Talking Story Archives - Page 44 of 114

Worse things happen at sea

Posted by Ken Campbell August 3, 2011 2 Comments 952 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 952 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 1160 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 983 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 1106 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 1060 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 […]

Little pink hearts

Posted by Ken Campbell July 22, 2011 0 Comment 1170 views

I went to the hearing in Port Angeles yesterday. There were times I had trouble following exactly what was going on. (I must have missed that day at law school.) Fortunately, there are other people, smarter than I, who were there as well. And they took notes. Here’s the synopsis I got in my in […]

Packing for the islands

Posted by Ken Campbell July 21, 2011 0 Comment 1044 views

I have a San Juan trip leaving in a couple of days. It’s a 5-day affair, and it looks like we’ll be spending most of our time in the northern tier (Sucia, Patos, and so on). I love that section of the islands, but I’m not sure there’s five days of paddling up there and […]

Defying gravity, again

Posted by Ken Campbell July 20, 2011 0 Comment 1092 views

The Mount Rainier story continues. My summer of elevation gain. I can’t remember now whether the whole thing was my idea or not – it probably was – but once these things get started, they take on a life of their own. I will say that I am greatly enjoying writing it up for visitrainier.com. […]

Remembering

Posted by Ken Campbell July 19, 2011 1 Comment 1130 views

I haven’t gone to the last couple of hearings in the ongoing saga of the State v. Amber Steim. Scheduling conflicts of one sort or another have conspired to keep me away, but I have not lost sight of what happened that Sunday morning this past March on the highway near Port Angeles. Of course, […]