We were starting up Powell Canyon, in west-central Nevada. It was the start of what was to be about a three-day excursion. The roads were really smooth. (Tourists come through this area all the time – in passenger vehicles, of course.) We were looking forward to a relaxing trip to… Continue reading
The term tread lightly is well known among four wheelers. (And, I hope, everyone who enjoys the outdoors.) Many folks have joined Tread Lightly!, the organization. That’s great. But what does it mean to tread lightly? It’s easy to remember the fundamentals with the help of this mnemonic based upon… Continue reading
This announcement is kind of like the garden seed catalogs you receive in late winter with reminders of what to do in each of the upcoming months. Are your backup supplies and kits ready for a long, exciting off-road adventure? Maybe the Rubicon? How about an emergency evacuation due to… Continue reading
The nation (and world) continues to bounce back from the from the pandemic. A sure sign of that can be found in the large crowds that visit our parks, national forests and other public lands. While it’s nice to see so many people enjoying the outdoors, there is greater potential… Continue reading
Dutch ovens are great for cooking in the outdoors over charcoal and wood. Most hot dishes prepared at home can be enjoyed in the field as well. Four-wheelers often cook stews, casseroles, and similar dishes in a Dutch oven. What if you’re in the mood for baked goods? My triple… Continue reading
Hazards are an accepted part of four-wheeling. Driving off-road, in remote parts of the country (or the world), oftentimes on uneven or (treacherous terrain) is naturally risky. But it’s not just mechanical issues we face. Toxins occasionally present themselves, so it’s important to be aware of the situations that may… Continue reading
If you’re a regular reader, you’ll recall that I often stress the virtues of proper packing for your 4WD trip. Having the right gear and supplies can make or break a four-wheeling experience. At the same time, taking the wrong stuff can be bad for you, your vehicle and the… 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
January is a time for resolutions: lose weight, eliminate bad habits, be a better person. Perhaps you made a list for this year (and are already finding it difficult to follow). This is also a good time to review the gear and equipment used in off road driving. Does any… Continue reading
One of the many benefits of being an instructor is learning from my students. Usually it’s regarding some cool product. Such was the case in January. During my Tread Trainer class, a student mentioned oil-absorbent sheets. It sounded like a great product, so I stopped by West Marine (www.westmarine.com) and… Continue reading
When most laymen think of four-wheeling, their thoughts unfortunately are rarely positive. You know the criticism: We tear up the landscape. Scare away the wildlife. Pollute the environment. And burn through gas like there’s no tomorrow. How often have you heard those? How have you responded? You know you’re a… Continue reading
It’s no secret that Americans generate a lot of trash. Millions of tons of it every year. Not all of it ends up in garbage cans, either. Our streets are littered with cigarette butts, gum wrappers, and other trash. Sadly, our parks and other recreational areas are also cluttered with… Continue reading
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