Seeking Synchronicity: A Solo Kayak Journey up the Inside Passage

3003 Northwest 66th Street,Seattle WA 98117

23 April, 2023

Description

Seeking Synchronicity: A Solo Kayak Journey up the Inside Passage Begin your evening with bar-b-qued salmon and background music, and then take a journey with Susan Conrad: Put any human in a tiny vessel and send them up a perilous 1,200-mile stretch of the Inside Passage of British Columbia and SE Alaska—and they are bound to have stories! Susan Conrad’s stories are not just filled with intrigue and adventure, but they have heart, inspiration, and gratitude. Susan will share stories and images of her 2022 solo, 78-day sea kayak expedition up the Inside Passage from San Juan Island to Sitka, Alaska, comparing and contrasting it with her 2010 expedition. Relive the trip with Susan as she shares experiences of paddling marathon distances for days on end, struggling to interact with the sea on its terms, forging friendships with quirky people in remote locations, pretending not to be intimidated by 700-pound grizzly bears and 40-ton whales, and living her dream. Highlights will include her efforts to raise awareness of British Columbia’s proposed Marine Protected Areas in the Great Bear Rainforest, and retracing the paddle strokes of the late, great Audrey Sutherland, the grand dame of expedition paddling. BIO: Sea kayaking the Inside Passage is Susan Conrad's jam, having completed two approximately 1,200-mile solo through-paddles from Washington State to SE Alaska. She has authored three books about the Inside Passage and loves sharing her personal stories not only to inspire people but to demonstrate the power of self-belief and tenacity in order to accomplish anything you want to in life. She’s happiest with a paddle, a camera, a notepad, or a book in her hands. We are planning a salmon dinner and so need firm RSVPs. Wrist bands will be given at the door for entry. Susan has Exped gear (sleeping bags, sleeping pads) to donate. We also have some goodies from Werner Paddles, and so will set up an informal silent auction or raffle. This will be at the historic Sunset Hill Community center in Seattle. We are pleased to be able to bring attention to this iconic establishment as they are looking to grow their membership and board of directors, post-pandemic. *WWTA offers classes and events both to educate and to raise money as donations.