The Emerald Mile

Great book for River people.

The first time our family went to Lake Powell was in May of 1983. We rented one of the largest houseboats available and were there for a week. My wife and I, friends and family have gone back time and time again.
In 2003 we bought into a house boat called the ‘Escalante Escape’. And traveled Lake Powell during the last 2 weeks of September for 5 years in a row. What a pleasure! What a centering experience it was staying in the wilderness with all the comforts of home! But slowly, day after day, the wilderness unwound you.
Our first trip in 1983 was the most eye opening however. The size and expanse of the lake was astonishing. Every late afternoon we would find an area to camp. Place the retractable walkway from the boat to shore and anchor the boat for the evening. Next morning the level of water had come up overnight and the boat’s pontoons were no longer touching the shore and the ramp would be under an inch or two under water. I remember thinking to myself “ … how much water does it take to raise a Goliath like this a couple inches???”
This book explains all those wonders and brings me back to a place and time of such beauty and awe.
I will read this again and again. Age may take its toll on my ability to remember, but the trip back to the Southwestern wilderness is but a few pages away.

Having done the Colorado for two weeks during the late ‘70s, in hair raising high water through Crystal and Lava Falls, I was anxious to revisit one of my life’s most breathtaking adventures; riding the rapids in a 5-man raft. And, along with that familiarity came a wealth of knowledge about the Canyon, the dams, the geology, politics and the history of this uniquely American treasure, including its discovery and exploration. All I can say is that it’s a helluva great read. I enjoyed every moment of this journey that I’ve urged so many others to take.

Ive spent every year on the lake and I never tire of its majesty. The author described the beauty of the river and put words to his it makes me feel. Thank You

Maybe the best adventure book I’ve ever read.

One of those adventure books that you can't put down

Loved it. Makes me want to do something significant outside. Great
book. Thought of during a long trail run yesterday and it motivated me and I ran an extra five miles.

We rafted down the Colorado a few years ago and had an amazing experience. We also toured and rafted Glen Canyon with the AICF. With this background, this book is truly an amazing read as we "know " where the events are taking plane and can only imagine the power with a water level of this magnitude. We love this book and have so much respect for the "river people" and their passion for the canyon!

Simply one of the best books I've ever read. Gives great history of Gand Canyon, but not too much. The way author describes moving water is amazing.

Amazing book blending beautiful writing with masterful story telling. A must read