Hiking the Grand Canyon

"You might not be rescued," is one of many blunt pieces of advice in this tape by the National Park Service and the Grand Canyon Association. NPS personnel have no legal obligation to bail out injured hikers, although they'll usually attempt a rescue if it won't endanger more people. In order to have a safe hike, advance planning and physical conditioning are essential. This bargain-priced video is an excellent way for public libraries to disseminate important information and hopefully avoid hiker tragedies. Safety information is emphasized by first-person accounts: a man who ran out of water began climbing rocks in an effort to find more and fell 40 feet, injuring himself badly. A woman, not wanting to follow the "take out what you take in" rule, burned her used toilet paper and ended up causing a wildfire that destroyed trees which were hundreds of years old. Aside from human stupidity, dangers exist in the very nature of the canyon: it is usually 20 degrees hotter at the floor than at the rim; water can be very hard to find; snowstorms can blow up unexpectedly in fall, winter or spring; and lightning is always a hazard. The Grand Canyon's indescribable beauty will continue to attract hikers from around the world. By adding this tape to their collections, librarians can help assure them a safe trip. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Reagan)