4x4Wire

As Trail Leader, you should plan for issues and problems. Some plans are generic since you cannot predict the exact situation. You apply your skills, tools, and techniques to the problem. A first aid kit is a good example. 

For some issues you can speculate what might happen and develop a specific contingency plan. One that falls into that category is the need to leave your vehicle behind. 

We were returning from the Easter Safari at Moab. It was a nice drive that Saturday: sunny and warm but gusty. Soon after turning onto I-15, my radio crackled. Tim, one of my friends, excitedly reported a “major accident” involving a vehicle that had just passed him in the fast lane.

Caught by a sudden gust of wind, the Jeep careened into the cement retaining wall in the median, then bounced off into the guard rail on the other side, flipping several times in the process. Tim managed to narrowly miss being involved in the carnage.

Bunch up when stopping on the trail to take pictures.

Four wheeling, especially when multiple vehicles are involved, requires teamwork to be successful. Everyone must be on the same page for the trip to come off without a hitch—or as flawlessly as possible. Something as basic as vehicle spacing can affect parts of a trip. 

They were strung out in Gohler Gulch wash in California one summer day. It was a large group, some 10 vehicles of various types. At one point the group reached a particularly challenging patch. 

Great sunset unless it hinders your visibility.

It was a beautiful day in the San Bernardino Mountains. Clear blue sky, light breeze, warm temperature. A perfect day for four-wheeling on the 2N17X trail. This is a tough one—it’s rated black diamond. We were nearing the end of a long day of four-wheeling. We had encountered a lot of obstacles on this trail, and we were tired. 

At about 4 p.m., we were climbing the final hill. Beyond that was an easy route to the highway, and a relaxing evening at home. This was no run-of-the-mill hill, though. 

Just about anything you can cook or bake at home can be offered at the camp site in a Dutch Oven. 

One topic that consistently is of interest to four wheelers is the Dutch oven. No matter how much is written or spoken about this handy camp stove, people just eat up the information. I discussed Dutch ovens rather thoroughly in “Tickle The Taste Buds With a Dutch Oven.” However, that was some time ago. 

The new year is now upon us. With many 4WD folks setting New Year’s resolutions, I decided to add one of my own. Unlike those involving diet and exercise, this resolution is sure to stick. If you’re not already using a Dutch oven, I encourage you to start. They aren’t expensive or difficult to work with. You’ll enjoy learning a new skill—and savoring your dishes at the camp site.

What kind of Dutch oven to buy

Dutch ovens come in many sizes, as measured by base diameter. Start with a 10” or 12”. Make sure it’s made of cast iron—aluminum ones are harder to control the heat —and labeled a camp Dutch oven. A camp-style stove comes with feet and a lid with a rim around the edge. These features are crucial when using charcoal or wood coals. Camp-style ovens generally are bare metal; enameled ovens are designed for home use.