The San Juan Islands

by Joann Roe

The 172 San Juan Islands of Washington State are the uppermost remains of a mountain range that once separated the fifty miles between Vancouver Island and mainland Washington. From a fifty-year resident s viewpoint, The San Juan Into the 21st Century examines this remote yet oft-visited northwest corner of Washington State. The author tells of farming lavender rather than wheat and alpacas rather than cattle; of interisland boats and barges that still fight stormy seas and riptide; of the development of reliable medical care only during the 1950s; of the emphasis today on sensible land management, the orca whales that are native to the area, and the former and current identity of these island people. JoAnn Roe explores both the history and the present day life of this unique and alluring region.

184 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2011

Reviews

[to'c · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really excellent source of information on the San Juans. We took it with us on a recent trip there and found ourselves dipping into it time and again. Not a tourist guide by any means but a rich supplement to your time here.

[Donald Shank · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice history of the last 100 years in the islands, but probably not very interesting if you don't have some knowledge of or connection with them.