Argos

Last week I particiapted in the Inupiaq Land Use Values Class. I went camping with a group from Ilisagvik College and some local elders and guides. Also we were joined by some teachers from Fairbanks and Anchorage as well as some folks from Massachusets. There is some Barrow, New Bedford Whaling connections I guess!

Anyhow one of the highlights of our trip was travling by Argo.

What is an Argo you may ask....

The amphibious ARGO ATV. 8 Wheelers. 8X8, skid steer go any where! Tundra, cross rivers, wallow in the mud. These machines are Beasts. Climb hills and decend steep slopes with out rolling. Haul gear and up to 6 adults.

Packing up for camp. We can bring WAY more stuff than we needed when we do not carry it on our backs!

Some Argos have a climate controled canopy.

All of the Elders drive Argos. Here is Ada Lincon by hers.

Argos break down a lot and often need to be fixed in the field... or towed home by another argo! Never go out on the tundra alone... the argo will take you farther than you can walk back in a day before it breaks down!

Argos go on melting ice. A lot smoother than the bummpy Tundra... and fun for pulling 360's on. Splash mountain anyone? Safer than walking on the ice.... if they break through... they float!

One day we crossed the river to go fishing at a lake on the other side. When we headed back the river had rose so much from the melting snow and ice on such a warm day. It may have been in the 50's or 60's. We keept looking for a good place to cross, but there seemed to be a steep drop off into the rushing water and it was hard to tell how deep the water was. Then comes an argo full of my high school kids. Robert saves the day leading us back the way he came across the river. Safe and dry!