PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

Number of finger strokes required to type
this guidebook: 884,968

Thirteen years have passed since the first publication of this Inside Passage kayaking guidebook. Though the Passage itself has not changed much, my knowledge and exploration of the territory—and the reports of the many paddlers who have kindly provided feedback and suggestions from their trips—has grown to such an extent that a second updated and revised edition is warranted.

This new edition includes four new, long-distance alternate routes; nine revised maps and four new maps; many new campsites (a few campsites have been deleted); an expanded bibliography and list of resources; more photographs to illustrate the additions; an expanded section on salmon; new sections on eagles, kelp, and WWII along the Northwest Coast; and many corrections, clarifications, and elaborations recommended by paddlers and originating from new sources that came to my attention after our original publication in 2005.

In keeping with new outdoor activity trends, an electronic version of this guidebook is also available to facilitate light loads and quick reference. Now if only electronic reading devices could be made saltwater-proof . . .

Perhaps the most important structural change along the Passage is the resurrection of the old, nearly dead British Columbia Marine Trails Association as the new BC Marine Trails Network. The BCMTN publishes a very detailed, interactive, and information-laden website. With this extremely useful addition, the vision of the Cascadia Marine Trail effectively extends all the way up to Alaska.

Additionally, since the first publication of this guide, a new type of paddle craft has been invented: the stand-up paddleboard. To my knowledge, only the British Columbia portion of the Passage has been successfully traversed in this manner. More and longer attempts will surely follow.

Guidebooks require user feedback. Mistakes need to be corrected, impressions sharpened, reality verified, flights of fantasy grounded, and authors defenestrated from their ivory towers. In recognition of this, I encourage your feedback. Herewith is my contact information:

Robert H. Miller

1740 Oregon

Prescott, AZ 86305

roberthowardmiller@gmail.com