Canyon Country Goat-Pack Hiking Retreat
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Utah, April 7-14, 2008
Please note that the dates have been moved
one day forward from previous publicity.

Program
On Passover, we remove the chametz, the leavening agents that make dough puffy, from our homes and eat plain bread, matzah, instead. The chametz symbolizes the spiritual vices that keep us from our best selves. During this pre-Pesach retreat, we once again embark on the inner journey from slavery. We return to the spiritual womb of the Jewish people, the desert, to slow down, to eat simply, to learn and reflect, and, in the words of the prophet Micah, “to walk humbly with God.”

This TorahTrek retreat combines backcountry hiking with traditional and innovative Jewish practice. Rabbi Comins teaches the theory of Jewish Wilderness Spirituality on the trail. We learn to be fully present in the natural world through mindfulness exercises, such as silent walking, easy-to-learn walking meditation, and Jewish blessings. We invite God’s presence by dialoguing with our wilderness surroundings through prayer, song and Chi Quong style movement meditation. Embedded in nature, we then turn to inner exploration, bringing awareness to the stirrings of heart and soul. Each day includes hitbodedut, safe and supervised alone time in the wild for spiritual practice. In the evening, we study and discuss, cook and eat together, laugh and enjoy with new friends under the brilliant night sky.

Place
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the least travelled protected areas in the least populated area of the lower 48. Famous for its slot canyons and red-rock cliffs, this pristine wilderness features a variety of eco-systems, from lush oak-filled riparian habitat in limestone canyons to classic, red-rock desert to pinion-juniper forests. This is prime habitat for mule deer, hawks and big-horn sheep.

Gear
We provide it and the goats carry it! We provide tents, food and cooking equipment. You need only bring your camera, personal clothing, toiletries and a sleeping bag. An equipment and clothing list is included in the registration packet.

During our hikes, participants carry lunch, personal gear, and water. Expect to carry some clothing and personal gear, up to twenty pounds in your daypack.

Goats
Goats are likable and friendly, and have less impact on the terrain (and our noses) than pack-horses. While they won’t seek you out (unlike dogs), they enjoy being petted.

Degree of Difficulty and Physical Condition
Participants must be in good physical condition. We will be hiking up to 5 miles a day, with up to twenty pounds on our backs, on sometimes steep, rugged trails at significant altitude (6,000 feet). If you have questions about your degree of fitness, contact Rabbi Comins.

Schedule
We meet in Salt Lake City at 7:30am on Monday, April 7, or in Boulder, Utah at 11am. We leave the National Monument on Sunday, April 13, and spend one night at the Boulder Mountain Lodge. We depart early April 14. Flights from Salt Lake City should be scheduled for 1pm or later.

Weather
We can expect warm days and brisk evenings. As we are in wilderness, storms and low temperatures are possible. Please bring sleeping bags that are rated for cold weather!!

Food
All meals are vegetarian. Contact Rabbi Comins to see if special food needs can be accommodated. Participants will take turns helping with food prep and clean-up.

Please note, dinner the last evening, April 13 and breakfast, April 14 at Boulder Mountain Lodge restaurant are not included in the program fee. See menus at http://hellsbackbonegrill.com

Safety
Our guides are outdoor professionals with extensive wilderness experience. Our trail guide is trained in First Aid and Rabbi Comins is a Wilderness First Responder, having completed an advanced, 10 day First Aid course especially designed for backcountry leaders. The leaders carry an emergency short-wave radio or satellite phone. Nevertheless, 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.

Your detailed and accurate information on the health form makes it possible for the staff to prepare for your needs. Staff reserve the right to refuse participation on the basis of inaccurate or incomplete health information.

Religious Observance
There are no religious pre-requisites for this trek. Beginners in spiritual practice and Judaic observance will need a bit of tolerance, particularly during Shabbat services, but most group practices will be taught to all from the beginning. A background in Judaic and/or spiritual practice will enhance a participant’s experience. This program is not intended for those whose Jewish practice is strictly observant. Prayer services are egalitarian and traditional-style with contemporary, English additions; those who wish to pray a more traditional service, an alternative service or alternative practice will have the opportunity to do so on their own. Meals are kosher style; dishes are not kosher.

Registration and Payment
The cost of $1,295 includes TorahTrek program, meals (Monday lunch through Monday breakfast) wilderness permits, guides, camping fees, equipment, one night hotel lodging and transportation from Salt Lake City.

This program is limited to a maximum of ten participants. Early registration is recommended. To reserve your place, a deposit of $100 may be sent anytime before February 15, 2008. The deadline for registration and full payment is February 15, 2008. Participants accepted after March 1, space permitting, are subject to a $100 late fee. A minimum of six participants registered by February 15, 2008 is required for this program to run. (If the retreat does not run, all monies are refunded in full.)

To receive a registration packet, email us at "reg08" at torahtrek.com or click here.

Cancellation Policy
A full refund, minus $100, is extended when notice of cancellation, in writing, is received by TorahTrek before February 15, 2008. A full refund, minus $100, is extended when notice of cancellation, in writing, is postmarked on or after February 15, 2008, if another participant takes your place. If your place goes unfilled, a 50% refund is extended when notice of cancellation, in writing, is postmarked on or before March 1, 2008. No refund will be extended after March 1, 2008. We do our best to offer a cancellation policy that is fair to all. But the unexpected occurs. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. See your travel agent, or search under “travel insurance” on the web for a host of insurance companies.

Questions
Further information will be sent upon receipt of deposit, including a detailed equipment list and suggestions to prepare spiritually for the trek. Write us with any additional questions or concerns. Link to contact us E-mail form

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