Captain Fargo

Fargo was Captain of the sea today. He steered the Wanderer as we sailed back in from the Milford Sound. The 'real' Captain got quite a kick out of it. Perhaps a picture he took of Fargo at the wheel may someday grace the bridge.

I'm sure the passengers on board weren't expecting to be viewing the sights accompanied by a frog. Fargo was right there up front as we went bow-first into the grand Sterling Falls. (I wonder if anyone spent more time looking at Fargo?) He inspected portholes and life preservers and no one seemed to mind when a frog took control of the wheel.

People all over New Zealand have enjoyed Fargo. At first we thought traveling with a frog would be a bit of a burden. Fargo may not require much in the way of amenities, but, dare I say it, he is extra bulk. (I hope he never reads this). But after having lived with Fargo for six months now, we regard him as family. (Even my Dad refers to him as his Grandson). He's proven to be very handy (no pun intended) when dealing with locals. People warm to him. He was awarded a Junior Ranger badge at Olympic National Park when we were too old to be considered; he's sat on the handlebars of a custom-made motorcycle alongside leather-clad tattoo-covered cyclists (he's braver than I am); now Fargo has steered the Wanderer into Milford Sound. I don't suppose I would have been as warmly received if I had been the one to ask to steer and I'm sure the Captain wouldn't have wanted a picture of it.

Fargo has poked his nose into just about every situation and come out ahead. He's even helping off-set the expense of traveling. Recently he was spotted busking (street performing) in downtown Queenstown. He brought in enough for some delicious homemade cookies. Yum! Thanks Fargo.

As a now-honored family member, Fargo has been outfitted with his very own stuff sack and, when not entertaining, he occupies one of the outside pouches of my backpack. We are very careful not to crush him!

People love Fargo and we love the reactions he gets when he plops down for dinner next to unwary couple or asks directions at an information office. For his small added weight, I'm glad he has come along.

Fargo is always up to something exciting, so make sure you check out his personal diary.