Ben Carlin and Amphibious Vehicle – 1958

 Events
May 132024
 

The Half Safe and the Statue of Liberty

Ben Carlin in 1958 became the one and only person to circumnavigate the world in an amphibious vehicle. He and his wife Elinor started the trip in the last part of 1947 aboard the Half-Safe, a former military amphibious vehicle. After several tries, they reached Morocco in 1951. Elinor flew to the United States, and Carlin found other mates to continue his voyage. Pausing to earn funds and repair the vehicle, he returned to Montreal in 1958. After Carlin’s death, the Half-Safe was deeded to his school in Australia, the Guildford Grammar School.

Sir Francis Drake Began Circumnavigating the World in 1577

 Events
Dec 132024
 
Sir Francis Drake

Sir Francis Drake

Sir Francis Drake, an English explorer, began his trip in 1577 that would eventually circumnavigate the world. He left England with five ships and picked up another near the Cape Verde Islands. Actually Drake did not plan to sail around the world. He was a privateer intent on plundering Spanish ships. He returned to England September 26, 1580, with one ship loaded with treasure. Children find out more about his “sea dog” years by visiting: Sir Francis Drake. They could also experience a readers’ theater play at: Readers’ Theater.