Lilly Tarakji

Dave Freeman shares photos from his one year journey in the Boundary Waters. In efforts to protect it, he encourages students to be engaged at the capitol, handing out information or speaking up about their experiences in the Boundary Waters.

     As part of the 2026 Philip Otis Author Show, adventurers Dave and Amy Freeman will be visiting Blake to share their story and passion for the natural world. Dave and Amy wrote “A Year in the Wilderness,” detailing their adventures in the Boundary Waters, and “North American Odyssey,” which tells the story of their 12,000-mile, human-powered journey across the U.S.

     The Freemans’ love for nature began early. Amy recalled vacationing to the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters as a kid, and Dave said he simply “loved spending time outside and exploring.”

     Throughout their many adventures, one of the most memorable moments for them was kayaking in Alaska. Dave described how “We were just way out in the ocean, and these [two humpback] whales just swam right up to us, and we could see, hear, and smell them…it was something I will never forget.”

     The Freemans emphasized how seemingly small skills have helped them in their travels. Amy noted that “I was glad to have some basic knowledge of Spanish [from high school]… while traveling with Dave in the Amazon and Peru,” and Dave described how “I think being comfortable being uncomfortable…if you’re in an uncomfortable situation, just being able to put that out of your mind and keep doing whatever you’re doing and focusing on it [has really helped us].”

     When asked what they are most excited to share with the Blake community, Dave emphasized their passion for the outdoors. “I think the thing that I’m most excited about sharing is my excitement for exploration,” he said, adding that he hopes “that our enthusiasm will encourage folks to get out and explore and be outside.”

    Looking ahead, the Freemans plan to return to Minnesota for the summer before continuing their sailing journeys. Amy described their routine as, “Kind of half and half…We’ve fallen into this migratory lifestyle…coming back to work [in Minnesota] in the summertime and exploring the world in the sailboat [for the rest of the year].”