We came off the pavement with trepidation and right away began grinding the hull on the desert floor. Sorry Hertz. After a few bone-jarring miles, though, I began to better feel the limitations of the undercarriage. Weaving to and fro, I developed a six sense under my seat that was not unlike a mosquito avoiding raindrops in flight. Rocks that I would have avoided in the truck, I drove over with the Prius’ tires. Or if a big rut in the middle of the road presented itself I drove to the side, cacti and scrub gently brushing the paint. All apologies, Hertz.

In all, we went out off-track three times, maybe a total of 40 miles and never had a problem. Never once thought we were on the cusp of getting stuck, but wondering if we had punctured some vital organs underneath. We used a little bit more than a half tank of gas. Ten whole dollars worth.

The climbing was good too. Joe Herbst’s route Jubilant Song lives up to the name. And too many other sandstone multi-pitches, both on and off the beaten path, to mention. The car got us around in fine style and it was difficult to give back to its proper owner when the week was up. Giving the key to the Hertz employee, we thanked her profusely for offering hybrids as part of their economy class of rentals. We meant it, but it probably helped to distract her from inspecting the bottom of the car as well.

Back in Georgia where we live out part of the year outside of California, I wrote a Red Rocks TR to Doug, casually mentioning the use of the Prius and Joe Herbst’s route. He knows both, having worked with Joe in the Palisades when they were both guides. And the car? Well, Doug has taken the clean climbing revolution from the 60’s right into the present by walking the walk and driving the talk.