Washington State's San Juan Islands

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that in the near decade since I reviewed the first edition of Washington State's San Juan Islands (VL-5/87), I still haven't visited a single one of the 172 named islands located in the upper Puget Sound area, even though they are technically--excuse the geographical jargon--right in my own backyard. But I may have to pack up the shorts and sunscreen, as filmmaker Nancy Wright's half-hour overview--boasting all-new footage--makes the islands look even more beautifully inviting on DVD. Instructing viewers on how to island-hop by ferry, this nicely photographed tour stops off at the islands of Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan, visiting major scenic and historic sites (viewers will learn, for instance, about the infamous Pig War incident, which sparked a territorial rights battle between the British and the Americans), while also capturing the wide array of recreational activities available, including biking, kayaking, beachcombing, whale watching, wine sampling, and shopping. Interesting trivia note: San Juan's Friday Harbor is named after Joe Friday (the sheepherder, not the laconic TV police detective). Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)