Off Road Adventure

Everyone Has A Story

Paul — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:12:57 +0000

In 2007 when this mid-life started, the only things we had were a slightly modified FJ Cruiser, a Apple laptop, a Nikon and a Arctic destination. Over the years, we've had scores more off roading adventures and picked up more camera and video gear to record it all. Now it's time to break it all down... . . . → Read More: Everyone Has A Story

Boom Boom Out Go The Lights

Paul — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:01:25 +0000

This is not a flash back tribute to 80′s rocker, Pat Travers. It’s the annual Northwest Fj Cruiser Club’s midnight 4×4 trail adventure. And like most things that go bump in the night, this off road adventure had its ups, downs and a bang…

The NWFJCC Bad Moon Rising 4×4 Run is held every spring under a full moon. 4WD rigs descend from all over Oregon and Washington, driving 100′s of . . . → Read More: Boom Boom Out Go The Lights

Back To Our Roots

Paul — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:48:16 +0000

When we started this adventure almost five years ago, we had one goal. Put it out into the world and see what comes back. Don’t take it too seriously and above all… don’t worry about the destination, just enjoy the journey as it unfolds.

This morning the big hand was on the twelve and the little one pointing at the ten… That’s analog for 10 o’clock to the digital kids in the crowd. The . . . → Read More: Back To Our Roots

Broke The Cardinal Rule

Paul — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:31:55 +0000

When I was young, I learned to wrench on a Baja Bug. That little VW bug was all I had to get to work and school but I really wanted to build it for bombing down old logging roads. I would tear it apart Friday night and then work like hell to get it all back together by Monday morning. Soon I got cocky and figured I could go out partying Friday and Saturday . . . → Read More: Broke The Cardinal Rule

Constant Change in 4×4 Adventure Suspension

Paul — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 05:14:11 +0000

Change is what Buddhism is all about. But this is an off road, 4×4 adventure not a centuries old philosophical approach to life… Or is it. What follows is an evolution in our quest for the perfect suspension.

Back in late 2006 we purchased the Blue Bunny, our early 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, one of the first to hit the west cost. On a warm sunny fall day we drove it off the lot in . . . → Read More: Constant Change in 4×4 Adventure Suspension

Back To Our Road Tripping Roots

Paul — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:07:20 +0000

One of my fondest memories growing up was a road trip where Dad piled the family in the station wagon, you know the one, with fake wood on side and drove the long way from Oklahoma to Saskatchewan, Canada. By long way I mean we saw Disney Land, Wall Drugs, San Francisco, and Glacier National Park along the way as we zigged and zagged our way north.

I remember driving late into the night, sitting . . . → Read More: Back To Our Road Tripping Roots

Crossing Over To The Other Side (aka Water Fording)

Paul — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:55:08 +0000

Check out off roading photos and you'll find 4x4 rig splashing through the water, creating giant walls of H2O that make you believe you are witness to the parting of the Red Sea... . . . → Read More: Crossing Over To The Other Side (aka Water Fording)

High Tech meets Off Road Adventure

Paul — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:23:33 +0000

You’ve probably seen those little black square bar code like things all over the place… on web sites, in magazines, on business cards… all over. Turns out they are quick response codes or QR codes for those in the high tech geek circles. These little bar codes can contain all sorts of cool information such as web site URLs, contact info, Google location coordinates or text messages. Anyone with a smart phone and an app like . . . → Read More: High Tech meets Off Road Adventure

Holiday Greetings Off Road

Paul — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:55:50 +0000

Greetings from the road less traveled. Another Christmas quickly approaches the Last Great Road Trip clan. This will be our most recent Christmas yet! . . . → Read More: Holiday Greetings Off Road

All I Want For Christmas

Paul — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:03:56 +0000

What would the holidays be without endless website and magazine Christmas gift lists to send Santa? Since we take the road less traveled, we prefer to strategically slip our off road adventure Christmas list into the pages of Hula Betty‘s Cosmo. We also like to drop subtle reminders to her about how all our off road adventure skills and gear will save lives when a meteor the size of Kansas comes hurdling towards earth . . . → Read More: All I Want For Christmas

Black Friday Off Road Adventure… Again

Paul — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:53:46 +0000

Most people know “Black Friday” as the biggest shopping day of the year… That day after Thanksgiving, where half the population is sleeping off a tryptophan hangover and the other half is engaged in an assault on the local mall with the surgical precession of Eisenhower’s invasion of the Normandy beaches.

Holiday music, snowy decorations, half prices sales, unimaginable crowds… dogs and cats living together… mass hysteria! And although this could be the next . . . → Read More: Black Friday Off Road Adventure… Again

What Will Change 20 Years From Now

Paul — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 10:15:40 +0000

Those who follow us know that every once in awhile I can go off on one of my self-discovery narratives contemplating life, the length scale of quantum gravity or the zen art of tire rotation. Well I’m overdue.

Driving is my meditation. Lately I’m laying down 150 miles on my daily commute which provides a truck load of time to consider my life… or at least how I’ve rewritten the history my life.

When . . . → Read More: What Will Change 20 Years From Now

Tracking Your Truck

Paul — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:47:28 +0000

This off road adventure website was started five years ago for one reason… Let my mother know dad was ok and to track where he was on our original Arctic Ocean Adventure. A lot has changed since then and our adventures have taken us through some extreme conditions and to amazing locations. But one thing hasn’t changed, when we take off, mom wants to know we’re safe and where the hell we are.

