Beer, the Magic Skagit, and Tom Robbins
By Mike Seely in Books & Authors
Tuesday, Dec. 16 2008 @ 4:57PM
Over the past year, I've been moonlighting as a first-time author, researching and writing a book about local dive bars, which will be released in April. Turns out the great Skagit County novelist Tom Robbins is putting the finishing touches on a book about beer as well. His book comes out in April too. I wonder which one will sell more copies?
Anyway, a couple weeks ago, I was finishing (close to it, anyway) my book at a friend's cabin in Lake Cavanaugh, which sits in a remote thicket of forest in Skagit County. On my way home, I stopped at the Conway Tavern -- also in Skagit County -- for a celebratory BLT and beer. The Conway Tavern (it's official WSLCB-mandated name is the Conway Pub & Eatery, but nobody calls it that) always reminds me of Robbins, for a couple reasons: (1) It's the sort of warm, scruffy place he would (and probably occasionally does) appreciate, and (2) it's not all that far from his home in LaConner.
Upon returning from this mini-sabbatical, in my mail slot here on Western Ave. was a book which, of all things, happened to be about Skagit County. A product of the Skagit Land Trust, Natural Skagit makes for a gorgeous coffee table book, what with its first-rate photography and compelling historic tales of Puget Sound's most well-preserved county and the river that runs through it. But it's more than that. For one, its epilogue is penned by a Pulitzer Prize winner, former Seattle Times scribe Bill Dietrich. And the book's foreword is nothing short of naturalistic poetry. Its author: Tom Robbins, to whom the Magic Skagit obviously means the world.
6 comment(s)
:
Cover Story: Pipe Schemes
Jessica says:
This is an exclusive community which is dedicated to single people who want to meet others for romance, pen pal, friendship, travel mates or just a chat for relaxation! Free and easy to create an interactive profile. Free to browse & contact hundreds of singles in your area and world! Join by clicking the following link.
*********INTERRACIALLOVING.COM********
Posted On: Tuesday, Dec. 16 2008 @ 11:19PM
MaryW says:
Nice piece, Mike...looking forward to reading both books. And "Natural Skagit" is definately a beautiful book, both visual and literary. All three books should appear on both long-time nor'westerners and recent transplants, alike; especially for the sniffy gentrified ones seeking to turn our corner of the world into one big world-class McFern bar.
Posted On: Tuesday, Dec. 23 2008 @ 11:10AM
Dale says:
Thanks for the info, Mike. Will you be featuring The Blue Moon Tavern in your new book? Good luck next April.
Posted On: Wednesday, Dec. 24 2008 @ 2:47PM
Julie Burgmeier says:
next time you are up in the magic skagit check out the la conner tavern. for anyone out there reading this and thinking of a skagit valley visit, check out the new visitskagitvalley.com where you will see photos from the Natural Skagit book ...
Posted On: Sunday, Jan. 11 2009 @ 3:25PM
graceison says:
I feel I might introduce my self here. My name is Kate, I'm a newbie here, someone told me that i might find some good information here so... basically that's why I'm here, and for any good advice i might get also... hope to have good time here
Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 17 2009 @ 5:30PM
Payday Loans says:
Good luck with the books
Posted On: Wednesday, Sep. 16 2009 @ 6:10AM