What had I missed? The first day is a smorgasbord of activities, and what attendees do is dependant on off-road experience. As mentioned, novices will be persuaded to take part in Jeep 101, which includes a half-day program beginning with a short classroom education where basic 4x4 terminology

Those who are more experienced, who often own upgraded CJ, YJ or TJs, can go directly on one of a variety of skill testing treks. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

and off-road driving techniques are explained. After about an hour of talk, participants can put their newfound knowledge to the test by taking part in a man-made obstacle course. Once a few basic skills are mastered, it's off to the trails for the rest of the day.

Those who are more experienced can go directly on one of a variety of skill testing treks, the easiest being the one I was signed up for, and the toughest designed to outwit man, woman and machine, some of which were outfitted with monster-truck sized rubber and lift kits so elevated that owners could adjust their suspension setting from the comfort of a lounge chair... while sitting underneath!

Our youngish lead trail guide, in charge of keeping this ragtag convoy of about

It took only a few miles of dense fog-like dust clouds to make me thank Ares that I was ensconced inside an airtight Liberty .(Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

fifteen amateurs within the ruts and away from surrounding evergreens, was amiable for sure, with kinds eyes and a quick smile, but occasionally the seriousness of an old drill sergeant came through, beleaguered with the ominous task of motivating a fresh load of greenies to be brave enough to go into battle fighting, yet smart enough to keep their heads down. While thoughts of enemy fire on M*A*S*Hencampments are easily conjured when surrounded by the progeny of a vehicle that, along with boatloads of similarly simpleton Shermans brought Hitler's sophisticated military to his knees, it took only a few miles of dense fog-like dust clouds to make me thank Ares that I was ensconced inside an airtight Liberty instead of an open-top TJ.