Recently the . . . → Read More: Tracking Your Truck

Thinking Out Loud on a Quiet Off Road Adventure

Paul — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:33:46 +0000

Early this morning the sun was shining. I was laying in my cot, thinking how she’s changed, remembering her chestnut hair and the sparkle in her eyes that had caught me from across the bar more than 20 years ago…

This was our second attempt to complete the first two legs of the Washington Backroads Discovery Route. You remember the first attempt ended prematurely when we were turned back by snow at the passes… . . . → Read More: Thinking Out Loud on a Quiet Off Road Adventure

100 Series Land Cruiser Sliders

Paul — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:39:16 +0000

There is a long rich Land Cruisers heritage. Over its long history the Land Cruiser has led off road adventures all around the world.

When we started getting serious about taking our FJ Cruiser on off road adventures, a pair of rock rails (aka sliders) were installed (FJ Cruiser slider install) to keep the rocks from crushing our door sills and help the rig slide around an obstacle.

Over the years the Land Cruiser . . . → Read More: 100 Series Land Cruiser Sliders

Adventure at the FJ Summit

Paul — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:43:58 +0000

The Colorado landscape is amazing. Wheeling the trails that crisscross the continental divide we encountered groves of aspens, wide open meadows, tall jagged peaks, remnants of snow filling the shadows and patches of colorful wild flowers. We saw deer, marmot, countless birds and chipmunks. And we saw our freinds.

We (Hula Betty and I) were invited to join Metal Tech at the fifth annual FJ Summit in Ouray, CO. and more importantly I was . . . → Read More: Adventure at the FJ Summit

Adventures with Old Friends and New

Paul — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 23:44:21 +0000

It’s been three years since boy and I went on our road trip adventure to Ouray Colorado so when Mark over at Metal Tech extended an invitation to their party at the 2011 FJ Summi in Ouray it seemed like perfect timing.

Flying into Telluride on a cloudy day is an experience best describe as 45 minutes of complete boredom followed by 60 seconds of shear terror. The small plane which had to leave . . . → Read More: Adventures with Old Friends and New

Lost Weekend in Trout Lake

Paul — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 03:01:25 +0000

The Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR) is a collection of routes across Washington State from Oregon to Canada that winds through the rugged Cascade Mountain Range. The 600-mile route follows a connection of mostly unpaved forest roads that can be driven in high-clearance 4×4 vehicles. That’s the brochure. The truth gets even better…

Hula Betty and I aimed the blue bunny at Oregon’s Cascade Locks, spending the night in a little KOA camp a . . . → Read More: Lost Weekend in Trout Lake

Windshield Wiper Replacement

Paul — Sun, 22 May 2011 03:27:43 +0000

Spring is in the air, the sun is shining, and the last thing on your mind is your windshield wipers. But this is exactly the time when you should be thinking about replacing your windshield wipers.

Throughout the winter, your windshield wipers worked their little blades off, clearing snow, rain, hail and road gunk off your windshield. And now they are probably a little tired and worn out, leaving streaks and no longer able . . . → Read More: Windshield Wiper Replacement

Road Trip Junkie… 12 Step Program

Paul — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:56:13 +0000

You won’t find Road Trip Addiction Disorder in any medical journal but more and more folks are finding it harder and harder to stay away from the tarmac.

A few experts have tossed around numbers like 30 million suffer from RTAD – just a handful of the 196,165,667 drivers in the USA. But if you have a road trip monkey on your back you know the pain and suffering that comes with this debilitating . . . → Read More: Road Trip Junkie… 12 Step Program

Arctic Circle Adventure – Top to Bottom

Paul — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:47:42 +0000

Here is a quick index to our Arctic Circle road trip adventure. This father / son road trip adventure is the one that started it all. It was a once in a life time adventure that took us from Seattle, WA. to the North Slope of Alaska where we stood in the Arctic Ocean. And just for good measure we went over to Inuvik, Canada driving to the northern most town in the remote . . . → Read More: Arctic Circle Adventure – Top to Bottom

Baja Off Road Adventure – The Whole 9 Yards

Paul — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:42:28 +0000

Here is a quick index to our Baja off road adventure. This off road adventure was unbelievable as we followed the famous Baja 1000 race course. We went looking for solitude and friendship. What we found was so much more.

We hope our story, pictures and video encourage you to start your own adventure.

If you don’t like reading… Our Baja Off Road Adventure HD Video will let you watch the highlights.

The . . . → Read More: Baja Off Road Adventure – The Whole 9 Yards

Baja Off Road Adventure The Video

Paul — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:43:41 +0000

You read all the stories… You did read them all right? Now grab a bucket of popcorn and a 96 oz. drink (its only a quarter more), sit back and enjoy the movie. What else were you planning on doing for the next 23 minutes.

Robert Ebert (no relation to Roger) says: “I laughed, I cried, it became part of me as I watched the story of two friends’ off road adventure through Mexico, . . . → Read More: Baja Off Road Adventure The Video

Baja Adventure – The Fat Lady Sings

Paul — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:30:57 +0000

The route from the Mexican border to the Pacific Northwest took us straight up I5. The drive was filled with trucks, diners, orchards and the occasional swarm of bees impaling themselves on our windshield trying to cross the highway. There was a slight detour through Oakland when left to my own directional choices and I apparently made a wrong choice… That’s what Brad gets for slacking off on the navigation duties.

We were closing . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure – The Fat Lady Sings

Baja Adventure Part 14 – Butch and Sundance Run for the Border

Paul — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:17:49 +0000

The sun is still sleeping but under the light of a lavender moon we are packing the rig and leaving the hotel parking lot. Sitting behind the wheel, the stiffness in my body whispers to me that it would rather be under the warm covers we left behind. But that wouldn’t be our way so we begin another day on this amazing adventure.

