BEFORE YOU COMMENT, please read these FAQs 😆 *You should have waited until daylight* Believe me, I gave this a TON of thought before heading down, but I was most concerned about accumulating snow making conditions even worse. With my lights, I could see just fine. Later in the day, I looked back and could see that the mountains were all white up where I had been. I made some mistakes on this trip, but I remain convinced heading down immediately was the right call...I think I still would have got stuck in the same spots in the daylight, and possibly stuck in even more places as well with snow obscuring the trail and making things even more slippery. *You should have put your camper shell back on* That was the plan...the contractor cap is still sitting here in my driveway. I just ran out of time to reinstall/rebuild that setup before I needed to leave on this trip to meet Jason. I'm going to appreciate it even more now, LOL. *What was the hissing noise?* I never definitively figured this out. Once I got to my cousin's place, I thoroughly cleaned the underside of the truck and crawled around looking for any sign of damage or a disconnected line, but found nothing. I subsequently chatted with a friend who is more knowledgeable in vehicle systems than me, and he speculated that the way the truck was sitting twisted half on its side, perhaps something was impacting vacuum lines, and righting the truck resolved it. I really don't know though. The truck has been fine ever since.
Donald, don’t worry about people’s opinions. We travel through life not knowing what is down the road next and make decisions based on all our senses, including the ones that video cannot capture. That is adventure. In addition, it does not hurt that it makes for great video content.
Probably one of my favorite videos from you Sir. Not because you got into a tough situation but that you were able to think through various scenarios and come up with a workable solution to self rescue.
This is a prime example of how to overcome a challenge, or multiple challenges. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. We love this video! So proud of you, man!
No criticism from me! So many learning moments in this video. Thank you for not "sanitizing" it, but keeping all those learning moments in. Those of us out living the adventure lifestyle need a reminder that things can go wrong in an instant. And they can go from bad to worse even quicker. I've had my share of challenging trips. 🙂 Well done getting out and glad that you are safe!
You did so awesome for a very difficult "adventure". I find it interesting how unexpected things like losing a tarp in the wind, a shovel on a trail can and not have spare keys with the vehicle at all times, not necessarily on the key ring, can be major learning experiences. What a challenge and well done on continuing to video and share all that with us. Thankyou!
I thought long and hard about that, but I was concerned about accumulating snow making conditions even worse. Really, with my lights, I could see just fine. Later in the day, I looked back and could see that the mountains were all white up where I had been. I made some mistakes on this trip, but I remain convinced heading down immediately was the right call...I think I still would have got stuck in the same spots in the daylight, and possibly stuck in even more places as well with snow obscuring the trail and making things even more slippery. 🙂
You did great! Thanks for posting this video! You survived and at the end of it a great story your old aged days will share with those around you! How fortunate are you!
Since no one has the guts to say it... I will.... . . . . . Glad you had a REAL adventure!!! "Vacation" something you plan to have FUN "Adventure" something you can't plan fully, but hope it turns into FUN "REAL adventure" something you had planned that became fun after you survived (typically a story shared with friends around a campfire) Thanks for sharing the good, bad, and the funky!!!
It was a great example of how even experienced people can get into sticky situations. I think I'd have waited for daylight, but I'm saying that well rested, warm, and dry. It's hard to make good decisions when tired, cold, and wet.
I went back and forth on it as I sat there, but I was concerned about accumulating snow making conditions even worse. With my lights, I could see just fine. Later in the day, I looked back and could see that the mountains were all white up where I had been. I made some mistakes on this trip, but I remain convinced heading down immediately was the right call...I think I still would have got stuck in the same spots in the daylight, and possibly stuck in even more places as well with snow obscuring the trail and making things even more slippery. 🙂
I could critique you, BUT, 1: You survived. Not only that, you flourished in adversity. 2: When things start going wrong, is when the 'adventure' begins! This is bragging rights, and good for a heart filled laugh at fire side war story chats! 3: Have fun with what you have, do whatcha gotta to make it work. You struggled, but you made it work. Bravo, and great vid!
