Between the Dams Dwellingup Locked & Lifted Golden Pipeline Neil’s Toy McBeg Update
May 2012
The past month has had some very interesting times for the club. First of all, following my April President’s Report in which I mentioned the new Training Trip levies, we received advice from Greg Bremner, the Insurance Officer for the WA 4WD Association, suggesting that our insurance does not cover activities for which a fee is charged. Greg will be attending our May Committee Meeting at which time the implications and risks associated with charging trip fees will be discussed. Until otherwise advised, there will be no levies or fees charged for any club trips. In line with this decision, the club will discontinue the $50 pre-trip reimbursement. Coincidentally, all this happened in the middle of a review of the club’s Trip Leader’s Guidelines, Policy and Procedures and Rules of Association. The decisions in the review will most likely be delayed until a final decision on the trip levies has been made. Our last club meeting saw 10 of our member and visitor’s vehicles being broken into while the meeting was in progress. This created a very distressful ending to what was otherwise a memorable evening. All the vehicles had similar damage with the passenger side windows smashed and the contents of glove boxes searched for cash and valuables. A search of the adjacent park by Pat in his ute with spot lights found a couple of hand bags. Although the Police did not attend that evening, the incident was quickly investigated the following day, which led to the arrest of two juveniles from the local neighborhood. Although some property was returned to the owners, this does not compensate for the inconvenience and cost of repairs to the windows. People without free glass replacement policies had to pay hundreds of dollars excess to have their vehicles repaired. It is understood the juveniles responsible, because this is their first offence, will be sent before a Juvenile Justice Panel. The victims of this incident will be invited to attend the panel to put their grievances to the juveniles and their parents. The April meeting was well attended. Troy Shortland took the guest speaker spot to talk about his recent adventures in the Pilbara working as a Paramedic on a team of surveyors and aboriginal leaders marking areas of significance before the mining excavations commence northeast of Newman. Troy presented interesting and useful information, wetting our appetite to go exploring the Pilbara again. Last Saturday I was accompanied by 19 of our members on a busy bee at Kaarakin. (Continued on page 4)
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Greg Bremner (WA4WDA Insurance Officer), Ray Hankinson and Peter Fairall (Armadale 4WD Club) organized the supply of thousands of tree seedlings for us to plant on behalf of the Black Cockatoo Preservation Society. Greg, Ray and Peter worked tirelessly all day organizing the Subaru group in the morning and our club in the afternoon. The Subaru and some other smaller clubs had worked the morning shift and had planted about 500 seedlings. Our group managed around 700 seedlings. A great effort by everyone involved, including Jan Hankinson (Minute Secretary WA4WDA) who spent the day cleaning the premises prior to our dinner-quiz night. The trees will eventually provide a food source for the Black Cockatoos. We ended the day with a dinner and quiz night in the revolving restaurant overlooking a magnificent city in lights. Dinner was equally magnificent, being prepared and served by Pasc and Sam Vasile. Our grateful thanks to Pasc for the planning and preparation and Sam who had stepped of a plane from work that same day, straight into a kitchen. 6 members of the Subaru Club joined us for the dinner and quiz night. They too were impressed with the dinner and went away very happy having cleaned up most of the raffle prizes, the door prize and also won the quiz competition prize. Some of us camped overnight which allowed for a relaxing evening enjoying a drink or two. The following morning provided a crisp and clear view overlooking Perth while having a Mother’s Day breakfast. 10 of our vehicles are now heading north for a trip into the Kimberley led by Guy and Wendy Lehmann. We wish them all a safe and enjoyable adventure into one of the world’s most magnificent areas of land. Martin Archer President
Future Food
Future Food - 100’s of Seedlings being planted. 4
