[Redcloak]

If memory serves, the Australian Aborigines reached that continent by boat about 40,000 years ago. If it was possible for them to make that crossing, then why would these archeologists have so much trouble believing that people reached North America in the same way 10,000 years later?

[okie01]

"...why would these archeologists have so much trouble believing that people reached North America in the same way 10,000 years later?"

Because they didn't think of it first...?

[blam]

"If memory serves, the Australian Aborigines reached that continent by boat about 40,000 years ago."

Make that 62,000 years ago.

Was Adam From Australia? The Mystery Of 'Mungo Man'

[Drammach]

When the "first wave" of native american ancestors reached south america, they found the land already settled.
Australian aborigines had managed to establish a presence on the south american continent.

Although the "new" native americans effectively wiped out the original black inhabitants of the south american continent, some vestiges of their descendents remain.
Recent DNA analysis of their descendants has confirmed the Australian aborigine connection.