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PAST EVENTS

2024 PAST EVENTS:

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February 9 & 10, 2024

Wright State University / Adventure Summit Expo

3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, Ohio

Holy Moly, am I ever stoked to be a presenter/panelist/exhibitor at this pivotal event once again, celebrating the spirit of outdoor adventure!

More info here: theadventuresummit.com

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February 15, 7-9 pm

Bellingham Parks & Recreation Travelogue Series

Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA

This will be my first time presenting for this popular armchair series.

All ages are welcome – no need to register. Just bring your curiosity. Light refreshments will be served.
Co-sponsored by Whatcom Museum.

More info

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March 9, 6 pm
She Tells Sea Tales!
Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA


I've been keen to speak at this beloved community event for years and 2024 is my lucky year! In conjunction with International Women's Day, I'll join five other women storytellers, sharing 8 to 10 minutes of heartfelt, real, and raw seafaring stories. This pivotal event showcases all kinds of experiences where women are connected to the water, be it fishing, sailing, tall ships, cruising, paddling, work boats, etc. It sells out every year so be sure to get your tickets early!
Everyone is welcome. Learn more.


March 13, 7:30 pm
Backcountry Essentials
214 W Holly St., Bellingham, WA

Boatloads of thanks to the Bellingham Mountaineers for hosting me at this gathering in Bellingham! Everyone is invited; you do NOT need to be a member to attend. Free event, and as always, there will be some EXPED schwag!

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March 22, 6-7:30 pm
elSage Shop
408 & 410 S 1st St, Mt. Vernon, WA


A visual feast and an evening of fun and camaraderie in one of the coolest businesses in downtown Mt. Vernon!
BYOChair (we'll have a few) and enjoy a screaming fast trip up the Inside Passage as I share my stories and images of my 2022 solo, 78-day sea kayak expedition paddling from San Juan Island to Sitka, Alaska. Space is limited so please RSVP by emailing me at susanmarieconrad@gmail.com 
We'll have snacks and beverages and I'll have a stack of books for sale if ya'all are so inclined to take home a personalized copy.
Some EXPED schwag will be given away too—who doesn't love free stuff?
~ Suggested $10 donation at the door ~


April 20, 6-9 pm
Fundraiser for Washington Water Trails
Wallingford Senior Center, Lower Level of Good Shepherd Center
4649 Sunnyside Avenue, Seattle, WA


Enjoy a scrumptious salmon dinner, silent auction, kindred spirits, and a paddling journey through the Salish Sea!
Learn about a meandering 130-mile trip in 14 (mostly) leisurely days, paddling from Olympia to Lummi Island, Washington. Paddling in my own backyard gave me a better understanding of this “sea between the mountains” and a bigger appreciation for the Cascadia Marine Trail system and the pivotal work WWTA does. Pre-registration required!

Click here for event info and to sign up!

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May 4, 4-6 pm

Mount Baker Club

Bellingham Library, 210 Central Ave., Bellingham, WA

The Mount Baker Club, an uber-active, social, and super fun club is hosting my "Inside Passage Take Two" talk. This is a FREE event, open to ALL (no need to be a member of the Club), and will start promptly at 4 pm, in the downstairs lecture room at our lovely, downtown library. Come on out and experience a fun paddling journey—I promise you won't get your feet wet!

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2023 PAST EVENTS:

 

January 21, 2023, 9 am - Country Living Expo
Stanwood Highschool, WA

DARE TO DREAM BIG is the theme of this year's EXPO, and my first-ever in-person presentation about my 2022 expedition (San Juans to Sitka) kicks it off with a 9 am time slot. This event is a day-long "WinterSchool", offering a plethora of other classes and workshops to experience. Click here for more info and here for class descriptions. Pre-registration required!

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February 4 & 5 pm, 11 - 4:30 - Pop-Up Book & Gift Fair

Herald Building, first floor, 1155 N. State Street, Bellingham

Pop on over and visit me and a host of other local authors this weekend for this FUN & FREE event featuring gifts for Palentine’s and Valentine’s Day in Bellingham! It's been a while since I've stood behind a stack of my books, lucky pen in hand, engaging with other authors, readers, adventurers, and lovers of life. Thanks, Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media for hosting!!

