In 2006, Wendy Killoran planned to circumnavigate Newfoundland in Canada. She was looking for paddling partners online, and Freya took the chance to join her in a "Blind Date".

She quickly packed her three-pieces kayak and gear, and flew over the Atlantik to launch for her first longer kayak trip of three weeks.

Being an expedition newbie, she and Wendy managed to battle the notorious foggy and partly stormy south coast of Newfoundland, from Port-aux-Basques to St. John's. The duo encountered a remote coastline full of natural wonders, listened to whales at night, and managed their first open water crossing of forty kilometers.

At the end, Freya rounded solo the infamous Cape St. Mary with millions of birds, in foggy conditions, and had to fly home. Wendy waited for the weather to improve to finally become the first woman to  complete the circumnavigation of Newfoundland.

(Unfortunately, no trip map, table or dates are documented)

Freya's statement:

What's *my* story about these two women who paddled together in Newfoundland and had never met except for frequent emails and three phone calls? And how did this friendship begin? Wendy sent me a nice email when she saw my "Last Glance" photo in Sea Kayaker Magazine and read my profile on my website. 

How could I do that - paddle with someone on such a remote coast without meeting them and knowing more about them? I used a woman's intuition, and I was right. There are few times in life when you should just be spontaneous.

The night before I left to teach in New Zealand in March, Wendy told me on our second phone call that she was really going to do it this year, and not just fantasize about it in emails. She is going to circumnavigate *The Rock* and for the life change that comes with this trip. She is not just talking about future dreams forever like most people do, but she is envisioning a new goal, going for it, and doing it.

I liked her attitude. Deep in my heart, I felt she was a match for the stage of life we were both at. She welcomed me to join her on the Newfoundland circumnavigation, for parts or all of it. I felt a little sorry that my life did not allow me more time to do the whole trip in one go, although I really cannot complain about not having enough free time. But shops and my son still called me home after a few weeks.

I stayed awake until three in the morning. I decided to join Wendy at the beginning of May, at least for the little piece of the remote south coast. I booked my flight to Newfoundland while waiting at the airport to fly to New Zealand. Things seemed to continue to be exciting in my life. I love living on the fast track, making plans for the next trip while on the current one. Having no plans for the future makes you stand still, and standing still is usually the first step backwards.

I have never been on a kayak trip longer than a week, and I have never been on an all-women trip. This first time I paddled seventeen days in a row was an interesting experience, listening to what your body and mind are telling you when they are pushed beyond their limits - and I feel like I want more and longer trips. We will see what life brings in the future.

Paddling with a female partner has many advantages, and I have enjoyed it in many ways. Wendy has been a great kayaking and camping partner. She is a lovely and lively person with almost unlimited endurance for paddling all day. Gifted with a flexible and spontaneous mind, she is always curious about what is around the next corner. That keeps her excited and going for new experiences in life. No complaining, no moaning when conditions were not favorable, she always stayed positive with a smile and a laugh, and any mistakes we may have made were just added to the lifelong learning process. Wendy loves the sea, she loves nature, she loves meeting people and she loves life. But contrary to all rumors, we both still love men...

I really enjoyed kayaking with her, felt we had the same mindset, and would jump at any opportunity to meet and paddle with her again. I wish her all the best, an exciting trip for the next weeks, hope she will see more of the amazing nature, meet lots of interesting people and stay safe.

Thanks to all the nice people who supported and hosted us along the way, especially Glenn, Rick and Chris who drove me to and from the airport, took care of my luggage and updated the trip blog online.