Off Beat Interview Series with Faye
Tell us a little about yourself! Where did you grow up?
Daylesford, Australia. Small country town where our father’s were farmers, loggers, factory workers or shopkeepers. Our mothers were mothers, and sometimes textile mill workers too. In 2024 Daylesford was rated (by 309 million reviewers) as the fourth most welcoming tourist destination in the WORLD.
How did you find your way to the river?
Walked downhill to Lake Daylesford and its outlet stream. Threw sticks in the stream and ran alongside as they negotiated miniature waves, drops and holes
If you could be a river super hero, what would you be?
The one that can wave a wand and preserve all streams and forests in a healthy state forevermore. All over the world.
What is your favorite dress up theme?
Don’t have favorites.
What is your ‘go to’ crazy hat night creation?
Whatever Whizzy constructs.
What brought you to Canyons?
Meeting Laura Bechdel, a broken thumb and a potentially hungover guide
How many years have you worked here?
Since 2014?? Not really sure. Missed 3 years due to Covid. Hightailed it back to Australia to ride out the Covid storm with my husband and Aboriginal people in a remote community
What is your favorite thing about Canyons?
The vibrant people and the places we go together
If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?
Let’s go baby.
When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?
Elk
What are your top three favorite camps?
Main Salmon.. Alder, California, Swimming Hole (In season- not too hot but hot enough to jump and swim).
Your favorite hike?
Any off-piste ridge hike
Top three favorite rapids?
I really don’t like to discriminate. Different every trip.
Currently what is your nemesis rapid?
We will see in 2026!!!
What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet?
Kongakuk River in Arctic Alaska.
What do you consider a ‘real’ job?
Every job is a real job. Can’t have your Michelin meal without the dishwasher.
If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?
Necky Jive because that’s what I have. Timeless craft!
What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?
Risotto style rice on the last night because of my Swiss-Italian heritage. My grandmother used to cook it on her wood stovetop. My aunt still cooks on the same stove. …
If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?
Bruce Springsteen. Deliver him to Central Idaho please
What is your most memorable swim in a river?
Kawaura River, NZ. A long swim with a Class 5/6 waterfall looming just downstream
What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?
Make sure I have spare contact lenses in life jacket right side pocket
What is your most valued non river related item that you bring with you on every trip?
Contact lenses.
Similar Posts by The Author:
- Off Beat Interview Series with Mike Hipsher
- The Interior Guide: How to Actually Show Up for Yourself this River Trip
- Internal Hydrology: Why You’re More Watershed Than Human
- Off Beat Interview Series with Clark
- Blogs are Reflections from a Salmon River SUP Adventure