Cabo San Lucas now feels like a distant memory as San . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 14 – Butch and Sundance Run for the Border

Baja Adventure Part 13 – Starting the Way Back

Paul — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 08:07:37 +0000

Checking out of the resort, we settled up our bill and exchanged a little more currency to ensure we had enough Pesos to keep filling the tank for the 1,017 mile drive back to the boarder. As we started loading up the rig, we became somewhat of a spectacle. I’m guessing they don’t see a lot of guest in the main entrance pulling out a Ready Welder, Maxtrax, half shafts, compressor, fire extinguisher, tools, . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 13 – Starting the Way Back

Baja Adventure Part 12 – In Cabo, We Rest

Paul — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:35:32 +0000

After 1,200 plus hard miles, Cabo is a well deserved rest. Thanks to the help of my Sister-in-law we’d managed to get a room at one of the swanky resorts where the the guest are driven around the complex in little golf carts, the beach is cleaned and manicured each night, the pool cabanas scream relaxation and the fragrance of lush, beautiful flowers fill the air. Yes, this resort has a Cabo San Lucas, . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 12 – In Cabo, We Rest

Baja Adventure Part 11 – Should Have Gone That Way

Paul — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:31:34 +0000

Coming off the beach inspired, we were on the move and feeling free. The wind and sun filled the cabin and we were moving fast. This section of the course was living up to everything we’d been told about it. But, not all the stories we’d heard about this section were good.

The locals have 300 words for sand but only one word for trouble… “Silt”. When the earth was still young, barren and . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 11 – Should Have Gone That Way

Baja Adventure Part 10 – Let Go This Way

Paul — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:25:55 +0000

Driving the Baja on an off road adventure means everything we own is covered with dust, including us. Mix in a little sweat, spilled drinks and dribbled hot sauce, and things can get a bit messy. We packed light when it came to clothes. In fact we only had a couple of shirts, cargo shorts, sweat shirt and a change of socks and underwear. Wear everything inside, outside, forward, back and you get four . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 10 – Let Go This Way

Baja Adventure Part 9 – No Habla Español

Paul — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:36:38 +0000

The people in Baja are warm and friendly. Similar to my travels in Alaska, I found the folks down here are self reliant but count on each other if needed and they are quick to extend a helping hand to others. When stopped on the side of the highway, if a car did drive by, there was a good chance they would slow down to ask if we were ok.

We never felt uncomfortable, . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 9 – No Habla Español

Baja Adventure Part 8 – Its Not A Competition

Paul — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:27:38 +0000

A good night’s sleep does wonders for the soul. San Ignacio is a big city by our standards these days. 4,000 people, a 24×7 Pemex, good size market (10 isles, a row of coolers and taco cart out front), baseball ball field, park and a very traditional town square. San Ignacio signified the line of demarcation between the desert and Pacific coast. This morning we left the palm tree filled oasis, driving west.

Out . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 8 – Its Not A Competition

Baja Adventure Part 7 – Coming To Blows

Paul — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:23:41 +0000

Leaving Bahía de los Ángeles was bitter sweet. Behind the peace and tranquility of the sea. Ahead, our continued progress through Dante’s divine comedy.

The route headed south, running along the mountains for dozens of miles before dipping back down to give us one last look at the Sea of Cortez before turning west. We would spend the rest of the day trekking back across the peninsula which, with each pass, was becoming less . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 7 – Coming To Blows

Baja Adventure Part 6 – Camp Bahía de los Ángeles

Paul — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:01:20 +0000

When I first started planning this Baja adventure I imagined camping in the desert wilderness, enjoying gourmet meals cooked on a little green two burner Coleman stove, sipping coffee from a tin cup, warming myself by the fire, sleeping under the stars and listening to the undeniable sound of silence.

We’ve been staying in motels! I’m not complaining mind you. A clean room, soft beds and hot showers after a long hard day on . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 6 – Camp Bahía de los Ángeles

Baja Adventure Part 5 – Continuing To The Bay

Paul — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:19:04 +0000

The sadistic, serpent worshiping, demonic bastards who layout the race course have a bad sense of humor. Rather go over the mountains, they steered the course down a river bed that meandered its way through the narrow valley, walled in by the rugged hills.

Living and wheeling in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve forded my share of streams and creeks. I’ve driven in flooded trails that washed clean the undercarriage of the rig. In the . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 5 – Continuing To The Bay

Baja Adventure Part 4 – Run To The East

Paul — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:07:33 +0000

The night before we had come from the east, out of the northern mountains and down to the Pacific. This morning we were setting out, back across the Baja into the rising sun and the hills a few hundred kilometers to the south of where we were two days ago.

The landscape is changing, moving away from rugged brush covered mountains into the high plains desert. Cactus is becoming as common as the scraggly . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 4 – Run To The East

Baja Adventure Part 3 – So This Is Baja?

Paul — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:34:28 +0000

Watch the You Tube videos of the Baja 1,000 race and you see rigs blowing out of Ensenada, screaming down dirt roads or corning on three wheels as they come into a check point. This is not what we were seeing on this off road adventure.

Baja is really two states, Baja California in the north and Baja California Sur in the south. The north is filled with mountains. Ok, compared to the Pacific . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 3 – So This Is Baja?

Baja Adventure Part 2 – Mike’s Sky Ranch

Paul — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:51:43 +0000

For years motorcycle guys have been going into the Baja and riding the desert winds. Mike’s Sky Ranch has been a main stop, providing beds, beer and camaraderie for desert explorers and racers since 1967. 14 miles from the nearest paved road the ranch’s location delivers a sense of seclusion and adventure for those willing to embark down the dirt road.

We planned to use Mike’s Sky Ranch as our jumping off point. In . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 2 – Mike’s Sky Ranch

Baja Adventure Part 1 – Tijuana to Ensenada

Paul — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:46:09 +0000

The busiest border crossing between Mexico and the USA is only 20 miles from San Diego and within moments of crossing into Tijuana we knew we were worlds away from home.

