Downcanyon: A Naturalist Explores the Colorado River Through the Grand Canyon

It is no wonder that some of the most beautiful writing comes out of the Southwest. With its stark contrasts of pastel skies and vivid geology, it can be difficult to capture the essence of this region, but a few accomplished writers have been able to do justice to this wondrous place. Hidden beneath the innocuous title, Downcanyon (just another raft trip down the Colorado?), is Zwinger's narrative, one reminiscent of the elegant writing of E.O. Wilson. Part of a team of volunteer naturalists and scientists studying environmental impact along the Colorado River, Zwinger (Run, River, Run) was involved in counting and observing Bald Eagles in the canyon. Returning time after time, she describes the changes of the seasons and man-made additions like a huge dam. She creates an intensely rich experience from the weaving of a spider web, and her recollection of summer in the canyon is a scalding, shimmering sensation. ``In summer, passing close to these sepulchral walls is like skirting the flank of a dragon. Rock made of seething, molten magma still pulses heat out more than a millennia later when its flat faces tilt to the sun like solar collectors.'' Downcanyon is a perfect blend of history, natural history and outdoor writing, nicely embellished by the author's sharp sketches. Readers will find Zwinger's account as educational as any text on the subject and as engrossing as a novel. (Oct.)