Stumped

RAY: Back in the early days of the Republic, when we were pushing westward, there arose a need to make areas that were passable for horses and wagons so people that settled there could get goods to market and whatever. These states were heavily forested and people, mostly the government, went through and cut down trees in order to make roads. By necessity they left the stumps because they were so difficult to move.

In some areas, there were so many stumps, and because the roads got washed with rains and became muddy, it was possible to get into an area where you couldn't move at all. Between the ruts in the road and the stumps all around your travel was impeded, and when that happened you were stumped. So who's our winner?

TOM: Congratulations to John Varela from McLean, Virginia!

[ Car Talk Puzzler ]