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February 6, 7 pm - Sea Kayak Association of BC (SKABC)

Come ZOOM with me and take a virtual trip up the Inside Passage at SKABC's annual meeting. Everyone is invited and can tune in with this Zoom link on their website. Short safety presentation at 7 pm, then I will take the screen at 7:30.

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February 7, 7 pm - North Sound Sea Kayak Association (NSSKA)

Snohomish PUD headquarters / 2320 California Street / Everett, WA

Please join us for this IN-PERSON event with kindred spirits. Everyone is welcome! "Inside Passage Take Two" (and a bit of synchronicity) is the theme, as I share stories and images from my second through-paddle up the Inside Passage this past summer.
Registration is required for this FREE event open to EVERYONE.
There will also be a Zoom option. The Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

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February 26, Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival

VIMFF, (celebrating its 26th anniversary!) is a ten-day, multi-media event that includes international outdoor films, live presentations, photo exhibitions, workshops, and seminars. I am proud to be sharing my live presentation, along with a workshop on expedition planning earlier that day. Details HERE!

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March 8, 4-6 pm, The Center for Wooden Boats
1010 Valley Street, Seattle, WA

Worth Avenue Yachts invites everyone to this FREE gala two-hour happy hour on Lake Union. Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity are what make International Women's Day impactful. I'm proud to be part of this collective effort as a speaker at this pivotal event. Come learn about my efforts to give back to the fragile marine ecosystems I've been exploring for years, and my quest to follow in the paddle strokes of a late, legendary female explorer whose paddle was finally laid to rest when she was nearly 90 years old! RSVP HERE!

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March 10-12, Canoecopia, Madison, WI

Major WOW factor here folks!! To be a guest speaker at the WORLD'S LARGEST PADDLESPORTS EXPO is an incredible honor! The event organizers will be publishing the full speaker schedule in February so check back for details.

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April 14, 6:30-8:30, Mountain Luxury Grand Hall/Peddlers Cafe

3632 Wolf Creek Drive, Eden, Utah

Woot Woot! Yet another uber-cool venue where I get to share my crazy stories! 

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April 23, 6-10 pm, Washington Water Trails

Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 Northwest 66th Street, Seattle

Salmon BBQ, EXPED and WERNER paddles door prizes and raffle items, (silent auction), music, merriment, and a slideshow presentation about my recent journey. Please join us at the historic clubhouse in Ballard. RSVP required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seeking-synchronicity-a-solo-kayak-journey-up-the-inside-passage-tickets-569961378827

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May 13, 2 pm, Maritime Speaker Series

Anacortes Public Library / Anacortes Waterfront Alliance

1220 10th Street, Anacortes, WA

I'm honored to be included in this lineup of marine-oriented activities in one of my favorite coastal communities. After all, Anacortes is where I took the first strokes of my 2010 expedition! This time around, I'll be talking about my 2022 journey, paddling from Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, to Sitka, Alaska. Free event. Everyone is welcome!

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May 26, 5-8 pm, 13 Ravens Coffee

Downtown Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Come chill on Island Time and kick off Memorial Day Weekend in STYLE. Live music, EXPED giveaways, food, and non-alcoholic beverages followed by my slideshow presentation "Seeking Synchronicity: A Solo Kayak Journey up the Inside Passage." All this at THE COOLEST COFFEE SHOP in the San Juan Islands! 

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August 15, 6 pm, Ketchikan Public Library

1110 Copper Ridge Lane, Ketchikan, ALASKA

I'm bringing my presso to Alaska! Ketchikan plays a big part in my story and I'm thrilled to be hosted by the lovely library in this town (at the top of a VERY steep hill with a ginormous view). This event is also in cahoots with Parnassus Books, one of my all-time FAV independent bookstores. Ketchikan is especially poignant for me as this is where I began recreating Audrey Sutherland's paddle route, and had the opportunity to spend time with Michelle Masden (Island Wings Air Service), Aud's #1 favorite bush pilot. Talk about synchronicity!

