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Sports Outdoors

By Self Publishing Titans
A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon

A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon

by Kevin Fedarko

4.6 (710 ratings)
Sports Outdoors

Published

May 28, 2024

Pages

505 pages

Language

English

Publisher

Scribner

Available Formats & Prices

View on Amazon

Kindle

$5.99

Hardcover

$19.89

Audiobook

$0.00

Audio CD

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About This Book

Two friends, zero preparation, one dream. From the author of the beloved bestseller The Emerald Mile , a rollicking and poignant account of an epic 750-mile odyssey, on foot, through the heart of America’s most magnificent national park and the grandest wilderness on earth. A few years after quitting his job to follow an ill-advised dream of becoming a guide on the Colorado River, Kevin Fedarko was approached by his best friend, the National Geographic photographer Pete McBride, with a vision as bold as it was harebrained.

Together, they would embark on an end-to-end traverse of the Grand Canyon, a journey that, McBride promised, would be “a walk in the park.” Against his better judgment, Fedarko agreed to the scheme, unaware that the small cluster of experts who had completed the crossing billed it as “the toughest hike in the world.” The ensuing ordeal, which lasted more than a year, revealed a place that was deeper, richer, and far more complex than anything the two men had imagined—and came within a hair’s breadth of killing them both. They struggled to make their way through the all but impenetrable reaches of its truest wilderness, a vertical labyrinth of thousand-foot cliffs and crumbling ledges where water is measured out by the teaspoon and every step is fraught with peril—and where, even today, there is still no trail along the length of the country’s best-known and most iconic park. Along the way, veteran long-distance hikers ushered them into secret pockets, invisible to the millions of tourists gathered on the rim, where only a handful of humans have ever laid eyes.

Members of the canyon’s eleven Native American tribes brought them face-to-face with layers of history that forced them to reconsider myths at the center of our national parks—and exposed them to the impinging threats of commercial tourism. Even Fedarko’s dying father, who had first pointed him toward the canyon more than forty years earlier but had never set foot there himself, opened him to a new way of seeing the landscape. And always, there was the great gorge itself: austere and unforgiving but suffused with magic, drenched in wonder, and redeemed by its own transcendent beauty.

A Walk in the Park is a singular portrait of a sublime place, and a deeply moving plea for the preservation of America’s greatest natural treasure.

Introduction

Embark on an astonishing journey through the vast and rugged landscape of the Grand Canyon in "A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure." This enthralling narrative plunges readers into an exhilarating tale of unexpected trials and triumphs. With breathtaking moments and gripping twists, experience the adventure of a lifetime as the story unfolds against the backdrop of one of nature's most majestic wonders. The author's firsthand account brings vivid life to each perilous step, forging a connection between reader and explorer.

Key Takeaways

The Grand Canyon's untamed beauty and its unpredictable challenges make for an unforgettable adventure. Every move in the Canyon's unpredictable terrain demands careful navigation and daring spirit. Experience nature's majesty, intense danger, and personal growth in one captivating journey.

Detailed Description

This captivating tale immerses readers in the treacherous beauty of the Grand Canyon where an unexpected turn of events leads to a journey like no other. The protagonist embarks on an adventure filled with both unforeseen danger and newfound camaraderie. As the story unfolds the natural splendor of the surroundings becomes a character itself providing both awe-inspiring and life-threatening conditions.

Amidst cascading cliffs and turbulent rapids the travelers face the duality of nature's magnificence and peril. Unforeseen challenges transform an anticipated leisurely hike into a high-stakes endeavour where human spirit and endurance are tested beyond limits. Each chapter weaves a tapestry of emotions from fear and desperation to triumph and enlightenment as they navigate through continual adversity.

With vivid descriptions and deft storytelling A Walk in the Park" invites readers to ponder the transformative power of nature. It delves into the profound impact of this misadventure on the lives of those involved revealing layers of vulnerability resilience and self-discovery. This true account not only entertains but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the unpredictable journey life can offer.

As readers traverse this journey they gain insight into the indomitable resilience of the human spirit against nature's formidable forces. This engrossing narrative captures the essence of a grand expedition reminding us that sometimes the most spectacular adventures are those we never planned.

