explore - mildura4wdclub.com.au€¦ · august 2015 recent trips: come & try explore darling...
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Proudly printed at the offices of Peter CRISP www.petercrisp.net.au [email protected]
august 2015
recent trips:
c o m e & t r y
explored a r l i n g river
s u n s e t m ys t e ry
m t s k e n e
s a n d d ay s n o w d r i v e
Grace Crescent, Buronga NSW 2739Tel. 5051 6388 Fax 5051 6399
Office Bearers for 2015—2016President: Glen Sutherland
Vice-President: Mark Liddle
Secretary: Maureen Saunders (5021 2019)
Treasurer: Di Sutherland
Membership & PR Officer: Jann Girardi Magazine Editor: Michelle Liddle
Trip Co-ordinators: Geoff Girardi & David Fetherston
Property Officer: Terry Benson
Driver Training Officer: Colin Dyke
Education & Environment Officer: Linda Curran
Trip & Social Committee: Terry Benson, Terry Curran, Lisa Wakeman, Joe Wakeman, Des Meredith, Geoff Girardi and David Fetherston
Mildura 4WD Club Inc Victoria, PO Box 2067, Mildura Vic 3502Website: www.mildura4wdclub.com.au
Email: [email protected]
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Cnr 10th Street & Lemon AveMildura Vic 3500
Ph: 5022 1177Fax: 5021 1205
Technical SalesDEAN HALLMobile: 0408 221 170 AH: 5022 [email protected] www.malleebearings.com.au
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12th & 13th september
Enjoy a social weekend camping on the Darling River. The campsite is on private property with toilets, a fire pit, firewood and BBQ facilities.
darling river
TRIP LEADERS:
MEET AT:
PLEASE BRING:
Mark and Michelle Liddle
Fotherby Park, Wentworth at 10am Saturday 12th September.
Camping gear, food and water for the weekend.
Contact Mark & Michelle Liddle on 0457 843 753 or [email protected] to register
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Terry & Anne Benson3 Industrial Court, Irymple 3498
[email protected] www.irymplecanvas.com.au▷ Ute canopies▷ Tents▷ Canvas awnings
▷ Caravan annexes & modifications▷ Swags▷ Shade sails
sunset
Saturday 18th July:After finally locating 24 Deakin Avenue Extension, Koorlong, we were met by David Fetherston on a very chilly morning. As everyone arrived (all rugged up, or shivering!), we gathered to listen to the rules of the weekend to plot a navigation route through the Murray-Sunset National Park.Those assembled included, Jann & Geoff, with fellow newcomers, Paul, Leah & Leah (German student), Ted, Shane with children Daniel & Charlotte, David (organiser of the event), Di & Glen (who assisted David) and Robert & myself. Ann & Terry, after work commitments in Murrayville, met us at the campsite, along with Michelle, Mark & Steph.For most of us, it was our first experience of navigating using latitude and longitude coordinates. It turned out to be a very challenging, frustrating, and steep learning curve, however, thoroughly enjoyable! We were also expected to use exceptional observation skills to answer trivia questions along the way! Hence, some rather WILD guesses were made!
When participants had thought they had plotted the route to take, they headed off, however, two vehicles (with their nameless occupants!) decided to take a scenic drive to the first coordinate, after being told to take the shortes route! However, their extended drive proved to be a boon for dinner that night, particularly for Geoff! Mushrooms anyone?Eventually, everyone successfully arrived at the first coordinate, the turn-off to the Murray-Sunset National Park at Benetook. I’m afraid after that, things took a turn for the worse! Two-way radios seemed to be the back-up for being lost, but what can you do when the left hand suddenly becomes the right! David, with assistance from Di & Glen (sometimes inaccurately?), tried to gather the troops together to head on the correct course to the next couple of coordinate points. Much backtracking, wrong turns, and possibly dare I say it, some assistance, kept everyone heading in a general southerly direction. Overall, the tracks were in very good condition, particularly with the recent rain allowing the sandy roads to be compacted. However, some
Mystery
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Calder Highway, Red Cliffs Vic 3496Ph: 5024 2200 Fax: 5024 2122
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boggy sections had to be negotiated. Tracks travelled included the Meridian, Hensche, Nowingi and Underbool Tracks, plus others for some drivers! The objective was to be Mopoke Hut, but Robert and myself did not read the coordinates for the hut, so travelled the shortest route to the next coordinate, Honeymoon Tank on the Honeymoon Hut track. We decided to stop for lunch to see if anyone else arrived. Alas, no! We then decided to continue on to the next two coordinate points, and safely arrived at the Pheeney’s track campsite to much arm waving and clapping! Everyone else had decided to take the SHORTCUT and miss the last two coordinates!Apparently, unbeknownst to us, a decision was made by the other participants to cut the journey short along Pheeney’s Track, otherwise they would arrive very late at the campsite. Jann & Geoff’s friends, Paul, Leah & Leah headed home for the evening, with Leah, the German student, still wondering whether
she would ever find her way out of the wilderness! Undoubtedly a very memorable experience for her. Ann & Terry, along with Michelle, Mark & Steph joined the wanderers at the campsite.With all the winter woollies donned, everyone gathered around a large fire to debrief, and catch up on the anecdotes of the day, helped along with plenty of nibbles and drinks of the alcoholic variety! Di & Glen were lucky enough to witness a mallee fowl hen leisurely crossing a track, but it obviously had other thoughts when Di attempted to photograph it! It would also seem that the goat eradication program still has work to do, particularly all the goat tracks sighted on the western end of the Sunset Track! Mobs of emus and kangaroo family groups were familiar sights along the way. The flowering of both white mallees and the odd wattle, provided some colour to the lush greens and greys of the vegetation of the mallee bush.
