The Island Gang - Legend of Crystal Cove by Gig Harbor Author Larry Johns

Situated in Henderson Bay, less than a mile from Raft Island, lies the mysterious Dead Man's Island. There is an array of tales as to how Dead Man's got its name, but the only one that holds water is the fact that the small island had once been used as a Native American burial ground, and as such, is protected by the state. Nonetheless, Gary and his band of buddies, The Island Gang, have listed Dead Man's as their first stop...once they get their hands on a boat. While pursuing this dream, The Island Gang comes across an old map linking the Legend of Crystal Cove with Dead Man's Island. Their suspicion of secrets held by the island is heightened - they are more determined than ever to get to Dead Man's. The search for Crystal Cove is loaded with adventure, mystery, humor, danger, and a little mischief. Larry Johns and his sweetheart, Debbie, of twenty-seven years reside in the Pacific Northwest. They have three sons, three daughters, and two granddaughters. As a family, they enjoy time together studying the holy scriptures, identifying goals as well as monitoring progress toward the same, and travel. Planning their next trip, no matter how simple, fills heart and mind with anticipation and brings the family together. As the National Manager of Consolidators for Lord Corporation, Larry's full time job requires him to travel frequently throughout the U.S. and western Canada. His primary responsibility is conducting product-training courses at vocational schools and other various training facilities in support of the collision industry. Larry’s love for children has led him to become involved with youth of all ages teaching Sunday School classes at Church and participating in weekday youth programs as well as summer camps. From 1995 to 2000, Larry’s primary concern, in addition to his own family, was with about 120 youth (ages 12 to 18) to whom he ministered as a Bishop in his Church. Over the last 17 years, Larry has participated in and supported the Boy Scouts of America program in his community. His service in the scouting program included coaching each of his three sons to the rank of Eagle Scout. As a matter of fact, it was his interaction with a variety of young personalities in their summer camps and High Adventure excursions that provided much of the inspiration for The Island Gang series. As a young boy, Larry's youngest son, Sean, became very attached to a small group of friends who spent considerable time together on Raft Island, near Gig Harbor, Washington on the Puget Sound. When two brothers among this group of friends contracted and battled cancer, the Johns family, with others, visited often to lend comfort and support. The inspiration for writing The Island Gang came from a dream Larry had early one morning before taking off on a business trip. Seated on the airplane, the dream of an adventure he had with a group of kids pressed upon his mind so much that Larry decided to put it in writing. Evaluating his notes led to penning a story that would be entertaining as well as illustrative of the moral courage that bonds families together, motivates youth to stand up for right and strengthens society. A variety of experiences in the outdoors over the years with his kids and their friends has served as the springboard for a series of adventures for The Island Gang. Larry hopes you will enjoy reading The Island Gang / Legend of Crystal Cove. Look for the second book of the series, The Island Gang / Legend of The Masks in 2007.