GRAND CANYON ~ Life's Journey 2

You've got the dream to backpack the Grand Canyon; but what is your next step? Your life may be full of dreams, but very few will become reality unless you take action. Make sure every step of the way is covered in prayer and directed by God.

Couch potatoes never hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
1. PRAYER
You will develop skills and grow more into a leader, by planning your own trip. It is important to make sure, that God is giving you His blessings; and not to run ahead of Him. Involve God! Allow Jesus to make your decisions. Pray! Allow the Spirit of God to tell you yes or no.

"Man's steps are ordained by the LORD..." Proverbs 20:24
2. RESEARCH
The more knowledge you have, the more likely your adventure will be successful. Your Grand Canyon research may include:

• Visiting the Grand Canyon, taking pictures, talking to rangers, backcountry office and checking out trailheads.
• NPS.org ~ online research for the Grand Canyon
• Other Grand Canyon sites on the Internet, personal, commercial, and tourist
• Purchase maps ~ National Geographic
• Build a library of Grand Canyon books.
• Watch Grand Canyon DVDs, IMAX movies & CD ROMS.
• Talking with friends who have hiked the Grand Canyon

3. SOLO or TEAM After praying and doing your research, you'll need to decide who all is going. Are you backpacking alone? Are you inviting others.
4. DECISIONS A decision must be made, what month are your going to backpack the Grand Canyon.
5. APPLY FOR A BACKCOUNTRY PERMIT You need to go online to NPS.org, and visit the Grand Canyon National Park site. You can download a form to request campsites and dates. You can either visit the backcountry office in person, mail it in or send a fax.
6. EXERCISE You need to get your body in shape. Push yourself, and make sure you take many hikes before you leave for the canyon.
7. BACKPACKING Take your backpack out and go camping during the Summer. Find out how much you can carry and what you can eliminate. The Grand Canyon should never be your first backpacking trip.
8. PLAN MENU Buy backpack food, or stuff from your supermarket and taste test it. It would be horrible to carry a meal, that tasted disqusting.
9. GEAR Round up your backpack and gear. It is good to go shopping for items you need, months before your trip. Get a postal scale and weigh each item.
10. BOOK SHUTTLE, & MOTEL Once you have your permit in hand, it is time to book your transcanyon shuttle, and motel rooms for before & after.
11. PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE You would hate to have your car break down on the way to the canyon. Make sure you have good brakes, tires, belts, new fluids, hoses, and an oil change.