728B Fifteenth Street, MilduraPh: 5023 4466 Fax: 5022 9540
MICHAEL SOLOMON - MANAGER
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Sunday 19th July:In the crisp morning air, everyone finally gathered around the campfire in varying physical states after consuming the odd paracetamol tablet/s to listen to the answers of the observation questions, and eagerly await the results of the navigation challenge. Discussion centered around the meanderings of the various drivers and the effectiveness of the role of Di & Glen as the ‘sweep’ vehicle, and David, the organiser, ensuring all drivers stayed on course!Daniel and Charlotte, ably assisted by their Dad, Shane, blitzed the field with their responses, feebly added to by Geoff! Good try! Sadly, Ted did not feature in the top three placements, but seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience. Good luck next time! Robert and myself achieved 3rd place, assisted greatly by being the only participants who completed the course! In second position, by only ½ a point, were Jann & Geoff, however
Geoff did try to cajole a few extra points from the adjudicator, David, but unsuccessfully! Top marks went to the Sammut family who won 2 outdoor chairs valued at $200, kindly donated by AusTrek Outdoor Adventure Centre in Mildura. Many thanks folks. After the presentations, campsites were packed up and everyone decided on which route to take home. Some travelled via the Bambil South Track, whilst others took the South Settlement Road north to the highway.In conclusion, a huge thankyou must go to David Fetherston for his fantastic organisation of the Navigational Challenge and providing members with a very memorable experience. Many new mapping skills were learnt over the weekend! Also, mention must be made of Glen, who assisted David last weekend in plotting the navigation course. Thankyou to both on behalf of all those who participated. A great weekend was had by all.
Kerry HaynesPhotos: M Liddle
Thank you to Austrek for kindly donating the prizes
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DAVE CURRANManager
0418 544 962
Cnr 15th Street & Deakin Ave, MilduraTel: 5023 5223
full mechanics workshoprepairs & service - any make or model
victorian roadworth certificates
Allen & Zita HeilAutobarn Mildura
Cnr 15th & Etiwanda AveMildura Vic 3500
Ph: 5023 8888Fax: 5023 8311
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Saturday, 8th AugustAfter a briefing at 8.00am from Andy and Les of the days driving a convoy of 19 vehicles left the camp with great enthusiasm of what lie ahead on our snow trek to Mt Skene.The convoy made its way from the camp site with a very steep climb to the exit of the property. We turned onto Licola Road (black stuff), the rolling green hills were scattered with angus cattle grazing on the plentiful green grass and the view towards the bottom of the McAllister river was a very pretty sight.After a comfort stop at Licola we headed to Mt Skene, the scenery was breathtaking around every corner you took (although the driver didn’t get much of a chance to enjoy the views). It wasn’t long after hitting the gravel road that the first call over the radio was the sighting of snow on distant mountain tops.Les (who was leading the convoy) radioed us to stop and air down before heading higher into the mountains before stopping at Lazain. Here everyone had their first opportunity to
touch, feel and throw snow at each other, a short game of cricket was also played. From here the plan was for the Mildura club to be led by Terry and Anne to head off first to experience snow driving for the first time.The snow from here on was quite deep and it was important to “stay in the wheel ruts”. Driving for the first time in snow was very different to any other driving we have encountered. A call over the radio came that Leo & Maureen were facing the wrong way on the icy road, so we waited for them to be corrected and then continued on. It soon become evident we were not on the mountain on our own as we came across a Ford Ranger (traveling on its own) bogged. Terry & Anne tried to pass but found themselves slipping towards the Ranger so both Les and Mark (equipped with chains) moved to the front to assist the Ranger. It was quite evident that the family in the Ranger did not have a permit as vehicles on their own are not allowed on the closed 4x4 tracks.The snow was now very deep and momentum
mt skenes n o w t r i p
Tel: 5023 3651Fax: 5021 1152
Rob WhitworthPh: 5021 3213
55 Seventh Street East, Mildura 3500Fax: 5021 1874 Mob: 0418 175 048www.mildura4wdaccessories.websyte.com.au