Driving in Tijuana is a full contact sport. Traffic lanes are arbitrary. Trucks, cars, bikes, carts, people and dogs all occupy space on the road. Lane changes occur without notice. Alto signs signify slow to a rolling stop and judge the intent of . . . → Read More: Baja Adventure Part 1 – Tijuana to Ensenada

Small World… Big Adventure (notes leg 5)

Paul — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 06:50:54 +0000

I am always amazed how small the world is and the further you travel the smaller it seems to get. Hula Betty’s family is from a little town called Drewsey in Easter Oregon. When I say little town, I mean the town consists of an all in one post office gas station mini-mart store which is across from the bar. That is it. The population is 609 men, 571 women and more live stock . . . → Read More: Small World… Big Adventure (notes leg 5)

Hola del sur del perforador (notes Leg 4)

Paul — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 04:25:30 +0000

So you probably have noticed there has not been a lot of movement on the map for a bit. After coming off the course in La Paz (that’s another story to come) and winding up at our destination, Cabo San Lucas, we’ve been recuperating and wondering the streets of Cabo.

Evidently we are the only ones here who just drove down for the weekend. I guess most folks spend more time in Cabo than . . . → Read More: Hola del sur del perforador (notes Leg 4)

The Route is Hard! (notes leg 3)

Paul — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:08:24 +0000

The route is hard… Really hard. We drive South West reach the Pacific turn and head South East reach the Sea of Cortez and than go back to the South West (ok there is a little more to it than that, just ask Brad who has been keeping us on schedule). In between we cross mountains, valleys and desert. To get to this point we have driven over pavement, gravel, dirt, river beds, swamps . . . → Read More: The Route is Hard! (notes leg 3)

Taking It At Our Pace (notes leg 2)

Paul — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:24:28 +0000

We must be on Mexico time. No matter how hard we try to get started… We are just late!

Have I mentioned Joe, a reporter from the AP? He gave us a call a while back and did a little interview. Joe also gave his buddies a call who know the Baja and passed on some insights that have really helped with our route finding (or lack of finding and some dumb luck). He . . . → Read More: Taking It At Our Pace (notes leg 2)

All The Way To LA (notes leg 1)

Paul — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:01:11 +0000

How do I start to tell you about this epic off road adventure through the Baja? Two days into the adventure and we haven’t left the blacktop or even the country yet. We left Portland several hours later than planned. We always leave later than planned, but we still managed to make it down to Sacramento, 580 miles and 10 hours later. I would like to describe to you the beautiful Willamette valley, Mt. Shasta’s . . . → Read More: All The Way To LA (notes leg 1)

Baja Off Road Adventure… Finally

Paul — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 06:29:04 +0000

We’ve been trying to get down to “The” Baja for two years now… Our Baja off road adventure has started, stumbled, been shut down, picked back up and now it looks like it is a reality.

When I was growing up the Baja 1000 was the place where legends were made and any one could give it a try. Guys like James Garner (Mr. Rockford Files himself), Steve McQueen, Ted Nugent, and Paul Newman . . . → Read More: Baja Off Road Adventure… Finally

Baja Off Road Adventure Track

Paul — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 06:26:30 +0000

See where Hula Betty was as she drove south through the Baja on another off road adventure.

This Baja Adventure was hella hard, be sure to read the stories and see the pictures of it all.

Off Road Check List: Rig Inspection (aka Did I Break Anything)

Paul — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:16:24 +0000

Whats the difference between wheeling a local 4×4 trail and an epic off road adventure? You check your rig the day before you wheel a local trail and fix it when you get back home, on an epic off road adventure you check your rig every morning and fix it every night. ha ha ha

OK, so Conan has nothing to worry about from my stand-up, but there is a lot of truth . . . → Read More: Off Road Check List: Rig Inspection (aka Did I Break Anything)

Transfer Case Oil Change How To

Paul — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:00:54 +0000

On an off road adventure in a 4WD vehicle, the transfer case distributes the power front and back. The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser maintenance schedule, shows that Toyota recommends changing the gear oil in the transfer case every 30,000 miles depending on usage.

Transfer Case Oil Change from Hula Betty on Vimeo.

Sure you can bring your rig into the local shop but changing the transfer case’s gear oil yourself . . . → Read More: Transfer Case Oil Change How To

Off Road Adventure Christmas List

Paul — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:12:35 +0000

What would the Christmas season be without lists of cool 4×4 off road adventure stuff we hope to find under the tree when we come running down the stairs. Like a giddy teenage boy on prom night believing anything is possible, we checked all around, asked friends and searched out the Internet for cool gifts and this is our ultimate 4×4 adventure Christmas list.

MSR XGK EX Extreme Condition Stove: This small stove is . . . → Read More: Off Road Adventure Christmas List

Changing Rear Differential Oil On The FJ Cruiser

Paul — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:30:57 +0000

The gear oil in your rig keeps friction to a minimum and ensures the long life of your differential gears. Changing the oil in the rear differential is an easy maintenance activity that keeps your off road rig motoring forward, saves money and allows you to learn a little more about your 4×4 adventure vehicle (you never know when that knowledge will come in handy on the trail).

Rear . . . → Read More: Changing Rear Differential Oil On The FJ Cruiser

The Continuing Adventures Of Hula Betty

Paul — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:07:52 +0000

Yes, every woman in this blog is referred to as Hula Betty… She is an independent spirit. A woman who knows what she wants and has the drive to reach out and take it. Hula Betty is a way of life that embraces adventure. More than a name, more than a pretty face, Hula Betty is a way of life and a sense of self. Which brings us to this adventure.

Leaving home and . . . → Read More: The Continuing Adventures Of Hula Betty

Can You Hear Me Now…

Paul — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:07:50 +0000

Communication on the trail is key to safety and fun.

