In 1966, a 19-year-old California surfer stowed away on the passenger liner the SS Iberia and circumnavigated the world in 79 days. Rick Frey, author of Six Weeks on The Throne, will share his adventures 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at the Allen Public Library.

Along the way Rick quickly garnered lessons regarding shipboard survival and how to circumvent port security officials while he traveled from Hawaii to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, the Suez Canal, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, and the ship's destination, England. Posing as a passenger during the day and sleeping undetected at night, he quickly realized there was only one perilous means to get ashore undetected.

Once he reached Britain Rick encountered a more serious obstacle--a way back to the States without having a passport or even a driver's license. Once again, he stowed away, this time on SS Canberra, to cross the Atlantic and finally reach home.

Six Weeks on the Throne’s 12 action-packed chapters and epilogue provide a narrative of a truly remarkable coming-of-age story.  Asked how that voyage transformed his life, Rick observes, "The adventure taught me that life is impartial; it's your attitude that influences your destiny."

This autobiographical seafaring tale is sure to inspire our audience members to reflect on their own adventures--both taken and not taken.

Admission to the program is free. Can’t be there in person? The program will be streamed live on ACTV. Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV.

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.