by LUCIA VOLKER
Swimming Holes of Washington authors Anna Katz and Shane Robinson will be in Olympia next week to talk about their new book. The two of them spent time investigate 68 swimming spots in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, and share their findings with us in a new guide book, published by Mountaineers Books. Whether you are driving across the Pacific Northwest this summer or hanging close to home, this new book is a perfect addition for anyone looking for a suggestion of where to start their next outdoor acquatic adventure.
Designed to encourage exploration the Katz and Robinson-authored guidebook gives ample information. Each swimspot is categorized by water type, such as river or lake, location, clarity and water temperature. The guidebook describes what kind of crowd the area generally attracts such as partiers, families, dog lovers, and locals. Information about amenities such as nearby campsites, public restrooms, picnic areas, and rope swings make this an excellent resource.
“We tried to strike a tone of encouraging the readers to go on their own adventure and find their own spots,” said Robinson in an interview with OLY ARTS.
Each location has a longer description providing details about the geography, history and ecology of the area. The book also lists details such as if permits are required, tips from locals, best time of year to go, driving directions, and GPS coordinates.
Swimming Holes may serve as a great starting point to research new destinations and plan longer trips in the region. This was by design, according to the authors.
“I had so much fun finding all these spots and the adventures getting to and from these spots is often what I remember more than the actual swimming hole. I hope this book encourages people to get out there, go someplace new, and I think they will also find all these other unexpected and unknown adventures and discoveries that usually become more memorable in the end,” explained Robinson.
Fresh off the press of Skipstone, an imprint of Seattle-based Mountaineer Books, Swimming Holes reads playfully and is appropriate for swimmers of all ages and skill level.
Both authors live in Seattle, and hope their book inspires curiosity and respectful exploration of the beautiful landscape we live in. The two authors will be on site at Browsers Bookshop in Olympia next Wednesday evening.
WHAT : Anna Katz & Shane Robinson: Swimming Holes of Washington
WHEN: Wednesday, July 11, 2018 7 p.m.
WHERE : Browsers BookShop,
107 Capitol Way N, Olympia WA 98501
HOW MUCH: Free
LEARN MORE: Browsers Event Page