In 1978, a team of 14 people loaded up 6 stock Jeep CJs at the southern most point in South America and began a 5 month trek north to the Arctic Ocean. When Mike Arnold, a family man and business owner in Northern California, found out about the expedition he and his wife Sheri quickly realized this was a once in a lifetime chance.
After much consideration (and taking out a second mortgage on their home) Mike and Sheri took the plunge into the unknown. Mike set off for the adventure while Sheri held down the fort back home with their 2 children.
We were fortunate enough to sit down with both Mike and Sheri to talk about the experience and reminisce on the highs, lows and the 31 days spent crossing the Darien Gap (a dense jungle with no roads) inch by inch.
We hope you enjoy their story and use it for inspiration to create your own adventure no matter how big or small.
Expediciones De Las Americas – An Adventure of a Lifetime in 6 Stock Jeeps
I’m glad he briefly mentions the British Trans-Americas Expedition that took place in 1971-72, that was headed by Major John Blashford-Snell; an expedition that traveled from Alaska to Cape Horn, including the Darien Gap in Panama and Columbia, by way of 4×4 Range Rovers. Some good reading if anyone is interested, about the folks that did it first. I can’t recall which publication it is; either “Where the Trail Runs Out” or “Something Lost Behind the Ranges”. Great adventure, great video………. adventures never end, if you wish it so.
Great story!
That was a great video.I ‘ll bet sitting there and hearing it all first hand was even better, then to go and touch the actual Jeep – wow!!!!
Thank you for that!
It was great to learn more about the Jeepers as well. I always see the sign when I enter Georgetown and wonder.
Such an awesome story. I enjoyed the show 🙂
Wow! To say that this adventure was epic would be a gross understatement. A tip of the hat to the participants and thanks for bringing this adventure to us.
Awesome story… Absolutely amazing what people before us have endured and concurred with little to nothing compared to today’s standards.
Truly epic adventure, especially with ‘70s technology.
Absolutely amazing! Such an inspirational story and life lesson as well.
That was epic!
That old Corvair they found was from a 1961 or 62 expedition that Chevy or a Chevy dealer (?) sponsored. There’s a short film on it called “Daring the Darien”. What these guys did with 3 Corvairs and 2 support trucks was amazing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghgRH9m2fOI
I grew up in Bolivia from 1972 – 1975.
My dad was like these guys, we went down the Yungas Road once. We took a few treks into the Andes mountains to camp and fish. Good Times!
[QUOTE="TXpedition, post: 293854, member: 5054"]I grew up in Bolivia from 1972 – 1975.
My dad was like these guys, we went down the Yungas Road once. We took a few treks into the Andes mountains to camp and fish. Good Times![/QUOTE]
Bolivia is a very beautiful country! I went there on my last trip and became a fan…
[QUOTE="Gustavo Amaral, post: 300965, member: 27752"]Bolivia is a very beautiful country! I went there on my last trip and became a fan…[/QUOTE]
I would love to go back someday. There are some places I'd like to revisit to see how they've changed.
I went on Google Maps and saw my old house is now a "Chifa" restaurant.
Wow! This was incredible and makes me wanna leave work right now and get in the woods!