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Harvey “Between the Dams� Trip Saturday - 28th April TRIP LEADER- Paul Ryan FOLLOWERS- Troy Shortland, John Stampalija, Craig Perry, Neil Hewer, Piers Marmoy (with passengers, Joe, Jess and Ben), Michael Gilbert, Rick Lazar, Malcolm And Trish Harrison VISITOR- Daniel (Billy) Hearn TAIL END CHARLIE- Richard King Meet up at Pinjarra Bakery for 8:30. How nice to have a meeting point south of the river, means a little bit of a lie in which was obviously too long as we were last to arrive, hence I am doing trip notes! This will be interesting, a girl taking notes of a very "male" day. I am pleased that at least Piers' daughter, Jess, has come along and I will have a bit of female company. After our pre trip debrief from Leader, and sorting out who really had the 'defib' (yet again that confusion between Michael and Malcolm) we were heading south to Harvey with conversation on air ranging from morno's, lamington recipes, to the sacrifices the boys had made to come on this trip. I just hope Craig's wife made a big sacrifice and spent the day shopping (it was their 11th wedding anniversary). However, it wasn't long before things like exhaust gas temperatures was the topic and all sorts of comparisons and reasons for why and why not ensued. First few tracks no problems. Just follow my leader stuff. Did find it 'takes the edge off' the angle of the slope if viewed through the iPad camera lens. Not long until a wrong turn was made, and a bit of confusion followed and some of us turned around too soon. The usual phaffing around until the mob managed to regroup and then descend a nice low range gradient. Halfway down the convoy was stopped, whilst the Devil's canyon was checked out! Hmmm, I thought surely the boys are just fanaticising, but no, after much deliberation, Troy showed off his vehicle's capabilities and then took our fearless leader through an even more difficult spot. Rick shortly after chose a slightly different line and after lots of horrible noises proceeded to hang a rear wheel over the edge of Devils Canyon. The vehicle wasn't impressed, and could go no further without help, but it meant the boys could get out a winch to "do the stuff". Troy did a professional job of supervising, and in no time the "1whodares" was out of a tricky 6
spot. Others followed, but no major dramas although Piers found out the value of diff locks. Convoy line progressing through some lovely bush, unfortunately, some of the fun tracks have been bulldozed and are not as much FUN anymore. On in to the dam area where a little bit of mud was found to play in. First to get stuck was Stamps, so Rick returned the favour and got his winch out again to pull him out. No sooner had he put it away (the winch!) than Richard got stuck. Eventually the boys settled and we had lunch. After several false tracks we found our way out and further on I spied the real dam, I guess the lunch spot was just a puddle! Nice long bumpy, rocky climb back out again. No dramas for any one, cars and boys happy :) a couple of corners not marked, I wonder who did that (piston broke?) But no one left behind. I keep hearing talk of heading to the Rock Garden, boggy hill and Terry's Tunnel/hill climb. Oh oh, I wonder if this going to register on my fear gauge (scream factor!). Turns out we headed to Stamps' hill climb, and climb we did. Very interesting to watch the intense concentration on the drivers' faces. No mishaps and on to the next one. Now I really thought that one was for fantasies, but Paul was up and over in no time. The rest of us were more cautious and took more time checking out The Lines. A comment was made that you tell the size of a man based on how many diff locks he has, Piers gladly claiming he had none as was Billy content with his quota. This was the track that Piers had got everyone rather excited over on the last trip here and there was much debate as to whether 2 or 3 wheels had left terra firma. (Continued on page 9)
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Anyway, everyone up and over, even Piers managed to keep all of feet on the ground although his momentum left the track in a slightly more challenging state for those behind him. A few more hills were climbed and time was getting on, however, the final challenge presented itself and sure enough Billy traversed the rather large rock step and promptly threw down the gauntlet to Craig who coincidently took the bait and up he went with lots of encouragement/instruction and line pointing out. At one point several bodies were pushing against Craig's awning (to protect a nearby tree ! ) then he was through. Boys being boys the challenge was put to Paul to bring his 100 series up, and it was irresistible. The 100 series proved it was hardly a challenge, however, from a woman's point of view a better line had been picked out for him (and he didn't have an awning). Troy's little man on the shoulder had spoken and told him NO, so that was it we pushed off for the day, via one final rocky obstacle. What can I say, thought we were done for the day. Here I am an hour later, and the biggest challenge is ahead. The one who dares is in a pickle! Most of us have got past him by coming down a cleared hillside and there are lots of able bodies about. Hard for me to judge, but it looks Real Stuck! The 4:00pm trail eh? Craig stepped in as recovery captain and promptly charged Billy and Paul with vehicle supporting duties both of their cars were sent up a side track to secure the Dare Wagon. Paul’s winch to the rear and Billy’s to the front, Troy was behind in the short with his winch supposed to be pulling the Dare Wagon backwards. The Dare Wagon trumps Troy’s shorty when it comes to hitting the scales