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Join Rabbi Jamie Korngold on a hike to one of the most
spiritually profound places on earth-- the base of the Grand Canyon.
We will spend 4 days in the Canyon, embraced by the wisdom of the
red walls and the power and patience of the water.
Trip Description:
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| View from the South Kaibab
Trail |
We will meet on the South Rim on Wednesday afternoon to pack the
mules who will be carrying our gear. (We will not be hiking with
them.)
Rising before dawn on Thursday morning, we will make our way 7.1
miles down the South Kaibab Trail. We will pause along the way for
our morning service, a combination of traditional liturgy and creative
nature oriented prayer from our Jewish tradition.
After approximately 6 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the Colorado
River, whose strength and perseverance formed these intricate canyons.
Phantom Ranch will be our base for the next few days. (click
here for info on Phantom Ranch) We will sleep in the women’s
bunkhouse, complete with hot showers and fresh linens.
 On
Friday and Saturday, we will take day hikes to side canyons
and visit the secret waterfalls where the fresh mint grows. If we
are lucky, the spring flowers may be out, yellow blossoms celebrating
the spring runoff.
Shabbat will bring a welcomed rest, a chance to pray and play,
to luxuriate and learn. Imagine singing L’cha Dodi to welcome
the Sabbath from inside the vastness of the Grand Canyon! We will
combine day hikes, writing, and meditation to create a vibrant Shabbat
experience.
Sunday morning we will rise early to hike out 9.6 miles up the
Bright Angle Trail. Although the trail is long and steep, we will
work together to make our way to the top, always taking time to
notice the birds soaring by the mesas.
As we leave the Canyon, we will not be the same people who entered
just days before. Somehow, just as the river changes the rock, the
Canyon experience changes who we are. Together, as a group of women,
we will learn from each other and the Canyon, as we grow as individuals
and as a community
1. Jewish Practice:
Through thoughtful prayer, conversation, and song, Rabbi Jamie Korngold
will guide us toward a deeper understanding of the connection between
Judaism and nature and help us develop a Jewish framework for the
spirituality we experience in the wilderness.
On our other trips, participants have found that long, familiar
prayers became infused with new meaning when expressed in the wild.
Our Shabbat celebration is always a highlight of these trips. Shabbat
celebrated in the wilderness provides a potent pause, a chance to
reflect and to appreciate That Which Is Greater Than Ourselves.
Have Adventure Rabbi Contact You Now.
2. Difficulty:
Strenuous. Hiking down and back up the Canyon with ample water is
not easy work. You may wish to train on the Stairmaster and hike
with a filled backpack. That said, the hike is very
achievable and has been accomplished by thousands of people. This
is a unique opportunity, worth training for. Mental fortitude goes
a long way in the Canyon!
3. Gear:
We provide all group gear, food, towels, linens,
pillows, soap and shampoo. You provide sturdy, well-broken-in boots,
backpack, daypack, clothing, toiletries, and hiking sticks. Clothing
list provided with registration.
3. Schlepping the Gear: We have hired mules to carry much
of our gear to the base. If you would like some of your personal
gear to be carried by mule, you must arrive at the stables at the
rim no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
4. Guides:
 Rabbi
Jamie Korngold
Rabbi Jamie Korngold is the founder of Adventure Rabbi,
whose mission is to create opportunities "to allow the wilderness
to re-awaken our Judaism." Jamie has years of outdoor guiding
experience, working for such renowned organizations as Outward Bound,
Woodswoman, and the Cornell University Outdoor Program. Adventure
Rabbi, is the realization of a life-long dream, which allows her
to combine and share her two passions, Judaism and the Outdoors.
[click here for background]
Alison Wallis began guiding for Adventure Rabbi
in March 2004. Alison is well-known in the Jewish-outdoor  world
for (among other things) her work with Colorado Mosaic Outdoor Mountain
Club (MOMC). On most weekends, you can find her in the mountains
guiding MOMC trips. She recently completed her term as president
of MOMC, and now will service as Vice President in charge of marketing.
Alison has vast experience as an outdoor leader and we are proud
that she is a member of the Adventure Rabbi team.
5. Cost:
The cost of the trip is $1000, which includes all meals beginning
with breakfast Thursday morning through lunch on Sunday, camping
on the Rim Wednesday night, 3 nights lodging in Phantom Ranch, group
equipment, hiking safety instruction, and Adventure Rabbi programming.
We will be staying in a bunkhouse with 10 bunkbeds.
6. Dates:
We will meet on the South Rim in the afternoon of Wednesday April
26, to begin hiking April 27. We will return late afternoon Sunday
April 30.
7.Travel:
Commercial airlines serve Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Las Vegas. We
may be able to help you arrange carpools fromBoulder/Denver.
For more travel information, please click
here.
Please make return flights no earlier than Monday morning.
 8.
Weather:
Spring is a magnificent time of year in the Grand Canyon. The heat
is not yet oppressive, and the flowers are beginning to bloom. We
can expect temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees. However, in years
past we have had snowstorms at this time of year, so we will need
to be prepared.
9. Food:
We will enjoy delicious, simple, backcountry fare, which we will
prepare together. Many special food requirements
can be accommodated. Meals will be provided from breakfast on the
27th through lunch on the 30th.
10. Registration:
Since we can only accommodate 7 people on this trip, we expect that
it will fill quickly. Please register early so you will not be disappointed.
(Please register below). A 50% non-refundable deposit of $500 with
your registration will hold your spot. The remainder is due February
1, 2006.
 To
receive the registration packet, please fill out the form below
>>
11. Cancellation Policy:
No refund will be extended after February 1, 2006. We strongly recommend
the purchase of travel insurance.
12. Safety:
Rabbi Korngold is an outdoor professional and will take every precaution
to ensure your safety. However, there are unavoidable risks in a
wilderness trip and participants are required to sign a waiver acknowledging
that they understand and accept the risks involved. Participants
are expected to be in sufficient physical condition, exercise sound
judgment and avoid unnecessary risks.
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