From 2HI to 4LO

  Maneuvering off pavement, I surveyed the daunting obstacles ahead. The flooded fields on either side of my path were a good indication that the predominantly clay soils were holding water along much of the route. Although few had been this way before me - and tire tracks were a good indication that many more had deemed the way impassable and turned around - deep ruts were already forming in the areas not inundated by the overflowing river. A slow but steady pace and picking the appropriate lines were going to be key to successfully navigating this terrain without the need for recovery. Steeled for the familiar yet ever-changing trek, I would eventually make my way home. When I embarked on my greatest adventure – married life – I had no concept of mountain passes or famous four-wheel drive trails. I was young, green, and still driving the car my dad got me when I turned sixteen. But building a new life together on the small ranching operation my husband was already invested in mea...