so all Troy was able to do was pull himself closer to Ricks car. Enter the Disco, Piers became the anchor man for the evening although it was Trish’s on the spot reporting that allows us to share the love of this article. So with all 4 cars doing their all to extract the Dare Wagon success was finally achieved around 7:00pm, quick air up of the tyres and a few discussion revolving around the quickest way out ensued. I had heard a few comments earlier at how much fun the last night run had been, but I don't reckon any one bargained for this. A day and night run combined! It was 7:30 by the time we hit the SE Highway, via a very scenic route (the quickest way is not always the easiest way) guided (?) by Craig. But the fun wasn't over yet, on getting to the tarmac, someone spotted something sticking out from Ric's left side and had to stop to check it out. Ten minutes later Daniel called saying he had a clicking coming from the front and would have to pull over, shortly followed by a similar noise from Paul. They pulled over in Yarloop to investigate whilst the rest of us continued only to hear over the airwaves Troy say that his Shorty had gone into limp home mode! A quick stop and restart fortunately cleared it and we can only presume that everyone eventually managed to get home in one piece. I wonder who will come on another trip run by Paul? At least I enjoyed the day - why don't more ladies come? Trish Harrison (a few small edits by Paul Ryan) Paul Ryan | General Dogs Body 9
MAY P.O.T.Y. This great shot by Malcolm Harrison is this month’s Picture Of The Year entrant. Taken on the Pipeline Trip. Read all about it in this issue.
Left & cover photo by Bruce B on the Dwellingup Trip. Don’t forget to upload all your photo’s to the new easy Dropbox site. Login to the club website, and click on the UPLOAD YOUR PHOTOS. Too Easy!!
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The recce done a few weeks beforehand on a Wednesday arvo showed the Lane Poole Reserve was not well frequented. In fact we didn't meet anyone else. However it was thought best to get down to Baden Powell Camp Area on the Friday arvo and spread out a bit to secure camping ground for the rest of the group for Saturday arrival. When the others knew we were going down Friday, they all wanted to come along (except John and John Snr). So it was Friday evening we gathered in a rather crowded camp area and set up camp, with John, his girlfriend Laura and John Snr arriving Saturday morning. It was a pretty cold night on Friday, but we all got a good nights sleep (aided by a few beers and a tot of Port). After having had breakfast and waiting for the arrival of John we had a brief meeting before setting off Malcolm brought along his old Pajero with Bruce opting for the passenger seat while Trish and Judy stayed behind conducting 'secret women's business'. Trevor set off in his Cruiser with cameraman Lewis as co-pilot while leaving Jamie behind with the ladies. John, Laura and John Snr in their Patrol followed with Michael bringing up the rear as Tail End Charlie in his refurbished sparkling white Triton. We headed off back towards the park entrance then turned right and headed up into the plantation. This area of Lane Pool is heavily forested on the hillside with tracks following the contours at different elevations. We were heading for a few tracks that bridge these contour trails and ranged from grade 3 to 5 with most of them being frequently used by similarly keen 4WDers. The first track was wide enough to have two options. On the left was a deeply rutted track and on the right a lesser rutted track but it had a number of deep offset hollows which re-
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quired the assistance of the Pajero's front locker and Michaels new investment in the Triton - a rear locker. After a little bit of front wheel waving we both managed to reach the top on the right hand track followed by Trev and John, who then proceeded to descend the rutted track and attempt the ascent of the same. Trev managed with a little b it of difficulty and the assistance of his rear locker, but the mid point proved too difficult for John's Patrol as there wasn't enough diff clearance. We all descended the track and headed off for the next one travelling through contour trails that were badly overgrown with blackberry bushes. This area is also used by Mountain Bikers and there are many of their tracks that cross the contour trails, so caution is necessary when driving along. The next track was also deeply rutted and both Malcolm and Michael left diff marks along the centre ridge and were not game to attempt the same track going back uphill, but both Trev and John managed. After a few more tracks of varying difficulty we headed back to camp for lunch to give drivers and photographers a rest. Malcolm and Trev brought along their kayaks and they were promptly put into the water after lunch when both Lewis and Jamie took them off down the river while Trev laid on the gravel for a few minutes shut-eye. We set off again after our well earned rest with