Rules and advice - Count on being seen. You are

Live like your actions are seen by all...or by one.

In all of your existence, live like someone you care about is watching. Improve the scenery and surroundings with your beauty. 

The chances of someone watching you are significant. Trail cams, people...higher powers...

When you come across signs, read them, abide by them, never violate them. Even if you don’t see anyone or anything around...live honestly.

Rules to consider:

1 - Stay on the ‘trail’ or road and only veer if the need is critical

    Sometimes you have to leave the trail to be safe. 

I had to make my own road to get this truck out of this wash. We would have both ended up in it if I had tried the recovery from the road. 

2 - If you come across a gate with a sign that says ‘Close gate’ or ‘Keep gate closed’ - Close the gate. 

If we all respect the environment, terrain, property and people, we will continue to have access to the most beautiful natural areas in the country. 

3 - Mind the lines and signs on private property. DO NOT trespass! Trespassing is a risk to you, your property, the owners and their property. Do not cross a questionable line, do not go beyond a marked line. If you have doubts, consult the appropriate maps to see if it is public or private land. Responses to trespassers vary from passive to extreme, do NOT take chances! 

We have backtracked 40 miles to go around unexpected private property. 

4 - Plan for tire issues. Have a spare tire with you when going off pavement. 2 spares double your chances to get home. With spares the saying is ‘Two is one and one is none”. Once you have to use one spare, it gets sketchy, what will you do if you need another? In addition, have a patch and repair option. 

Both of these tires are useless. The one on the left barely held up with 2 air-ups for the last 8 miles of our day. The tire on the right had been repaired by a shop down in Mexico but didn’t hold air. It was a VERY uneasy feeling to be down to ZERO spares. Lucky for us we were with several others that had spares, just in case. Still, I drove with caution for the rest of the event. 

5 - Have the tools that are suitable for the outing. Food, water, basic tools, clothing, battery chargers for phones, appropriate clothing, radio, map.

 And my final piece of advice - Seek beauty. You will find what you look for.