This Month's Books

The Stars: A New Way to See Them by H.A. Rey

Reviewed by Bryan Nichols
1976 ('97 data update) Houghton Mifflin ISBN: 0-395-24830-2. 160p; diagrams & illustrations. Written by the creator of the "Curious George" children's books. Luckily they are still printing it (with tables updated to 2006) because it's easily the best introduction to the night sky I have ever seen. Rey redraws the constellation lines, changing them from meaningless geometricals or fanciful (and impossible to spot) figures. They look something like what they represent, using only the stars we can easily see. If you are even remotely interested in astronomy, this book and some clear nights will have you recognizing half the sky in no time. It has the usual star maps (what's up at what time and what date) as well as more detailed diagrams of the constellations, explaining his interpretations and how best to find them. It finishes with "some whys and hows", simple explanations for some fairly complex astronomical topics. Altogether an excellent book, and the main reason I got hooked on astronomy as a lad.

To see an expanded review of this book click here

BC MARINE PARKS GUIDE Official guide

106 p. Colour photos. $16.95 Cdn/ $12.95 US For 10 years BC Parks made a free map guide, but when funding ran out, they teamed up with the BC Marine Parks Forever Society and Pacific Yachting magazine to create a wonderful new book. This official, up-to-date volume contains information on more than 80 provincial marine parks on the BC coast, complete with index and maps for each area. It also lists over 100 coastal "boat havens"-safe anchorages compiled by the Council of BC Yacht Clubs. The full colour format includes beautiful photographs and is applicable to kayakers, boaters, fishermen, divers and terrestrial park users alike. Available through selected book and marine stores in BC and Washington or direct from Pacific Yachting: phone 604-606-4644, fax 604-687-1925. Net proceeds go to BC Marine Parks Forever Society whose mandate is to assist the government in identifying and purchasing sites for new parks. We highly recommend this book.

2000 WAGGONER CRUISING GUIDE by Robert Hale

Weatherly Press. ISBN 0935727175. 304 p. & index. 132 maps, 243 photos. More than 1000 updates. $14.95 US/$21.95 Cdn Contains complete information on marinas, marine parks, border crossings and customs, VHF radio requirements and lots more. Maps show harbour approach routes and facilities. Fully indexed. A bestseller since its first edition, 7 years ago, Waggoner has been called the "boating bible". Includes practical navigation tips, weather lore, anchoring ideas, local water knowledge accompanied by humorous anecdotes and descriptions which add a personal touch, making this book a good read. We cruise with this book at our side! Waggoner is available at marine supply stores, nautical chart agents, and selected/nautical bookstores throughout Pacific Northwest, or direct from publisher: Weatherly Press, 1 800 733-5330. index. 132 maps,17-5. 304 p.

SAILING DIRECTIONS: BC COAST Vol. 1 South Portion

16th Edition. Fisheries & Oceans Canada, 1999. ISBN 0660178125 $39.95 Cdn. 505 p. The new edition of Sailing Directions by the Canadian Hydrographic S e r v i c e (CHS) of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is now available. This volume describes the BC coast from Cape Caution in the north to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, including Vancouver Island and the Inside Passage, amplifying the information shown on CHS charts. The new edition updates ports, facilities, aids to navigation, tidal currents, vessel traffic service, and regulations, with photographs. A foldout of the Canadian Aids to Navigation System is included. Less appropriate for paddlers. Available from local CHS Chart Dealers or CHS Sales and Distribution Office. For further information, contact: D.L. Fisher, DFO. Ph:250-363-6358. Email: chart_sales@ios.bc.ca Web: www.ios.bc.ca/ios/chs

ESSENTIAL SEA KAYAKING by Jonathan Hanson

The Lyons Press ISBN 1558217150 208 p. B/W photos & line drawings. $14.95 US Paperback, March 2000 Fully illustrated handbook offering clear, basic instruction for the novice paddler. All the advice a beginner needs to get underway with confidence. Includes sections on choosing equipment, strokes, recoveries/ rescue techniques, fundamentals of open water navigation, currents, and kayak camping. Dozens of illustrations, photos, and tips.

COMPLETE SEA KAYAK TOURING by Jonathan Hanson

Ragged Mountain Press, ISBN 007262047. 218 p. $18.95 US Paperback, 1998. This book is a nice followup to Essential Sea Kayaking, for p a d d l e r s who've already mastered the basics and are looking to build on them. Comprehensive info on navigation, seamanship, getting in shape, planning and provisioning, first aid and safety, and much more. This should help you design and execute your own trips, according to your sense of adventure.

WILDWATERS Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

28 p. Softcover. Foldout map. Full-colour format. This attractive book focuses on strategies for establishing Marine Protected Areas in BC, governmental/legal procedures and problems, endangered species, and details on those areas we should be specifically trying to protect. Beautiful pictures of wildlife and habitat, and very inspiring! Order from Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, BC: 502-475 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6C 2B3. Ph: 604-685-7445. Email: info@cpawsbc.org