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Sept 8-10, Wooden Boat Festival

Port Townsend, WA

I'm excited to have been invited back to the Olympic Peninsula for this amazing event: the largest wooden boat festival in North America. Last year was such a hoot and this year promises to be even better. I'll have an author table and will be sharing stories and images about kayaking the Inside Passage. https://woodenboat.org/

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November 8, 6:30 pm, Hole in the Wall Paddling Club 

Breazeale Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview Edison Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 

Always a hoot to speak at one of several local paddling clubs' monthly meetings. Social starts at 6:30, presso at 7. Everyone is welcome!

Link to event HERE.

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November 19, 2-4 pm, Woman Boaters of the Salish Sea

Squalicum Yacht Club, 2633 S Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham, WA

Come hang with kindred spirits who love to mess about in boats.

$5 cover charge with proceeds going to the Community Boating Center. Open to everyone! EXPED door prizes and a seafaring adventure slideshow about paddling the Inside Passage.

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2022 PAST EVENTS:

November 26, 12:30 pm - BC Marine Trails Via ZOOM

Inside Passage Take TWO! I'll be sharing all new fodder focusing on my 2022 sea kayak expedition at BCMT's annual meeting. Everyone is invited but must register in advance HERE to receive the Zoom link. 

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November 29, 6-9 pm -  Millhouse, 2515 N. Proctor St, Tacoma
As part of the evening's festivities, I'll be giving a 20-minute presentation about my experience as a volunteer at the Cape Decision Lighthouse on Kuiu Island in SE Alaska and tieing it in with my 2022 expedition up the Inside Passage. This is the Ikkatsu Project's annual fundraising event & this year looks to be a fantastic evening. A great time with friends new & old, an excellent menu of food & drinks, live music, and a raffle filled with a variety of amazing prizes. See you there!

 

September 9 & 10, Wooden Boat Festival, Port Townsend, WA!

Yes, I'm a wee bit stoked to be speaking at the largest wooden boat festival in North America! There is SO MUCH to see and do at this 3-day event. You can read all about it, including this year's schedule, highlights, and opportunities to get on the water at https://woodenboat.org/

And you can learn more about my two topics here:

Sept 9 @ 11:30: How to Pack a Kayak for Multi-Day Trips

Sept 10 @ 10:30 A Journey of the Sea & Soul

 

March 27th, 2022, 11 am IN-PERSON Story Time at Kingfisher Bookstore on Whidbey Island. With the ocean literally at our backs and a cozy reading room, this is sure to be a fun event for all ages. No registration required—just mosey over to 16 Front St. NW in lovely downtown Coupeville, WA.

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December 4th, 11 am / IN-PERSON Story Time at my favorite local bookstore, Village Books! Bring your adventurous little ones for this fun and frolicking good time. Come to the Readings Gallery at Village Books - 1200 11th Street, Bellingham, WA (lower level)
FREE. Registration required. 
Click here for tickets and more info

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December 1st, 4pm Zoom Zoom on the deep ocean blue with me and the Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network. I'll be sharing stories and images from my 2010 solo Inside Passage Journey. To attend, you'll need to join the MeetUp group in advance. Once you've joined you will receive the Zoom login info.

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November 17th, 5:30 pm I'm teaming up with writer Abbe Rolnick to offer tips, tricks, advice, and inspiration from the trenches IN PERSON at Cascade Pizza in Bellingham, WA. We will share our unique approaches and respective journeys navigating the uncharted waters of the KidLit world as part of the Whatcom Writers and Publishers speaker series. All aspiring writers and illustrators welcome! Social starts at 5:30, presso at 6:15. Food and drink available for purchase. 2431 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA

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May 5th, 7 pm Come Zoom with me —on a paddling journey through the Salish Sea! Last summer I dipped my paddle in the waters of the Nisqually Reach near Olympia, WA, and spent 14 days meandering my way to Lummi Island, a stone's throw from the Canadian border. My journey, crafted in the ethos of the ultimate “staycation” gave me a better understanding of this “sea between the mountains” and a bigger appreciation for Washington State's Cascadia Marine Trail system. I will share stories and images in a 50-minute slideshow presentation and offer tips and tricks to planning and executing the journey yourself.

