Buzz Holmstrom, who in 1937 was the first person to solo boat through the Grand Canyon, was an enigma; resourceful and strong, yet soulful and introspective. He saw poetry and inspiration on a journey where many would only focus on survival and overwhelming logistics. Xeroxed copies of Buzz’s poignant journals, treasured and avidly read for years by river runners in the Grand Canyon are now available in this thoroughly well researched and documented book. Arizona Raft Adventures guide and author Brad Dimock and coauthor Vince Welch, skilfully explore the life and legend of the mythic Haldane “Buzz” Holmstrom, adroitly revealing page by page his accomplished, yet all too short life. The combination of a sensitive nature and indomitable courage, made Buzz a true hero. If you were awestruck by the experience of rafting the canyon or have marveled at the mysteriousness and beauty of our world when sleeping under the stars, then the perceptive thoughts and words of Buzz will have relevance; and you may understand a bit of the man Buzz Holmstrom was, while at the same time gain perspective about your own life changing experiences.
By Sharon Hester