The San Juan Islands: Crown Jewels of the Pacific Coast [Paperback]

Mark Gardner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2001

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Sasquatch Books (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570612811
• ISBN-13: 978-1570612817
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,717,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Disapointed and waste of money!, August 29, 2009

By 

Lincoln County MT "Focused on pinecones" (Extreme NW Montana) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The San Juan Islands: Crown Jewels of the Pacific Coast (Paperback)

Tiny book not at all worth the money new or used. More a picture book some minute history is supplied at the front in a light artsy font that isn't easy to read. We are going to visit for first time next year and need guide books and idea books and insight into the sights and sounds. For a paper back itty book this was a waste for any real information that would help us out or even draw us into unique and lovely spots. Did I mention we are all over 60 one over 70 and we'll be riding bicycles and camping. Taking our own sweet time on our favorite spots before moving on to new adventures. So this was not even a morsel of a coffee table glossy style it sort of mimic's in minute size and shape. Glad I purchased used instead of wasting money on new. Definitely not worth almost 30 dollars. Not sure why the other reviewer found it so great? I expect most books to have actual substance. You could skim it in one minute and read it cover to cover in under 5.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Wonderful book Great For A Gift (Espicially For Someone Who Knows The Area), October 23, 2007

By 

Dana Wales "Multiasking Is Easy!!!!!!!!" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The San Juan Islands: Crown Jewels of the Pacific Coast (Paperback)

The San Juan Islands: Crown Jewels of the Pacific Coast

Beautiful and Wonderful book Great For A Gift (Espicially For Someone Who Knows The Area)