|
Post by downriver on Aug 30, 2021 15:11:45 GMT -8
Grand Obsession—-see the book in my library pic—has several interesting chapters on Fletcher and his GC trip. He relied a lot on Harvey Butchart for information and support, and without it Fletcher’s trip might not have succeeded. Fletcher treated Butchart rather rudely after the trek. Several well-known canyon explorers did not care for Fletcher and his selfish behavior.
Regards,
DR
|
|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 24, 2023 12:24:25 GMT -8
I’m rereading Fletcher’s River journey; it’s making me want to get back on the water for a short trip. Fletcher’s River trip was his last big trip completed when he was 67 and suffering from heart issues. He was lucky to finish the trip; it was very cathartic for Fletcher as he came to terms with being abandoned by his mum and second wife while he reflected on both during the journey. Ed Abbey passed away during the trip; it was 1989. Fletcher reflects on Abbey and changes his views on Abbey the man and writer.
I think I’ll reread The Secret Worlds of Colin Fletcher; it’s a series of essays on outdoor trips he took over his life. I wish he would have followed this format and written another book of outdoor essays. Fletcher passed away in 2007; it’s been almost 20 years since he died at 85. Several of his books are available on Kindle now; it’d be interesting to see how many are sold yearly these days.
I’ll have to revisit his bio soon; it was one excellent read.
Happy Trails,
DR
|
|
|
Post by bluefish on Dec 25, 2023 7:16:02 GMT -8
I read "The Man Who Walked Through Time" while down in the GC. I must admit , I didn't enjoy it as much as reading "Brighty of the Grand Canyon" while laying in Bright Angel Creek on a 104 degree day. Grand Obsession looks like a very good read for me, thanks.
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,931
Member is Online
|
Post by BigLoad on Dec 25, 2023 18:17:17 GMT -8
I read "The Man Who Walked Through Time" while down in the GC. I must admit , I didn't enjoy it as much as reading "Brighty of the Grand Canyon" while laying in Bright Angel Creek on a 104 degree day. Grand Obsession looks like a very good read for me, thanks.
One of my main takeaways from "The Man Who Walked Through Time" is how much things have changed in the Grand Canyon. So many more limitations are in effect, sadly necessary due to much greater visitation. Along with that, technology has reduced risks and the mitigated the consequences of mishaps, as have improved training and techniques. It would have been interesting to experience it back then.
|
|
|
Post by hikerjer on Dec 25, 2023 20:37:56 GMT -8
Like so many of you, “The Complete Walker” was instrumental in the evolution of my backpacking life. I have all the updated versions but the original is special. It has an honored spot on my bookshelf. Obviously dated, but I still pull it out on occasion just for old times sake. Nothing quite so magical as when you’re first learning.
|
|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 26, 2023 5:44:38 GMT -8
I read "The Man Who Walked Through Time" while down in the GC. I must admit , I didn't enjoy it as much as reading "Brighty of the Grand Canyon" while laying in Bright Angel Creek on a 104 degree day. Grand Obsession looks like a very good read for me, thanks. My pleasure! I think you’ll like the book on Harvey Butchart. He did not start hiking and exploring the Grand Canyon until he was 48 years old (shortly after taking a position with Northern Arizona University. Fletcher went back and completed a longer 2nd trek and exploration of the canyon. If you haven’t read the bio on Fletcher, I’d recommend reading the book, too. Regards, DR
|
|
|
Post by hikerjer on Dec 26, 2023 13:39:30 GMT -8
I read “Grand Obsession” before my first extended hike through the Grand Canyon a number of years ago. Great read which added considerably to the enjoyment of the hike. However, like most obsessions, Harvey’s fixation on the Grand Canyon came with a price he was evidently willing to pay.
