Since they met in 2005 Dave and Amy Freeman have traveled over 50,000 miles together by canoe, kayak, dogsled, and sailboat. In a normal year they spend more nights sleeping in a tent or aboard their sailboat, Iron Bark, than they spend with a roof over their heads. Below is a list of the major wilderness treks that they have successfully completed. The Freemans’ over arching goal is to use their human-powered treks to gain appreciation and protection for wild places, to encourage people to spend time outside, and inspire people to set audacious goals and work hard to achieving them.
Exploring Oceans with SV Iron Bark (2020 to ????)
In spring of 2020 the Freemans flew to Grenada and bought Iron Bark, a Wylo II 35.5 gaff rigged sailboat, from Trevor Robertson. Trevor built Iron Bark in Australia and sailed her to some of the most remote corners of the globe. He also spent one winter frozen in Antartica and two winters frozen into the sea ice in Greenland, needless to say Trevor and Iron Bark are tought! Over the past 4 years Dave and Amy have sailed Iron Bark from the coral reefs of the Caribbean as far north as Labrador, Canada and many places in between. The Freemans livestream into classrooms from Iron Bark to teach students around the world about Ocean, Rainforest and other wild places through “Virtual School Assemblies” hosted by the Wilderness Classroom. As they sail Dave and Amy are also reaching audiences of all ages and interests through author chats and virtual programs. From sierra club chapters and scout troups, to book clubs and public libraries the Freemans continue to share their stories with a wide range of audiences. Reach out, if you have a group that might be interested in “Zooming” with the Freemans.
Pedal to DC (2018)
After publishing a book about living in the Boundary Waters for one year, Amy and Dave Freeman determined that a traditional book tour wasn’t for them and decided to partake in a bit more adventure advocacy to promote their book while continuing to raise awareness for the proposed sulfide-ore copper mining on the edge of the Boundary Waters. On April 22, 2018, they set out from Ely, MN to bike to Washington, D.C. on a bike-book tour for their new book “A Year in the Wilderness.” Not only did they bike from Ely to D.C., they also pulled a canoe behind them the whole way and collected signatures as they went. They arrived in Washington, D.C. on June 18th, 2018 and met with elected officials to share the importance of permanently protecting the Boundary Waters.
A Year in the Wilderness (2015 / 2016)
Dave and Amy Freeman embarked on a 365-day adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in support of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters’ efforts to protect the Boundary Waters from proposed sulfide-ore copper mining on the Wilderness edge. The two traveled approximately 3,000 miles by canoe and dog team as they explored more than 500 lakes and streams throughout the year. The journey began on September 23, 2015, the fall equinox, on the edge of the Boundary Waters in Ely, Minnesota, and concluded 366 days later when the Freemans paddled out of the wilderness after spending an entire year with out crossing a road, entering a building, or leaving the Wilderness.
Paddle to DC (August-December 2014)
On August, 24 of 2014, Dave and Amy Freeman began a 101-day journey along the waterways of the United States and Canada from Ely, Minnesota to Washington D.C. in hopes of delivering their canoe to the White House in early December. The “petition” canoe was signed by thousands of people who are determined that no sulfide ore mining should be allowed in the Boundary Waters Watershed. The Freemans traveled over 2,000 miles by water, paddling the signature canoe on the smaller lakes, rivers, and sailing a 27 foot sailboat named “Yemaya” across the Great Lakes with the canoe on board.
Rio Roosevelt Centennial Expedition (May-June 2014)
Dave and a team of 8 Americans and Brazilians retraced President Theodore Roosevelt’s historic first descent of the Rio Roosevelt, or River if Doubt, in 1914. They spent over 6 weeks in Brazil and 35 days canoeing over 400 miles down the remote and challenging Rio Roosevelt.
North American Odyssey (2010-2013)
Amy and Dave spent 3 years traveling over 11,700 miles across North America by canoe, kayak, and dogsled through some of the wildest places and most unique ecosystems on the continent.
Trans-Amazon Expedition (2007-2008)
The Freemans led an international team of scientists, educators and explorers on a 3,000 mile traverse of South America. They cycled from the Pacific Ocean up and over the Andes Mountains and then spent nearly 6 months paddling across the Amazon Basin to the mouth of the Amazon River.
Superior Waters Project (2006)
In the Fall of 2006 Dave and Amy completed their first major wilderness trek together. They circumnavigated Lake Superior during the stormy months of September and October. After 54 days of which they were windbound for 16 they completed their 1,000 mile paddle just before Halloween.
Project Peru 2 (2006)
In the Spring of 2006 Dave led an international team on a 6 week exploratory canoe trip in the Peruvian Amazon. Their team completed the first known canoe descent of the Pacaya River in modern times.
Project Peru 1 (2005)
In the Spring of 2005 Dave Freeman led a team on a 6 week canoe trip in Amazon. They paddled dugout canoes and descended the Samiria River through the heart of the remote Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon.
