World class paddler

Beth Geismar, 48, has made her way around much of the world, is accomplished at rowing — including winning bronze and gold medals at the 2002 World Masters Games in Australia, skis, bikes, paddles whitewater, sings in the Rogue Valley Peace Choir, and has her own travel company. In addition, Beth is also married (to Torsten Heycke) and is the mother of two teenage daughters (Hanna, 14 and Kira, 13). Following a morning row on Emigrant Lake, Beth explains how she does it . . . and why.

Beth: Torsten and I feel like we're living a life we chose, and that's a great thing. Moving from Palo Alto to Ashland in 1998 allowed us to work at home on a part-time basis, and to do the other things that are important to us. You want to live your life in a way that demonstrates--to your children especially--what you value, and even though it sometimes means less money, we feel like we're doing that.

DT: Growing up, what hopes did you have for your future?

Beth: Growing up in New England, I was always encouraged by my parents to pursue my interests, and was always expected to support myself doing so. My expectation was that I would take care of myself, live a good and healthy life, and contribute to my community. My daughter Kira articulated my own lifelong ambitions well, when she said in kindergarten, "when I grow up I want to be a happy person." It always helps when you know that people will love and support you no matter what--something I've always experienced with my parents and Torsten--and it also frees you up, allowing you to take risks you might not otherwise take.

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DT: How have the support and encouragement you've received affected your choices in life?

Beth: My mother was the high school guidance counselor and she told me there would be time and opportunity in my life to have at least two completely different careers. When I turned 30, she recalled the conversation and said that she'd said "two twenty-year careers," not "twenty two-year careers!" In college I majored in biology and environmental studies, and in the summers worked in Alaska and Oregon. After graduation, I went to New Zealand and Australia, thinking I could work in environmental studies at the University of Christchurch. Had I known a work-permit was required I wouldn't have gone, but as it was, I picked up work here and there and had a great time.

Back in the States, I thought I might try architecture as a career and worked in Vermont designing super-insulated homes. Three years later I was invited to move to California and run Stanford's cross-country ski program and I jumped at the opportunity. During my three years doing that I met Torsten.

Eventually, turning 30 and wanting to get a job that didn't require all body parts to work perfectly, I started working for the Stanford Alumni Association as a writer and editor. Soon after my daughters were born, I left Stanford to work as a freelance writer/editor, and then later moved on to work for High Country Passage--a company specializing in educational travel and running trips for museums like the Smithsonian and various alumni groups. I got to meet many fascinating people in the process, like lunch with Mary Robinson in Dublin and dinner with Jihan Sadat in Cairo. The job was completely flexible--a key with small children, supportive of my travel habit, and also gave me the opportunity to learn it's something I really enjoy and am good at.

I eventually left HCP, but continue to lead trips for them occasionally on a contract basis. I was supposed to lead a dogsled tour to the North Pole a year ago, but that fell through — I'm hoping it happens someday.

DT: In addition to the occasional contract tours, what else are you doing?

Beth: I started my own travel company two years ago, Bonnywind Travel, and led my first trip last year to Venice and Croatia. I love helping people understand other parts of the world, so I focus on educational travel. I hire local study leaders where I can; on an upcoming trip to Patagonia my study leader is an Argentinean who has led natural history tours for 20 years.

As Bonnywind Travel progresses, I hope to hire a few more people, support initiatives like carbon trades to help offset the environmental impact of our travel, and to support sustainable development in the countries we visit.

DT: Please tell us about your interest in rowing.

Beth: I started rowing in college in the mid 1970s, and did well nationally. I've continued rowing with various groups throughout the years, and helped launch the Ashland Rowing Club in 2000. In the past seven years, the Ashland Rowing Club has expanded to more than 100 members of all ages. We run programs for juniors, youth at risk, adaptive rowing, and recreational rowing and racing coaching for men and women.

The opportunity to train and race hard, the experience of sitting on the lake and watching eagles fly, and sharing something I love with others gives me so much joy.

DT: Anything else you'd like to pursue?

Beth: Singing with the Rogue Valley Peace Choir in Hiroshima last year on August 6th--the anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb--made me realize I want to commit myself more to furthering peace. I've experienced so many different things, and had the opportunity to travel to so many magical places, but it all seems to pale in comparison to the value of sharing the meaning of that experience.

In addition, I'd like to someday start a foundation that raises money to fund women in business who have no resources, starting in the US and then moving abroad. And maybe, before I get too old, I'll ski across some mountain ranges and kayak around the entire United States!

ABOVE: Beth Geismar poses for a snapshot with fellow team members following a rowing competition in Seattle last year. Pictured from left are Paula Backus, Beth, Jennifer Stoke, and Diane Green. TOP: After several years in the travel industry, including leading tours for the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History, Beth Geismar began her own travel company, Bonnywind Travel. Last year she led a trip to Venice, Italy (pictured at top), and this Fall she is planning a tour of Patagonia. For more information, visit www.bonnywindtravel.com. Submitted photos

To learn more about Bonnywind Travel, go to www.bonnywindtravel.com and for more information on the Ashland Rowing Club or the Rogue Valley Peace Choir, visit www.ashlandrowingclub.org and www.sing4peace.org

Debi Smith is an Ashland based freelance writer. She may be reached at debi@mind.net