What I am Thankful About Four-Wheeling

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November is the Thanksgiving month. In that vein, this article shall act as a ‘thank you’ for all that four-wheeling has meant to me. I hope I can do justice in this humble piece.

Thankful for all the friendships I have made

It all starts with relationships. Numerous individuals started as acquaintances or clients and became close friends. Friendship and camaraderie make such a big difference. We bond during long drives and short trips. During fantastic weather and crummy weather. Behind the wheel and around the campsite. You just can’t beat good friends.

Great friends show up on time, and are stocked up on gas, wood and all the appropriate gear so we can leave on time.

Many companions bring important skills, too. They can fix vehicles, cook great meals, know first aid, and can spin a yarn like the best of them. A good storyteller is always in demand off road.

The real standout is the person who takes the initiative. This person offers to cook or clean up. Spot lines. Help with repairs…those folks are gold. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of meeting many over the years.

I’m thankful for friends who bring spare parts to me on the trail, sometimes involving a significant effort on their part.

We can’t ignore spouses and significant others who like to go four-wheeling and camping. The time outdoors is much more enjoyable when experienced with a loved one.

Then there’s man’s best friend. Our four-legged buddies are a joy to have around. Dogs are tailor-made for an off-road trip. In fact, they crave the outdoors. That wagging tail, darting nose, and excited eyes tell you just how much they are enjoying themselves.

Thankful for being outdoors

Where do I begin? Incredible scenery, majestic mountains and wide-open skies. Toss in the amazing, star-filled skies we witness at night. Those awe-inspiring scenes just aren’t found in the city. And I’m thankful for the comfortable weather in the desert throughout the winter months. Without that, we would not be able to experience that unique landscape.

I am thankful for landmarks I see, and the rich history to experience. Four-wheeling allows us to see parts of this nation that few people can. We take a step back in time while visiting ghost towns, closed mines and old railroad beds.

I am thankful that the Rubicon Trail stays rugged. The folks in El Dorado and Placer counties don’t try to maintain or smooth out this fabled trail. (Or, worse, pave it over!) The Rubicon offers a four-wheeling experience like no other. In addition, no permit is needed to drive the Rubicon. I am really thankful for that.

Speaking of trails, the perfect trail provides a certain amount of challenge but is still doable. It offers anticipation of the unknown challenges ahead. Ideally, the trail is not too far away, so we don’t waste valuable time getting there. Once on the trail, we relish in the majestic scenery, historic features (old mines and ghost towns are favorites) and lots of fresh air.

A significant part of any campout is the campfire. I am thankful for the soft flames and perfect amount of heat. The smoke that climbs straight upward, so our clothing doesn’t smell like a furnace. On top of that, the wood is properly seasoned; the fire is just right.

And when we aren’t allowed to burn wood, we light up a propane-fired campfire. We can enjoy a relaxing campfire even when fire restrictions are in place.

What I’m thankful for in a campsite

Tent Spring Bar

Regardless of which part of the country we explore, we often have to spend at least one night at a campsite. I am always grateful when I see these qualities in a campsite:

  • Remoteness.
  • Level ground, or at least some level spots for tents, RTTs and vehicles that people sleep inside.
  • Trees that offer shade, but still allow us to enjoy the morning sun and great views. Meaning, just the right amount of tree cover. And just enough dead kindling on the ground to start a fire. Oh, I almost forgot: a good branch to hang food on in bear country.
  • Morning sun to warm the soul and get the day off to a good start.
  • Great views: Whether mountains, a wide-open prairie, or even a gorgeous sunset. Scenic surroundings add so much to a camping experience.
  • Related to that is a clear view of the night sky for stargazing. We four-wheelers are so thankful to be apart from all the light pollution emanating from the cities.
  • A bubbling brook or lake nearby.
  • Tent stakes that go in easily and come out easily, but which hold in a storm.
  • No (or few) biting and stinging bugs.

Writing this article brought back so many fond memories. Too many, in fact, for the article. I had to cut it somewhere.

I am reminded about how amazing our hobby is. Four wheeling allows us to escape the grind of urban life for a few hours or days and become immersed in Mother Nature.

So, yeah, I have a lot to be thankful for. I hope you do as well.

Thank you for being a reader and, in some cases, a client as well. May you and yours have an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

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Did you miss the previous articles?

2026

Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)

The 2027 schedule of clinics and adventures trips will be posted soon.

Of note in the 2027 schedule, we will no longer offer clinics in the San Diego / Borrego area after May 2027. If you have postponed a Borrego clinic, be sure to reschedule before the end of May 2027.

Badlands Off-Road Adventures has partnered with Adventures Overland to offer fully supported driving expeditions through some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. These journeys are created for people who want to do more than visit a place—they want to experience it from behind the wheel.

November 2026

November 14, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 15, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 14-15, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 28, 2026 Turkey Run

December 2026

December 05, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 06, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 05-06, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
December 12, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 13, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 12-13, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
December 29, 2026 Saline New Years Run

73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.

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Copyright 2026, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.

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