 I have been riding in Jeeps since 1966 when my Dad bought a Wagoneer. It was the perfect choice for a Scout master. We had that vehicle in the family at least through 5th grade back in the 70s. We are on our 4th Jeep now and still love going out and riding through Florida’s vast wilderness.
One of the comments we get are in regard to Jeep clubs destroying the habitat. On trail rides we frequently see small side trails off Forrest roads. Though they look fun, it’s a area that needs to be left alone. The natural habitat is full of wildlife and plant life that all hangs in a delicate balance. It angers me when I see trash thrown out on the side of a trail. Often beer bottles are smattered in the woods along with shotgun shells. Somehow drinking, shooting, and 4wheeling have been a thing as long as I can remember. Here is a big tip: Keep it simple while wheeling, don’t throw trash in the woods, and don’t use trails that are marked no vehicles. The concept is simple but out of grasp to the impetuous 4 wheeler. What is the difference? Glad you asked. There was a big place to wheel near I drive but over the years idiots trashed the place so bad that it is all marked no trespassing now. Stone hill was a big place to wheel in the 70s and 80s, now it’s all homes. Developers are destroying land and packing houses within feet of each other. The run off of storm water is flooding out creeks and local ponds. In this area they rip out every tree and clear cut the land all for money. Jeep clubs are not the issue. Jeeping will bring people out to see what a great state we live in. Most Jeep clubs have clean up events to pick up waste left behind by others. If your off road club rides off trails tearing up the ground, throwing trash out, and has no respect for the land, then find another club. We share the wildlife management areas and need to not infringe on others, like hunters. There is plenty of time to ride when it’s not hunting season. There good places to ride all over the area and we do have some off road parks near by. Imagine going out and finding the perfect spot and then spending the better part of the morning in a tree stand. Now along comes a 4 wheeler crashing through the brush making a bunch of noise, you would not be too happy. To the hunters out there, remember that most WMAs don’t allow off road vehicles. There are plenty of hunt clubs, lease lands, and private areas to hunt. There you can hunt undisturbed by anyone else who might want to use public land. Does it seem like I am a bit passionate about this? Well for good reason. I have been hunting, documenting, and catching reptiles for over 45 years in the Florida area. Snakes are my specialty. When the area is disturbed, the snakes leave. What’s left is common species like black racers, and water snakes. Some species require large areas of land to survive. Most Indigo snakes need 200 acres of land. Take care of the land or we will see more endangered wildlife disappear forever. The land is a symbiotic environment that depends on many parts to thrive. Stop over developing the woods, stop rutting up the environment, STOP throwing trash out of your vehicles. We all need to be responsible for the land we use. The first job given to mankind was to keep and tend the land way back in Genesis. We still need to do that today. Tend to the land like it’s a gift from God, because it is. For more info on treading lightly, visit the site at https://www.treadlightly.org/
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 Marriage is like driving a Jeep.
Obstacles are not challenges, they are opportunities. There are always things that need repaired. Maintenance required. Just Empty Every Pocket. Life is a bumpy road. Follow you heart, it leads to the best places. Obstacles are not challenges, they are opportunities. While driving off road, one of the cool things that you can do is overcome something that is blocking your path. You should never enter this hastily because it can lead to disaster. Always step back and get a good look at what you are facing. A spotter can help you make sure you have picked the right line. Plowing into a puddle, mud hole, or hill climb often results in broken and damaged parts. In marriage you will encounter problems that can block the path. There is always a way around, and with help, together you can make it through. Don’t just react to a situation, pray about it, examine it, and think it through. Learn from mistakes and move forward. There are always things that need repaired. Even those who tread lightly can find themselves in need of repairs. You should always treat your Jeep with care. Don’t abuse it or you may lose it. How you repair your Jeep makes a difference. You get what you pay for. If a Job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. It is an investment that you will need to rely on while driving down life’s trails. In marriage when things break, you need to fix the problem properly, if you don’t they will come back again. Communication, trust, cooperation, and agreement all need to work properly to get you through. Maintenance required. You need to change the oil, check the filters, and keep it clean. Examine the vehicle to make sure things are not broken. Check to make sure it not overheating. Are the fluids and seals all correct? How is the alignment? Fail at these basic tasks and you are doomed. In marriage you have to make sure the relationship is healthy. Continue to date, be friends, and complement each other. You need to take care of yourself physically. Make sure your life filters are clean; don’t spend time around people that could damage your relationship. Filter out the negativity when people speak against your spouse. Every word you hear is a seed that goes into your heart. Don’t let it grow. Keep your temperature under control, don’t blow your stack, don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Stay on track, you are now a team, the race can be finished, just work together. Just Empty Every Pocket. Money, owning a Jeep will have you spending plenty. It seems like there is an endless amount of things to buy. When you buy a Jeep, you are in love with it, just the way it is… Then you decide you want bigger tires, new bumpers, lockers, a winch… the list goes on. If you use your Jeep you will have to repair it, that coast money. Fixing it right the first time can save you misery later. “Lockers, before light bars.” Spend your money on what makes it go where you want it to go. In marriage you have to learn to draw a line between what you want, and what you need. It is easy to spend a bunch of money and get all into debt for things that are not a necessity. Set a budget and work together. Money, it is the number one thing couples fight about. Life is a bumpy road. If you can get your speed right you can skim the top of the bumps and ride smooth. If you go to slow you will feel every bump, go to fast and you might lose control. You should look ahead and know what’s around the corners. Unexpected washouts can throw you off the road or worse cause you to roll. Roots, rocks, mud, and water can change your plans and you will need to adjust as needed. In marriage you will also encounter bumps. It won’t be a honeymoon forever. You will have to keep focused on moving forward in your relationship all while watching for the unexpected. Take things at the right pace and skim over life’s small bumps. Slow down for the big bumps. Don’t get bogged down in the mud of life. And most importantly, don’t drown when you get in over your head. Find your pace together and grow in your relationship and this bumpy road we call life will go a bit more smooth. Follow you heart, it leads to the best places. Why do we drive Jeeps? Because, it will take you where others can’t go. The best views are at the top of the trails. There is a destination with a reward that is earned through travels. It’s not an easy trail and the ride may get tough, but how you get there is as important as where you get to. God had made an incredible and diverse environment with wonder around every corner. From forests, swamps, deserts, mountains, beaches, meadows, and lakes there is great beauty. To get there and enjoy life at the end of the trail ride is why we drive a Jeep. How you spend time together on this journey called marriage can be a rewarding experience that few people enjoy in life. Most give up because the road is too hard, and the commitment is too low. Grow old together, finish strong, and know God can see you through all life’s rough trails. Marriage is like driving a Jeep. |
Matt N RandyJeep Enthusiast, Pastor, Photographer, Artist, A husband and wife team that loves going out and seeing God's Creations. Archives
June 2021
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