Jamie in tow this time and did a few tracks very near to the camp before heading towards Bob's Crossing. We bypassed the road to the Crossing and went on to another track that crosses Davis Brook and has a blind exit on to the contour trail. Before exiting, Bruce was volunteered to make his way through the deep bulldust and up the steep ascent to ensure there were no oncoming vehicles. Unfortunately due to the lack of rain Davis Brook was dry. A few forest trails were negotiated on the way back to Bobs Crossing and then up again on the other side where there were some serious water eroded ruts. In goes the front locker again with the front end performing it's well practised 'Tata Wave'. The onlooking crowd appeared to be decidedly horrified at the height and angle of the front end ‌.. they should have been behind the wheel, it was even scarier!!!! If you don't know the Tata Wave google it and compare to the photos. All others managed without too much much waving. We moved on to a small Play Area where we had great fun trying varying steepness of slopes with and without lockers. The difference is quite astounding as Michael has not stopped to profess!! By this time it was getting close to Beer o'Clock, but as Trev was going to be leaving early on the Sunday there was just a couple more hills close by necessitating the Pajero to conduct it's now famous Wave whilst the rest of the group performed their own lesser waves (just like when the Mexican Wave at a Cricket Ground reaches the Member's Section!!)
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Easter 2012—Trip Leader Glenn Bignell Followers. Malcolm and Trish Harrison, Lynn and John Byworth, Guy and Wendy Lehman, Ian and Robin Took (and Emma), Bob and Theresa Gigenjack, Pat O'Dowd and son Kyle, Yanna and Trevor, Jan and Roger Freegard and UK friends Pam and Knocker! Meet up for 9:00am Good Friday in Mundaring. Some of us would be wondering if it was a Friday 13th. When Lynn and John finally got on the road after several returns to pick up essential forgotten items, they remembered they hadn't put the burglar alarm on - but a quick call to a son put right to that, then they experienced a blow out in one of the caravan tyres a fair bit of damage but a good Samaritan gave them a helping hand. They arrived not too late. After all the meet and greets, coffees, etc and several staggered trips across the busy road to check out the Dome's 'facilities' we agreed upon our order of travel - non-towing vehicles at the front, then camper trailers followed by caravans. All good intentions, but within 5 minutes Glenn had overshot the first turn off and our neat order was shuffled up. At the next roundabout we all went every which way and the deck was shuffled again. I think we managed one more major shuffle before we discovered that Ian knew the lay of the land quite well, having previously lived here, so he took up temporary trip leadership. A few others were quite informed with local historical knowledge so we enjoyed quite a lot of running 14
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commentary all the way through to Bakers Hill where we found none of us could resist the thought of a fresh pie from the well known bakery. Stomachs comforted by an assortment of the bakery's fare we set off for Northam with a quick stop at Poole St Bridge over the Avon River, and then on to Meckering. Guy and Wendy took over the commentary having grown up in and around the Northam area. We were regaled with tales of their youth, and all places of interest pointed out to us, including the Meckering fault line. The Cunderdin museum (pump station No 3) was already closed so we continued on to our campsite at Kokabin Rock, guided by Wendy's navigation. Being Easter we weren't surprised to find we weren't the only happy campers, but we found plenty of space around the far side of the rock. We proceeded to set our up 'abodes' and it wasn't long before we heard the beer calling out from the Waeco, begging to be let out. We set up chairs to enjoy watching our delightful English visitors set up their tent for the first time - how mean is that? They patiently endured the odd instruction from the spectators, but we all realised they were true Pommies, when they required a cup of tea and a biscuit once the tent was up. I'm sure they will be educated in the Aussie way by the end of the week, and find a beer is far more refreshing after a hard task. Unfortunately a local farmer informed us no fires yet, so we had to imagine we were sat around the warming flames. It was a full moon and clear skies, so it cooled down very quickly, but I believe we had all brought enough blankets and sleeping bags and once snuggled up in our beds were toasty warm. The only complaint I heard in the morning was from Kyle about his Dad's snoring! Day 2 Saturday. A walk up to the top of Kokabin Rock was a must. The 360 views were lovely, company pleasant and breeze cooling. Flies unwelcome but we can't have it all, can we? After finding Lynn who had got herself lost wandering around on the outcrop (picnic at Hanging Rock?) we