Blog Archives

It’s called "wildlife"

Posted by Ken Campbell August 12, 2011 0 Comment 1226 views

First of all, I need to say that the killing of Robert Boardman was an absolute and undeserved tragedy. He was the hiker that was gored to death by an aggressive and hostile goat on Klahane Ridge last October. I feel for his family in their loss and I can only imagine their grief. But […]

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 […]