860 likes. I noticed a Dory painted in the colors of the Emerald mile. Also, I have issues with people taking extreme risks just to set a record but that doesnt affect the quality of the book. I also told him that I had intended to pay my respects at Grua's grave but could not find it. The unprecedented weather, the inner workings of a dam, and how threatening it was to downstream USA. In 1983, as we turned the last corner into the open Lake Mead, I remember, as I sat on the EMs stern seat, tears coming to my eyes as a lump lodged in my throat. This was a trip of a lifetime for this decidedly no camping, I need to sleep in a bed at night, no discomfort, but adventurous soul, middle-aged lady. Publisher's Weekly"From the bottom of our planet's most awesome landscape, Kevin Fedarko has found and rescued a great American tall tale that just happens to be true. Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2022. I really enjoyed that book, especially Kevins deep dive on Glen Canyon Dam and Crystal Rapid. Start by marking The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon as Want to Read: Error rating book. Kevins book should be required reading for anyone taking a Colorado River trip. Last June, I went and listened as Kevin Fedarko gave us a presentation and overview of the Emerald Mile. This resulted in a temporary steady release of 37,000 cfs, which brings us to factor number two: OPPORTUNITY! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This was a book that told the story of an incredible 36 hours by backing up and providing as much context as humanly possible to make it into the length of a novel. I recently went on a Grand Canyon river rafting adventure. No other river on earth has ever cut canyons to rival those of the Colorado. The written version of the book is absolutely brilliant! From dam technology and politics, to wooden dory building, to reading rapids - you name it - all tied together and culminating in the most amazing feat by an unlikely crew of 3 fascinating and very different individuals. Can an adventure story be as beautiful as it is heart-stopping and exciting? Lol, just kidding (barely). Try again. In the latest episode of "The Dirtbag Diaries," Brendan Leonard of Semi-rad.com explores the story of how 'The Emerald Mile' became a book. In the midst of this crisis, the decision to launch a small wooden dory named "The Emerald Mile" at the head of the Grand Canyon, just fifteen miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam, seemed not just odd, but downright suicidal. In the midst of this crisis, beneath the light of a full moon, a trio of river guides secretly launched a small, hand-built wooden boat, a dory named the Emerald Mile, into the Colorado just below the dam's base and rocketed toward the dark chasm downstream, where the torrents of water released by the dam engineers had created a rock-walled . In his new book The Emerald Mile - the name of the wooden dory that made the trip - Kevin Ferdarko chronicles their record-breaking and illegal run though the canyon. Most of them couldn't conceive of living anywhere else to do what they do. Overall I really enjoyed the book. Almost five million people visit Grand Canyon National Park annually. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included . We are sorry. And read the book first. Now, this remarkable, epic feat unfolds here, in The Emerald Mile. On the other hand, the physical demands on a record-breaking kayaker on a continuous 277 mile run through Grand Canyon are such that they require a top-rated athlete in peak condition performing at 100 percent. The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt, The book may have minor cosmetic wear like creased spine, cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, minor sunburn, minor water damage, minor bent. This is why you remain in the best website to look the amazing books to have. The goal was to nail the all-time record for the fastest boat ever propelledby oar, by motor, or by the grace of God himselfdown the entire length . , Fedarko has found and rescued a great American tall tale that just happens to be true, . Emerald Mile Oarsman Rudi Petschek on the Breaking of his Grand Canyon Speed Record. The flood Let me count the ways I love this book! It must be required reading for the guides as their tales and behavior reflected the ones served up in this book. What I didn't expect was the beauty and depth of the writing. magazines Literary All-Stars comes the thrilling true tale of the fastest boat ride ever, down the entire length of the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon, during the legendary flood of 1983. Well, it really is about securing the record, but I agree that on both EM runs the experience was profoundly bonding among the participants. But Reality check: many (though by no means all) of Kentons hair-brained ideas turned out to be not only feasible but also practical. But Kenton Grua, the captain of that dory, was determined to use the flood as a hydraulic slingshot that would hurl him and his companions through 277 miles of some of the most ferocious white water in North America and, if everything went as planned, catapult the Emerald Mile into legend as the fastest boat ever propelled - by oar, by motor . Mens Journal has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. This is a great story interrupted for most of the book by endless meandering. Having (met many of the characters as a part of my river family and) grown up hearing these legends and histories told while gathered around the Dories at cocktail hour, I enjoyed reliving this in my imagination. The climax of the story revolves around a speed run through the Grand Canyon in wooden dory in an attempt to break the record for how fast a boat can go through the canyon. In the midst of this crisis, the decision to launch a small wooden dory named "The Emerald Mile" at the head of the Grand Canyon, just fifteen miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam, seemed not just odd, but downright suicidal. Best book I've read in a long time. Did he survive? It was fun reading it after the trip too. I had no idea all that was happening in the '80's. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. The Emerald Mile is the exhilarating true story of that epic attempt to capture the speed record for the fastest boat ride through the Grand Canyon ever. The saga of The Emerald Mile is a thrilling adventure, as well as a magisterial portrait of the hidden kingdom of white water at the bottom of the greatest river canyon on earth. And I had no id. The fascinating characters are pretty much universally attached to this river and canyon at the hip. Whats one of the best memories from your speed runs? That these came as a bonus and lasted a third of a century was truly unexpected. -- Hampton Sides editor-at-large at Outside magazine and author of Blood and Thunder and Ghost Soldiers. I would have rated it higher except for the fact that the first 100 pages were a struggle. The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon Accessory - June 3, 2015 by Kevin Fedarko(Author) 4.8 out of 5 stars1,985 ratings 4.4 on Goodreads 9,246 ratings Editors' pickBest Nonfiction See all formats and editions Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. He answered that he had been a good friend of Grua. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The Emerald Mile, at one time slated to be destroyed, was rescued and brought back to life by Kenton Grua, the man . I was not roughing it, I was experiencing life!! This I would come to appreciate as the novel is propelled to its crescendo. So you see, the challenges are opposite, except for overall endurance which is common to both. I knew from a friend's recommendation that this book would be exciting, and it was. This book was hard to put down. No Import Fees Deposit & $12.57 Shipping to Malaysia. Grua resting in the Emerald Mile. I argued that if he were to follow this plan it would be more realistic for him to set 30 hours as a goal, but he remained adamant about a sub-24 hour run. The saga of The Emerald Mile is a thrilling adventure, as well as a magisterial portrait of the hidden kingdom of white water at the bottom of the greatest river canyon on earth. But once I started reading I was enamored by the stories of the history of the canyon and those that experienced and changed it over the years. Grand Canyon River Guide Buzz Belknap 1975 Pure Land Annette McGivney The author really takes you there with all the details of the history of the Grand Canyon, John Wesley Powell and his explorations, geology of the area, background of all the characters involved, the history of the Glen Canyon Dam and many others and the environmentalist fighting against their construction. Well written, one of those kinds of books that I couldn't wait to get back to, and I didn't want to end. First, you cup a hand in the river and run the water over the back of your neck and face to reduce the cold shock of whats coming. Publisher: Scribner Publication Year: 2014 Format: Trade Paperback Language: English Item Height: 1in. Fantastic read, both in terms of the history of the canyon and the record breaking descent. from 1991 to 1997, where his work helped garner an Overseas Press Club Award for a story on the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. While some visitors undertake back-country hikes, most people are content to enjoy the views from the South Rim, and do not venture much below the rim. The saga of The Emerald Mile is a thrilling adventure, as well as a magisterial portrait of the hidden kingdom of white water at the bottom of the greatest river canyon on earth. The Emerald Mile | Book by Kevin Fedarko | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster About The Book About The Author Product Details Related Articles Raves and Reviews Resources and Downloads The Emerald Mile The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon By Kevin Fedarko Trade Paperback LIST PRICE $19.99 A good friend of mine suggested I read a book titled the Emerald Mile prior to going to the Grand Canyon I did that. One of the best I've seen lately. Kevin Fedarko lives in northern New Mexico and works as a part-time river guide in Grand Canyon National Park. , The book is at its heart an engrossing meditation on the eternal struggle between man and nature. Brilliant memories for us we rafted down the Colorado just around Easter 1989 with Colorado River & Trail. Fedarko earned a Masters of Philosophy in Russian history at Oxford in 1990. It took me a while to understand the author was painting a broad picture of the background leading up to the main event, and after my initial impatience to get to the adventure, began to really enjoy Just finished it and I am exhausted - what a beautifully crafted story. The saga of The Emerald Mile is a thrilling adventure, as well as a magisterial portrait of the hidden kingdom of white water at the bottom of the greatest river canyon on earth. Wow, this was Let me start, I am not a boating person. At first it just intrigued me with its promise of crazy adventure, but once started, I was hooked on the whole, incredible story. Now a resident of. Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon, There's This River Grand Canyon Boatman Stories. Photo by Kenly Weills. Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. I highly recommend "The Emerald Mile" by Kevin Fedarko. Was there story that inspired you in the early 80s? Reading this book is a great escape to what feels like a simpler time with the high drama of a dam that may fail and river guides who may not survive a stunt that only those who run rivers would ever conceive of undertaking. The production company behind the blockbuster Transformers franchise, which maintains a long-standing first-look deal with Paramount, is currently in development with fifth installment of Michael Bay's Transformers series, the Transformers projects, Die Hard: Year One, and the prehistoric shark pic Meg. No Hassle Return. Here is an instant classic of adventure literaturea story shot through with bravura but also touched by the rarest kind of grandeur." it was in a wooden dory, with the legendary boatman Kenton Grua, "The Factor" as he was known, and the character at the center of this book. From Kevin . Enjoy the rides! Both your 1983 descent and Ben Orkins recent run required overcoming some pretty intense swims to go on and set the record. This book is full of adventure, chronicling the fastest journey through the Grand Canyon on a watercraft. I sent an email to my party promising to find the Emerald Mile and to visit the grave of famous river guide Kenton Grua. The author personally knew most of the "characters" that appear in this well researched, beautifully written, appropriately humorous expose on all things Grand Canyon. