Gig Harbor, located in southern Puget Sound, received its name from the Wilkes Expedition in 1841. History indicates that the captain's gig led the expedition into this small harbor during a storm that came up quite suddenly, hence the name, "Gig." Following the Native Americans, the early settlers were fishermen, farmers, boatbuilders, and lumbermen. Gig Harbor was dependent mostly upon land and water travel until 1940, when the first Narrows Bridge was built; however, it collapsed in less than a year after being built. The replacement bridge was not completed until 1950, but with its construction, Gig Harbor grew very quickly and became a bedroom district of Tacoma and the greater Puget Sound area. Fishing remains one of the mainstays of Gig Harbor commerce, although there are presently no sawmills or lumber mills in the area.
CLICK HERE to download two trips from Kayaking Puget Sound — "Freshwater Bay to Salt Creek" and Rob Casey's favorite, "Deception Pass" *Kayak, canoe, and stand up padding routes that promise beauty and adventure * Completely updated information and maps, all new photographs, and over 10 all new trips * Revised, easier-to-use Trips-at-a-Glance chart * Originally for kayakers, info now applies to a range of vessels including pedaling kayaks, stand up paddleboards, canoes, row boats, shells, and even kayak-sailing outriggers The miles of inland waterways of the Pacific Northwest are among the best in the world for paddling. Beautiful scenery, intricate and protected waterways, and abundant marine life define the area, while on shore are ample public parklands for camping and exploring. The 60 trips in this extensively updated 3rd edition of the bestselling Kayaking Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands cover the Sound's myriad islands, fjord-like canals, and inlets from Canada's Gulf Islands to the Nisqually River Delta, including the fabulous San Juan Islands and the unique Hood Canal. Each trip description covers all the details paddlers need to plan and complete specific tours throughout the region. Other important updates to this 3rd edition include: modern safety tips (emphasis on proper gear and PFDs); a list of weather resources; how to make use of cell phones and mobile apps that utilize GPS and real-time navigational data; a resources section on kayaking training in the region through paddle clubs, certification groups, and paddle shops; how to prepare for open water trips; new info on how to cross into Canada; and more. Kayaking Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands, 3rd Edition, gives novice paddlers, weekenders, and lifelong kayakers the inspiration and knowledge to get out and explore the Northwest via its singular waterways.
Urban Trails: Kitsap focuses on the trails, parks, and preserves within the urban and suburban areas around Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, and the Key and Kitsap peninsulas. You'll find trails to beaches, old growth forests, lakeshores, wildlife-rich wetlands, rolling hills, scenic vistas, meadows, historic sites, and vibrant communities. All of the routes here are designed to show you where you can go for a nice run, long walk, or quick hike right in your own backyard. Features include: Trailhead directions that include public transit where available Trail distance, high point, amenities, and more Sidebars on area history, nature, tips, or sights Info for families and dog owners
No matter how far away you are from home- you can't outrun a lie. They say Charlie Collins killed himself. A straight jump from the very top of Rockefeller Center. His best friends say otherwise. Charlie, suicide? Not likely. Not at all. Over the course of an unusually cold April, from New York City to their home in the Pacific Northwest, four of Charlie's closest friends learn some very important things; about Charlie, about what makes up their little worlds, and about themselves. Despite the frigid temperatures, they can't deny what's looking all of them right in the face- sometimes, we're just born cold. When it comes to beginnings, Parker, Josh, Lux, and Mason all started in the same place: Charlie Collins. And now, it looks like he's going to be the end of them too.
"A heart-wrenching and poignant story of bravery. An impressive debut; I loved it." -Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of The World Played Chess and the Tracy Crosswhite series A young farmer turns into a courageous resistance fighter after Nazi Germany invades Norway and steals his way of life. Bjørn Erliksen lives a peaceful life on Norway's west coast and has never considered himself anything but a farmer. But when Nazi Germany invades, and his country's ill-equipped military collapses in less than two months, it falls on him and other ordinary Norwegians to fight back. He escapes to England, trains with an elite Norwegian special forces army unit, and is smuggled back into his homeland as a commando. When Bjørn's resistance work eventually reunites him with a lost love, they join forces to carry out dangerous sabotage missions, all the while working in the shadows to evade the Gestapo. He weighs love against duty, wrestling with his own conscience as he is forced to commit unspeakable acts and unexpected betrayals. Can Bjørn survive long enough to see Norway's liberation and find his own peace? Filled with thrilling historical details about a corner of Europe often forgotten in the story of WWII, A Coat Dyed Black illuminates the struggles and sacrifices of ordinary people compelled to do the extraordinary.