|
|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 27, 2023 12:33:43 GMT -8
I read “Grand Obsession” before my first extended hike through the Grand Canyon a number of years ago. Great read which added considerably to the enjoyment of the hike. However, like most obsessions, Harvey’s fixation on the Grand Canyon came with a price he was evidently willing to pay. Yes, obsessions and addictions usually do, HJ. I’m surprised his wife tolerated his behavior. Regards, DR
|
|
|
Post by bluefish on Dec 27, 2023 12:54:23 GMT -8
One of my main takeaways from "The Man Who Walked Through Time" is how much things have changed in the Grand Canyon. So many more limitations are in effect, sadly necessary due to much greater visitation. Along with that, technology has reduced risks and the mitigated the consequences of mishaps, as have improved training and techniques. It would have been interesting to experience it back then. I was the beneficiary of that mitigated risk factor. I was coming up Bright Angel after a 50 mile walk across the Tonto and made it to the 3 mile rest house where I promptly had severe vertigo strike me, to the point I threw up for 2 hours straight. I could not even stand. A ranger I had a great evening with talking with on the trail, came by and made the call to get a chopper into the tiny flat space behind the rest building. No charge, it was nothing I did wrong or could have foreseen. I could have ran the last 3 miles before the spins hit. My wife walked out alone and I waited up top , somewhat better and now knowing the trick to focus on tiny spots on the ground to re-center focus. Just a freak happenstance that could have been costly. I fell right initially, had I went left I would have dropped 100'. I was angry at my body letting me down and did not look out the window of the chopper. Ignominious defeat.
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,931
Member is Online
|
Post by BigLoad on Dec 27, 2023 13:21:13 GMT -8
One of my main takeaways from "The Man Who Walked Through Time" is how much things have changed in the Grand Canyon. So many more limitations are in effect, sadly necessary due to much greater visitation. Along with that, technology has reduced risks and the mitigated the consequences of mishaps, as have improved training and techniques. It would have been interesting to experience it back then. I was the beneficiary of that mitigated risk factor. I was coming up Bright Angel after a 50 mile walk across the Tonto and made it to the 3 mile rest house where I promptly had severe vertigo strike me, to the point I threw up for 2 hours straight. I could not even stand. A ranger I had a great evening with talking with on the trail, came by and made the call to get a chopper into the tiny flat space behind the rest building. No charge, it was nothing I did wrong or could have foreseen. I could have ran the last 3 miles before the spins hit. My wife walked out alone and I waited up top , somewhat better and now knowing the trick to focus on tiny spots on the ground to re-center focus. Just a freak happenstance that could have been costly. I fell right initially, had I went left I would have dropped 100'. I was angry at my body letting me down and did not look out the window of the chopper. Ignominious defeat.
Yikes! I had an episode of severe vertigo in 2011 that landed me in the hospital for a couple nights. Retraining my vestibular system well enough to get around took a week, and it took almost three weeks. I'm glad it didn't happen on the trail as it did with you.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,684
|
Post by rebeccad on Dec 28, 2023 20:26:21 GMT -8
Wow, you two had some serious vertigo. I’ve had it, but only at home, thank goodness. Not sure if it came out of the blue that way. I know at least once I woke up with it. Apparently if it’s due to the crystals in the inner ear getting messed up you can learn to do the Eply maneuver and often set it right. Mine appears to be migraine related, so I take drug and lie still until it goes away. Fortunately doesn’t happen often.
|
|
balzaccom
Trail Wise!
Waiting for spring...
Posts: 4,515
|
Post by balzaccom on Dec 28, 2023 20:43:33 GMT -8
Wow, you two had some serious vertigo. I’ve had it, but only at home, thank goodness. Not sure if it came out of the blue that way. I know at least once I woke up with it. Apparently if it’s due to the crystals in the inner ear getting messed up you can learn to do the Eply maneuver and often set it right. Mine appears to be migraine related, so I take drug and lie still until it goes away. Fortunately doesn’t happen often. Completing the hijack of this thread, I have had it only once, from an ear infection about five years ago, and it required an ambulance ride to the hospital, an overnight stay there, and then about six weeks of various rehab. Nasty business. I was extremely lucky that I was at home when it happened, and not off on some crazy hike...
|
|