Welcome Justin, and great vehicles you and Theresa. It's hard to hear branches pin-striping your paint, but sometimes that's the cost of admission to some incredible places to camp. However I still park my 8 year old Tacoma way out in the empty spots of parking lots. If you're new to going off road, I would recommend classes from https://www.backroad4wd.com/ I've taken 3, and it's very informative, and a safe way to learn how to handle terrain you may not be able to drive around, or turn back from. Learning spotting, and how to spot drivers, is also essential on the trail. This pic is when I took their recovery class.

Sorry for late reply, another guy got them

Thanks, however I can't take that much time away from work yet, nor do I have a fridge yet, so can't do longer trips without replacing the ice in a cooler. I'm going to contact Defenders to see if they have weekend classes in the spring. Have fun though!

Btw there is a NWOL event of TBD - Defender's Northwest / NWOL Basic 101 Off-Road Driver's Training, that had to be postponed because of the pandemic. Not sure when it's going to be rescheduled. I finally replaced my OEM wheels/tires with all-terrain, and a matching spare, and have a basic safety/recovery kit put together. So I'm ready to do more than dispersed camping off fire roads.

They're doing a free Off-Road Foundations Course tomorrow at Marysville Toyota, but it's limited to 30 people. I was on the waiting list until a spot freed up, so I'll be there. https://www.facebook.com/events/512830742674940/

More about where to set up your own and such

I’m also a taco owner that is new here, and to overlanding. I’m definitely looking to take off road safety classes.

Welcome Shiela! Oh and you and lady.

Thank you for your service. That looks adventure ready.