drove off to Hunt's Well - one of nearly 30. Amazing history. Kyle demonstrated how high he could jump when he nearly trod on a sleeping bobtail lizard. We then retraced our steps to Cunderdin to look around the museum (pump station 3). It was very large, lots to see, including a replica earthquake shaking house. Picnic lunch in a shady spot outside then we retraced our tracks through to Tammin and on to Merridin via pump station 4. Having run out of local knowledge, our commentators have resorted to clogging up our airwaves with BS and what started as Pat's infamous Drop Bear stories to scare/impress our Pommie visitors has been added to by Ian's kangawallafox. We now all know where they do and don't live, what they eat (any one under 100 kgs) and what they taste like. Lots of interesting historical sites to stop at and lots of cameras clicking away. Found our campsite at Baladjie Rock. Relieved to find fewer flies, and plenty of wood for a 15
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fire. A nice circle and plenty of camaraderie. Not cold, but fire still nice and with a full moon, clear skies so the rock was brilliantly silhouetted, just awesome. Easter Sunday The bunny missed our camp! Then, Easter Wendy filled in for him! The athletic ones climbed the rock for the view; the rest of us ambled around the base for our morning constitutional! Back to camp we pushed on with a slow drive through the very characterful historical town of Westonia. I noticed an old sign on what must have been the original hotel "good clean 5' beds"! We stopped for lunch at the park in Southern Cross. Being Easter, everything was very quiet and deserted. Camped at Karalee Rock and were pleasantly surprised to find OUR camp spot nicely reserved for us. The dam had plenty of water and those of us who ventured in we're nicely refreshed. The fire again drew us in to a social circle, and even without Sam to entertain us the stories flowed. Ian and Pat demonstrated they were still kids and couldn't resist playing pranks on the 'grown ups'. On hearing blood curdling screams most of us had leapt to our feet, torches in hand, before we realised it was just the 'kids' on camp with us who thought they could fool us the drop bears were on the prowl - not even Kyle was impressed by the ketchup on the knife! Day 3 Monday Cool enough that none of us felt we needed another wash/swim, but a walk around the dam and over the rock was lovely. We are down 2 vehicles now as Guy and Wendy and Bob and Theresa had to go back home. Before we could leave we had to give Trevor a jump start, battery totally flat, but the boys got it sorted. 17
Back to Great Eastern Highway, before turning off to Woolgangie Rock and then No 8 pump station. We have all been quite impressed with the historical plaques, it really helps bring aspects of 'the then' day to day life to reality. One quote in particular amused me. There was a photo of children outside their school house, "the children laughed when they saw their teacher "Flo" coming out from Kalgoorlie on the rail cart, pumping the handles up and down along with the workers". I can just see teachers today being prepared to get to work (over 100 Kms) that way. They also said that the government would only provide a teacher if there were enough children, so littlies as young as 3 were enrolled! On the road again pressing on to Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. Never a dull moment, tail end Charlie keeping us informed and entertained on channel 25, which only stirs up our Kiwi ;) Quick refuel in Kalgoorlie and up to Charlotte Hill, the official end of the Golden Pipeline. Still 175 kms to our camp at Niagara Dam so we didn't stay too long. There was a "pipe" water feature at the top with sign 'non-potable and no washing'!! However, the water was cool and not one of us could resist scooping up a handful or 2 to rinse a bit of dust off our faces. Roger, being of the height he is, actually managed to dunk his head in - serves him right for then having a bad hair day! I couldn't help feeling for our pioneers and what the pipeline would have meant for them if we with our comfortable camping with plenty of fresh water on board felt the need to rinse off a bit. One of the quotes from info plaque " water a bit insipid, with a galvanized iron taste and a few other favours including smoke". John and Lynn stayed overnight in Kalgoorlie to replace their blown out tyre and the rest of happy campers headed north to the dam. Almost uneventful trip until a young roo decided to check out the underside of Ian's Topaz camper. Needless to say the airwaves were full with everyone 'offering' up their thoughts on Ian 's callous act. Later that evening sitting around a blazing fire, Pat was dragging a large log off the back of his ute, Roger thought he had picked up the 'road kill' and was going to roast it for dinner! You could have heard the roars of laughter up at the Kookynie Pub! Part B, through the Goldfields – see next month’s magazine. Trish Harrison
