I read Desert Solitaire before a two week trip through the Southwest. His descriptions of the landscape are stunning. I believe that Abbey was prescient in his thoughts about limiting human activity in our parks. They are incredibly overrun with visitors which detracts from everyone’s enjoyment of the places. I will be visiting Carlsbad Caverns later this month. I had to get a timed entry ticket just to enter the park. We are “loving” them to death.
Yes, I hear you about them being overrun. We experience that plenty with Rocky Mountain National Park. Makes it extra fun finding the hidden gems, though!
A book recommendations based on today's post: There Was a River by Bruce Berger, whose writing you will love. He also wrote a superior book about Baja California.
I've been a fan of both these authors for years. Fedarko and his wife are clearly book fans - owning a bookstore in Flagstaff. https://www.kevinfedarko.com/about-kevin
This post arrived at just the right time, Jeremy. We are doing a road trip of Utah and Arizona national parks later this month. I have downloaded the audio books, Desert Solitaire and a Walk in the Park, for listening as we drive. I am looking forward to learning more about the US Southwest through these two books. I love reading about places that we plan to visit or are visiting to further my understanding of the history, peoples and cultures.
Desert Solitaire definitely makes you think. It's a book that leaves you going "Spot on!" one page, and "What the heck, Ed?" the next. Overall, I'm not a fan of the rest of his works. But DS always bounces around my head when I think about nature and the natural.
Fedarko's books just hit my TBB (To Be Bought) list.
Thank you for these recommendations. The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko was a wonderful book. I remember thinking at that time that he was an author for which I would read all of his books if he continued writing - I loved his style. I was not aware that he had written another. Super cool that he did.
I read Desert Solitaire after a family vacation to Utah, and so many scenes remain with me! It might be a re-read at some point. I am looking up Fedarko’s book right now. Thanks for the rec.
I read Desert Solitaire before a two week trip through the Southwest. His descriptions of the landscape are stunning. I believe that Abbey was prescient in his thoughts about limiting human activity in our parks. They are incredibly overrun with visitors which detracts from everyone’s enjoyment of the places. I will be visiting Carlsbad Caverns later this month. I had to get a timed entry ticket just to enter the park. We are “loving” them to death.
Yes, I hear you about them being overrun. We experience that plenty with Rocky Mountain National Park. Makes it extra fun finding the hidden gems, though!
A book recommendations based on today's post: There Was a River by Bruce Berger, whose writing you will love. He also wrote a superior book about Baja California.
Thanks for the recommendation. I will be on the lookout for There was a River.
Oh wonderful, thanks for the rec!
I've been a fan of both these authors for years. Fedarko and his wife are clearly book fans - owning a bookstore in Flagstaff. https://www.kevinfedarko.com/about-kevin
Oh cool, I didn't know about his bookstore! Another reason to visit Flagstaff. :)
This post arrived at just the right time, Jeremy. We are doing a road trip of Utah and Arizona national parks later this month. I have downloaded the audio books, Desert Solitaire and a Walk in the Park, for listening as we drive. I am looking forward to learning more about the US Southwest through these two books. I love reading about places that we plan to visit or are visiting to further my understanding of the history, peoples and cultures.
I'm so glad to hear this Donald! Enjoy them both!
Desert Solitaire definitely makes you think. It's a book that leaves you going "Spot on!" one page, and "What the heck, Ed?" the next. Overall, I'm not a fan of the rest of his works. But DS always bounces around my head when I think about nature and the natural.
Fedarko's books just hit my TBB (To Be Bought) list.
Totally agree with your analysis here, Bob!
Thank you for these recommendations. The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko was a wonderful book. I remember thinking at that time that he was an author for which I would read all of his books if he continued writing - I loved his style. I was not aware that he had written another. Super cool that he did.
Emerald High has been high on my list for quite a while! Just happened to get to this one first.
I read Abbey's book some years ago and was left with similar impressions. Lots of great material and some really bad. Overall I enjoyed it.
Never read the other book you mention but it sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the recommendation.
I read Desert Solitaire after a family vacation to Utah, and so many scenes remain with me! It might be a re-read at some point. I am looking up Fedarko’s book right now. Thanks for the rec.
Thank you for sharing :)
Made me want to read both!
Excellent! Enjoy (when you get to them)!
Love all of this — thanks for sharing.
Grand Ambition sounds really interesting! You're absolutely right that it's a captivating, utterly unique landscape that powerfully draws you in.