Dating is like backpacking

I was inspired by this post by Samuel Kee: Dating is Like Going into a Haunted House.
True, thought I. Though I have no high-school dating experiences to speak of (praise God I was spared!), as an outside observer it seems like a legitimate comparison.
Then you approach marriageable age, and the scene changes. Suddenly dating is expected, and in fact, appropriate. Though I'm no dating expert, I've taken a couple trips, and this is what I've found.

Dating is like a backpacking trip:

• Its highly idealistic, until about 20 minutes in. Then suddenly you realize that this is a big deal and what did you get yourself into and oh my gosh, we're really here and how did we get here and I can't believe I'm doing this! Elation and excitement and being overwhelmed all at once. You realize that this is not a small decision, but there's no turning back now. 
• Like a Haunted House, it's still risky business, Perhaps more risky now that you're backpacking. You could roll an ankle or break a bone; you could get lost or run out of water; at the very least your feet start hurting after a while when you realize this trip actually involves some work and some sacrifice. 
• Higher risk, more work, requires  more intentional planning. Trips like this--successful ones--don't happen by accident or on a whim. But the element of calculated risk is precisely what makes the journey epic. Which leads me to the next point...
• Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. Cliche but true. You are passing  some absolutely phenomenal views. This doesn't happen in every day life or without sacrificing some comforts here and there. But the view is worth it. Sometimes it really is best not to stress over your destination and to enjoy the view. On the other hand...
• Pace yourself. Injuries happen when you're clamoring down a mountain-face of scree. Don't run because you're bound to trip on something. As each new turn unfolds another stunning landscape, enjoy it. Don't rush through the wonderful. 
• Consult the experts. Your own past experience will only get you so far, and each trail is different, with different discoveries and risks. And for Pete's sake, don't go sneaking off into the woods alone! Your people back home want to know you are safe, so give them a call from time to time and tell them where you are. At the very least they can call in a helicopter if things don't go as planned. And don't forget to check the map from time to time and make sure you're still on the right path. 
• Be conditioned. No one goes from couch potato to Sherpa in one day. Journeys like these take exercise: patience and discipline, the ability to be uncomfortable, good humor, a sense of adventure,  grace, thoughtfulness, communication,  and the humility to admit you smell bad after three or four days. Are you developing the disciplines to be a good hiker? Are your muscles and lungs strong enough to finish the journey? Don't sit around playing XBox while you're waiting for your trip to start. Get out there and get in shape!