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the outdoors or natural history. And I mourn that. From one of Outside magazines Literary All-Stars comes the thrilling true tale of the fastest boat ride ever, down the entire length of the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon, during the legendary flood of 1983.In the spring of 1983, massive flooding along the length of the Colorado River confronted a team of engineers at the Glen Canyon Dam with an unprecedented emergency that may have resulted in the most catastrophic dam failure in history. Holly Black is theauthor of more than 30 fantasy novels, including Tithe, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, and her 2022 adult debut,Book of To see what your friends thought of this book, The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon. Many people have been discussing whether its fair to put your dory run in the same category as a kayak descent. The Emerald Mile, at one time slated to be destroyed, was rescued and brought back to life by Kenton Grua, the man . I was a little put out at the beginning with just a hint of what ultimately would follow, and it was quite a while befor he braided that intro into all the other backstories--sort of like adding ingredients to a fine recipe before it is cooked, with wafting aromas leading you up to, at last, that longed-for bite. -- Hampton Sides , editor-at-large at Outside magazine and author of Blood and Thunder and Ghost Soldiers, lives in northern New Mexico and works as a part-time river guide in Grand Canyon National Park. It helps that I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time this summer. The book may have some highlights, notes, underlined pages. Eloquently written and well researched the boom covers many facets of the Grand Canyon all focused through the lens of the "speed run." Well-told, deeply-researched, engaging to read book. I have no doubt it will become an instant classic, a timeless chronicle of what can still be legitimately called the American spirit." We caught up with Rudi Petschek, the last surviving member of the three-man crew which set the previous speed record. Kenton Grua and Georgie White, first professional river guide. I live in Page, Arizonaand was in High School during these eventsso I watched it all happen and took my first Whitewater rafting trip in 1985 with Western River Expeditions. Fedarko was a staff writer at Time magazine from 1991 to 1997, where his work helped garner an Overseas Press Club Award for a story on the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2022. Refresh and try again. ${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}. Just finished it and I am exhausted - what a beautifully crafted story. We small talked for a while and I learned he was working for Oars Grand Canyon Dorys. For the son of a dory boatman from the Golden Age of Guiding it was a joy and vindication to read of the superheroes of my childhood in print. Any of my peeps that are into the outdoors or history -- read this. I knew from a friend's recommendation that this book would be exciting, and it was. First, high praise for Kevin Fedarko! This book is a kind of love letter to the Colorado River and its Grand Canyon. This book started out slowly, and I found some of the flowery prose to be ponderous, but the second half was much better than the first. Rudi Petschek: I have written congratulatory messages to Matt Klema and Ben Orkin expressing my admiration. The entire first half is more of a history and geology lesson about the Grand Canyon and river rafting. I also would like to rate this higher. Just reading the account had me on pins and needles and induced tachycardia. Would you agree based on your speed descents? Let me count the ways I love this book! The Emerald Mile, at one time slated to be destroyed, was rescued and brought back to life by Kenton Grua, the . That is not at all accurate. C&K: Its been a wild week. In the tradition of Kon Tiki or Touching the Void, The Emerald Mile is a story of adventure that transcends most writing of extreme exploits. I tried in vain, at that moment, to imagine Powells incredulity about the time we had just set, as I was overcome by a feeling of deep humility that the powerful river looked favorably upon this little boat, slapped it around a bit just to put things in their proper perspective, then allowing it through to complete its mission. I find this impressive beyond words, especially compared to us with our 200+ trips of combined Grand Canyon experience at the time of our record run. "The Emerald Mile is the rarest of creations-a magical convergence of words and paper, wood and water, rock and sky, human character and cosmic caprice. I want to rate this book higher - the subject matter is exactly what I want to be reading all the time, but I had a couple issues with the book. This is my first book ever listening to, and I think listening to some of the names rather than being able to see them on paper might have helped keep track of some of the names, but that's largely unimportant. This book was hard to put down. So much history and info! It takes almost 3/4 of the way into the book to actually get to The Emerald Mile water run, but it is so worth the wait! I deviated from the book to look up the facts of the events of the time periods. He really went deep on those. Kenton Grua was born and raised in Vernal, Utah. He loved all the details and the grip as he called it. His 2013 release, The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, won a NOBA- a National Outdoor Book Award. Here is an instant classic of adventure literaturea story shot through with bravura but also touched by the rarest kind of grandeur." Wow, Fedarko is a superb storyteller. Highly recommend it. Then in 83, again opportunity, this time to set the record to where the oar-powered record would be near unreachable. In addition to his travel narratives in, , where he worked as a senior editor, Fedarkos work has appeared in, , and other publications, and has been anthologized in, in 2004 and 2006. I had wanted to pay my respects to Kenton Grua and had resolved my self that I would not. The author personally knew most of the "characters" that appear in this well researched, beautifully written, appropriately humorous expose on all things Grand Canyon. For more information please read our. At normal flows, definitely not. The story telling (based on true events) was fantastic. At first it just seems like it's about some dudes trying to break a speed record for running a river, but it turns out to be a history of the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon, the Glen Canyon dam, conservation and then the adventure aspect of running the Colorado in flood stage. 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