Hosted by Nanaimo Paddlers, Vancouver Island, BC.

 

March 18th, 7 pm Tune in via ZoomI'll be sharing my solo two-week paddling journey from Olympia to Lummi Island — the "ultimate staycation." Learn about the Salish Sea and the Cascadia Marine Trail System. Hosted by (and a fundraiser for) Washington Water Trails

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2020 PAST EVENTS:

January 27, 2:15 pm - Women's Day at The Seattle Boat Show, CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. South,
Seattle. 
Come on down ladies (and gents) and get in on all kinds of festivities, including ten free presentations on boating. I'll take the stage at 2:15 in the North Hall. The entire day is FREE for ladies!

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February 8, 2 pm - National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Whatcom Middle School, 810 Halleck St., Bellingham, WA.
Communities across the country are hosting events during the first week of February to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honor the progress and continuing struggle for equality for women in sports. I'm excited to be one of several speakers at our regional event in Bellingham! Hosted by Prime Sports Institute. Activities will include mini skill sessions, an obstacle course, a photo booth, art wall, inspiring speakers, and more. 
Local sports programs, businesses and organizations will be in attendance with information to highlight opportunities for girls to participate in events, races, and programs in our area. Door prizes and raffle items galore! Event admission is FREE and open to all ages

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March 28 - 29, 10:30 - 5:30 - Planning and Executing an Inside Passage or Other Paddling ExpeditionREI Seattle, 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle. Once again, I'll be offering a comprehensive two-day workshop on how to plan and execute an Inside Passage Adventure. Although specific to sea kayaking the Inside Passage, the principles of adventure planning will apply to any destination, conveyance, or time frame. This is, in part, a fundraiser for Washington Water Trails a non-profit organization that protects and promotes public access to Washington waterways, shorelines, and marine trails for human-powered watercraft.

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April 4 - 5, 9am - 5pm, Planning and Executing an Inside Passage or Other Paddling Expedition, Grantham Hall, 6040 Island Highway, British Columbia. I get to take my two-day comprehensive workshop on how to plan and execute multi-day paddling adventures to Vancouver Island! Hosted by the Comox Valley Paddlers Club​! Everyone is welcome! A portion of the proceeds will help support BC Marine Trails and the Kus-kus-sum Watershed project. A yummy and healthy buffet-style lunch is included in the price.
 

2019 PAST EVENTS:

February 20, 6 pm - The Skin Care Lounge Salon & Spa, 7009 265th St NW, Ste 105A, Stanwood, WA.  Ladies, please join us for the Spa's "Chase Your Dreams" series. There's a first for everything and I have a sneaky feeling that this Ladies Adventure Night is going to be a HOOT! 

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March 7, 10:30 am - Pacific Lutheran University, Morken Room 103, Tacoma, WA. Learning Is ForEver (LIFE) is a Lifetime Learning Institute, and I am totally onboard with their belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives. They believe that sharing new ideas, challenges and experiences is rewarding in every season of life. I'm honored that they've chosen me to share my life experiences as part of their winter speakers' series. Join in on our spirit of camaraderie and adventure in a relaxed environment. Open to the public with a nominal cover charge. 

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March 11, 5:30 - 7 pm - McMenamins Theatre, 700 NW Bond St., Bend, Oregon. Please join us at the warm and cozy (and infamous!) McMenamins Theatre for a lively evening of fun and entertainment. This event is a fundraiser for the Coalition for the Deschutes, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the Deschutes river. Door prizes, raffle drawing, music and merriment! Oh, yea, and lots of crazy stories and images about my Inside Passage journey. Special thanks to Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe, Ebersold Distribution and EXPED for making this event a reality!

