Why the Heck do you do that?

I heard this a couple times after I layed my 4Runner on her side. " So why would you put all that time and money and work in you 4Runner then tear it up?"  I guess its all in how you look at it.  I enjoy working on my vehicles to prepare them for the trails, and I enjoy seeing what I can or sometimes (look at the first pic) can't do in my offroad vehicles.  So to me, while I did feel a little sad when she layed over, I knew it was an opportunity to improve it with new trick fenders and tube doors.  Its is hard for those who haven't or wouldn't try offroading to understand the feeling of accomplishment when you climb that obstacle or conquer that trail.  Some people will never understand the attraction, I guess like I will never see the thrill of a whole in one that took 10 years of golfing to accomplish, or the allure of "Black Friday" shopping.  I applaud you for your effort but don't understand.

 I think half of 4 wheeling is being away from the hustle and bustle, away from the drone of everyday life and hanging out with friends, sharing common interest, no matter your political interest, your religous background or your economic status.  The biggest disagreement you may encounter is Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep, or Toyota, but they are done in good fun.  

 We are connected by the love for outdoors and being adventurous, a love for exploring the limits of our ability and our vehicles. The friendships and bonds that you build with others as you overcome challenging trails, or the bonds you build while avoiding disaster, or recovering from it.   

     All that to say this, I will sacrifice some sheet metal for the memories and friendships I develop along the way.  Those moments (our hours) are forever, you will carry the memories and lessons learned with you always.  I look forward to the next time I can go out with friends and explore the places few will see, to share lunch with those who, when the day started were strangers, but when the day is done will hopefully be new friends whom you look forward to wheeling with on the next trip. 

     One of the best meals I have ever eaten was sandwiches atop Cinnamon Pass in the Colorado  mountains.  Or Vienna Sausages outside a mine shaft at 11000 feet.  Those days will always be with me, and look forward to the one's to come.