andreas wrote:
I too enjoyed the presentation. Freya was much more personable and lithesome than I had imagined, given the hard-core persona I’d associated with her blog presence.
Freya’s presentation was admirable given her predilection for solitude and the obvious physical toll of committing to a slide-show n'talk touring regime. Of course, I’m sure she enjoys some of the attention but I rather think expeditioning might just be less taxing.
I’m looking forward to a book about the undertaking, which I’ll add to my collection alongside Caffyn’s “The Dreamtime Voyage: Around Australia Kayak Odyssey” that was a bit more epic but not so enjoyable, being done in log-book fashion. Freya divided her segments nicely. And despite what folks might think about Freya (and Paul C. for that matter), they represent realized humility honed by the respect for the sea they both exhibited around the shores of this formidable continent, Australia - while still successfully completing their respective voyages.
The Q&A session unleashed a few well-cherished rants from Freya about paddling style, ergonomic paddle movement, British skeged boats, and her need for speed (as it were). Sitting at the front, I tried not to monopolize the questions – though I had many more.
Part of the enjoyment for me came from a different source, which was actually Sheila, who shined during the introduction she gave, bringing context to the presentation as some of the impetus for it derived from Westcoastpaddler.
It was good to see some of the WCP gang and leadership there and fortunately there wasn’t too much Germanic pride overtly evident from Freya – or Andreas.
Freya autographed one of her tough-chic pics for my wife, Yvonne, who is currently fighting cancer. It was a positive expression coming from a lady who knows how to overcome the odds and vehemently decries any half-hearted attempt at a fight or challenge, but rather espouses a just do it attitude. Now that is inspiration.
Interestingly enough my wife, who has stayed 100% positive and completely changed her diet, etc, got the thumb’s up from her oncologist today that the tumor has shrunk. I wish she could have been there to hear Freya.
From the lyrics by Emerald Rose, “Freya, Shakti":
I know a woman stirring a cauldron
She is the source of the heart's deep core
I love a maiden dancing in moonlight
She is the key to the ancient lore
Freya Shakti, indeed.
Doug Lloyd
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Sorry for all the clanking and flashing in the corner. Nice meeting all the WCP denizens - it's been a long while.