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85 Madden AveMildura Vic 3500
Cash Tyre Service TyrepowerTim Mills (BBS) Manager
Tel: 5023 3651Fax: 5021 1152
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was the key to keep the vehicles moving but before long we came across another convoy of Land Rovers from Melbourne heading down the mountain right in the middle of the track. They had one vehicle with a broken front end bolt so we again had to manoeuvre ourselves around them with great difficulty with only inches to spare in some cases.After making our way further the scenery was white with snow and very picturesque as we had made it to the top of Mt Skene which is 1570m high. Some travellers before us had made an igloo which made great photo shots for our group while enjoying lunch giving Mark some air time with his drone.After lunch and a change of tyre on Dave’s vehicle the convoy split into two, Mark, Michelle, Dave, Terry & Anne & Des & I decided to take the Barkley Jeep track. This was like entering a winter wonderland the track was an arch way of snow covered branches over the track, truly specular and well worth the drive. We headed back to camp after making a short stop at Licola for an ice cream followed by the other group not far behind.The chatter around the camp fire that night was of the wonderful and scenic snow experience the Mildura club had had. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy, Les and the Gippsland 4x4 club for hosting us for the 4 days, their camp fires were warming and very friendly.
Jo Lloyd.Photos: M Liddle
32 Eighth Street, Mildura Vic 3500
Ph: 5021 1712Fax: 5023 [email protected]
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Sunday 9th August We all woke to a sunny, but cold day again, some earlier than others. Unfortunately, the Liddles had to return to Mildura, as did Dave, so they were away by 8.30. Shane and Daniel packed up too and later in the morning headed for Mt Baw Baw.By 10am the rest of the Mildura group and a small contingent of Gippsland vehicles headed out the back way again, Forest Edge Track, for a trip around the forest tracks and rivers below snow level, under the leadership of Andy, with Les as Tail end Charlie. Darren from Gippsland was unfortunate in catching some fencing wire which wrapped around his undercarriage, necessitating his passengers being ferried up to vehicles with spare seats and Darren spending the rest of the day getting the wire off. As we waited at the farm gate for the boys to arrive, we enjoyed the view from such a high spot across the pastures with Glen Maggie Weir in the background.
Jo also took time to chat with a beautiful, but curious black bull nearby. Once on our way, we passed close to the reservoir and the many permanent caravans dotted along the banks. We also saw the homes of a few lucky residents whose properties overlooked the waters.We then travelled through dairy country before ascending the hills along Kentucky Lane and eventually arriving for morning tea at Greenhill’s Lookout. From here we could see the snow on distant mountain peaks. As we left here, we headed into the Avon Wilderness, maintained by Parks Victoria, along a recently graded and well maintained road. The wattles looked splendid, in full flower, and it wasn’t long before we met our first crossing of the Avon River and then ascended and descended Lower Block Track making more crossings, none too challenging. The subject of deer hunting was a hot topic on the radio as we met a deer hunter looking for his 3 hounds. It seems the men hunt in
R&L AUTO ELECTRICS & AIR CONDITIONINGRonnie Clark
Ph: 5022 2428 Fax: 5021 0894 [email protected] 57 Ninth St, MilduraPAGE 12
groups and are mostly quite responsible, usually consuming the meat themselves. Andy assured us we were safe! We stopped for lunch on a wide sandy bend in the Avon River; here Andy set his camera up for a group shot. The crystal clear water nearby reflected the craggy rock faces so beautifully.As we left here, Leo was challenged by the many tight switchback turns, with lockers engaged, but perfected the art of a little extra power at the appropriate moment to bring the tray around quickly! As many of the descents were steep and sometimes slippery, we were advised by Andy to leave at least one hump (mounds to control water run off) between vehicles, in case of a vehicle losing control. I did hear an alternate point of view from one driver who would have liked a vehicle in front to run into, hopefully stopping the slide!After each river crossing, we were advised to test our brakes, before they were next needed, although most found a low gear was sufficient to hold the vehicle, rather than brakes.Despite the many pebbled river crossings, we did find a couple of low spots where river seepage rendered the track slushy. Our intrepid leader, Andy, sent word back to us to come through, one by one, keeping hard right initially, then taking a chicken track to the left (which by now was certainly not a chicken track any more), another leftie, and to use full power as we turned onto the main track and negotiated the last 50 metres. I still regret I took no photos as I was too busy holding the Jesus bar and maybe uttering useless expletives. Nevertheless, Leo did a fab job and
