Verde River Elegy: A Paddling Journey to the River's End

by Jon Fuller

Verde River Elegy tells the story of the author’s epic canoe journey from the Verde River headwaters to its end at the Salt River, the longest known continuous boat trip on the river. The Verde River’s precious ribbon of green is a 196-mile oasis of riverside forests, stunning canyons, diverse wildlife, and cool water in the searing Arizona heat. In addition to the spectacular scenery, Jon also encountered flow-depleting diversion dams, river-choking invasive plants, threatening hillbillies and hat-stealing trees. Jon paddled alone through tranquil pools and splashy rapids along this beautiful oasis, with only his trusty canoe Red for company, a laminated river map to show the way, and a notebook in which to record the journey. From that notebook, Verde River Elegy was born. Jon’s writing is at times humorous, always reflective, and ultimately poignant, as development threatens the river’s very existence. He took this trip to say farewell to the shining emerald that is the Verde River before it is gone forever.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2018

Reviews

[Quentin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about an interesting place. Not many people see the Verde from source to confluence. Hearing about J Fullers journey and insights taught me more about a place I thought I knew a lot about. Solid writing. Makes me feel grateful and fortunate to work on a river that I think ultimately is on its way out. Enjoy the Verde now while it lasts!

[Terry Tschann Skelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a bound copy of this book that I checked out at the Camp Verde Commuity Library--not the Kindle version.) I hope this isn't the last book that Jon Fuller writes. His style is clean and clear, filled with keen observations and honest perceptions and judgments. Just when he starts to get a bit technical (for a 73-year-old non-paddler) he breaks it up with a wry comment. Since I have never paddled anything anywhere (but do appreciate the opportunities it offers) and never will, I was thrilled to paddle vicariously down my favorite river alongside this gifted narrator. He describes the Verde's current (present) attributes with affectionate appreciation as well as decrying the multiple punishments perpetrated on it during the past 150 years or more. Maybe he should consider doing it again this year (2019) with all the precip we've been so fortunate (in most cases) to have received this winter in the Verde Valley. I imagine it would be a completely different trip. Besides, I'd love to stop by and say howdy when he stops at Rezonnico Park nearby. I have lived near the Verde for nearly 30 years and have rights on the Eureka Ditch (so far). My son and girlfriend live on the river (lower half of their property flooded this year) and kayak. I'll be buying them a copy of this book.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about the author’s solo canoe trip on the Verde River, a 196-mile trip from its headwaters to the Salt River confluence. It gives you an insightful perspective from that of an avid and experienced canoeist. It was very interesting and held my attention from beginning to end. Fuller gives enough history and background about the river and about canoes to inform the reader, but doesn’t overload. Also, there are a lot of lovely and humorous vignettes about the wildlife he encounters, both animal and human (hehe), as well as the beautiful and wild parts of the Verde River, juxtaposed against the parts that have been devastated by humans - vaguely alluding to impacts caused by development, Monsanto, ranching, industrial use, and farming. Go ahead and read it, you’ll enjoy it. Now I want to boat the Verde River!!!!!

[R. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable voyage down the Verde River in central Arizona. If you enjoy public lands in the Grand Canyon State, you'll enjoy this first person account.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved getting to know the Verde River, the author really captures the river and covers his issues faced lightheartedly.

[Cathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A description of paddling the Verde River in a canoe from near Chino Valley to the confluence of the Salt River, with maps, color photos, descriptive summaries, and personal anecdotes.