Flying the canyon will be one of the better experiences in your flying career. I did it back in 97-98. Flying beat to death 402 A-C models. Its some of the toughest flying conditions to get in with underpowered and under equipped airplanes. You will learn a lot as a pilot from the experience. You will be using the MEL seemingly more than your checklists. Remember the stuff that shows up on the MEL usually breaks on the last leg of the day at the outer marker inbound. Enjoy it.