Why James White's 1867 Raft Trip Doesn't Float (James White through Grand Canyon):
James White's possible first descent of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon on a log raft in 1867 is without question one of the Canyon's greatest legends. A debate as to the possibility of such a traverse has raged for decades. Did he, in fact, traverse the entire length of Grand Canyon two years prior to John Wesley Powell? Much of the controversy has and remains centered on the logistics of where he actually entered the River, what observations he made en route, accuracies/consistencies of statements he made and possible errors/omissions, intentional or otherwise, in their transcription. Myers is proposing a new look at the James White argument. His presentation will be about the physiologic possibilities of James White—or anyone—making such a rafting trip under such harsh, physically-demanding conditions. Is it even humanly possible? What are the odds? In Myers' opinion, infinitesimally small. He also believes history supports this. Accounts from fatal or near-fatal outcomes by other would-be rafters in Grand Canyon reflect he virtual impossibility of such a feat. Myers will present this evidence along with the physiologic improbability.