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6th Year Returning Guide
This will be Tom's 9th year in the San Juan Islands and 6th year guiding for Outdoor Odysseys. He graduated from Lawrence University in 2003 with a degree in Biology. After graduation Tom spent a year and a half overseas, traveling through India, working for an NGO in Nepal, and teaching elementary students science in the outdoor classroom of the Swiss Alps. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and love of the area, and of paddling, with novices and seasoned paddlers alike. The San Juans now hold a place in his heart and he can't help but return year after year.
In the winter, when not paddling on the ocean or the river he enjoys hiking for deep turns in Utah's Wasatch, the Tetons and the Chugach. This summer, when he isn't on the water, look for him having dinner on the beach with friends or chasing Suzie's Mopeds up Bailer Hill on his bike.
Most amazing outdoor and or wildlife experience you've ever had?
“I would have to say that one of the most amazing wildlife experiences I have had in the San Juans was while we were packing up the boats after breakfast; a seagull with a broken wing had been pacing the shoreline all morning. As I was loading one of the boats I looked up and there was a bald eagle, talons extended, swooping in to snatch the seagull away. It was an amazing example of a predator prey interaction.”
Most amazing whale sighting?
“Last year on an overcast day I was leading a day trip with a family of three. The four of us were practically the only people on the west side of San Juan Island. We were paddling about a hundred feet off the shore to ride the tidal current. Two resident orcas looked as if they were going to pass between us and the shore but instead turned toward us. There was nowhere we could go and so we drifted in the current, rafted together, as the whales dove beneath our boats.” |  |
"I just wanted to let you know what a great time my sister and I had on our trip. It was above and beyond all of our expectations and that was due in no small part to our exceptional guide, Tom Murphy.
He is an excellent guide, story teller, cook, paddler, leader, instructor and all around knowledge of the San Juans. We were blessed with excellent weather and a great group. I have no doubt I will return on another trip in the future. Thank you!!!"
- Guest on 3 Day
San Juan Island Kayak Trip |
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