There is nothing like a Grand Canyon river trip, but is that enough? Out on the Left Coast, a rising tide of wealth generated by the 1999 Silicon Bubble is floating all boats, but swamping Harper Purcell, a groundwater geologist and Grand Canyon river guide. Pressures from boom times are crushing his personal California dream of combining Grand Canyon river trips, throwback whitewater and surf culture, and his own geology business. The power and glory of a Grand Canyon river trip with motley friends brings solace, but he returns to water wars, shrinking habitat for free agents, and an unexpected death of a friend. Harper and his river buddies must head back into Grand Canyon for a high water chase to rescue a scoundrel friend from himself. On the way, they find the key to saving a special place, and rescue their self-respect.