We Swam the Grand Canyon: The True Story of a Cheap Vacation that Got a Little Out of Hand Paperback – July 25, 2008

This was an EXCELLENT book and I am already thinking of half-a-dozen friends to whom I would like to "gift" copies. It wasted no time on "character development" but went right into the meat of the story. (One might think that they had picked up a Reader's Digest "abridged" version!) But I mean that as a "positive" statement about the book. I don't read "deep". I'm the kind of guy who wants his story to "get right to it". And this book does- the adventurers are in the river before the end of Chapter One! But as the chapters unfolded, the characters became very real and you could feel the emotion, the challenges, the fears, and the frustrations. I also found the footnotes and historical anecdotes to add considerably to the adventure as it unfolded. You could feel the place in the history of the Grand Canyon that the two adventurers were securing. (And yet, that was NOT what they set out to do!) It is a short book that is FULL of meat and potatoes and I will get additional copies to pass on to others who are sure to pick it up from my desk and in a few short minutes become absorbed and intrigued and ask to borrow it. No, I won't lend it out. I want this book to be always on my desk. But I WILL give them a copy of their own and feel good about sharing this kind of adventure. If I "loan" it to them, they would have to give it back. I'm certain that they will enjoy it so much that they too will buy an extra copy or two to "share" in the way that I did.This is NOT a book about "growing up". This book is about adventure, determination, facing challenges and accomplishment. It is uplifting and fulfilling. It is an easy read. It is a "can't miss" gift for all ages. (It is NOT a "kid's story" but will be enjoyed, I think, by anyone age 10 and up.)

I had no idea swimmers completed the entire length of the Grand Canyon (in 1955), which was before Glen Canyon was built and the Colorado River was forever tamed. Good grief - I had to read about it.What an amazing and good read story this is. I have a hard time imagining two fellows wearing simple clothing and gear (much from military surplus stores), stepping into the cold river (low 50's) day after day, and surviving all of the rapids along the 277 miles from Lees Ferry to Pierce Ferry. They loved most of the rapids, even though they got beat up along the way. Notorious Lava Falls Rapids? Success!I love reading real life adventures and how those involved pulled it off and what hardships they endured. Like this one and like Shackleton's famous trip in Antarctica. Another unbelievable book is "Across the Olympic Mountains, The Press Expedition, 1889-90", though it has been out of print for sometime, it can be found.I recommend reading about this swim legend to anyone interested in Grand Canyon history, adventure stories, or just want to be amazed on what someone has pulled off.

I wasn't prepared for the entertainment value of this book. The adventure itself was what drew me in but the incredulity of the undertaking and the sheer magic of the storytelling made this a book I have given to many friends. To call it a fun read would be an understatement.

From the three books on explorations of the unknown I've read in the past few months I enjoyed this the most. (The others where Ryback, The High Adventure from Canada to Mexico, and Cousteau, The Silent World). I admit that I enjoy backpacking, so far mostly in the Sierra Nevada and in the Grand Canyon. I also skin dive and hopefully will get a SCUBA licence this spring. So each of these three books displayed a piece of history about one of my hobbies. Nevertheless Bill's book left me in awe: it is such a fantastic, modern adventure, nearly unbelievable without the detailed descriptions and photographs. I've hiked along the Colorado in the GCNP and (maybe because of the warnings of the rangers or maybe because the river 'diagonals' down rapidly the thight canyons) would have never considered swimming in it. The book is really well written and the pictures give you a feeling of being close to what happened 50 years ago. (My only wish would be to get rid of some of the scratches using digital retouching. But then again the scratches give them an authentic feeling.) Bill, I really have to thank you for republishing this book!

This is such a fun read. An improbable yet well documented tale of young men’s misadventures. Great read, especially if you have ever been or ever want to visit the Grand Canyon. This was in a day where waterproofing was nonexistent, no wet suites, no freeze dried meals. Today’s youth could never survive the trip. Recommended it for book club.

Worth reading.

Awesome book such a great read

This is one of those books you can't put down. Easy going, you feel like you're along for the trip. I'm a Grand Canyon addict and love books on the canyon. Not a whole lot about the scenery or geography - just coping with the river and its rapids and the human challenges of it all. You'll like it.