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Seasoned Rookie with Murph, The Seasoned Rookie.
Hey Rookies! It has indeed been a while since I’ve written. For those of you who are new at the sport: My name is Murph and I’ve been Zookin’ for about three years now. I drive the bright yellow Tonka Toy, now known as Zook-n-a-half.
What I hope to accomplish with “The Seasoned Rookie” is to fill the gap between “I drive my ‘Zook as a cute little convertible” and “I have 39 inch tires and twin v-10 Cummins Turbo-diesels and 18-speed automatic in my Rock Crawler rig.”
“Murph with is father and favorite seasoned rookie”
Just like any good trail run, these articles will go in whatever direction we all want them to go. I encourage questions and suggestions as always, if there is something you’d like to know or hear about, please drop a line and I’ll do the best I can for you. 
The word sophomore translates from Greek to English as “A Wise Fool.” Thinking back to our high school days, or even college, one might recall playing the part of a wise fool at least once during their second year. Not quite the freshman, or rookie, anymore, but still a lot to learn. The words Cocky or Nave come to mind. In the locker room, that can earn you anywhere from a wedgie to a punch in the mouth. On the trails, however, letting your guard down gets a little more grim. It’s hard not to be a wise fool sometimes. But that sort of thing comes with being a seasoned rookie I guess. I learned this on our last trail run. You see, I have a slick new paint job on the Tonka Toy, as well as some larger tires. This added to my sophomoric status, I mean, I’m not a rookie anymore. I know what I’m doing, look at my bigger truck, I’m on the orange trail, and I’ve got a cute co-pilot with me, and HOLY SCH Pay attention. Look. Listen. Watch. It’s the things that we learned in the very beginning, back before the drivers ed teacher let us turn the key that very first time that we must keep with us, along with our wits, wisdom, and extra tools.
Ask questions. Have a spotter. Know your rig. Is everything strapped down? Make a checklist. What do you have with you? An extra quart of oil? Think of all the whatifs. Pay attention to the mistakes others make and learn at their expense. Someone tore a rag joint. What’s that? Will I know how to replace it? How easy do they tear? Bring extra parts. Be Gallant, not Goofus. That’s all for tonight. I’m working on some more articles about getting your rig ready for winter, how to buy a Zook, and what to do once you’ve bought one. Again, I invite commentary and suggestions. Remember. There is no shame in not knowing everything about Zookin’. You’re a rookie because you weren’t afraid to try something new. You’re a Seasoned Rookie if you came back to do it again!
08/11/10 14:36
