| Through the years I enjoyed the light spirit and | | | | can get up and if not - a plan B to get the vehicle |
| teamwork as well as making good friends with | | | | safely back down without rolling over and possibly |
| off-roaders. Since I started the web site I am | | | | hurting you, your passengers or stander-by's. |
| proud to say that I have gained friends from all | | | | Crossing a river is another such situation where |
| over the world. From Pakistan in the East to | | | | careful evaluation could include wading the river to |
| Colorado in the West and South Africa in the | | | | check if it is passable by your 4x4. |
| South and of course Iceland in the North. | | | | OUTDOOR LIVING |
| What comes as a surprise is that similar qualities | | | | Outsiders might think that driving off-road is like |
| are shared by so many of the wheelers. | | | | staying inside the truck at all times. As you |
| HELPFULNESS | | | | probably know this is NOT TRUE. Most go |
| When you are off the beaten track and on some | | | | wheeling to enjoy nature, discover new places |
| remote and little traveled road. You meet a | | | | and breath in some fresh air. Occasional problems, |
| stranger going in the other direction. Stop and ask | | | | like getting out of a stuck or examining the route |
| about the road ahead and give information about | | | | ahead also involves outdoor activities. |
| possible obstacles or problems from the road you | | | | I know some hiking enthusiasts who walk for |
| just drove. Share your knowledge and learn at | | | | days in beautiful scenic landscape and NEVER look |
| the same time. | | | | left or right. |
| RESOURCEFULNESS | | | | ENJOY the trip and everything around it - plan on |
| Getting by with the tools and equipment carried | | | | spending some time outdoors and you will fare |
| by you or your fellow travel companions is an art | | | | well. |
| much more than science. Last weekend a friend | | | | RESPECTING NATURE |
| of mine was in a trip where a radiator hose | | | | I think most wheelers respect and feast on |
| broke. Having no spare hose an improvised | | | | nature just the way it is. They would like to keep |
| solution included sawing a piece of tailpipe from a | | | | nature as untouched by the works of man as |
| Suzuki Vitara with a SWISS ARMY KNIFE! It took | | | | possible. This preserves our territory - our |
| about an hour to saw through but the result was | | | | playfield. Being responsible helps - driving only on |
| good for the rest of the trip. | | | | the trail and not doing any damage to the |
| In another trip the front main leaf spring leaf | | | | vegetation and geological formations. |
| broke and was welded together using two | | | | What I find most rewarding is the... |
| batteries a welding wire and two pairs of | | | | CONSTANT LEARNING |
| SUNGLASSES for eye protection. | | | | ...Every trip seems to bring new sources of |
| CAREFUL EVALUATION OF SITUATION | | | | solutions to problems and new people to know |
| Driving in traffic on the highway it is important to | | | | and although the trip is sometimes to the same |
| think ahead. Thinking ahead while driving on a trail | | | | place I have visited before - the weather and |
| or off-road is even more important. Going uphill | | | | season and other environmental factors somehow |
| you must be certain that you and your vehicle | | | | always seems to make it special. |