More people have walked on the moon than run the Amazon—the world’s largest river—from the source to the sea. And Darcy Gaechter is the only woman to have done so in a kayak. The journey required Darcy and her two expedition-mates to paddle for five months over 4,000 river miles across the wildest portions of South America. This voyage included starting at an elevation of 15,000 feet where the river was a trickle and ending at sea level on the Atlantic coast where the waterway’s mouth is over 30 miles wide, paddling through sections known for foreigners being killed by drug cartel members, dealing with some of the most difficult whitewater on earth, and paddling for days on end into the searing sun that disintegrated their fingernails. Now a best-selling author of the acclaimed book Amazon Woman, Darcy shares stories of courage and kindness as she leaves us with inspiration to pursue and realize our own dreams.
In this episode, Darcy invites us to find the common humanity in those we encounter, even those we may not always agree with; to not turn down the volume on your passions, no matter what; to seek out and find energy from those people who support your dreams; to work hard at what you love in order to realize the benefits that this pursuit will bring; to use your voice in order to inspire others to live passionately and purposefully, and to recognize the importance of connection to the wilderness and those we share the planet with as an ultimate life reward.
About the Guest:
Darcy Gaechter is one of a handful of women to have run the most challenging rivers and rapids on earth. Her 20 years as a leading international kayaker culminated in her running the Amazon river from its headwaters to the sea, the only woman to do so. She is also an owner of an adventure kayak guiding business, Small World Adventures, author of The Kayaker’s Guide to Ecuador and Amazon Woman, and a staunch advocate for protecting waterways and wilderness. She has done all of this and more in spite of naysayers suggesting throughout her life that a more traditional and staid way of being might be prudent.
https://smallworldadventures.com/
https://www.instagram.com/darcygaechter/
https://www.facebook.com/darcy.gaechter
About the Host:
Ken Streater shares eye-opening and heartening global experiences that reflect our shared dreams and concerns. A former international river guide and adventure travel outfitter who has worked and played in 50 countries, Alaskan bush teacher turned social good entrepreneur, Fortune 500 consultant, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, Ken has seen first-hand how common ground blooms greater good. From angry hippo showdowns to nuclear missile attacks, from billionaire shenanigans to Siberian soccer wars to quiet conversations with everyday heroes, these and other interactions inspire him to create good change.
Ken’s just-released #1 Amazon international bestselling book, Be the Good: Becoming a Force for a Better World, is receiving rave reviews from movement leaders and readers alike. His podcast, Good Change: Conversations About Making a World of Difference is “where movement makers, industry leaders, visionaries, voices of hope, and everyday heroes gather to share ideas, laugh, and inspire action for greater good.”
https://www.facebook.com/kenstreaterauthor
https://twitter.com/KenStreater
https://www.instagram.com/kenstreater/
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