. It told me that you must be a believer in Jesus Christ!

    John 3:16-18 (The Message)
    "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

    I too would like to know more about the cross. Is it really made of rope? I would like to make one if it is easy. I love you my sister-in-Christ!!! May GOD continue to bless you and yours and look out for all of us. Amen (*~*)

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  45. Hi Abby,
    Great news about the upcoming book!!! Have fun in NYC!!!

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  46. Hey Abby.... I followed you trip every day, very interesting and sorry for your misfortune. By the way, I work in a printing company and I think I know why you were in NYC;)

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  47. Hi, Abby,
    It's been sometime since your journey on the High Seas ended but I just wanted to share with you how much I miss it for you (and me!). I looked forward everyday to checking to see if there was a message and lived "vicariously" through your amazing challenges and adventures. I loved your sense of humor and how you seemed to take the most difficult weather and situations in stride....which is exactly why you survived that rogue wave.
    To even say those words "The High Seas" is so exciting to me and to think of how it felt to be surfing down those waves or even sitting in the doldrums all by yourself.
    Glad to see you continuing to have fun travels (albeit land based!) but know there are more sea adventures in your young future.
    I admire you for being one capable girl! Congratulations to your parents for doing such a great job!

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  48. Ahoy ♥Abby♥
    I just wanted to wish you a very wonderful weekend! Have mucho fun. GOD bless you!
    (33.2º,-117.2º)

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