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March 12, 12 pm - Sisters Library, 110 N Cedar St, Sisters, Oregon. Rounding out my Oregon tour will be a fun early afternoon with the Sisters community at their beautiful public library. Special thanks to Hikes 'n Peaks for co-collaborating on this event! 

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April 5, 7 pm - Bellingham Technical College, Settlemeyer Hall - 3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA. Now THIS is going to be FUN! I'm a vendor at the 2019 World Tour Paddling Film Festival, which means I'll be there with a stack of books and some EXPED giveaways. Stop by before or after the films and say hi! 

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April 6 & 7, 10:30 - 5:30 - REI Bellingham, 400 36th St., Bellingham, WA. For the first time, I'll be offering a comprehensive two-day workshop on how to plan and execute an Inside Passage Adventure. Although specific to sea kayaking the Inside Passage, the principles of adventure planning will apply to any destination, conveyance, or time frame. 

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April 23, 6 pm - Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N,  Room #202
Seattle, WA. 6:00pm - Pizza, potluck and social hour. Show starts at 7pm. Suggested Donation: $15
I'm so excited to be collaborating once again with Washington Water Trails Association (WWTA). Take advantage of this great opportunity to support WWTA's advocacy and stewardship efforts and catch my talk at this beautiful stone building in Seattle's historic Wallingford district. 

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April 26-28, all day - Chanticleer Authors Conference, Hotel Bellwether,1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA. I’ll be presenting at this conference, speaking on various panels, passing the torch at the gala awards ceremony, and participating in the 2-day Book Fair. Come see me for an autographed copy or just to chat! The Book Fair is free and open to the public.

 

October 3, 7 pm, The Lion’s Den, 1729 Comox Ave, Comox, British Columbia. On a scale of 1-10, I'm about a 12 as far as being stoked to share my stories and images with the Comox Valley Paddlers Club​! Everyone is welcome! Small donation suggested to help support BC Marine Trails. I can't think of a better way to end my ten-day trip exploring beautiful Vancouver Island. I hope to see some of my Canadian peeps there!

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October 8 , 6 pm, Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, Delaware. In partnership with possibly the coolest bookstore east of the Mississippi — Broweseabout Books — this gathering is part of Lewes' city-wide "One Book/One Community" event. 

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October 10-13, all day, every day - Delmarva Paddler's Retreat, Lewes, Delaware. Holy Cow, skinny sticks, here I come! Delmarva is an an annual gathering where Greenland-style sea kayakers celebrate the origins of kayaking and hone traditional kayaking techniques and skills. Whether you are looking to learn your first kayak roll, build your own kayak, or develop an understanding of advanced traditional techniques, and so much more, the Delmarva Paddlers Retreat is the place to do it. This will be its 31st year! I'm stoked to be part of the action, and be one of this event's many speakers. Who knows, I just may end up with a Greenland-style paddle by the time they are done with me! More info here: delmarvapaddlersretreat.org
This is going to be Delmarvelous!! 

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2018 PAST EVENTS:

January 8, 2018, 7 pm - Sunrise Community Association Hall, 1950 Windermere St., Vancouver, BC. I'm heading north again (yah!) to share my stories and images with members of SKABC (Sea Kayak Association of British Columbia) Their monthly meetings are open to the general public.

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February 9 & 10 - Wright State University / Adventure Summit Expo, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, Ohio. Holy Moly, am I ever stoked to be a presenter/panelist/exhibitor at this pivotal event celebrating the spirit of outdoor adventure! More info here: theadventuresummit.com

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February 24, 1 pm - Bellingham Ferry Terminal / Recreation Northwest EXPO, 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham WA. Demos, speakers, exhibits, FUN throughout the day. I kick off the first of four adventure speakers sharing their stories and images downstairs in the Alaska ferry terminal where my 2010 journey ended! Come for the day if you can! 