What an adventure! I'm sure you learned some things. Nothing like facing a situation, thinking it through, making a decision, then learning what you did right, or wrong. A fantastic video These last videos from your trip have been your best.
I listened to a talk by Jim Whittaker, a mountaineer from Seattle. This is probably the only thing I remember from his talk. He said when disaster struck one of his excursions it never was one big lightening bolt thing that happened. It was an accumulation of many small things. Like: 1. unplanned solo driving 2. an area that wasn't researched, no gps data 3. shovel falls off 4. forgot the key 5. tent a little lighter duty 6. not checking the weather, etc. But, the redundant winch pulls through. I've been there. It's easy to get rattled and plunge into a worse situation, maybe driving over the cattle guard was an example of that. Thanks for showing it all. May you be more than a bad example to others. Kiddin... I liked this video very much. Carry on Don.
Driving a perfect trail, camping in perfect weather is what you hope for. Driving and camping in sketchy conditions that bring on higher levels of self reliance, allows you to "level up" on experience. You build on what you learn from each experience. That and it make great content regardless of haters and baiters.
Nice job Donald! Driving in the dark, in the rain, on an unfamiliar road by yourself with lack of sleep can test your calm and ability to make good decisions. I think you did well with the situation you were in. Nice job with the wench! I still don't have one so I always have to keep that in mind.
Never travel in the dark when you have weather like that in the desert. You are best to wait until the light of day. Secondly, you don't try to move when the weather is coming in. Out in that desert weather comes and goes quickly, and even though the mud becomes treacherous quickly, it also dries quickly after the weather passes. I have spent many of nights/days in the same situation, and you can get into real trouble if you try to move too quickly. Kudos to you for having the recovery gear onboard with you, but you were very lucky that you did not end up in a dire situation. Kudos to many more safe travels, love your channel.
You’ve got guts Donald, I selfishly think this was the best episode I’ve ever seen of yours I think many people watching felt the intensity of the moments they were definitely palpable. Great Job. And you definitely had a story to share with your family!
Really enjoyable. Another tip, you have a rear diff lock, if in doubt engage it prior to the obstacle. They are more effective stopping you getting stuck, than getting you unstuck! Love your truck. Affordable, realistic and capable.
That was quite a trip! I'm glad you were able to extricate yourself safely. Your night in the tent reminded me of a trip with my family years ago. We were camping somewhere in Wyoming after driving into a strong headwind all day. It appeared to be a protected site but in the middle of the night the wind changed directions and tried to tear the fly off the tent. I managed to get out of the tent, grab on to the fly, and hang on for dear life. I tried waking my wife by yelling but she never heard me over the wind. She and my two young kids slept through the storm. After holding the fly for what seemed like hours. Crazy night!
I was laughing about the wind as you were trying to pack up your tent. Sorry but the flapping was funny. Then when you started driving in the dark all I kept saying to myself is sit still and wait for daylight. This was very exciting episode. Great work Donald!
No one who wasn't there should criticize too much. Heck, I would have probably slept through the storm and woken up with a collapsed tent on me and a foot of snow outside! I have trouble falling asleep but once I do, especially in storms, I sleep deep. Good video. You'll definitely have to keep that spot in mind for a return when the weather isn't so bad because that was a killer good view.
Yeah, definitely some unfinished business up there. There was some beautiful scenery and interesting trail challenges on the way down that morning that I just didn't have it in me to film, so I'd love to get back there and complete the job. 🙂
I would have been too afraid to try to get out in the dark. What a crazy ride down the mountain!! It was a great video. I always learn more good info from you. Very inspiring.
I was concerned about accumulating snow making conditions even worse if I stayed put. With my lights, I could see just fine. Later in the day, I looked back and could see that the mountains were all white up where I had been. I made some mistakes on this trip, but I remain convinced heading down immediately was the right call...I think I still would have got stuck in the same spots in the daylight, and possibly stuck in even more places as well with snow obscuring the trail and making things even more slippery. 🙂
Great video. A lesson in staying calm under pressure and thinking things through. I appreciate your humble honesty. That, more than the spectacular scenery your shared, serves to encourage me to follow in your tracks. Many thanks.
