The top of the Juans

Posted by Ken Campbell September 9, 2010 0 Comment 872 views

I have two guiding trips scheduled over the course of the next eight days. Both based out of Sucia Island, one 3-day and one 4-day. It’s a recipe for burnout, sticking trips together like this, but it’s the end of the season, they’re a couple of excellent groups and I am lucky to be able to do it at all.

I am always pleased to return to the northern San Juans, those strange, rocky islands at the top of the chart. I am still pleasantly startled by the notion of standing in the US, and looking south into Canada. Doesn’t match up with the geography in my head… it’s not unexpected, but still disorienting. I can’t wait for the paddle to Patos, that last sandstone bastion on the edge of the nation, perched amid the swirling waters of Boundary Pass. (Tumbo Island just 2 miles away, just 30 minutes of steady paddling at slack, and you can be in a whole different country. Try it some time.)

No updates from the field. I’m still not so savvy, not so connected. I should be back in a week.

About Ken Campbell

View all post by Ken Campbell

New Release


A story of sea kayaking and science on the rugged coast of Alaska. Coming – Spring 2014.

Follow Us On Instagram

Follow me on Instagram

Blog Archives