Book: Walking The Beach To Bellingham
Written by Harvey Manning, 265 pages (OSU Press)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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I consider myself more an Oregonian - or greater, a citizen of the Pacific Northwest, than I do an American. This is no statement of anti-Patriotism, rather one of true provincialism. From the rough-hewn neighborhoods in Portland to the sporting rivalries in the Pac-10 Conference, I am one who has perhaps deluded himself with the notion that things are just better here.

Consequently, I find myself an adamant defender of those things truly ours - our coffees, progressive political ways, and craft beers to name a few, but even greater, I by default take pride in persistent espousal of the natural virtues in our great corner of the world. The Atlantic Ocean has never looked quite so good to me as the Pacific, rolling farm country of Kansas boring in comparison to the Willamette Valley and nothing matches the Puget Sound for intricately carved seascape - not Florida, not the Carolina Tidewater and certainly not anywhere in California.

Apparently I am not the only one who feels this way. Originally published in 1986, Walking the Beach to Bellingham is a personal history of Harvey Manning's "low adventure," a 150 mile trek where the noted writer and environmentalist covered nearly 3000 foot miles in walking the lowlands and foothills of the Puget Basin. Written over a two-year period, Manning's account details his deep experiences and thoughts, coming in endless streams of personal and natural history of the area. There is scarcely a nook or niche in the vastly diverse shore that Manning fails to reflect upon.

A strong advocate for staying put - "Generally, people should stay home" is an axiom familiar in Walking The Beach to Bellingham - Manning proves that one needn't travel far to be well traveled. This book isn't entirely devoted to environmental nuts and bolts - it is more a tale than trail guide, more for those who would believe that one should: "Forget gaining a little knowledge about a lot and strive to learn a lot about a little." A few chapters of this love story between one man and his home is as persuasive an argument for this idea as any other. Manning isn't afraid of the dark, dank gray side either as there are plenty of passages depicting the existential restlessness of a man, sometimes office bound, trying to quit smoking and disillusioned with society's progress.

Manning's writing can be in places jilting, penned in prose perhaps better suited for oral consumption than quietly reflected moments. This aside, Walking The Beach to Bellingham is an absolutely marvelous read for anyone coming to or already planted firmly in the Northwest. For those outside the area, not privy to the unique treasures described, Manning's tale of geographical affection is a testament to how beautifully the human spirit can flourish in proper rain soaked environs.

© 2003 - Erick Mertz