The most popular method of trail communications has to be the CB radio. Available at almost every discount department store, a CB radio setup provides good vehicle to vehicle coverage while on the trail. On outings with many off-road clubs, a CB is mandatory if you plan to participate in a club-sponsored ride.

If you ask Hula Betty, she will tell you there is . . . → Read More: Can You Hear Me Now…

Falken Rocky Mountain ATS Review… Be Brutally Honest!

Paul — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:31:04 +0000

The folks over at Discount Tire asked us to put a set of Falken Rocky Mountain ATS to the test and then be brutally honest in our review. It’s a tough job but somebody has to do it!

Every tire carries a wealth of information… the industry’s own version of truth in manufacturing. To make informed tire choices you need to understand the ABCs of the tire industry. A quick read of Discount Tire’s . . . → Read More: Falken Rocky Mountain ATS Review… Be Brutally Honest!

Hungry Man Off Road Adventures

Paul — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 06:03:03 +0000

A big part of 4×4 off road adventures is getting to camp in the middle of no where under the stars. Years ago that would have meant a staple diet of Top Romen. Since then we’ve stepped up to more gourmet fair.

There are lots of high quality ingredients that can be pulled together to make a gourmet one pot meal without resorting to expensive dehydrated pre-packaged backpacking meals or raiding the Army Surplus . . . → Read More: Hungry Man Off Road Adventures

Rumors Of Its Death Are Highly Exaggerated (2011 FJ Cruiser)

Paul — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 05:20:20 +0000

Since the introduction of Toyota’s FJ Cruiser in 2006 (it was called a 2007), rumors run rampant that THIS was the last year of production. With forum poster trying to impress others with their insider scoop of the rigs demise, its death has been declared again and again. Yet each year Toyota has continued to release a new model year.

Toyota has announced the 2011 FJ Cruiser (FJC) will be coming off the . . . → Read More: Rumors Of Its Death Are Highly Exaggerated (2011 FJ Cruiser)

Falken Rocky Mountain Tires First Impressions

Paul — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:39:27 +0000

After 65,000 miles it was time for some new tires… These things don’t last forever you know. Take a quick tour of the Internet and you quickly discover there are lots of choices out there so we had some decisions to make.

The Blue Bunny is part daily driver, part extreme off road rig and part overland explorer which means we needed a tire that feels at home in all sorts of conditions including . . . → Read More: Falken Rocky Mountain Tires First Impressions

Think Camel and Eye of a Needle

Paul — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:35:37 +0000

While not recommended, letting your thoughts drift as you drive down the highway is a favorite past time for many. On the trail, letting your attention drift usually results in carnage or at the very least, dings and dents. At times on this 4×4 adventure I swear it seemed like we were off roading on a wide hiking trail rather than a 4×4 trail (not to worry my Tread Lightly friends, it was a . . . → Read More: Think Camel and Eye of a Needle

Putting The Mobile Into Mobile PC

Paul — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:42:15 +0000

When we last left our 4×4 adventure heroine, Hula Betty had just put together a mobile GPS command center. For a test run, throwing the laptop on the front seat was fine but having the brains of the navigation center bouncing around on the trail is no way to go through life. Turns out for my birthday, Hula Betty came up with a solution.

A local northwest company called RAM Mounts makes all sorts . . . → Read More: Putting The Mobile Into Mobile PC

Adventures Are Not On Any Map (but a good GPS doesn’t hurt)

Paul — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:18:58 +0000

I like maps! I’ll spend hours in map stores, looking, touching, smelling maps, planning off road adventures. Maps are great!

I like maps… But I love technology. Now before you scream about technology on an off road adventure failing, breaking, getting dusty and wet or how the battery can die off, I always carry hard copies of maps stored water tight with a compass… and I know how to use them.

In order to . . . → Read More: Adventures Are Not On Any Map (but a good GPS doesn’t hurt)

River of Change

Paul — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:00:23 +0000

The second universal truth of the Buddha is that everything is continuously changing. Life is like a river flowing, ever-changing. It flows slowly and sometimes swiftly. It is smooth and gentle in some places, it snags on rock crops out of nowhere. As soon as you think you are safe, something unexpected happens.

Pain finds men no matter where they are, no matter how good they are, how hard they try. Struggling to make . . . → Read More: River of Change

A Picture’s Worth A 1,000 Words

Paul — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:07:37 +0000

Those of you who have read through our stories here know that pictures are a big part of the last great road trip. And like boho chic runway models you will find one or two of our images that better than average. But most of the time I rely on point shoot… shoot a lot and hope something interesting comes out.

But when I see someone with an eye for composition and an editing . . . → Read More: A Picture’s Worth A 1,000 Words

Naches 4×4 Adventure Video

Paul — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:12:17 +0000

When we go on a 4×4 adventure the video camera is always on… After three days with the NWFJCC in the Naches Area we had hours of video. One of the great things is that I get to see all the fun times and relive the adventure. And even though I watched all the hours I know you don’t want to… come on be honest… you can only watch rigs and listen to me . . . → Read More: Naches 4×4 Adventure Video

Naches Day 4 (Ain’t Had Enough Fun)

Paul — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:35:03 +0000

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line… And yes for all you math majors in the crowd I know a line is straight by definition and a straight line is redundant but that is just how the saying goes.

Late last night around the fire we came up with the idea of a fancy sit down breakfast… Eggs, bacon, english muffins, patties of foil wrapped butter, jam in little single serving . . . → Read More: Naches Day 4 (Ain’t Had Enough Fun)

Naches Run Day 3 (FJ Cruiser Take Over)

Paul — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:30:45 +0000

You run enough trails and you notice one thing… There are a lot of Jeeps out there… A Lot. CJs, YJ, JKs… lots of cool rigs that folks modded up for the trails… And let’s face it, a lot of the trails are open and available to all of us because of the Jeeper guys and the work they have done to keep them available to the wheeling public.

