Flotsam & Jetsam
Dean E. Nichols
I’ve enjoyed visiting and living on the water almost all my life. I currently reside on an Island in the San Juan archipelago in Washington State. My family took numerous boating vacations when I was growing up and I bought my first boat (16 feet with a 25hp engine) when I was 16 years old. I’ve owned power boats, sailboats and have skippered a 28-foot sailboat from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska. In addition, I’ve sailed the British Virgin Islands and have taken numerous boat trips in the San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. My family and I have always searched the shores on those trips, dug clams, gathered mussels and tried to find historical spots that we had read about in books. Beachcombing never ceases to capture my interest and spark my imagination.
Annette P. Zack
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. As a child, I spent many days at the beach with my parents and four siblings. Playing in the surf, picking oysters and digging for clams were our main activities. As an adult, along with my husband and two daughters, we took many trips to the Oregon Coast. We would visit the Marine Museum and search the beach for treasures. We also spent a lot of time along the Canadian Coast hiking, camping and building sandcastles. Flying kites and walks on the beach were great adventures. Now my grandchildren are developing a love for the beach and it’s many fascinating aspects. I have been an artist for over 30 years and paint in both watercolors and oils.
Tucker the Sno-Cat
Dean E. Nichols
I lived for 12 years in a ski town where snow and enjoying the mountains was a major part of life. I skied almost every day the mountain was open and enjoyed the locals, the many visitors and the outdoor activities. It seems to me that kids growing up in this environment need stories to match their reality. I’m hopeful that this book connects to those children.
Annette P. Zack
I have lived in the Northwest all my life. I enjoy skiing, hiking and camping. The Northwest is perfect for all these pastimes. Painting in oils and watercolors for the last 38 years has given me an outlet to recreate some of the places I have visited. The outdoors is very important to me and it is a pleasure to be able to help bring this to children.