I have been four-wheeling for years, and have gotten a lot of looks, second looks, as a female driver. Growing up in a Southern California jeep club, it was natural that I learn to drive a 4x: my parents' 1970 Ford Bronco. I began driving it on trips to Pismo Beach and Afton Canyon, complete with hurst shifter and paddle tires! My first vehicle was a VW Bug that saw many off-road trips, especially to the desert areas around Barstow and Baker, Ca. Off-roading is definitely in my blood and bones. It is my "priority" in life!

My first real 4x was not a Jeep, but a 1984 Toyota extra-cab pick-up. At the time, I had an ATC and it seemed to make more sense to choose a pick-up rather than a Jeep for my new ride. (My husband's first 4x was a Jeep, so we have a soft spot for each other's first make of vehicle). My truck was well set-up with 33" tires, 4:10 gears, and Detroit locker in the rear. It did hi-desert round-ups, Los Coyotes, Santiagos Canyon, and desert trips to Glamis, Dumont, and other areas. I only had my truck for two years, and really liked it, then I heard the sad news that the CJ-7 wasn't going to be made any more. I'd always said that I would own a new CJ-7, so this was my last chance. I couldn't afford two 4xs, being single, so I sold my truck (I still cry!) and ordered my CJ.

I not only drive my vehicle, I am responsible for its build-up, too. My husband does most of the physical work but I insist that I work right along with him. Everything that is done to my vehicle has my approval first. Real Jeeps are definitely built, and I believe mine has been built-up close to its end result. Of course, there is always something new to consider. I usually wait for product evaluations to come in on new items (this sport is expensive enough without doing something that's really not needed) before I decide whether to add it to my CJ. My Jeep has been a constant project since I bought it new in 1986 and it will continue to evolve as I feel necessary.

My CJ and I have bonded in a way I didn't think possible. It is not only my vehicle, but my way of life. It is my identity and, most of the time, my daily drive. I am proud that it can play hard on the weekends, and still get me to work on Monday. I enjoy pulling into a gas station and having some guy walk up to say, "Nice Jeep, is it your Husband's?". I proudly reply, "No, it's all mine.". Of course, now that it's pink, everyone just assumes that it belongs to a female.

I would like to hear from other female drivers. If you have any questions or comments, please send me an e-mail and I will address them in my column. I know there are a lot of us out there, so let's get some input and show these guys we're not such a minority.

I also want to hear from you guys on the subject, we're not all "bad" drivers you know!

Happy trails!