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310 reviews for:
The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon
Kevin Fedarko
4.35 AVERAGE
310 reviews for:
The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon
Kevin Fedarko
4.35 AVERAGE
I’ve read this five times since a friend gifted it to me 6 years ago, though I definitely have a personal affinity (read: obsession) with the Grand Canyon that has contributed to the number of reads. But aside from that, the book has so much: history of the southwest and the Grand Canyon, Native American presence, first Europeans to see it, John Wesley Powell’s expedition, history of the bureau of reclamation, the battle against dams in Dinosaur NM between Reclamation and the Sierra Club and the compromise that resulted in Glen Canyon Dam, the battle for Grand Canyon, and the establishment and growth of guiding, and how all of this leads to the speed run via historical flooding).
Fedarko does a great job of bringing the River and the canyon to life, as well as open the curtains behind what drives the river runners, and the tenuous but necessary relationship between the dam and the canyon. A failed River guide himself, he still paints a beautiful picture of the River. Every time I read it I want to quit my job and become a River guide. For now I’ll settle for rafting the upper canyon, but am already looking forward to doing the whole thing.
Lastly, it is a slightly melancholy book, in that many of the things described are no longer possible or exist - insane floods, kooky and rule-breaking guides, Glen Canyon itself, and river trips that transcend seasons. The river is highly regulated, both the water and access to it, which can make one feel as though the spirit conveyed in this book is long gone. But people still fall in love with the River, and there is still magic to be found.
Fedarko does a great job of bringing the River and the canyon to life, as well as open the curtains behind what drives the river runners, and the tenuous but necessary relationship between the dam and the canyon. A failed River guide himself, he still paints a beautiful picture of the River. Every time I read it I want to quit my job and become a River guide. For now I’ll settle for rafting the upper canyon, but am already looking forward to doing the whole thing.
Lastly, it is a slightly melancholy book, in that many of the things described are no longer possible or exist - insane floods, kooky and rule-breaking guides, Glen Canyon itself, and river trips that transcend seasons. The river is highly regulated, both the water and access to it, which can make one feel as though the spirit conveyed in this book is long gone. But people still fall in love with the River, and there is still magic to be found.
Utterly fascinating! The amount of history I learned about the canyon, the river, dams, the Sierra Club, the dowries - I had no idea! It isn't until 200 pages into the book that you even get to the speed run! Very compelling, so thoroughly researched, the story was gripping! Having river rafted a few times the terminology brought back lots of trips and memories. I will recommend this book!
This started out a little dry, with a tremendous amount of history. It’s very well-written and serves an important purpose; it just wasn’t what I expected. That being said this is a really terrific book about some very interesting real life events. I have never been to the Grand Canyon nor gone on any kind of river trip but everything was explained in a such a way that I now have a huge appreciation for all of the work that goes into these trips. The side story is about the dam constructions along the river and that is equally interesting with great detail about the engineering and design of the dams themselves. To top it all of this is a story full of fascinating characters who are described in vivid detail, such that you understand their motivations and drives and backgrounds.
I highly recommend.
I highly recommend.
This book was recommended by the super-enthusiastic staffer at the Grand Canyon's geology museum when I asked whether the presence of the Glen Canyon dam means there's never any flooding through the canyon at all, anymore. It turned out to be an absolutely delightful read. It covers early exploration of the canyon (from the 1600s through to Powell's trip in the 1800s), the history and politics of dam building, the establishment of the conservation movement, and - of course - the crazy-ass boat ride down the canyon that resulted when all these factors intersected one wild week in 1983. I learned a ton, and having recently been in the canyon, I could visualize the rocks and riverbends and buildings being described.
Having learned within the first paragraphs that the ride was unauthorized, I felt a kind of protective moral indignation. Why are we glorifying this?? But the choice made by these men did not go without repercussions, which are given due weight in the narrative, as is the whole spectrum of philosophical considerations about what should or should not be allowed in such places, of who should or should not be allowed to say so. I have never given most of these perspectives any thought, and was glad to be given that chance. (I'll still be a rule-follower, obviously, but what questions!)
A great read going from a spring of park exploration into a summer of park exploration.
Having learned within the first paragraphs that the ride was unauthorized, I felt a kind of protective moral indignation. Why are we glorifying this?? But the choice made by these men did not go without repercussions, which are given due weight in the narrative, as is the whole spectrum of philosophical considerations about what should or should not be allowed in such places, of who should or should not be allowed to say so. I have never given most of these perspectives any thought, and was glad to be given that chance. (I'll still be a rule-follower, obviously, but what questions!)
A great read going from a spring of park exploration into a summer of park exploration.
this book was so dense but i could ‘t put it down! what a load of knowledge and great storytelling to boot.
Great outdoor r ad. But author also ties in history, geology and politics of the great Colorado river. Would recommend to all my friends!
Really good exciting adventure read. Lots of historical information about the Grand Canyon and the area of the Emerald mile. Very satisfying read and instills in your the desire for adventure!