Need Book Recommendations on Alaska

[DUNNS&R]

Hello all,

I will be moving to Sitka in July. Born and raised in Colorado. So, I am not familiar with living by the ocean or a temperate rainforest. Looking for good book recommendations about living in South East Alaska or Alaska in general. Anything from history, geology, guides to fishing and hiking would be great.

A few books I found so far were "Coming Into the Country" by John McPhee, and "Going to Extremes" by Joe Mcginnis. Both these books are over 20 years old. So, I am concerned about the relevance today. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[wadejlong]

I just moved here in February from Arkansas and I got most of my information from youtube videos and talking to people who I have found live here or have visited here. After those things, I decided it was a good idea to give it a shot. Also city-data.com has some facts about Sitka and referencing the amount of crime here, or lack thereof, it's win win. But the amount of rain is a negative to alot of people, but not me. I enjoy the wet humidity.

[Berry picker]

http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Southeast- ... 850&sr=8-1

This is a wonderful guide to the flora and fauna of Southeast Alaska. There is newer version, but it is quite expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Island-Within ... 281&sr=1-1

"The Island Within" was written by a Sitka Author about an island near Sitka.

The Sitka Conservation Society has relatively inexpensive boat cruises in the summer which would be a good opportunity to get out on the water around Sitka. http://www.sitkawild.org

Sitka trailworks offers some guided hikes throughout the year, and even one to the dormant volcano near Sitka on Kruzof Island.
http://www.sitkatrailworks.org/

There is a sitka paddlers group on facebook.

[DoublejRN]

"Salmon in the Trees" is a great Southeastern Alaska book that discusses everything that you would like to know living here.

[runninglate]

John Straley's books The Woman Who Married a Bear
The Curious Eat Themselves - it's a whole series......

[cbingham]

There's a photo book called Sitka with text by Carolyn Servid and photos by Dan Evans (both are local residents) that's pretty good.

[cbingham]

I build these websites for local nonprofit groups, which newcomers might find helpful:

Sitka Local Foods Network, http://www.sitkalocalfoodsnetwork.org/

Walk Sitka, http://walksitka.wordpress.com/

Sitka Bicycle Friendly Community Coalition, http://sitkacycling.wordpress.com/

Sitka Outdoor Recreation Coalition (Get Out, Sitka!), http://getoutsitka.wordpress.com/

[admin]

I recommend these two books for some Sitka history. They read like novels, but are historical fact - accepted by the Alaska State Museum.

Lord of Alaska
http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Alaska-Baran ... 0832300551

Russian America
http://www.amazon.com/Russian-America-G ... 0832303208