The Poetry, Images and Memories of Karen Waring Sykes

Writing was a necessary function in Karen Sykes' life. For her it was a driving force to help her understand the trials she faced throughout life. She was an avid hiker, runner, photographer and outdoor lover, often hiking more than 30 miles a week, even into her 70th year. She hiked to find peace when life became a burden, and to remind herself of the joys in life. Much of her writing was about hiking or the outdoors, but many of her poems were also about the darkest parts of her life. The poems selected here are shining examples of her ongoing attempt to reconcile the complexity in her life through the power of her words. Also included are a few of her photographs, and memories of her close friends. Bob Morthorst and Erika Klimecky created this memorial book in honor of Karen Sykes and her love of writing. This selection of poems have not been published before. Karen was lost while hiking in June of 2014.

Karen Waring Sykes was an established, well-known writer in the Seattle outdoor community. She wrote a weekly column for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer for over a decade. She also contributed to Pack and Paddle, The Signpost, and wrote Hidden Hikes in Western Washington (2002), and co-wrote Best Wildflower Hikes, (2004). She also contributed to Seattle Backpackers Magazine and Visit Rainier. She loved hiking, averaging 20 to 30 miles a week even into her 70th year. In 2014, she was lost on Mt Rainier during a hike. Bob Morthorst and Erika Klimecky created this memorial book in honor of Karen Sykes and her love of writing. This selection of poems have not been published before.