Standout Features

This book masterfully intertwines the staggering beauty of the Grand Canyon with a tale of unforeseen peril and survival Through compelling storytelling it draws readers into a visceral experience of the harsh yet breathtaking landscape making each moment vivid and unforgettable The personal growth and resilience of the protagonist in the face of nature's challenges offer inspiring insights Their transformation from a curious explorer to a seasoned and thoughtful adventurer provides readers with a reflective examination of endurance strength and humility A Walk in the Park" excels in portraying the delicate balance between danger and wonder in the natural world Its ability to capture both the awe-inspiring and the fearsome aspects of the Grand Canyon sets this story apart offering a profound narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Book Details

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Specifications

Pages:505 pages
Language:English
Published:May 28, 2024
Publisher:Scribner
Authors:Kevin Fedarko

Rating

4.6

Based on 710 ratings

Customer Reviews

Exciting adventures

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Dangerfield
September 14, 2024

I got tired just reading about these challenging and dangerous treks through the entire length of the Grand Canyon. As contrasted with books like A Walk in the Woods, which was written mostly for laughs, this book communicates the wonder, beauty and danger of long-distance hiking with just enough humor to keep it light. Though it tends to be overwritten in places, it's a must for hikers everywhere.

Impressive, fascinating book

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Mihaela Mullin
August 19, 2024

This is an extraordinary book, captivating, beautifully written, and impossible to put down right from the start. Kevin Fedarko's journey into the grand Canyon's heart, A Walk in the Park, is an amazing, challenging adventure and an awesome read!

Awesome story. Terrible quality physical book

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Scott Kahney
June 8, 2024

I was super excited to see that Kevin Fedarko wrote a book about his Grand Canyon walk. I don’t usually buy brand new hardcover books, but I was too excited to wait for the paperback. The story, as expected, is captivating and amazing. I highly recommend it. The author tells a great story and blends adventure with natural history very well, just like in The Emerald Mile. The physical book, however, leaves much to be desired. I have never seen such a poorly constructed book in my life. The pages are very thin and many pages are miss cut. They were folded multiple times in the production process and then miss cut. When you unfold them, they stick out beyond the sides of the book. I was very disappointed with the quality of the book itself. At this point, I realize Amazon would return it, but it’s really not worth the hassle. All the words were on the pages. Unfortunately, the pages stuck out beyond the edges of the book. I’m not sure who was in charge of quality control for this. I guess I’ll place the blame on Scribner (the publisher). I added one picture as an example of the miss cut pages. This, unfortunately, occurred many times and really distracted from the quality of the book itself. I still gave the book 5 stars because most people will be looking for reviews about the story not the quality of the physical product. if this is a concern for you, however, you may want to wait for the paperback version. You’ll save money and probably get a better book.

A Grand Walk In the Park

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Winterbear
July 24, 2024

I wasn't going to write a review after finishing the book. There are many intelligently written reviews and my thoughts would've felt weak. But then I watched the National Geographic documentary Into the Grand Canyon, an excellent video guide that covers all the basic elements of the book. Maybe most importantly the people who helped Fedarko and McBride complete their trek. I recommend that this video be viewed before reading the book and watch it again afterwards. A visual picture helps capture the moments more accurately as you read the book, which is an excellent read. My experience in the canyon includes eight backpacking multi-day treks, two trips down the Colorado River and two mule rides when I was a kid. My dna is in that canyon. Fedarko captures the canyon in this book and also in his Emerald Mile book. He is an excellent writer.

Beautifully written, personal, heartfelt, entertaining and enlightening.

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M. Brandes
August 9, 2024

Who doesn't love a good story? Even better when it's a true one. The author shares the good and the bad, the exhilaration and the fear and despair of an epic journey. Along the way he recounts history and information about the original inhabitants. He is a powerful voice for the native Americans who were the first to call this magnificent place home and yet he is never preachy or at all self righteous. Quite t the opposite. My only complaint is that there weren't more of his companion's photographs. I wish I could see the footage.

A suffer fest

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Raymond M.
July 11, 2024

A story of sin and redemption. A good story if you're into the value of friends. Worth reading.

Another great book by a wonderful author!

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Rebecca Welch
August 9, 2024

This book is a laugh out loud, make you think, wonderful adventure. I loved the author's previous book. The Emerald Mile and this one is bound to win awards.

An Amazing Read and an Incredible Tale

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Pacifica movie buff
June 13, 2024

Fedarko and his hiking buddy are lucky to share their story. No better prepared than Cheryl Strayed and in many ways in worse environmental conditions. It's a testament to a generous hiking community, luck, stupidity, and perseverance. Then again, what great hiking story isn't? Very readable, well researched, and the attention to the Native American history and connection to the Canyon is admirable. You will laugh and cry. Like the author and his hiking companion, you will hate to reach the end of the journey. Good read for both serious hikers and armchair adventurers.