Our group was traveling up Mazourka Canyon Road with plans to camp at Papoose Flats. Weather reports told of a big storm brewing off the coast. Bearing heavy winds and cold temps, it was scheduled to hit the Papoose Flats area in the evening. Upon arrival at Papoose Flats late… Continue reading
Are you new to four-wheeling? Welcome! There is a lot to this fun hobby, though sometimes it can seem overwhelming. Not to worry. You may proceed at your own pace (no pun intended!). Here are some tips to help you in the fun world of four-wheeling. How to find a… Continue reading
Every four-wheeler at some point needs to use a winch. The type of rope used is vitally important. I suggest synthetic rope, even though it’s more expensive than steel and is susceptible to abrasions. It’s far stronger: A 3/8” synthetic rope of Amsteel-Blue has an average breaking strength of 19,600… Continue reading
With AI (artificial intelligence) in the news so much today, I thought I’d try a little experiment. I was curious as to what extent the program (ChatGBT) could teach what I teach. Ultimately, could AI replace me (and the other trainers)? The answer is no, but AI does offer valuable… Continue reading
Pity the left-handed person. With something like 90 percent of the population right-handed, lefties are at a distinct disadvantage. But it’s not all bad news. In fact, lefties offer unique contributions to society. You’re probably thinking, “Hey, Tom, what do you know about left-handed people?” Quite a bit, actually. I… Continue reading
The new year is a good time to revisit some fundamentals of four-wheeling. Key among those is how to drive on gravel and dirt roads. After all, four-wheeling necessarily involves driving on unpaved surfaces. First, we’ll look at the hazards. Then we’ll review steps you can take for safer driving… Continue reading
I must be working too hard. I fell asleep at the laptop while working on this month’s article. When I woke up, there was an elf at my elbow. The little guy was checking up on me again. (I’m pretty sure I’ve been good all year!) Apparently, he also tried… Continue reading
One of the fundamental tenants of four-wheeling is to always travel with at least one other vehicle. Meaning, of course, never go four-wheeling alone. Bad things can happen, even during nice weather in a seemingly benign area. But sometimes it’s necessary for a vehicle to leave the group. Implementing the… Continue reading
Bruce was in a bind. While far into the Rubicon Trail, both axles on his Wrangler broke. Inquiring into how that happened, he had no idea. Maybe they were just worn out! Hopping in a buddy’s car, they drove out to get cell coverage. Bruce dialed up a junkyard in… Continue reading
Ah, another night, another raid. Those humans sure do keep it interesting. One night we hit the jackpot. Another night, it’s zippo. As in nothing. You just never know what to expect. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Learning the ropes quickly Hello, I’m Frank. A native of South Lake… Continue reading
I was hanging out in my garage one day with good buddy Bruce. He had a project to work on and I, well, I just felt like hanging out. (It is my garage, after all!) At one point the conversation turned to this nasty malady that afflicts so many men… Continue reading
Four-wheeling isn’t inherently hazardous. But like all outdoors activity, some risks are always present. Now is a good time to review a few common issues encountered while outdoors. Included are steps to mitigate the situation and prevent it from happening altogether. As a wilderness first responder, I am familiar with… Continue reading
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