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March 9, 6:30 & 8 pm - Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, 6000 Glacier Spur Rd., Juneau, Alaska. I'm so honored to have been selected as a presenter in the USDA Forest Service's popular Fireside Chat Series, in the town where I took my last strokes of the expedition. Two showings! 

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March 20, 6:30 pm - Wa-Ke Hatchee Park Recreation Center,16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers, Florida, in collaboration with the Blueway Speaker Series.

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March 31, 7 pm - Lummi Island Library, 2144 S. Nugent, Lummi Island, WA. (right across from the ferry dock!) I just LOVE these smaller, cozy gatherings. Unless you're an islander, you'll have to take the Whatcom Chief to get here—it's only a 7-minute sailing. Come visit "the Rock" and sit for a spell. Hosted by Friends of the Library / Whatcom County.

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April 5, 6 pm - Southern Oregon University Student Union, 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR. This is where I first got bit by the kayak bug! Many moons ago, as a journalism student at SOU, a lineup of colorful whitewater kayaks and rafts led me to the campus Outdoor Program. I stuck my head in their inviting building and inquired "what do you guys do here?" Let's just say the rest is history! I'm super excited to be teaming up with The Outdoor Program, the Women's Resource Center and the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program to bring me back full circle. 

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April 21 & 22, 7 pm - Chanticleer Authors Conference, Hotel Bellwether,1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA. I’ll be presenting at this conference, speaking on various panels, attending the gala awards ceremony, and participating in the 2-day Book Fair. Come see me for an autographed copy or just to chat! The Book Fair is free and open to the public. 

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May 30, 6:30 pm - REI Seattle, 222 Yale Ave., Seattle, WA. I'll be coming full circle with this event—my gala book launch party in May of 2016 was at this wonderful venue. Take a trip to the "Emerald City" and come along on a journey of the sea and soul. (super easy, only takes a minute!)

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July 20, 7 pm - Cafe Velo, 120 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA. I'm stoked to be a panelist—and one of three adventuresses—at this uber cool event that's all about inspiring and empowering women to step outside their comfort zone and spend time outdoors. Thanks to Shifting Gears for spearheading this most refreshing topic! A percentage of all Cafe Velo Drink Sales will be donated to Shifting Gears to bring more inspirational and uplifting programs to the Bellingham Community. So make sure you have a drink or two! 

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October 4 - Kayak Adventure, Norwalk, CT - While visiting my mom in upstate NY (and taking in the beautiful New England fall foliage!), I’m detouring to Connecticut for an event with Michele Sorensen, a kayak instructor I met on the Golden Princess in May. Join Michele and me on Long Island Sound for a leisurely afternoon paddle from 3:30-5:30 pm, and/or join us for a Potluck Supper & Slides from 7-9 pm at Michele’s home. Pre-registration is a must! See Sound Kayakers Meetup or Facebook to RSVP, or contact Michele directly at michele@kayak-adventure.net

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October 6 & 7, all day - Outdoor Experience, Dayton, Ohio. How insanely cool is this to be part of the Midwest’s premier outdoor adventure festival! Outdoor activities, demos, competitions, exhibits galore—this is THE place to be the first weekend in October. EXPED is setting me up with some serious schwag, door prizes and raffle items and I'll be giving a "How to Pack a Kayak for a Multi-Day Trip" class on Saturday at 4 pm. Get PUMPED up by watching this short video

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October 25, 6 pm - Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Drive., Oak Harbor, WA. I love speaking at libraries, especially libraries on islands! This one is on Whidbey Island and you don't need a boat to get here (but you can certainly come that way if you desire!).

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November 29, 6:30 pm - REI Portland, 1405 NW Johnson St., Portland, OR. This kicks off the first of three Oregon events this fall. So cool to be back "down south." Walk-ins are absolutely welcome, and the event is FREE. However we'd reeeeallly appreciate it if you'd take a quick minute and register online. Super easy and helps us plan the evening. Thanks!

