Wind in the Rock

In Wind in the Rock naturalist Ann Zwinger explores, mostly on foot, the five canyons of the Grand Gulch Plateau, which empty into the San Juan River in southeastern Utah, not far above its confluence with the Colorado. Illustrated with dozens of the author's enchanting drawings, the book recounts the area's history, evokes the dramatic, moon-like landscape, describes the plants, animals and insects that survive in the arid climate, and captures the moments of terror and euphoria one experiences in this inhospitable land with its silence, its aura of timelessness, its breathtaking contrasts of heat and cold its beauty an blessed solitude. --- from book's dustjacket

I am a big fan of Ann Zwinger and of the Four Corners region. This book recreates the experience of walking through the canyons of southeastern Utah showing that despite surface similarities--each is unique and special. The book is enriched with her drawings of flowers and animals.

This is a book that took me almost a year to read because I made myself ration my intake like it was a private hoard of maple syrup or 100 year old brandy. I have visited Southeast Utah for years and this book captures the essence of the unique canyon country wilderness. It is an experience in the small and personal; the opposite of driving up to a view point, jumping out of your SUV, taking a picture and leaving.For anyone who loves this country, this book is a return trip. For anyone who wonders how anyone could be interested preserving this "hot, dry, and dusty place," this may be the book that tells you.