I am a man who grew up around the world, by the time I was 17 and could get a license
I had lived in more foreign countries than most will visit. My father was an Air Force Colonel and spent
30 years in the military. I think I learned a lot in my formative years, about what we have here in the
good ole United States. But mostly on the fact of what freedom is. Freedom is a fight we will always need
to do within ourselves. We must fight for both sides of the coin, that which we agree with, and the rights of the
opposing sides. We have our rights until they impose on others and that is why we will forever be fighting over
issues like Public Lands.
When I was 18 I got my first vehicle. My Parents had divorced and that meant I was on my own for the vehicle.
We had been living in Louisiana for a few years and my main interest were Hunting and fishing. Studying for school
sometimes can take a back seat when opening day of deer season comes around.
I could not afford a 4 wheeler and so I got what my $600 could afford, a Datsun 510 staion wagon. It was in this car
I learned to 4x4. I say that because my friends and I went all over in the heep. We learned lines to make it
places where 4x4ers dared to tread. Our recovery tools were a come-a-long, a section of rope and strong backs.
Getting stuck meant work and I learned to choose lines that meant we made it past the obstacle without getting stuck.
For 2 years we played with that vehicle till I could afford a F100 with 4x4. My world changed, it became easier to
get anywhere, but the basis was always the same. Getting stuck meant getting a heavier vehicle unstuck.
With a come-a-long that meant a lot of hard work. Winches were out of the budget for a 19 year old working part time
to suppot his college habit.
Times went on, I lived in the state till I was 27 and bought several 4x4s, but it was a lifestyle, not a sport.
Sure we would mud bog for fun, but the basis of owning a 4x4 was to go out into the back country. To hunt, fish, camp,
and enjoy the lands that we had every right to be on, Public Lands.
I left the state to move to California, the economy of the south was to wishy washy for me and I wanted a
steady income. Winters meant slowdowns and my Brother painted a picture of gold lined streets in SoCal.
So, Like the Beverly Hillbillies I packed up a truck and set off. It took me 2 trips to get it all out but
opportunity was good out here. A few life style changes were to be had. No stopping at a lake on the way home
to dip a line. No walking down the street to the woods for a 3 mile hike hunting rabbits, But then
there were still plenty of places to camp, and explore in a 4x4. I have done it for years, exploring historical ghost towns,
just seeing the western United States and being amazed. 4x4ing was never a sport to me, it has always been a lifestyle
A way to get out and do what I want to do. I do not have the hunting and fishing opportunities out here
such as I did back there, but then I have other stuff to replace it.
A funny thing happens when people see my Jeep, they ask if I am a rock crawler. I guess I might be, but not really
I am an out doors person. The Jeep is just a way to live a life style. Nothing more, nothing less. It allows me to
go where I want to go. I seem to take more photos than anything else now. If I see a difficult obstacle I will
go over it? You Bet. But not for the reason most think, I just am going down the trail. I am a trail runner.
Nothing excites me more than a trip down the trails.
I never have considered this a sport, and I resent it when guys call it that. It is a lifestyle choice.
I do it for the outdoors. And that is why I am so outspoken about it. It does not matter what you think
Or how you use the outdoors, Without open lands, open trails, open to all of us not just those who are
in certain categories, we will lose our heritage, our land, our history.
That is where I stand. A hunter, a fisherman, a historian, an explorer, a photographer, a citizen of the United States.
May you find yourself in the outdoors
thanks for Reading this
James Hennegan