 

November 30, 6:30 pm - Obsidian Lodge, Spring and East 29th St., Eugene, Oregon. I'm heading south to Oregon again! This time to hang with the hikers—The Obsidians! They're a friendly lot and their meetings are free and open to the public. Potluck at 6:30, program at 7:30.

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December 1, 1:30 pm - Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 9th St., Florence, Oregon. I'm delighted to be returning to this lovely coastal library, this time as one of two featured speakers for Vision Quest's "Get Wild" series.  We are expecting a FULL house so come early for a good seat! 

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2017 PAST EVENTS:

January 4, 2017, 7 pm - Friends’ Meeting Hall, 3201 Boston Harbor Road, Olympia, as part of the Olympia Mountaineers Adventure Speaker Series

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January 11, 2017, 5:30 pm - Nicki’s Bella Marina, 2615 S Harbor Loop Drive,  Bellingham. TOPIC: From Noah’s Ark to Narrative Arc: Turning Your Adventure into a Book.  PLEASE NOTE: This is part of the Whatcom Writer’s & Publishers monthly Dinner & Speaker Series. This is an educational workshop so not my typical slideshow presentation. Cost: FREE but please RSVP (non-members are asked to join if attending more than 2 meetings per year). Food: Order drinks and food from the menu.

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January 19, 2017, 7 pm - Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA, hosted by the Washington Kayak Club. PLEASE NOTE: This will be a compendium of paddling adventures up the Inside Passage with my partner Ben Wells, revisiting many places I experienced on my solo 2010 trip. Highlights include tiptoeing amongst the swells of Dixon Entrance, sneaking around the infamous Cape Caution, and enjoying Alaska's finest brew pubs. Hear about our encounters with pea-soup fog, nautical ghost towns, minefields of boomers, stunning sandy beaches, wolves, bears, whales, spawning salmon, and amazing people. Copies of INSIDE will be available for purchase. Free event open to the public.

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January 21, 2017, 12:30 pm - Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, 9501 U.S. Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park, Florida. Hosted by the Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers. Everyone welcome!

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January 24, 2017, 6:30 pm - Wa-Ke Hatchee Park Recreation Center,16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers, Florida, in collaboration with the Blueway Speaker Series.

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January 27, 2017, 6:30 pm -  REI Jacksonville, 4862 Big Island Drive, Florida.

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January 28, 2017, 1:00 pm -  REI Jacksonville, 4862 Big Island Drive, Florida.

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February 4, 2017, 8 am - 4:15 pm - Langley, WA - Whidbey Island, South Whidbey High School. In conjunction with Sound Waters University and Sound Waters Stewards. Choose from a large number of sessions taking place all day! My presentation on the Inside Passage starts at 1:30 pm. If you love the Puget Sound you will love this exciting annual event — LOTS to see and do!

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February 7, 2017, 7:00 pm - Cedar Cottage Pub, Vancouver, BC, 3728 Clark Drive. In collaboration with the Vancouver Skiers. Come early for a lively happy hour with this fun-loving bunch!

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February 21, 2017, 6:30 pm - Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham, WA. Thanks to the Whatcom Association of Sea Kayaking Enthusiasts (WAKE) for hosting me! Social starts at 6:30, program at 7. Open to the public. Free event.

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March 8, 2017, 7:00 pm - Sequim Public Library, 630 North Sequim Avenue, Sequim, WA. I’m honored to be giving this presentation to the Olympic Peninsula Paddlers (OPP). This free event is open to the public. 

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March 31-April 2 - Chanticleer Authors Conference, Hotel Bellwether,1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA. I’ll be presenting at this conference, speaking on various panels, and participating in the 3-day Book Fair. Come see me for an autographed copy or just to chat! The Book Fair is free and open to the public. My presentation takes place at 10:20 am on Saturday in the Compass Room at the Hotel Bellwether, and is open to registered conference goers. My Life as an Unconventional Book Tour – Gone are the days where an author simply reads, opens the floor to Q&A, and then signs books. Your audience craves engagement, and you want them to leave with your book in their hands—and with vivid memories in their minds. Learn how to: find your audience, generate clever promotions and land the venues you want, organize and present a killer book tour and not go broke doing it, set the mood, engage and dazzle your audience, and more.

