Konadog and I went and explored some gnarly roads, if you can call them that, out towards Loveland Bay, north of Campbell River. We only had to drive about 25 min. from home before we came across some rough off road trails. Yesterday was my first taste of 4x4n'. I was hooked. I didn't necessarily think I would be. Not to say I thought I wouldn't enjoy myself, rather I didn't anticipate the sense of adventure that seemed to overcome me. Firstly, I thought I was going to be the passenger on this little adventure. Konadog quickly informed me that I would be driving and I happily, but hesitantly obliged. I have never been a very confident or practised driver before Hazel came along. She really helped me evolve as a driver, especially since learning to drive with the trailer. Now I tend to look for opportunities to challenge myself with backing up the trailer in tricky situations. It's been a huge confidence boost for me. It's interesting how something like that impacts the rest of your life. Confidence is a beautiful and enabling thing. Anyway, today, another perfect Fall day, was amazing. Konadog and I ventured out to the same area only a little further to find the perfect 4x4 road, at least to me. It was gnarly and challenging. I'd like to say we made it to the very top of the hill, but after many diligent tries, the road proved a little too steep and loose to conquer today. There were a few intense moments when I checked out the view behind me and realised just how much of an incline I was on and the fact that it was a narrow, one way route on the side of a hill going nowhere but up. Gulp 
I just couldn't seem to get past this spot so I backed it down slooooowly with the guidance of Konadog. I've really come to understand the finesse and thoughtfulness involved with 4x4ing. I guess I thought 4x4ing was alot of bashing around and maybe a little reckless. Perhaps for some that's the way, but today it was all about feel and thoughtfulness. Although I was excited I felt calm and composed. The excitement and anticipation of embarking on an unfamiliar, precariously rough road that seems to go straight up thrilled me. I surprised myself. I really didn't think I had it in me. A year ago, I probably would have found it overwhelmingly scary just being in the passengers seat. Today I was alone in the drivers seat while Konadog sussed things out and tried to capture it all in photos (those of you who've been there know photos just don't quite capture the steepness!). Today I bonded with Hazel in a new way, as silly as that may sound. Ah, you all know what I mean. I appreciated her so much before, I even take pleasure in keeping her vacuumed and clean. I have a greater understanding of her tenacity and toughness. I'm less worried about a scratch in the paint and more interested in experiencing what she is capable of (though we do need a replacement antenna after today 
). She's not just cute, she's tough - esp. cruising back though town with alder branches hanging off her rack. Come to think of it...isn't that the way every girl wants to be perceived?? 
The mainline road heading from CR towards Loveland Bay.
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. When you guys come overseas to the Mainland side be sure and let me know, Let's have a beer... smiles.
Good Ship 
