Lessons learned from a first trip to Alaska

(And I would sail 500 miles, and I would sail 500 more . . .) We left Denali by train, taking a scenic railroad car with a glass top to Fairbanks, our last Alaskan stop.  It was just a place to sleep for us:  We were on an early morning flight back to Seattle and [...]

Read Full Post »

Of Kittiwakes and Kayaks

I have no actual photographic proof that I kayaked on Prince Williams Sound—unless you count this t-shirt: I grabbed a disposable camera to bring on the excursion, but unfortunately, in my haste, I picked one with no shots left.  Ah, film cameras.  I’m out of the habit. So I’ll have to rely on other people’s [...]

Read Full Post »

Can you get there from here? Part II: Whittier

  In June this year, I took an Introduction to Sea Kayaking lesson from Chicago Kayak in the calm, delightful, and little-known Skokie Lagoons.  It was fabulous.  I learned about equipment, practiced a few strokes, and survived an overpowered hip snap that unexpectedly turned into a 360 degree roll, a wet exit, and a T [...]

Read Full Post »