A Kayak Adventure Like No Other
Out on the wildlife rich waters of the San Juan Islands in Washington State, owner and tour guide Tim Thomsen leads a group of kayak enthusiasts as they take in the breathtaking sights of the regions Orca whales, porpoises, otters, bald eagles and other wildlife.
San Juan Kayak Expeditions, now in its 30th season – resides in the picturesque town of Friday Harbor, Washington. Specializing in multi-day tours, these sea excursions offer 3 and 4 day coastal and island adventures. These trips blend various outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking and kayak sailing into one exciting adventure. Each trip spends a day and a half in Orca whale territory, giving you the most up-close and personal encounter with the whales. If a guided tour is not what you’re seeking, top-of-the-line fiberglass, double sea kayak rentals and gear are available if you prefer to venture out on your own. Kayak rentals are also available for larger groups for reunions, families, scout troops and educational groups. 
Sea Kayak Sailing is another exciting activity, exclusive to San Juan Kayak Expeditions. Specially designed and patented, created by the company’s owner, this sail can enhance your speeds at sea from three to eight knots. This exhilarating sport has been incorporated into the kayak expeditions for the last ten years, and given the right weather conditions, sea kayak sailing can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life.
If you’re looking for that perfect outdoor adventure, one that is truly unique and one-of-a-kind, come and check out San Juan Kayak Expeditions. It’s a trip you’ll talk about for years to come.
For more info on these amazing San Juan Island coastal tours and how you can book your own trip, visit: www.sanjuankayak.com
I often enjoy driving Redondo Beach. It is intriguing to see a group of scuba divers, and wonder what they are doing. Answers came when our family visited the new Marine Science and Technology Center, located on Redondo Beach. This recently built facility is the marine laboratory for Highline Community College. It holds the third largest aquarium in Seattle. Starting June 28th, the MaST center opened to the public every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Admission is complimentary. Donations are always welcome. On our visit we met a very enthusiastic volunteer who explained some of the fish and let the children feed starfish. Hands on activities always attract people–especially little ones. 
Our family settled in Federal Way in the Spring of 2002. The city’s location brought great advantage for us to explore Seattle and the South King County area. As a mother of three children, I often look for attractions in the area. Luckily, I found this great park right in our neighborhood. West Hylebos Wetlands Park is one of the last remaining marsh areas that have not been encroached upon by development. It is a stunning place where you can take your family, friends, or even just go yourself. You will be totally refreshed as you stroll along a boardwalk trail that runs in a quarter-mile loop through the park. This access leads you to 110 acres of wetlands. Within the park you can also appreciate over 50 species of plants, 27 moss, 30 lichens, 30 fungi and six liverworts.
Tillicum Village is the perfect place for a 
Whether you are looking to enjoy Alki Beach and its spectacular view of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from the land or water, Alki Kayak Tours has something to offer. Walk up to the Seacrest Boathouse located at Alki Crab and Fish (1660 Harbor Avenue SW Seattle, WA 98126) to secure kayak tours, kayak classes or inline skate, bicycle, skateboard or fishing boat rentals.
Kayak lessons are available on Thursday nights for basic instruction or Wednesday nights for more advanced training such as how to cartwheel your kayak and self rescue.