This video brought back memories for me (using the vehicle as a windbreak and anchor) . I've survived a few nights like this in my Gazelle T4 (one with 50 mph winds). The rainfly is the tent's Achilles heel. I now use strong short bungee cords to attach it to the tent hubs (and carry a spare rainfly). I have also found that a telescoping pole is useful inside to keep the roof from collapsing.
Not going to say anything bad. You made it out and that's what matters. I will say that when you said "this is a great place to camp" I immediately thought uhhhhhh, no! No judgement though. I love the honesty of showing the whole truth of the trip. Great video.
I love it. It’s called being adventurous. I wish we had that kind of public land in my state of Tennessee to be able to drive for days. I have new frontier pro 4x and have install rails over bed with a tent.
Full marks for putting the lows in the video along with the highs. A lot of people might be saying "Do this..." or "Do that..." but that's all nice and easy when you're sitting at home watching a video on RU-vid. The only way you really learn is by getting out and doing it - and you're doing a pretty good job of that. I'm sure you've picked up a few things you won't forget/do differently next time ;) No one has all the answers until they've made all the mistakes - and even then you'll find new and creative ways to make more mistakes. It's how you recognise, deal with and prevent yourself repeating those mistakes that is the measure of your abilities.
Don't worry so much about the criticizers. It looks like you learned a lot on this little trip that will help you improve your knowledge in the future. That's really what life does to us all. I know that I learned a few things just watching you! Glad you got yourself out of there.
One of my favorites. Travelled that area several times before and always wanted to cross over at Silver City and see how close I could get to Mountain Home. Closest ever I got was Sommer Camp Rd. Thanks for the adventures!
Exactly what happened to you makes me rethink my gazelle tent.. the fear of it just collapsing in on me while sleeping only makes me use it on perfect days..haha the rest of the time I will sleep in my canopy.. Glad to see you made it out ok and were able to use the winch successfully.. Safe travels and great videos as usual!!
100% one of my favorite videos. Anyone jumping to give criticism has never been on a solo adventure. Those who have... know crap happens and just want to hear the story. I am super sad about the shovel. Hate getting home and realizing I lost something on the trail.
So..... Now you got a great tale to tell and the only thing that got hurt.... was your pride, a little. LOL Best part is you LEARNED! And lived to use it next time! Those open mesh top tents with rain fly covers are against my religion! Give me a solid tent with a tub floor and LOTS of stakes! So what if I'm old fashioned! Keep ROCKIN' that Rocky Road!
I’m glad you are going back to truck tent camping. So many Overlanders are shifting into campers, vans, etc. and it seems to me that they missing something. I can’t afford the big rigs so I continue to truck camp and I’m just enjoying the outdoors without all the comforts of home. Love these vids.
Impressive adventure leg and congrats on the triumphs and lessons learned. One of your best videos. I had a solo trip in the 90s that went sideways four ways and this reminded me of that nail biter. I still enjoy telling that story over beers.
So I think you did great on this trip . It's frustrating doing self recovery and is stressful but at least you had the winch and aired down . I feel you did great and in the long run it will make you better overlander and better at self recovery . I have been there and it was nerve racking but you handled it great and did everything right . Great video
Ah don't sweat it. A old timer friend of mine once told me his four wheeler had eight wheel drive. I said yeah right your nuts, He said no no its true the winch is like having a whole other truck with you at all times. He used his often he went where others feared to tread. So its no shame in having to use the winch. At least you are using it versus those guys who buy that kind of stuff just to look cool in their drive way!
What an adventure! You now have memories and a video for the rest of your life, and your viewer's have a great video to watch. Glad you kept the camera going even when things went sideways. Thankyou for the great content!
I was great you posted this. I'm brand new (like yet to hit the trail!) and building a truck with canopy much like you have/had. One thing I had though about especially with a push button start/key fob is a spare key. My plan is external hidden key to get me in the tool box and a combination key vault there with spare fob and keys to any padlocks etc. I've also heard people say you need minimal auxiliary lighting because you shouldn't be wheeling at night. Here's a classic example of why you need to be able to take on a trail at night. I was considering a rooftop tent. A buddy convinced me I didn't want any type of tent. I now see how a metal canopy is the way to go! Best of luck and thanks again for sharing when things go bad.
