The Island Gang, Legend of Crystal Cove, begins on Raft Island, home to The Island Gang, a group of preteens led by Gary. As they lay on the warm dock soaking up sun one spring afternoon, they get the itch to get their hands on a boat—their own boat—so they can get out on the water and explore independent of their folks. When Travis breaks the news to them that his family may have to move sometime during the summer, the boys have a new motivation to accomplish their dream.

While in cahoots to get a boat, they become involved with Mr. Grisham, a recluse and long time island resident. Grisham learns that the kids have their eye on Little Imp, his upscale dinghy that has been sitting unattended in Raft Island’s dinghy storage area for some time. His neglected estate is in dire need of improvements owing to several years of caring for a terminally ill wife. Seeing an opportunity to get some help, Grisham strikes a deal with The Island Gang. The kids agree to help him put his yard and shed in order in exchange for Little Imp.

It is while working in the shed that the kids come across Grisham’s treasure box, a series of documents in his possession collected over his years in the northwest. Thumbing through the documents The Island Gang finds references to Native American legends. Grisham, for whom sailing is a passion, had the dream of retiring and taking up residence on Sea Imp, his 52’ sailboat, and sailing throughout the pacific northwest in search of clues to the origin of the legends. Though he and his wife spent some time pursuing his dream, his wife’s illness required the sale of his yacht, leaving the dinghy abandoned at the beach.

One of the folders in the treasure box speaks of the Legend of Crystal Cove, a story Gary's Uncle recently mentioned. Grisham's folder also contains a map. Studying the map, The Island Gang realizes it is a very old map of Dead Man’s Island, including a sketch of the burial ground that sits on a plateau at the south end of the island. The Island Gang’s summer plans take on a heightened purpose; discovering Crystal Cove could open a world of possibilities and could mean that Travis and his family might not have to move.

Clues on Dead Man’s Island point the kids across Henderson Bay. Satisfying their parents with plans to spend the night together, they sneak out, launch Little Imp and row across Henderson Bay. But nightfall forces them to weigh anchor and save exploring the cove for the next day.

As fate would have it, a poorly set anchor sets Little Imp adrift. When The Island Gang awakes,  the cove is nowhere to be seen. Getting to a pier, they tie up hoping to get their bearings. After not so innocently witnessing illegal activity in the mine at the head of the dock, The Island Gang ends up in the swift currents of the Narrows rowing as hard as they can for Hales Passage.

Their subsequent involvement with the FBI and their continued search for Crystal Cove provides The Island Gang with a lifetime of adventure—in a single summer.
 

Copyright 2006, The Island Gang. All rights reserved