Good communication can make or break a trip. It’s crucial that the message is understood as intended. The more individuals involved in a trip and the more often you change plans, the more opportunity for confusion. As trail leader, you should establish routine procedures to ensure your guests understand what… Continue reading
One of the last things you consider while preparing for a trip is an accident. After all, who wants to think about something bad? Unfortunately, accidents can happen any where and at any time. In my 40-plus years of four-wheeling, I’ve taken many courses, including those to become a Sworn… Continue reading
Outdoors folks know how challenging it can be to keep food and other perishables chilled properly. You’re constantly adding ice and putting up with soggy food that fell into the big puddle at the bottom of your cooler. After each camping weekend, you turn to your better half and yell,… Continue reading
If you plan to attend the Wine Country Safari event, you should learn to recognize Poison Oak. While exposure to Poison Oak is not life-threatening, it will make you extremely uncomfortable. Symptoms are often present for up to three weeks. Most of the time an over-the-counter remedy is all that… Continue reading
Like other four-wheelers, I keep a fire extinguisher in the vehicle. Don’t think about it much, as it sits there year-round, attached to the transmission hump. One day I had to take it in for a minor repair, and it dawned on me that we tend to take those things… Continue reading
Regular readers of this column know that I have stressed safety and preparedness several times. There’s good reason for that. When you’re off-road, especially several hours away from critical care, you have to be able to handle emergencies that may occur. Previously I’ve touched on first aid kits and other… Continue reading
The desert is an amazing place. Despite the harsh conditions, numerous plants and animals thrive there. Many plants, including cacti, bloom in the spring and summer, bringing tremendous color to the otherwise drab surroundings. Looks can be deceiving, however. Certain plants may be appealing to the eyes, but can ruin… Continue reading
Summer is almost here, and that means the really hot weather is just around the corner. Even though the hot season is literally an annual event, many people drop their guard and put themselves at great risk. No one is immune to these forces. In late April a border patrol… Continue reading
Remember the good old days when you could leave your bike outside overnight? Or your front door unlocked while you ran an errand? (Yes, I know I’m dating myself.) Sadly, those days are long gone. Theft is now a part of our lives. But we can minimize its occurrence. Four… Continue reading
With the snow we’ve been getting in the mountains lately, a lot of four-wheelers are itching to fire up their vehicles and go plowing through the white stuff. Whether over Cajon Pass, through Big Bear area, or just to Grandma’s house, driving off road in snow is a lot of… Continue reading
We Californians are becoming acclimated to disaster planning. We have to. We live under the threat of an earthquake 24 hours a day. A major disaster can strike anywhere, however, so it pays to be prepared – With so much to consider and so many possible scenarios, where do you… Continue reading
In previous columns I’ve discussed how to prepare your vehicle for driving off-road, and offered a number of safety suggestions for you and your passengers. The goal, of course, is to make sure you are properly prepared for your trip and ready for most contingencies. In honor of National Preparedness… Continue reading
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