Driving from Argentina to Alaska to Asia
Last night on Highway A1A near St. Augustine, I drove past this 1928 Graham Paige Model 610 touring car, puttering down the road with hazard lights blinking and the words "Spark Your Dream" and "Argentina to Alaska: Done!" on the side.
Showing a remarkable lack of geographic knowledge, I told my children they were probably heading back home, forgetting that we live on a peninsula that doesn't get much South America-bound traffic.
The drivers are Herman and Candelaria Zapp, Argentineans who've been driving all over the Americas at a top speed of 35 mph with their two young sons. In 2003, they finished a 43,717-mile drive from Buenos Aires to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, in two years, eight months and 17 days.
The boys are enjoying the trip, Pampa never asks "are we there yet?" instead "Where are we going?"
Pampa was a product of the trip, as Herman Zapp told CNN:
... we got a romantic moment in Guatemala. In Belize we found out something with Canny. In Mexico, grows in the belly. And in North Carolina was born our son.
Planning next to cross Asia for three years, they're financing their travels in part with a book, Spark Your Dream, which sounds from its back cover to be as arduous as their journey:
Yes, since you're reading, sit here with us. Pack light. No, don't sit there, get yourself at the driver seat. Something good is going to happen in our lives so let's go and seize the moment. It will be a tour in the exterior world, which only reflects a fraction of the journey in your interior.
One thing that surprised me, from photos, is that the Zapps appear to be anatomically normal. I figured that crossing the world for six-plus years in an antique car with no shock absorbers would give you giant calloused baboon ass.
Comments
Kids who never ask "are we there yet"?
That's gonna make some folk jealous.
Be Well.
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I dread the day when Addie says anything that can't be answered with a handful of goldfish crackers. But for now, I'm really here to ask you to keep your eyes open for a job for Todd :O)
Thank you Roger for including us in your website. One of the things that we love to do now is to share our Dream with everybody and inspire the people to go for their Dreams. So we are happy so share this through your web.
Thanks, bye, the road is calling us.
I too just saw Herman in Washington DC. I only had the opportunity to say hello but what a remarkable story. I wish you well Herman, wherever you are tonight.
Kurt Speed
Had a good chat with them (bought the book) at Cumberland pioneer village (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) on 23 sept 2007. What a beautiful day. They are doing well. Hope to see them in Sri-Lanka and India in 2008.
Toby
I just saw the car here in NW Calgary, Alberta on John Laurie Blvd @ around noon Nov. 5th, 2007. All I could see is Herman (?) driving at the leisurely pace of 30 mph. His "hazard" indicators flashing. Good luck, safe travels.
I saw Herman and his family arriving at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada, on Nov. 11, 2007. (I was on vacation from Los Angeles.) It was amazing to see a family that had driven that far in a old car. It truly was inspiring. Didn't get a chance to talk to them as I was leaving and they were arriving. Will look for the book!
I met you folks in Regina, Sask, in Oct/07. I was relieved to see in this site that you had reached Parksville and are now proud parents of your third child. Congratulations!! You asked me to send comments once I read your book. Once I started I could not put it down!! I was impressed how you were able to remember, record and include the wonderful wisdom and knowledge of the people you met along the way. Our youngest son is well into it and there are others who have asked to read it. I cannot wait until you have a sequel from this run and your time through Asia etc. as I am sure it will be a great read! Happy New year to you all, best wishes for a safe and wonderful continuation of your dream!!! If you are ever back in Regina, I would hope for a longer visit and maybe time to host you. Rod.
Hi, spotted this amazing car (extended warranty must be long over) at the corner of View & Blanshard Streets in Victoria B.C. at 10.30AM on January 15th, 2008...amazing!!
I'm a Biology teacher with 1955 Chevys I'am reading your book and love it--inspires me to complete my dream to produce another rockabilly music album--this time on Gene Vincent songs. All the best in Asia--we would like to meet you. Don and Laida Lockwood.
Is it possible to get the ZAPP'S E-MAIL address? I MET THEM IN COASTA Rico some time ago. Thank you,Cameron
Nos movilizo muchisimo el ver el intervieu en A Viva Vos, los felicitamos, los acompanamos y deseamos que se contacten con nosotros. Vivimos en Las Vegas. Y somos Argentinos.
Carinos
Monica y Mariano
Just saw them driving north in Sausalito, California yesterday afternoon (Saturday, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco). People were smiling and waving as they passed through town and got a few honks from the Zapps. What a great life. Have a great journey.
I Just saw them here in Los Angeles CA, (outside an Argentinean Restaurant in Van Nuys) (bought the book) They look really good and Cande (the wife) is pregnant!! I'm going to read the book and try to live the adventure through the book until the day I could live my dream as they are living it now, I was really happy to see them and I hope to see them again somewhere else.
I wish them all the best, health and happiness!
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