So when you see twelve . . . → Read More: Naches Run Day 3 (FJ Cruiser Take Over)

Naches Run Day 2 (The Pre-Run)

Paul — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:43:50 +0000

Moon Rock… Funny Rock… sounds more like Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” than a wheeling destination. But that was exactly where we were going to scout out trails..

Sleeping under the stars means there are no shades or curtains to keep the sun from crashing in on you as soon as it crests the mountain tops. First things first after shaking off the chill and relinquishing my grip on the idea of sleeping . . . → Read More: Naches Run Day 2 (The Pre-Run)

Naches Run Day 1 (Grab The Good Camp Site)

Paul — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:30:24 +0000

When it is raining and grey in the northwest, hang out on the NWFJCC forum is a great way to keep your spirits up. Reading a post for a camping and wheeling trip planned for the Naches area caused my heart to leap. Of course then the waiting… May… June and a good chunk of July passed before the run was here.

The Naches area is on the east side of the Cascade Mountains . . . → Read More: Naches Run Day 1 (Grab The Good Camp Site)

Time For A Change Sparky

Paul — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:19:37 +0000

One of the best ways to avoid trouble on an off road adventure is to know your rig… inside and out. One of the best ways to get to know your rig is through regular maintenance. Toyota recommends changing your spark plugs every 30,000 miles. Changing the spark plugs on a Toyota FJ Cruiser is a simple activity for any backyard mechanic and a good way to get to know your rig.

How . . . → Read More: Time For A Change Sparky

Should Have Taken That Left Turn At Albuquerque…

Paul — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:24:04 +0000

The best navigators are never really sure where they are going until they get there…

6:45 a.m. and the sun is screaming at me through the blinds, yelling to get up and go… We were already late if we were going to be in Enumclaw by 8:30 a.m. The drive to a trail run meetup for us is always a combination of caffeine, anticipation, iPod shuffling and mental spring cleaning. This was no exception.

. . . → Read More: Should Have Taken That Left Turn At Albuquerque…

Getting Back In The Saddle

Paul — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:02:15 +0000

2009 was incredible for 4×4 off road adventures… Tahuya OVR Park, Bill Burke training, Tillamook State Forest and of course the Rubicon Trail. It wasn’t so good for economic adventures. Without much work we had lots of time to hit the 4×4 trails… A little too much time. Fast forward to today, 2010 and economic times have improved. Good news for business… not so good news for wheeling. Over the last six months we’ve . . . → Read More: Getting Back In The Saddle

Hula Betty Goes To Prom

Paul — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:06:24 +0000

I’ll be the first to admit… We are not high on the cool scale of 18 year old seniors. But when prom rolls around… the laws of physics and high school insecurities are suspended.

Turns out that even the lines of limos didn’t draw as many looks or photo ops as the FJC. Of course after you’ve seen 10 stretch hummers… you’ve seen them all… But the Blue Bunny… There is only ONE.

So . . . → Read More: Hula Betty Goes To Prom

Mounting Your Off Road Adventure Stuff

Paul — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:57:44 +0000

Long off road adventures are all about having the stuff you need to get unstuck, stay safe and remain comfortable. Some of the most import safety equipment on a 4×4 adventure, a shovel and Hi-lift jack, or fire extinguisher are also the most cumbersome and difficult to store. And like a teenager reaching for the Clearasil on prom night, you want immediate access to this stuff when you need it.

Mounting Off Road . . . → Read More: Mounting Your Off Road Adventure Stuff

1 Truck, 4 Freinds and 9,500 Miles

Paul — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:04:07 +0000

Sound familiar…

Four college students, The Durango Drifters: Amy, Billy, Tricia, and Kristina are readying for their cross country adventure. On May, 26th 2010 the friends plan on piling into a Dodge Durango for 37 days to drive from from one end of the country to the other and back again. Along the way they will cover 19 state, camp in nine national parks, shoot rapids, scale mountains and attend a couple of big . . . → Read More: 1 Truck, 4 Freinds and 9,500 Miles

And They Call It Vendor Love…

Paul — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:34:44 +0000

With all the mods on the rig we’ve had to work with a number of 4×4 shops and after market vendors. And as you know some of them are better than others. So what makes one vendor better than another?

Certainly some vendors produce higher quality gear than others, but not everyone wants or needs the top of the line equipment. Some shops have lower prices than others. But what is it that really . . . → Read More: And They Call It Vendor Love…

Reflecting On The Detours…

Paul — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:36:05 +0000

I can’t believe another year has passed on this wild adventure. Thanks to all of you the Last Great Road Trip continues to be the web site destination for those who take the wheel and driver rather than letting life pass them by.

Looking back over that last three years, I have to smile when I think about the road trip adventures Hula Betty and I have taken. Sure the Arctic Adventure was amazing… . . . → Read More: Reflecting On The Detours…

We’re Big In Japan

Paul — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:20:01 +0000

Remember our Rubicon 4×4 Adventure, the “2009 Metal Tech Invitational”? I know you do… Cause I don’t want to hear we do all this for nothing… Ok maybe not for nothing… We do have a blast!

Well one of the members of the team on that off road adventure was Yoshi, a photographer and writer for Japanese Land Cruiser Magazine. Yoshi’s pictures and story hit news stands in Japan and sure enough Hula Betty . . . → Read More: We’re Big In Japan

From A Land Down Under

Paul — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:43:13 +0000

Can I get a hot shower in the bush… Who is behind 4WD TV… How did the “Drive 4 Life” turn out… Is there a good one woman tent out there… Can a pig really drink beer… And what are the crazy Aussies up too…

The new ARB Newsletter Summer 2010 showed up in our in box. As we’ve told you this news letter comes from the Australia head quarters so you have a . . . → Read More: From A Land Down Under

2010 FJ Cruiser Still Going Strong

Paul — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:53:00 +0000

The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser continues to be one of the top selling SUVs. The rig has not changed much over the years and continues to stay true to its rugged 4×4 adventure roots and long land cruiser heritage. The most notable change are the new engine updates that now delivers 260-horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 271 lb-ft @4,400 rpm from the 4.0 liter DOHC 24-valve V6.

