Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

I just finished reading "The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon" by Kevin Fedarko... I can honestly say, without reservation, that it is the best, most interesting, most descriptive book I've ever read about what it means to be a "River Person". There are many folks out there who run rivers and have great information about how to do it, but there are few, okay, this is the first I've found, who can actually convey what it takes and how it feels to become one with a river. Kevin Fedarko does it... He's a poet in a river-guide's body. BUY THIS BOOK!! I hope it satisfies you half as much as it did me!! Really!!

PS: I have no monetary interest in the book and have never met the author, but I wish I could!!

I agree with Larry's comments about The Emerald Mile. Tom Kennon introduced me to the book, and I have enthusiastically shared it with others. Larry Pearce

I agree with Larry's comments about The Emerald Mile. Tom Kennon introduced me to the book, and I have enthusiastically shared it with others. Larry Pearce

Catherine Tollson just called to tell me she was half-way through her "autographed to her personally" copy. I actually may be a little envious...

Seems like there are several of us reading Grand Canyon oriented books.

A friend of mine loaned me their copy of a book (with words of wisdom "glad your name is not in it" included).

The name is "Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon".

I am half way through the book and it is a fascinating read.

Most would think drowning would be the number on cause of death. Nope.

So far (I am half way thru the book) the overwhelming cause of death numbers are people falling off the rim or hiking the trails running out of water and falling in their attempt to reach water. I am astounded by the number of people falling to their death while taking photos off the canyon rim.

I know the title is a bit scary, but the writing is first class and holds your interest. Gave me easy to read historical data about the Grand Canyon I did not know. Not to mention tips that most of us do not think of but are killers if not respected.

okieboater wrote:So far (I am half way thru the book) the overwhelming cause of death numbers are people falling off the rim or hiking the trails running out of water and falling in their attempt to reach water. I am astounded by the number of people falling to their death while taking photos off the canyon rim.

If I remember correctly, falling is the number one killer for backpackers in general, followed closely by stream crossings.

I won "The Emerald Mile" in a daily contest on OAR's facebook page. I guess I need to read it! :)