Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 14/01) - Three people driving around the world pulled into Inuvik last week.

Alvaro Frantini and his wife Rassamekae Pongnurak, along with Kitti Nilthanom, pulled into Inuvik around 2 a.m. the morning of Sept. 5. By that point they had put 28,441 kilometres on their Ford Ranger.

The three belong to the Trans Asia 4 WD Group, which they explained is one of many four wheel drive groups in Thailand. Members of these groups share a desire for adventure and staying in contact with nature, by using vehicles designed to go where ordinary cars fear to tread.

Frantini explained the other groups only explore Thailand and neighbouring countries.

"We wanted to do a total globe circle by car," Frantini said.

When the 55,000- kilometre drive began April 27 in Bangkok, there were two vehicles. Partway along, however, Nilthanom's vehicle broke down, and he joined up with the others in Chicago.

After leaving Bangkok the adventurers drove through Malaysia, India (where they were held up 20 days because of a strike), Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Greece.

From Greece they took a ferry to Italy, and then crossed through northern Europe before setting off by ferry from Norway to Iceland. From there they shipped the car by boat to Norfolk, Virginia, where they resumed their journey on Aug. 18.

Frantini said that whenever possible they have used secondary roads, not main highways.

"Travelling through little towns, then you see the real people, and you see the real life. And that is exactly what we wanted."

He said that their main goal was actually to reach Inuvik, as from Thailand this town seemed to be at the opposite side of the earth. He said places they visit from now on will be a bonus.

"We were expecting Inuvik as (being) very cold," Frantini confessed.

Pongnurak said they saw a beautiful sunset on their way into Inuvik, and was pleased to have received her certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle.

The journey resumed Sept. 6. The three were to drive down to Los Angeles, where they would then travel to Australia, with the eventual goal of driving back into Bangkok.

Frantini said it's been quite an adventure, and that they'd like to return to Canada.

"We have found more friends in this trip than I believe ever you can have in your whole life if you stay in your own country. And we have friends from everywhere."

Those wishing to track the progress of the trip can check out the Web site: www.transasia4wd.com.