Fuel mileage remains an anemic 15 . . . → Read More: 2010 FJ Cruiser Still Going Strong

Training Day (aka this side of youth)

Paul — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:28:48 +0000

If a mid-life crisis is about recapturing your youth than there is one sure fire way to do it… No it is not getting a big Harley, driving a fast sports car or dating younger women… Sure those all seem like good ideas and definitely worth a try, but if you want to recapture your youth, spend some time teaching kids about the things you love.

4×4 Adventure Training Day from Hula . . . → Read More: Training Day (aka this side of youth)

If You Race The Hammer You See Nails Everywhere

Paul — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:54:46 +0000

Every once in awhile, ordinary guys (gender neutral non-specific term use) get an extraordinary off road adventure opportunity.

King Of The Hammers is an off road race that balances speed, rock crawling and drivers skills against some of the most difficult trails anywhere. This year the driver of Camo’s Buggy #4407 is up for grabs The 5 driver finalists were selected from ordinary guys and now the members of Pirate 4×4 are going to . . . → Read More: If You Race The Hammer You See Nails Everywhere

4×4 Adventure BBC Style

Paul — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:24:59 +0000

Awhile back our friends at Metal Tech were approached by the BBC to help them with a Toyota FJ40 they were taking on a 4×4 Adventure from Bolivia to the Pacific Ocean. And true to Top Gear antics, it was not your average off road adventure.

Mark and LT spent time in the jungle, the desert and in the mountains of South America with Top Gear crews on a race where the BBC purchased . . . → Read More: 4×4 Adventure BBC Style

Smile, I’m On Hidden Camera

Paul — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:24:40 +0000

The great thing about going on the trails with a bunch of friends is that these days, everyone has a video camera. Turns out when we weren’t looking one of the guys in the group caught us going through a few obstacles in the Tillamook State Forest ORV Park. Since I’m usually behind the camera it is not too often we get to see how we look on the trail.

I . . . → Read More: Smile, I’m On Hidden Camera

Trail Tracker

Paul — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:17:40 +0000

Every think that you need a place to keep track of the trails you’ve run so you can share them with others? Ever wonder where you could go to find trails in other locations that you want to explore? Well wonder no more…

As Toyota makes a push to show the world its new 5th generation 4 Runner and FJ Cruiser are tough off road rigs, it has created a website dedicated to sharing . . . → Read More: Trail Tracker

Black Friday Off Road Adventure

Paul — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:16:53 +0000

Can I drive… no.

Really, Can I Drive… No.

Come on… Can I Drive… NO!

Oh #$%^@… Never mind, I don’t want to drive.

You take 1 part rocks, 1 part mud and 2 parts gravity shake them all together and you have the 3rd annual Black Friday run. Every year the Northwest FJ Cruiser Club (NWFJCC) holds it 4×4 trail run through the Tillamook State Forest and this year I had the opportunity . . . → Read More: Black Friday Off Road Adventure

Sick Suspension

Paul — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:05:52 +0000

Sick is how 4WD Toyota Owner described our rig and the Total Chaos 2″ long travel kit after they published our article on the install Metal Tech did for us a while back… If you liked the on-line Total Chaos 2″ Long Travel Install video and story, you’ll love this article.

While we didn’t make the cover this time, we did manage to get an incredible picture, taken by Dwon Guvenir from Oregon Photo . . . → Read More: Sick Suspension

Veni, vidi, vici

Paul — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:11:32 +0000

We came, We saw, We Kick Some Off Road Ass…

If you follow our off road adventure and please tell me you do, than you know we recently returned from the Rubicon trail. And I’m sure you read the stories and saw the pictures… Right!

So if a picture is worth a 1,000 words, than video must be priceless. Well here are four (yes count them four) videos that will give you a . . . → Read More: Veni, vidi, vici

You Want Me To Do What! Really… REALLY….

Paul — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:56:24 +0000

So how do you become an internationally recognized off road driving, winching and safety trainer? Well if you are Bill Burke you start with a resume that looks like:

One of 2-person team to represent America in the Camel Trophy, a grueling 1200-mile rally across Africa (1991) Developed and presented Camp Rover West, now known as “On the Road…”, practical driver training seminars and guided trail rides for 4-wheel drive/SUVs and their owners 4-Wheel . . . → Read More: You Want Me To Do What! Really… REALLY….

Surviving Rubicon… Out The Other End

Paul — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:33:42 +0000

So you want to run the Rubicon Trail… And who wouldn’t… But what does it mean to survive the Con? For us it meant two long hard days on the trail with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It also meant a little carnage, a lot of fun and an experience we’ll never forget.

One thing to remember about running the Rubicon is that the trail is one rig wide most . . . → Read More: Surviving Rubicon… Out The Other End

Oh My Hell… This Is Rubicon!

Paul — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:56:05 +0000

100 yards into the trail and we’re breaking out the hi-lifts… Welcome to the Con! We’d heard tales, read about it on-line and seen pictures… But until you are facing down the Rubicon, it is hard to understand the knot that wells up in your stomach as you realize… this is wheeling… on the big stuff.

Until now most of the trails we run have their obligatory little rock garden you can play on or . . . → Read More: Oh My Hell… This Is Rubicon!

