The San Juan Islands: Crown Jewels of the Pacific Coast

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About The San Juan Islands: Crown Jewels Of The Pacific

Product Description The San Juan Island archipelago is a collection of 172 islands beloved for their remoteness, tranquility, scenery, and wildlife. This beautiful and informative giftbook offers an intimate and memorable portrait of the islands, one of the Northwest's most popular destinations. Mark Gardner's stunning and serene images depict both the familiar-- ferry crossings, Roche harbor, and orca whales-- and the surprising, such as uninhabited islands, red fox, and old-growth forest. An essay highlights the human and natural history of the islands, and royalties from sales of the book with support the non-profit group Friends of the San Juan Islands. Amazon.com Review The San Juans are a group of islands with a common geological history and unique past that attract travelers and islanders alike with their beauty. In The San Juan Islands author Mark Gardner, a professional photographer and resident of San Juan Island, provides a short, in-depth history of the islands with local insight. Striking color photographs follow his introduction, taking readers to some of the most serene and breathtaking locations in the San Juans. Unlike the Washington mainland, the islands have a Mediterranean-type climate and receive half the amount of rain as Seattle. The landscapes vary on the islands from the golden, open prairies of the southern islands to the green, forested slopes of Mount Constitution on Orcas Island. Gardner explains the flora and fauna of the islands, as well as the general characteristics of island residents. Each island is distinctly defined by its residents: Lopez Island is recognized for its locals' friendliness; Shaw Island for its solitude and its two resident orders of nuns and one order of monks; Waldron Island for its self-sufficient residents who are "determined to preserve the last island frontier"; and Spieden Island for its exotic animals from Africa and Asia, left from the previous owner's safari park. The protected waters that surround the islands draw many visitors. Surfacing Orca whales delight those on the shore, while those diving under the surface encounter giant octopus, white anemones, and wizened wolf-eels. Wanting relief from the mainland's pressures, many travelers come to the islands to enjoy the galleries, shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Island residents are aware of the rising population and interest in the San Juans. Gardner's hope in creating this book is to inspire people to preserve the islands so they will remain a magical place for the next generation. --Jenny Burritt About the Author Mark Gardner is a freelance photographer based on San Juan Island, Washington. His images have appeared in many publications, including Outdoor Photographer, Men's Journal, and Paddler. He is co-author with Art Wolfe of Photography Outdoors.