Monday, November 19, 2007

It's over!

I'm tremendously relieved the assessment is over and very pleased, of course, to have passed. Having failed to reach any Americans by phone to tell them the good news (it being 6am or so), I next phoned Rowland Woollven who is a good friend and who we visited at his house near the Falls of Lora on Tuesday. He was thrilled for me and made the hour long drive north to have dinner and celebrate. About 30 seconds after getting off the phone with Rowland, Fiona called to congratulate. Fiona has been my 'tutor' and mentor for the past couple of years and her support and friendship has been awesome. Rowland arrived bearing gifts from both of them - champagne, whiskey, and an exquisite model of an inuit kayak that he made last spring for my first assessment (it's been waiting on his shelf for me to get it right)!

It's really amazing to have friends who are willing to trek so far around the globe to a cold, dark, wet place to help me do this. I can't thank Thom and Lynn enough for supporting this endeavour not once, but twice!!! Brian was a perfect long term student and I owe him big time. Jake made the first trip so much fun and such an adventure. Thanks, guys.

We're all disappointed for Steve, but it's certainly not the end of the road. He's been so generous to us and has made this trip very easy. We spent the whole week chauffeured about (we offered to drive - don't know why he wouldn't let us) in a very large van with a very fine fleet of kayaks in tow. Even in his disappointment, he's funny and entertaining and happy for me. A class act, for sure.

Off to pack. See you all soon!

10 comments:

Axel said...

Congratulations!!!!!
This morning I was there when Justine got a text message from Rowland that you passed! Wow! I am in Anglesey for picking-up kayaks (and some paddling over the weekend). Falls of Lora for L5; what a great venue for your assessment; and close-by 'moral support' and great celebrations I suppose with Rowland.
Axel

Unknown said...

I'm so proud of you! And of myself for knowing you...

derrick said...

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy!!! Congratulations Jen!!!!!

tvcrider said...

Jen,
Bloody good!
Congratulations Jen!!

Greg Stamer said...

Jen, Congratulations!!!

Chris Griffith said...

Some photos of the welcome home celebrations: http://sandiegokayaker.blogspot.com/

Glenna O said...

Jen, WOW!! Congratulations!! What can I say that has not already been said. I think you know what a lasting impression you left with me in 2003. You gave me hope that despite what doctors said, I might be able to be an effective intructor and paddler again. And I can not tell you what an honor it was for me to have the opportunity to teach with you at Ladies of the Lake. Thanks for everything, Jen. I am so very very happy for you!
Glenna

Jo Foley said...

These are belated but heart-felt congratulations, Jen. What an amazing accomplishment! No one at Ladies of the Lake had any question that you were worthy of this level. I do hope to see you around the Great Lakes again; you are always welcome.
Jo Foley

Sea Kayak Mark said...

Congratulations

I'm glad the ranks are swelling

Would be good to talk to you about the process and ask some questions

If you have the time, drop me a line at seakayakmark @ yahoo.co.uk

See you on the ocean sometime :0)

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