Just returned from a great day in the Diangular Ranges - sunny to begin with not too challenging until the heavens opened up. Our trio my D2 (TD5), D3 (V6) and Prado (V6) had too stop for about 20 minutes while a group of older Toyo's navigated a steep hill climb. They went up half way - lost traction and back down several times, each time attempting a little faster to maintain momentum. Our group were getting a little perlexed by the antics of the group ahead, needed a quick decision on how to proceed. Turn around and dirve out on the tracks we came in on which would be a challenge given the rain or proceed. In the end we decided to take on the hill climb - all our group navigated the hill climb on first attempt and in a controlled fashion thanks to TC, we didn't need the increasing speed or the assocaited risks of speed. The prado although no TC was helped by MT tyres and skillful driving. I am in awe of the capability of a modern four wheel drive. Just for the record the prado did end getting considerably bogged at the end of the day. A triangulated snatch and winch effort to keep it off the fence and trees on a muddy off camber corner. The MT tyres clogged with mud and clay - my less aggresive cooper ST not sharing the same fate (self cleaning the tread and maintaining momentum). Nice to have Landrovers around to recover the prado - although my friend I am sure will not want to be remided of the fact.