One constant in four-wheeling is the need to pack properly. Because we’re off on our own – away from the conveniences of city life – we have to be self-sufficient. Not only do we prepare for the expected (camping, cookouts, and such), we must try to prepare for the unexpected.… Continue reading
Bob said he had to get back. We were two days into a 3 trip through the Mojave Desert. He assured me that he knew the way back. At one-point Bob arrived at a river crossing. He had crossed it several times in the past. Normally it was only 8… Continue reading
Have you ever wondered about being a Trail Leader? Ever imagined yourself guiding a group of four-wheelers down historic trails and through scenic landscapes? What has stopped you? Most likely a lack of confidence. Understandable. Leading a group of four-wheelers is quite a bit different from being just another participant.… Continue reading
It was the second day of a three-day excursion to the Sweetwater Mountains, just north of Bridgeport, California. We stopped for some sightseeing high on the peak of Mt. Patterson. At 11,674 feet, we marveled at the incredible views. East looking into Nevada are the Bodie Hills and Corey Peak… Continue reading
Summer is almost here. In southern California, that means fire restrictions take effect soon. While these restrictions seem to put a crimp on your camping, it’s really just a minor inconvenience. You still get to enjoy the outdoors. It’s just a different style of camping. During these periods, campfires and… Continue reading
Hey, buddy. Did you hear the one about the ‘gator that strolled into a leather store? He was looking for a long-lost cousin. Oh, come on. It wasn’t that bad. (Was it?) Chances are you’ve heard tons of jokes like this one. (And others I couldn’t print here). While most… Continue reading
Something just didn’t seem right. We were westbound on the Red Rock Randsburg highway late one Sunday afternoon in July. Another hot day in the Mojave Desert – about 100 degrees. Just as I crested the top of a hill, I could see a disabled vehicle on the right shoulder about a… Continue reading
Even after decades and thousands of miles of four wheeling in the western US, I’m still amazed to find neat stretches of trail scattered about. That was the case last year when I stumbled upon a portion of the Pony Express trail. One late winter day, I was traveling on… Continue reading
It’s a challenge every four-wheeler faces at some point: Should you hold onto the current vehicle or replace it? If you’re like most four wheelers you’ll hang on as long as possible. Something breaks, and you replace it. Another part snaps, and you head to the store. Or you take… Continue reading
It was late January or early February. I was leading a small group on a three-day expedition on the Mojave Trail. We planned to explore parts of the trail and nearby sites. Late the first night we turned off and drove about seven miles into Carruthers Canyon, located in the… Continue reading
‘Twas the night before deadline and all through house, not a soul was stirring, not even my spouse. As I pecked at my laptop and pondered the season, What came to mind was more than one reason. New trails, new friends, and good times galore. If it weren’t for four-wheeling,… Continue reading
It was a frosty Sunday morning. I was camping in the North Dakota Badlands, Slope County. Though early, a clear blue sky surrounded us. Save for the light chatter around the campfire, there wasn’t a sound. With no plans for the morning, I stayed put for a while and enjoyed… Continue reading
