Reading posts on this forum brings back the excitement I found when first starting out almost 20 years ago. We have since taken our van (high-clearance Ford E350 with Quigley 4x4) into some amazing places throughout the West. Early on I learned that knowledge, gear and vehicle are important, but not as important as good judgment. After a noteworthy lapse in judgment, I kept a journal that may illustrate some of the potential consequences. That journal is linked below, hoping others may learn from my errors. WARNING: It is long, but after 3-4 pages you can probably decide if it’s worth your time reading further.
Journal Link: The Antelopes of Pine Mountain