Tag Archives: #GTWE

Getting to the Water’s Edge

Click here to buy the book!

Getting to the Water’s Edge on Whidbey and Camano Islands, the premier field guide book to beaches in Island County was released as a Third Edition in July 2020. Now is the perfect time to get this book, since the coronavirus means we are all looking for outdoor places close to home.

Getting to the Water's Edge bookGTWE, as we affectionately call this spiral-bound field guide, describes 69 public beaches including amenities such as boat and kayak launches, trails, fishing, clamming, bird-watching, picnic tables/shelters, restrooms, overnight accommodations, accessibility for people with mobility challenges and much more. Yellow box essays cover human and natural history such as place names, stewardship, animals, plants, geology, streams and estuaries.

Getting to the Water’s Edge retails for $20. See a list of stores below. Buy the book

Last printed in 2006, Getting to the Water’s Edge was an immediate best-seller and sold close to 7000 copies. Interestingly, various websites offer the older out-of-date and out-of-print version for $50 which shows you how valuable the book is. The 2020 edition was two years in the making by 67 Sound Water Stewards and community resource people who gave more than 1,500 hours to bring it forth with meticulous fact-checking, writing, designing and editing. The printing costs were paid entirely by sponsoring businesses, non-profits and SWS members. Proceeds from book sales support Sound Water Stewards programs. 

This book is available now for $20 by mail-order directly from SWS or at book stores, gift shops and hardware stores on Whidbey, Camano as well as in Stanwood, Everett, LaConner and Bellingham. Find Getting to the Water’s Edge at these locations:

Camano Island

  • Ace Hardware
  • Cama Beach State Park Welcome Center
  • Camano Commons Marketplace
  • Elger Bay Grocery & Gifts
  • Kristoferson Farm Stand

Stanwood

  • Picnic Pantry
  • Studio 271

Whidbey

  • Ace Hardware – Freeland & Oak Harbor
  • Bayview Farn & Garden – Langley
  • Coupeville Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center
  • Greenbank Farm Wine Shop – Greenbank
  • Kingfisher Books – Coupeville
  • Langley Whale Center – Langley
  • Linds on Whidbey – Freeland
  • Madrona Supply Co – Clinton
  • Moonraker Books – Langley
  • Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Exchange – Oak Harbor NAS
  • Wind & Tide Bookshop – Oak Harbor
  • Wild Birds Unlimited – Freeland

Anacortes

  • Alley Cat Antiques/Marine Supply & Hardware

LaConner

  • SeaPort Books

Everett

  • J. Matheson Gifts, Kitchen and Gourmet

Bellingham

  • Village Books & Paper Dreams

Edmonds

  • Edmonds BookShop

Learn More

More Reviews

“This book…captures the beauty of these truly stunning places while offering detailed descriptions of habitats and wildlife you are likely to encounter. The book lays out the floor plan to these sites so you will find your way and experience island magic. A ‘must read’ for anyone determined to experience the beauty of the region.” 
 
–Florian Graner, Ph.D. Marine Biology specializing in Marine Mammals, certified research diver, internationally-known cinematographer of sea life and owner of the family-operated Sealife Productions which has done work for BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Netflix, Monterrey Aquarium and more.
 
“This user-friendly handbook is brimming with information and beautiful photos… feels akin to having a local friend by your side to share their favorite spots, tips and fun facts… sure to become a well-loved staple…”
 
–Anna Toledo, Island County Marine Resources Committee