got us through. As it turned out, all obeyed Andy’s instructions and made it through. But the very experienced Les, decided to have a play and took the original main track, nearly making it all the way. However, his mate utilized the trusty snatch trap and had him out in no time. It did confirm though, that Andy had done well to advise us to detour and I was glad to keep my boots dry and clean. Once up out of the valley again, we passed a helipad, actually just a small flat clearing, then found ourselves on Mt Margaret Track. This had been bulldozed wide as a fire break, but now had regrowth 3-5ft high. At the top of a steep incline, we once more lined up tightly to fit on the peak and take in the glorious distant views. Leo and I thought we saw 3 ski runs in the distance, but through the camera lens we saw they were actually smoke stacks from the power stations - yuk!The descent from here was very steep, so we were advised to call each other down, leaving a humpty doo between each vehicle again. All too soon, we were out of the skies and down to a bitumen road which led back to the camp property. This time, we took another entrance, with Les suggesting we wouldn’t need 4WD. However, the steep creek crossings enticed us to be secure rather than sorry!The adventurous day was wound up sitting around the roaring log fire, while being serenaded by Andy and his juke box, finishing off with cake and cream, thanks to the industrious girls and Andy’s new oven.
Maureen SaundersPhotos: A Holland, M Saunders and
G Sutherland
augustSat 29 to Sun 30 Yanga National Park Trip
Trip leaders: Geoff and Jann Girardi
september Tue 1 7:30 pm General Meeting Social Agenda
Mallee Bearings, Cnr Tenth & Lemon Ave, MilduraPlease bring a chair
Sat 12 to Sun 13 Darling River CampTrip Leaders: Mark and Michelle Liddle
Tue 15 7:30pm Trip Committee MeetingGeoff and Jann’s, 3 Sandpiper Drive, Mildura
Sun 20 Sunassist Motor ShowHenshillwood Oval, Irymple
Sun 27 Come and Try DaySandhill Challenge
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For the latest updates to the calendar visit the website at:www.mildura4wdclub.com.au
Further information on trips can be found on the club website in the Upcoming Events section.
trips meetings&
4WDs & JAP COMMERCIALS WANTED FOR WRECKING
• Discounted new parts• Guaranteed used parts• Reconditioned units
6 Industrial Court, IrymplePO Box 230, Irymple 3498
Ph: 5024 6407Fax: 5024 6691
ManagerCHRIS PEART
KARL GROSSTel. 0417 331 763
493 Morpung Ave, [email protected]
octoberTue 6 8:00pm General Meeting Business Agenda
Irymple Guide Hall, Henshillwood Oval, Irymple
Sat 10 Day Trip to Mt JessTrip Leaders: Geoff and Jann Girardi
Sat 17 to Sun 18 Cal Lal Weekend or Ted Hurley Ski Race
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trips meetings&
novemberSat 31 (Oct) to
Tue 3 The Big DesertWith the Gippsland 4WD Club
Tue 10 8:00 pm General Meeting Social AgendaIrymple Guide Hall, Henshillwood Oval, Irymple
Tue 24 7:30pm Trip Committee MeetingVenue to be advised
decemberTue 1 8:00 pm General Meeting Business Agenda
Irymple Guide Hall, Henshillwood Oval, Irymple
Sat 5 to Sun 6 Christmas Party Weekend Camping at Britts Bend
Shane SammutFor all your painting needs• Trade qualified
• Working locally since 1994• Want a professional job?• Call Shane
Mobile:0408 015 354
29th & 30th august
yanga national park
NOT A MEMBER BUT WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF THIS TRIP? Contact Jann on 0417 072 142 or [email protected] to find out how.
Geoff & Jann Girardi. Call 0407 061 527 or email [email protected] to register9am Saturday, 29th August at the Buronga BP StationEasy in dry conditions.All participants need to be self sufficient. BYO accommodation, recovery gear, food & water.
Spend a weekend exploring Yanga National Park. We will travel to Yanga via Balranald and camp at either the Willows or Mamanga campgrounds.
TRIP LEADER: MEET AT: DIFFICULTY: PLEASE BRING: