Mike Horns Latitute 0° Circumnavigation Update

Mike Horn has successfully traversed the Atlantic Ocean, the South American Continent, and the Pacific Ocean, the Indonesian Islands, using only manpower, willpower and windpower. He is starting the Indian Ocean crossing in a few days time, the second last leg of this remarkable expedition called Latitude Zero.

15 May 2000 at 109.50°E:

Mike calls from Padang, West coast of Sumatra:

"Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world and is an island of extraordinary natural resources and wildlife. It is a volcanic island with almost 100 volcanoes, 15 of which are presently active. Tropical rainforest carpet the island and is home for many species of animals including the two horned Sumatran Rhino, Sumatran tiger, orang-utan, the honey bear and uncountable variety of snakes.

I left my boat with the logistics team at Tembilihan, a small village on the Eastern Coast . From there I was able to continue on my bike and ascend the mountain range which divides Sumatra into two parts. The tropical rainforest is beautiful and I was fortunate to be able to traverse with the roads and tracks cut out by the local people. A great deal of the tropical plantations have been burnt and prepared for replanting. It's a sad sight but the only way for these people to survive.

The surrounding country provide the rest of the world with large quantities of oil, rubber, pepper, and coffee. I cycled over the mountains, making camp in the evenings or sleeping in shelters abandoned on the side of the roads. It was no a problem to find food or water. There is an abundance of fresh fruit and rivers. I started my descent down to the touristic hill town called Bukittinggi situated 930m above sea. It seems strange to see tourists again. The Western Coast attracts a lot of tourists, many of these come for the world renown surfing waves at the neighbouring islands.

I met up with my wife, Cathy the following day on the road heading South West to Padang and will spend a few days with her before heading away again, this time to traverse the Indian Ocean. The monsoon season starts in the beginning of June so time is getting short. Final preparations are being made to the boat, checking and renewal of equipment, restocking of supplies, food, water etc. The boat is still in A1 condition and I'm looking forward to being on the Ocean once again. I will leave in a few days time and hope the winds will be in my favour. I expect it to take 4 to 5 weeks to arrive on the Eastern Coast of Africa.

I'm getting there. I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and Gabon is becoming closer and closer. It'll be strange to get on aeroplane one day and head back to Switzerland but will be great to be with my family and friends again.

I'll write to you soon from the Indian Ocean. Until then, Mike"

More Information: www.mikehorn.com