For sure, there are so many scenarios that can arise which result in driving a primitive road at night. Even if you only use the lights once or twice a year, the night you DO need them, you'll be immensely grateful you've got them.
In almost every situation a winch is better than sandtracks or a shovel. Sometimes a highjack comes handy. Also, sleeping in a canopy is much better than in a tent, regardless a ground one or RTT, so hopefully you put it back soon. Glad you went through it safely and in one piece :) And the most amazing thing to me is that even being in trouble you put an effort and time to film it! Thank you!
Honestly? One of your best videos. I know it was a little scary, but that was real, and real is what the majority of content creators are lacking. Real offroading and camping needs to have a little scary in it. Thank you.
Donald, Donald, Donald!!!! 1st time you were in a hurry looking for a spot to camp & slid into a Tree, 2nd time driving at night rushing down a muddy trail, lets NOT make the Third time a Charm @softroadingthewest. Stay put & go over the First Two Times. Besides that DAMN what a Suspenseful vid that will Hopefully Help out so many other people. The scenery, your videography, audio & editing is exceptional. All your vlogs are great & just keep getting better & this is up there with some of your best. Thanks for taking us along & Sharing the ups & downs of what You go through. Thanks Again
I think you did an outstanding job of self recovery. Thank goodness for the winch. Great job! Don't listen to the haters, keep on doing what you do. Love the channel and the spectacular content! Thanks for not giving up.
We all need days like this, the money we spend on recovery gear is priceless but even more priceless if we don't pratice using it. This was great and I am glad you capured it all on video. That wind was no joke.
Great video! So nice to see all the mistakes, stress and outcomes instead of the “Hollywood featurette” style RU-vid overlanders that never showing a problem. I have never taken a trip that I didn’t have some major issue on. Thank you for showing us that EVERONE has off roading issues!!! Feel free to show more mistakes!
I adventure alone quite a bit. In that situation I ussually stay put till daylight and I typically follow weather reports daily especially at elevation. You got some good experiences out of it and some lessons. Good video. Glad you didn't flop it.
This was great! I know it was a lot to endure, but wow…you did it! It was challenging and your cool head prevailed. Loved this..I know it wasn’t exciting at times, but it must feel good on the other side of it! Well done and thank you!
Really enjoyed the video, Donald. People have to remember that this could happen to anyone. You still persevered even with the lack of tools. That's true off highway stuff.
LOL! I AM a dummy! I didn't even tell you about all the other things I forgot. 😆 This improvised temporary setup is a bit disorienting and I keep forgetting things that just used to ride permanently in the truck when I had the canopy on there. 😄
Yeah, what the hell huh? On the other hand, you got to go out to play. You had a bit of fun and you got some good experiences getting out after getting stuck a few times. Safe Journeys and keep the videos a coming...👍🚙👍🚙👍
I would say that you have bad luck. Good for both of us, I don't believe in luck. There is a plan in life. The thing is we can't see it. Much like you, when somethig in my life goes the wrong way, EVERYTHING else follows. I started taking things in a kind of stoick way. Yes, I curse, stomp and kick things but I use it to ground myself. Getting frustration and adrenaline out of the way, so I can think clearly. One can not stop shitty things from happening. Such is life. Fortunetly this too shall pass. Enjoy the little things, the big bad problems will resolve themselfs. Que te sea leve, amigo!
Awesome video Donald! That's always my fear with those big beautiful mountain top spots. You're always a bullseye it seems for inclement weather and the crazy wind. Watching that kind of reaffirmed my own choice lately shifting to sleeping in the OB and ditching the tent setup. I bet you were kinda wishing you had the camper setup. 😑 Also nice job on the recoveries! Night wheeling is fun when it's a trail you know, but the unexpected coupled with slippery surfaces makes for some sketchy wheeling. I'm glad you finally made it out, although it wasn't easy as we saw. Thanks for taking us along, at least in the beginning there were some new discoveries and beautiful scenery. 😃
