driving uphill on gravel driveway

Unfortunately many gravel roads have two ruts where the cars drive in the same spot. If so, try to keep the right rear tires in this rut as they need the traction more than the left tires. Momentum is your friend and even if you spin, easing up on the throttle may get you through the soft spot. Once you spin at light throttle you are done and you will have to back down to the bottom for another try.