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April 11 - 7 pm - REI Eugene, 306 Lawrence St, Eugene, Oregon.

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April 12 - 6 pm - Northwest Outdoor Store, 980 Biddle Rd, Medford, Oregon. Free event but come early as space is LIMITED! Oregon microbrews, wine, kombucha and a variety of hot and cold snacks will be available for purchase! Enjoy the uber cool vibe in this locally-owned outdoor store while learning all about my epic adventure!

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April 13, 6:30 pm - REI Medford, 85 Rossanley Drive, Medford, Oregon. 

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April 18, 7 pm - Bloomsbury Books, 290 East Main St., Ashland, Oregon. Seating is limited in this most lovely bookstore so please come early.

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April 27, 6 pm - Sound Bikes and Kayaks, 120 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA. Come early for this special event! Festivities start at 6 pm at Sound Bike and Kayak with refreshments, door prizes, live music, discounts on kayaks and paddling gear, and an author meet ‘n greet with advanced book signings. Suggested $10 donation at the door benefits the The Mended Orphans and Widows Fund. More door prize giveaways, raffle and slideshow presentation will begin at 7 pmnext door at Studio Bobs. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. SPECIAL NOTE: Wear a visible piece of paddling gear (helmet, PFD, sprayskirt, mukluks, etc) to the event and automatically receive TWO FREE raffle tickets!

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April 29, 9am-3pm - Nanaimo Publishing Fair, 101 Gordon St, Nanaimo, BC. I’m excited to be included as an exhibitor at this event, as part of the 4-day Nanaimo Spring Writes Festival. Much to see and do. If you find yourself on “the big island” during the last weekend in April, swing by my booth at the convention center!

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May 2, 6:30 pm - Playback Sports, 105 E. Stewart Ave. Puyallup, WA

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May 23, 7pm - Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 McPhillips Ave, Salt Spring Island, BC. Co-hosted by Salt Spring Paddlers, Salt Spring Books, and Salt Spring Library. Hop a ferry if you need to; it’s going to be a grand—and salty—affair! 

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May 24, 7 pm - Robinson’s Outdoor Store, 1307 Broad Street, Victoria, BC. LOVE this town, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to present at this premier outdoor store. Pre-registration is appreciated. Bring the family! 

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June 12, 3-5 pm - Hearthside Books, 254 Front St., Juneau, AK. I’ll be pulling up a chair at Juneau’s one and only bookstore for a sidewalk signing. Think SUNSHINE! 

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July 19, 6:30 pm - Ketchikan Public Library, Ketchikan, Alaska. 110 Copper Ridge Ln, Ketchikan, AK. I’m saddled up with Southeast Sea Kayaks, Parnassus Books, and the Ketchikan Public Library on this one. Free event—just bring your sense of adventure!

 

October 16, 5:30 pm - Klahhane Club House, Port Angeles, (near Lake Dawn, just off Hurricane Ridge Road). Potluck and social hour, followed by slideshow presentation.

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October 25, 6:30 pm - Arlington Public Library, 135 N Washington Ave, Arlington, WA. So happy to have this opportunity to speak at MY local library! Supported by Friends of the Arlington Library and the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation. Please come early as seating will be limited!

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November 11, 10 am - 2 pm - Mount Baker Theatre's Encore Room, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, WA. I'm excited to participate in the 3rd Annual Bellingham Holiday Book Festival. Come on in and meet and support local authors. Give the gift of reading this holiday season! Over 100 titles representing most genres. Free admission.

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November 20, 6 pm - Sports Basement Presidio, 610 Old Mason Street, San Francisco, CA. California here I come! This uber cool location is right by the Golden Gate Bridge. The event is free and will be held in their "Community Area." Register here on Eventbrite.

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November 21, 7 pm - REI Berkeley, 1338 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA. 

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