It All Begins At Loon Lake

Paul — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:04:59 +0000

After a night in Sacramento, CA. it was time to get started and that meant driving out to the trail head. This had to be the longest drive ever… Although it only took an hour or so, it seemed like days as we wound past places named Coloma, Georgetown, Placerville, and Ice House up through the last steep twisting bit of road. This was really it…

Rolling into Loon Lake, the jump off point . . . → Read More: It All Begins At Loon Lake

The Gang Is Mostly Here

Paul — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:07:15 +0000

Today was the day the gang (or at least most of them) came into town.

Bernd is joining the group from Portland along with his son. I met Bernd a couple of years back in Ouray, Co. at the second annual FJ Summit. Since then I’ve had a few opportunities to run trails with him including a night of wheel down at Browns Camp. I always like letting Bernd go first. I know he . . . → Read More: The Gang Is Mostly Here

I-5 All The Way…

Paul — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:24:58 +0000

Like a kid on Christmas Eve, I slept about an hour, double and triple checking my mental list of gear for the big Rubicon off road adventure. As soon as the clock ticked 9:00 a.m. i was out the door and racing to Metal Tech to meet Mark and caravan down from Portland to Sacramento.

View Larger Map

Well the plan was to leave… and you . . . → Read More: I-5 All The Way…

For The Love A Good Woman

Paul — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:24:21 +0000

The day started out perfect… one of those beautiful crisp sun shinny fall Seattle days that mark the start of school and have you forgetting the cloud covered drizzle that you will soon be immersed in as the price for living in God’s country. Parked on Western below Pikes Place Market like thousands of times before we left rig and set out to explore the local vendos’ quirky NW offerings… did you know you . . . → Read More: For The Love A Good Woman

The 4×4 Gourmet

Paul — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:31:32 +0000

Getting ready for the Rubicon adventure has us going in all directions… meals on the trail is one of them… Rule #1 on the trail… everything, even cardboard rehydrated with sweat and seasoned with dirt, tastes good after a long day wheeling on the trail…. but don’t let rule #1 get in the way of enjoying the finer things in life.

All too often we seem to go from one extreme to the other… . . . → Read More: The 4×4 Gourmet

Oil Can Betty…

Paul — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:07:00 +0000

One of our friends, Beau Jaramillo, from Amsoil, sent us a care package that included:

Ea Oil Filters Signature Series 0W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil Ea Air Filters Engine Flush Severe Gear 75W-90 Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease

With the Rubicon off road adventure coming up, this was the perfect time to change the oil. Engine oil has the primary functions of lubricating and cooling the inside of the engine, and plays a major . . . → Read More: Oil Can Betty…

It’s My Blog and I’ll Ramble If I Want Too

Paul — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:06:31 +0000

Those of you who follow the Last Great Road Trip know to expect: FJC How To articles, 4×4 adventure stories, Hula Betty off road videos, diversity discussions and the occasional rant or rave on whatever it is that we feel like ranting about…

Well since I had time to think on a trip out to Hurricane Ridge and Obstruction Peak in the Olympic National Park this is one of those rave times….

Like most, . . . → Read More: It’s My Blog and I’ll Ramble If I Want Too

Whooo Hooo! Blue Bunny on the CON!

Paul — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:09:12 +0000

That was the the message I received back after I let Mark (those of you who remember the tail of the Blue Bunny understand Mark’s affection for the nick name) know I would be able to join him on Metal Tech ‘s Rubicon Trail adventure planned for the end of summer.

The Rubicon Trail is perhaps one of the most well known off road 4×4 trails in the world. With claim to the birthplace . . . → Read More: Whooo Hooo! Blue Bunny on the CON!

The CPR Run To Blue Lake

Paul — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:01:44 +0000

I drove the legend that started it all… more on that in a minute, but first…

Picture yourself in the middle of nowhere, cell coverage is non-existent, the stars are beginning to poke through the night sky and your group is settling in for an evening around the camp fire when across the way you hear one of your mates crashing down the hill… then nothing. Over-landing is a great sport that allows us . . . → Read More: The CPR Run To Blue Lake

An Off Road Adventure Down Memory Lane

Paul — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:10:52 +0000

Growing up in Portland OR, my formative high school days as well as my heavy drinking college years were spent chasing one thing… Ok maybe two things but the one I’ll write about was the chance to go out, explore and get lost on the logging roads above Estacada OR.

I would drive my old Baja Bug, held together with spit and bailing wire, looking for out of the way places to fish . . . → Read More: An Off Road Adventure Down Memory Lane

And The Winner Is…

Paul — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:43:03 +0000

First of all I would like to thank the academy, my parents, my friends, all the readers, the guy who cuts my hair, the kid down the street who mows the lawn, our mailman, my favorite sister-in-law, Hula Betty and all the people who work so hard behind the scenes to make this web site possible….

Ok, so we are not curing cancer here and until someone does end bigotry and hatred in the . . . → Read More: And The Winner Is…

Michelangelo Never Painted In The Rain

Paul — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:09:55 +0000

Art is amazing… It inspires, confuses, questions and touches people is ways they can’t explain. Some seek out their art in churches, others in museums and galleries and some in private collections. On my road trips and adventures, I look for it outside, on the road and away from the crowds. Whether it is Buddhist sand art, sand castles on the beach or back alley tags, out door art speaks to me. . . . → Read More: Michelangelo Never Painted In The Rain

Toyota ’10 Model Year FJ Cruiser

Paul — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:33:24 +0000

There appears to be an encore year for the FJ Cruiser… the rumors of its death may have been premature as Toyota releases it’s “What’s New ’10 Model Year” lineup notes. And would you believe it… the FJC is in the line up.

With more horse power, little better gas mileage and a Trail Team Special Edition the 2010 FJC looks to continue the rugged off road capabilities that made the legendary Land Cruiser . . . → Read More: Toyota ’10 Model Year FJ Cruiser