Great trip, and write up. I'm one of those that think "tread lightly" is a good idea. My view of that, however, is to simply not to tear up more than you have to. You still need to be able to get from point A to B. I find the "tread lightly" crybabies interesting sometimes. Lots of talk about vehicle mods, recovery gear, what's the best tire, lockers... but don't go off the road, somebody will be able to tell you were there... and they won't be able to cross your ruts in their Prius. I'm really looking forward to the day I can take a trip like that. I'm somewhat limited as my truck is a long heavy F-250 Super Duty, so the tight trails aren't good, but I am building her to go where she can fit, and I won't loose any sleep over a track in the mud, even though I hate mud.