When I think of this specific trip Jessica and I took, one of the words I think would be compromise…. I want to model this writing off of the Bible verse Proverbs 3:5 NLT
[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  I say compromise because this word is important not only in Marriage Backpacking but also in marriage in general.  Jessica and I originally planned to go to southern Arizona for a backpacking trip.  On our way, we ended up being the first on scene for a motorcycle accident and thus our trip ended up with some anxiety.  We spent some time in Safford Arizona where we rented an Airbnb.  Grabbed an oil change in Tucson. 

After grabbing some Burger King in Globe Jessie came up with an idea that allowed us both what we needed this trip.  We would backpack in Petrified Forest National Park!  Neither of us had been here yet so with a little bit of searching online it was not long before we were off!  We drove to Petrified Forest and acquired a Wilderness Permit from the Visitor Center.

As the evening pressed on we walked down towards the Badland formations.  I told Jess it would be really inspiring to camp under the stars on top of one of the high points.  She agreed and we walked for a mile or so.  See this area does not have a specific trail once down and off from the Parking Lot.  It is an open space full of unlimited views and unique land formations.  We eventually found a spot to scramble up to.  Once on top… Jessica and I were met with views of the Black Forest and could see where we had come from.  Our bright orange Jeep stood out on the distant hill.  We looked at some photography compositions and tried a new Freeze Dried Meal Company (Good 2 Go).  Jess said it wasn’t too bad but I was not a big fan of the meals. After our Dinner and Sunset Photographs, it was time to watch the sun set and the stars make their pilgrimage above us. It did not take long for us to fall asleep. The next morning we woke up to a beautiful sunrise and crisp morning. After a short while we packed our camp and headed back to the bright orange Jeep that awaited us. Once back at the vehicle we threw our packs inside and made our way to the Visitor Center to grab breakfast. The operation had Concessionaires running a cafe and gift shop.  We had a delicious breakfast and then set our sights on safely driving back to Flagstaff to get my tire repaired. We were fortunate that the air held in the tire but the nail was still persistent and we needed to solve the issue before driving the extra hour and a half to our home in the Grand Canyon in which had next to no services. Jessica and I drove the Jeep on Highway 40 to Flagstaff in the flow lane. Hazard lights and all…. though with some patients we soon found ourselves at Discount Tire! We left the Jeep at the shop and walked down the road to Chipotle for lunch. We sat at Chipotle outside, feeling close to each other and inspired for the next adventure.  With this said, without compromise… Jessie and I would not have gotten a Backcountry adventure this weekend.  The key was compromise.  God teaches us to trust in him even in the hard times.  I had a hard time getting past the idea of coming back another time for our original itinerary.  When I listened to why….. Compromise was the key!

-Sky