{"id":35106,"date":"2025-09-14T08:40:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T15:40:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/?p=35106"},"modified":"2025-09-14T08:40:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T15:40:24","slug":"you-cant-get-through-he-said","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.4x4training.com\/w\/you-cant-get-through-he-said\/","title":{"rendered":"“You can\u2019t get through” he said."},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2013 in passenger vehicles, of course.) We were looking forward to a relaxing trip to the campsite.<\/p>\n

At one point we encountered a vehicle coming from the opposite direction. The driver waved us down and said the road was washed out. I asked if we could get through. He said \u201cno,\u201d and continued on his way.<\/p>\n

I respect other drivers\u2019 opinions but always prefer to see for myself. I decided to press on.<\/p>\n

As we progressed, road conditions deteriorated until we spotted the area of concern. Apparently a major storm had hit recently. Everything was really torn up. You can see the damage in this image.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I have encountered severe washouts before, but this was immense. I was determined to find a solution. But I was determined to find a solution. I didn\u2019t want to give up on our trip. We discovered an alternative, safe route up stream and resumed the drive. We arrived in camp about an hour later than planned, but with ample daylight for setup and relaxation.<\/p>\n

Four-wheeling experience, training build confidence<\/strong><\/p>\n

This incident showed the benefits that four-wheeling experience and training bring to a situation. Drivers are confident enough to at least try to overcome the challenge.<\/p>\n

\"\"I don\u2019t know how many times I\u2019ve seen people turning back, saying, \u201cYou can\u2019t get through. It\u2019s too slippery\/It\u2019s too muddy, etc.\u201d Yet, when we get to the bad part of the trail, we discover that conditions aren\u2019t as bad as stated. Or that, due to our knowledge and experience, we are able to continue on.<\/p>\n

This is a satellite picture of the road before the storm.<\/p>\n

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Perform your own analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n

Success hinged on a thorough analysis. Unlike the driver we encountered, we didn\u2019t merely turn around and leave. Instead, we stopped to assess the situation and develop a plan.<\/p>\n

My thinking was, \u201cLet\u2019s look and see if we can get around this somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"First, we walked back up the trail to inspect its condition. In doing so, we found a shallower spot that wasn\u2019t damaged too badly. We backed up and crossed over there, bypassing the severely washed-out portion. Our trip was saved, and we enjoyed a nice outing in that area.<\/p>\n

Of course, we could\u2019ve encountered additional washouts along our route. That\u2019s possible anywhere a storm has passed through. This road was in pretty good shape beyond the major washout.<\/p>\n

Four wheeling naturally involves quick thinking and decision making. A case in point: Roads and trails that start off smoothly can turn challenging at any time. Take stock in what you know. With four-wheeling experience, along with the right training, you can handle those situations. You may not have to turn around and go home.<\/p>\n

Feel free to question someone else\u2019s advice. Just because that driver couldn\u2019t negotiate the obstacle, doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t. Consider the other driver\u2019s advice but perform your own analysis. Simply tell yourself, \u201cI need to look at it for myself.\u201d You may have more options than the other person did. That was the case in Powell Canyon.<\/p>\n

Yours may not be the perfect solution, but if it gets you out of a jam, that\u2019s darn good. And you\u2019ve learned from the experience.<\/p>\n

#\u00a0\u00a0 #\u00a0\u00a0 #<\/p>\n

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Did you miss the previous articles?<\/p>\n

2025<\/strong><\/p>\n