L E T T E R F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T
Plenty to Smile About
SUMMER COULDN ’ T COME FAST
ENOUGH for me , and I vowed to make better use of my free time by doing one of the things I most enjoy : exploring the San Juan
Islands .
I ’ m an avid salmon fisherman and I love to catch shrimp and crab . Those pursuits are prime for the islands and my family has enjoyed our share of Pacific Northwest seafood . Throw in cruising around the islands in my boat , and I ’ m a happy guy . So far this summer , I ’ ve been smiling a lot .
This past July I committed to exploring places in the islands I ’ ve always wanted to , but never made time for . Which is how I found myself at the top
Todd Banks , President
of Mount Constitution with my wife . It was a perfect bluebird day and we rode our bikes from Rosario to the top of the mountain , which rises nearly a halfmile above Orcas Island . Sitting at the top , a stone tower that was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps awaits . At the top there ’ s a stone tower . Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps , it ’ s a replica of Russian watchtowers constructed in the Caucasus during the 12th century . The added height affords stunning views that will leave you in awe .
From the tower we were greeted with striking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca , Mount Baker and Canada . We even caught glimpses of Orcas . It was a memorable trip that was capped jorge cavello photo off with an incredible brunch at the Outlook Inn , located a short distance from Moran State Park in Eastsound . It was a reminder of why so many of our passengers love to spend time in the San Juan Islands . Like me , you ’ ll leave with a smile on your face .
Looking back on that trip , I can ’ t help but think about peering into Canada from the mountaintop and quietly reflecting on how things used to be , and how close we are to getting back to days before Covid . Traveling to Canada is a marker for us and everyone at Kenmore Air is cautiously optimistic that by the time this issue is in the planes many of our Canadian flights will be restored . We expect to have a full schedule as we head into next year . For that , we are thankful .
As you read this issue of explore : NW pay close attention to the story on page 34 , which helps celebrate our 75th Anniversary . Written by C . Marin Faure , it chronicles Kenmore Air history . From when my grandfather Bob Munro started the company in 1946 to today , where we have the distinction of being the largest floatplane company in the United States .
Seventy-five years is a huge milestone , and while it ’ s something we ’ re very proud of , it ’ s not something we take for granted . Because while Kenmore Air is very much a family business , we know we couldn ’ t have stayed in business this long without ensuring our customers are treated like family . Which is why I want to personally thank you for putting your trust in us as you find your way in and around the San Juan Islands , or wherever you choose to fly . Knowing all the places we fly to , I ’ m willing to bet your final destination is enough to put a smile on your face .