First published 2014
In spring 1983, the Colorado River swells to dangerous levels, threatening the Glen Canyon Dam with potential catastrophic failure. Engineers face an unprecedented crisis as massive flooding creates emergency conditions throughout the river system. Against this backdrop of natural disaster, Kenton Grua makes a decision that appears reckless. He launches the Emerald Mile, a small wooden dory he rescued from destruction, just fifteen miles below the failing dam. Grua plans to harness the flood's power as a hydraulic boost, attempting to break the all-time speed record for any vessel traveling the complete Colorado River route from Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead. The journey takes him through the Grand Canyon during the most dangerous conditions in decades. Grua barely survives the attempt, but his feat becomes one of the most remarkable river runs ever documented. This true story captures both the engineering crisis at Glen Canyon Dam and one man's audacious effort to turn disaster into opportunity.
Genres: biography, history, adventure, american-history
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: audacious-plan, disaster, man-vs-nature
Setting: Colorado River, Glen Canyon Dam, Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Lee's Ferry
Period: 1983
Audio CD · Blackstone Publishing