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From the Secretary’s Desk Entertainment Books. If you have not purchased one yet please let me know that you would like to. I have a few left. There seems to be a lot more offers in the book this year than in the past and for $65 the cost can be quickly recovered, to say nothing of the enjoyment. Car Park Incident. During our meeting on 2 May some of us had our vehicles broken into and property was stolen. I have been advised by Kensington police that they have apprehended some young people who they believe were responsible. Those of us who reported damage to our vehicles or loss of property, and made a report to the police will be contacted and informed of the progress in their enquiries. As a club there is little we can do, other than to be more vigilant and aware of our surroundings, but I am sure the matter will be discussed by the Committee later this month. Membership List changes. When changing your mailing or email address or telephone numbers please remember to let me know so that the necessary changes can be made. This will ensure you don’t fall off the contact list for magazine delivery or emails. Meeting Agenda. Any member can ask to be listed as a speaker at our monthly meeting. Please contact me with your request and tell me what place on the agenda you want be in, i.e. reports, upcoming trips or events, club official section or in the member’s forum. The agenda is usually finalized and sent out on Tuesday before the meeting. John King—secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au
Would you like to work with a great group of people. Can you type at least 60wpm in this very busy role. We are a mechanical workshop based in Myaree and looking to employ a new team member. - someone who is happy and confident in dealing with customers over the counter and over the phone. The role involves all aspects of administration. You must be able to work every Thursday and Friday as this is a permanent part time position and cover holidays etc. We expect you to be well spoken and are looking for a mature happy-go-lucky person. Please forward cv with covering letter to: petnang@optusnet.com.au 19
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On arriving back at camp a few tinnies were opened while we sat round together and disected the days proceedings and reviewed the days photos and videos – thanks to Lewis, Bruce and Laura. Nibbles came out followed by more beers, wine, port and yet more nibbles. So much in fact that I don't think anyone cooked anything Saturday night (except Bruce and Jude!!) Most of us were in bed by 10pm and other than Trish and Bruce snoring, some kid being strangled at 2am, the Kookaburras getting into full swing at 5am and the crows joining in about 6am, it was an uneventful night. Breakfast for most was good old bacon and eggs followed by Trev and family leaving, a quick tidy up and then off on the road again to have a look and assessment of a grade 5 track. The track was walked and it was quite evident that none of us had a vehicle capable of driving it, but a worthwhile exercise all the same. Another track was found and after a detailed recce we decided to give it a go downhill. It had been a long while since anyone had driven down it as it was heavily overgrown, but caused no problems going down, provided we stayed in the ruts. Michael attempted to drive up it but was unable to pass one point. There are a number of other camp areas in Lane Pool that can be booked and paid for on line with DEC, so we decided to have a look at these for future reference, arriving back at camp just after noon. A quick discussion resulted in a unanimous decision to finish de-camping and to head for the Dwellingup Tavern for lunch before the rain came down. However on arrival we noticed we were 10 minutes too late as the chef goes home at 2pm!! Then John asks where his father was. He left the camp in Michaels Triton but didn't arrive at the Tavern!! I thought Michael was joking but it soon appeared as though John Snr had evaporated into thin air. John Snr had got out of Michaels car at the DEC booth to get a few brochures of the Park which were on the other side of the booth. After Michael had paid his camping fee, he couldn't see John Snr and presumed he'd just got out and joined John Jnr in the Patrol ahead of him, and proceeded to drive off, leaving John Snr bewildered as he saw the rear end of the Triton disappear out of the park. John Jnr said he'd go back and get him and left the Tavern, but 30 seconds later re-enters with John Snr behind him ….. he had hitched a lift to the Tavern. Now there's resourcefulness for you!! So the first nomination for Piston Broke goes to Michael. As there was no food available, we had a few jugs of beer, brought over some nibbles from the campers and sat there in the beer garden until the rain came. This was the signal to end a most enjoyable weekend and everyone made their own way home. So, come along to my next trip … not only will you need to walk the tracks first, you will have to walk home afterwards!! Malcolm & Trish. 22
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