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Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month
(except June, July, August, and December)
7:00 p.m. at the Mercer Island Community Center.

2015-2016 Meeting Schedule

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September 29, 2015 - Raja Ampat: Kayaking in Indonesia's Island Paradise

Imagine paddling in Raja Ampat, a spectacular island paradise with 1500 limestone islands to explore, some of which have vast subterranean caves, full of incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Since only subsistence fishing by local villagers is allowed in the area, the ecosystem is largely undisturbed, sheltering one of the world's highest concentrations of marine biodiversity.

Our speaker is Matt Edwards, known to many of our members as the senior guide on our trip to Fiji last year. In this talk, he will not only share information about Raja Ampat, but also tell us about his kayaking adventures in Antarctica and elsewhere.

October 27, 2015 - Croatia: Kayaking the Elafiti Archipelago

Join SSKC member Jeannie Nahan as she describes her kayaking trip to Croatia this summer. Using a tour company, she and her family kayaked in the Elafiti Islands, a group of 13 islands north of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." In addition to paddling the bluest sea in the world, her family enjoyed swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumps, and hiking along old trails to hilltop fortress. Come learn more about Croatia's wonderful walled cities, fabulous Mediterranean food, and friendly, laid-back culture.

November 24, 2015 - Kayaking Lake Superior

Did you know the US has a major inland sea that offers lots of kayaking fun, where you can paddle, hike and swim in the wilderness without the complications of salt water or tide charts?

This summer, members Ann Kruse and Curt Mobley took a month-long road trip to Lake Superior, where they discovered wonderful kayaking in Isle Royal National Park and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. At our November meeting, we'll see slides of sea caves, rocky shores and remote campsites, learn about the logistics, and start imagining new adventures there.

December 2015 - No Meeting

January 2016 - The Annual Trip-Planning Party

No, it's not a meeting as such - but it is probably the club's most important event of the year: our annual trip planning party. Know of a spectacular vista? Have an idea for a fun, community-oriented paddle? Want to share your favorite rock garden? Just want to learn more about what's involved in leading a trip? Come! Have pizza with us! Urban Duwamish explorer, Olympic Peninsula surfer, Friday Harbor daytripper, or hardcore WWTA trekker - it doesn't matter. We need all levels of participation, and would love for you to come.

February 23, 2016 - Outdoors for All Foundation

Come learn about the Outdoors for All Foundation and its kayaking programs. Outdoors for All is a local organization with a national reputation as a leader in helping people with disabilities to enjoy outdoor recreation. Sara Ramsay, OfA Program Manager, will present on its kayaking programs. Sara will also have information about how to volunteer and get involved with Outdoors for All's programs, both on the water and off!

March 29, 2016 - Turkey: Paddling the Turquoise Coast

Come hear SSKC member Marlla Mhoon talk about the trip she organized in Turkey, a country of ancient underground cities, Whirling Dervishes, The Blue Mosque and of course thirteen days of kayaking and hiking along the spectacular Turquoise Coast.

April 26, 2016 - Kayak Expeditioning

New to kayak camping... or a grizzled veteran? Come one, come all, for practical tips from Tom Unger, an experienced kayak expeditioner. These are the type of "lessons learned" that don't appear in the guidebooks!

You'll likely come away with ideas where to go next, especially if you're interested in longer trips or expanding your range. Not sure if you have the skills? Tom will talk about appreciating the skills you already have, and discuss further skills you may want to develop.

May 31, 2016 - Kayaking the Aleutians

Join SSKC for "movie night": the "Kayaking the Aleutians" DVD, plus in-person commentary by 2 gals of our own. A year ago, several of us attended a presentation by this British filmmaker, Justine Curgenven, when she visited Seattle. Justine is a world-renowned sea kayaker. The remarkable film shows the truly thrilling adventures of 2 gals who set out to sea kayak the entire chain of the Aleutian islands in Alaska.

June 28, 2016 - OUR ANNUAL PICNIC

The Social Event of the season is on Tuesday, June 28. We gather between 5:00 and 6:00 P.M. and the pizza arrives at 6:30 P.M. (Hint: don't be too late or it will be all gone). Come to Magnuson Park on Lake Washington and look for shelter #1. Some of us will be coming early to hold the table.

 July - August, 2016 - Gone Paddling!!!! See you in September.