About the Book
Make Your Escape with Moon Travel Guides! 'Island time' isn't just for the tropics: immerse yourself in evergreen forests, rocky shorelines, and the glittering sea with Moon San Juan Islands.
- Strategic itineraries ranging from a 10-day best of the islands to a weeklong family camping trip
- Curated advice for eco-tourists, honeymooners, families, animal-lovers, and nature buffs
- Detailed maps and full-color photos throughout
- Activities and ideas for every traveler: Picnic on cliffs overlooking the ocean or hike through flower-filled meadows and along sandy beaches. Spot playful orcas and visit the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. Visit local island farms filled with fragrant lavender or fluffy alpaca, or sip wine or cider at island vineyards. Savor the flavors of the Pacific Northwest at incredible farm-to-table restaurants, sample oysters fresh from the sea, or browse your way through quirky used book stores and funky antique shops
- The best spots for sports and recreation, including whale-watching, sea kayaking, sailing, fishing, hiking, birding, and horseback riding, plus summer camps for the kids
- Expert insight from former wilderness ranger Don Pitcher
- Honest advice on when to go, how to get around, and where to stay, from romantic B&Bs to stunning campsites
- Thorough information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and history
- Full coverage of San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez island, Shaw Island, Lummi Island, Marine State Parks, and gateway towns such as Anacortes, Whidbey Island, and Bellingham, as well as nearby Seattle and Victoria
With Moon San Juan Islands' expert advice, myriad activities, and local know-how, you can plan your trip your way. Hitting the road? Try Moon Pacific Northwest Road Trip. Seeing more of The Evergreen State? Check out Moon Washington or Moon Seattle.
About the Author: Perhaps Don Pitcher's love of travel came about because he moved so much as a child; by age 15 he had lived in six states and two dozen East Coast and Midwestern towns. Don's family hails from Maine, but he was born in Atlanta, making him a southerner with New England blood. He moved west for college, receiving a master's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where his thesis examined wildfires in high elevation forests of Sequoia National Park. When his first (and only) scientific paper was published, he appeared headed into the world of ecological research. Don landed what seemed the coolest job on the planet shortly after grad school: being flown around Alaska's massive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in a helicopter while conducting fire research. Wild places continued to beckon, and over the next fifteen years Don built backcountry trails, worked as a wilderness ranger, mapped grizzly habitat, and operated salmon weirs--anything to avoid an office job. After that first season in Alaska, he spent three months in the South Pacific, and quickly found himself addicted to travel. His explorations eventually took him to thirty-five countries and all fifty states. Don is the author of Moon San Juan Islands, Moon Alaska, Moon Wyoming, and Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton. He also produced three photographic books for Fodor's, served as editor for Best Places Alaska, and is a contributor to Triporati.com and other websites, as well as DK Travel books. Don's photos have appeared in a multitude of publications and advertisements, and his fine art prints are sold in many Alaska and Washington galleries. Don lives in Homer, Alaska with his wife, Karen Shemet, and their children, Aziza and Rio. When not busy on other projects, he also works as a wedding photographer and volunteer radio DJ. Visit donpitcher.com to read his blog and learn more about his writing and photography projects.
