Our Grand Canyon planning is moving full steam ahead. Almost everyone attended the first preparation hike and backpacking skills night. However, how many of you are spending 30 to 45 minutes 4 to 5 times a week in a good aerobic workout? Hmmmm.

Our next preparation hike will be the Winter Bushwhack on January 27^th. We will meet at Clifton Mill at 9:30 a.m. and hike the Clifton Gorge Trail to John Bryan State Park and back. You will need to carry a backpack that weighs about the same as your Grand Canyon backpack. There is no cost and those folks who are also attending the troop campout that weekend will have transportation provided for them.

Grand Canyon National Park requires reservations to be made for those spending the night in the canyon. The soonest we can make these for our June trip is February 1^st. Once our reservations are received, it will be 4-6 weeks before we receive a confirmation. Furthermore, we had to select alternate dates in case our requested dates are full. This could delay the trip dates by one to eight days. We apologize if this causes a conflict for you and will refund any deposits you have made if you are unable to attend.

Don't forget to work on your trip requirements. Scouts need to advance a rank by May 7^th. You must attend the informational parent's meeting and pay a $200 deposit on February 5^th. You will also receive your medical form and permission slip at the meeting. Both are due May 7^th. Also, don't forget $150 of the trip cost must be earned through troop fund raisers. Sell those subs! Finally, don't forget to attend the preparation hikes:

• Feb. 23-25, Clarke State Forest Trail, 20 miles
• Mar. 2-4, Red River Gorge, 20 miles
• Apr. 27-29, Zaleski S. P., 12 miles (required)
• May 11-13, Mischa Mokwa, 21 miles (required)

1. Check out our 1986 Grand Canyon trip report on the troop web site. Your trip will be very similar. Also, we have a page on our web site for our 2001 trip. Please check it periodically for updates.
2. We still need a third volunteer to drive their vehicle on the trip. Please contact John if you are interested and able.
3. Make it a priority to check out these links:

Safety/Prevention: http://www.hitthetrail.com/safety.htm

Gear: http://www.hitthetrail.com/equipment_initial.htm

Troop 19: http://www.troop19.org/gcnp42k/gcnp42k.htm

Troop 325: http://my.ohio.voyager.net/~joeyd/gc.html

I know it is tough to think about 100+ degree Grand Canyon temperatures when there is snow on the ground outside. However, do yourself a favor - get smart. If you haven't begun your workout program then start it today. If you try to backpack the Grand Canyon with an unprepared body then you will jeopardize not only yourself, but all the members in your group. Do yourself a favor - get smart!