Ken Campbell, Author at The Last Wilderness

A Guide’s life, redux

Posted by Ken Campbell August 11, 2011 0 Comment 1142 views

I was reading a piece by David Quammen the other day, in which he described his brief career as a guide as demanding “the humility of a chauffeur and the complaisance of a pimp.” Hardly a glowing review of the profession and, to be fair, Mr. Quammen was speaking of his time as a fishing […]

Another plug

Posted by Ken Campbell August 7, 2011 0 Comment 1091 views

I haven’t mentioned these guys enough. One of the good shops – and there aren’t nearly enough of them left. If you are looking for quality gear, or top-of-the-line instruction, or just a place to go and breathe in the finer fumes of kayaking, look no further. Portland Kayak Company has been very good to […]

First weekend in October

Posted by Ken Campbell August 5, 2011 0 Comment 1017 views

I heard from Ned the other day and he is committed to doing the Rainier climb (that I have been talking about all year), on October 6-9. He tore his achilles tendon last winter and I thought he might not be able to do it at all in 2011, but he is coming along well […]

How long Kopachuck?

Posted by Ken Campbell August 4, 2011 2 Comments 1214 views

I saw in the news the other day that the campground at Kopachuck State Park is still closed. Laminated root rot is the culprit, a disease that causes trees to just up and fall over, according to the folks at the State Park brain trust, and the campground is going to remain closed until they […]

Worse things happen at sea

Posted by Ken Campbell August 3, 2011 2 Comments 1019 views

The long-awaited family vacation began yesterday. A decent first day of driving took us to a rest area just outside Yreka, California. And then we hit what you might call a snag. If, by “snag,” you mean a piston through the block. That’s right, the Westy has a blown engine, we’re in a hotel in […]

Summer arrives in the San Juans

Posted by Ken Campbell August 1, 2011 2 Comments 1027 views

Just got back a couple days ago from a great trip to the San Juans, one of the best I’ve ever had. Which is not to say that it was all easy – it wasn’t – just that it ended up a success on every level. Overall, the weather was pretty good, and a couple […]

One year after

Posted by Ken Campbell July 31, 2011 2 Comments 1244 views

A year ago today, Backpackers Supply closed its doors for good. Tacoma still has no outdoor specialty shop (at least, not one that handles paddle sports), and I honestly don’t know how many people actually miss it. There’s got to be a few, right? Hard to say. I miss it. Almost every day.

More scribbling

Posted by Ken Campbell July 29, 2011 0 Comment 1061 views

Just got back from the San Juans last night… still trying to adjust to civilization. It was a great trip, with great weather, an excellent group, a multitude of wildlife and more adventure than I thought it might have. I’ll recap it all later, after I clean up the gear. Meanwhile, here’s the official write-up […]

Best. New. Thing.

Posted by Ken Campbell July 25, 2011 0 Comment 1196 views

OK, it’s been around for a few months now, but seriously, the Kokatat Goretex Lightweight Paddling Suit is the best semi-dry suit ever. Ever. You can read the specs here, and if you’re interested in purchasing one for yourself, send me an email at [email protected] Did I mention that there’s a discount for readers of […]

As spring turns to fall

Posted by Ken Campbell July 23, 2011 0 Comment 1132 views

Glancing through the Peninsula Daily News the other day, I was struck by a stat I hadn’t heard up till now, and I sort of wish I hadn’t. Do you know how long the temperature has been above 80 degrees so far this year? Do you? Would you like to guess? 78 minutes. The sun […]