June 2012
We have now completed the membership list for the commencement of the 2012 club year. Each year inevitably some members will not renew membership, and in some cases we have to chase members up to get them to pay their fees. But now that is all settled with just one ‘former’ member failing to notify the secretary of their resignation. We had a small number of resignations received in the past month and now have 59 Family memberships. But with a healthy visitor count at recent meetings that number is sure to rise back up in the coming months. Welcome to our newest members who received their official welcome at the last meeting. Those new members are; Trevor and Yanna Josephs, Henry Pramarer and Denise Hill and Craig and Maria Bickingham. I’m sure you will have many years of enjoyment through our club. The June meeting was a fairly quick event without a guest speaker and just one trip report. Many of our committee members are currently gallivanting around the country so the meeting was also short on reports from officials. Not that anyone particularly minds because that gave us more time to chat afterwards. A concern was raised during the meeting regarding the cancellation of the last Leschenault Environment Group (MCLEG) weekend. The weekend was cancelled due to an insufficient number of members being able to attend. This matter has been raised at the last Committee Meeting and is considered important to the committee because this volunteer work for DEC has always been the backbone of our club’s environment commitment. The lack of interest in the last trip has been attributed to several things, including the Kimberley trip taking many of the regular McLeggers. However, it has also been mentioned that the cost of travelling to the Leschenault Peninsular for a weekend stay is becoming more prohibitive to some members. It was also mentioned that after many years of work at the peninsular there is little to see in the way of environmental improvement. Vandals play a role in destroying infrastructure that we build there, but nature its self quite often delivers a ‘blow’ by either washing away or blowing down any attempts to re-vegetate the area. Obviously we can’t fight Mother Nature and it’s not our job to manage the vandal problem. But who can say, that if we had not done the work, that the area would be looking a lot less attractive than it does now. I have enjoyed many trips to the Leschenault Peninsular and this is attributed to the company of the other Mcleggers and contributing to the improvement of the environment. The Weldons have made a huge effort over the years planning and organising the club’s environment contributions and it would be a shame to see the club lose interest in the Leschenault area. Tony has approached DEC’s South West Regional Manager to investigate other avenues of inspiring members to get involved in environment work in that region. Hopefully the next trip will be well attended. Martin Archer President 2
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HISTORY and THE WILDFLOWERS A 10 day cruise around the northern wheatbelt When :
Depart Perth Thur 23 Aug and back on Sun 2 Sept
To where :
Travel to Goomalling with a stop in Northam, lunch on one day at the historic Jennacubine Tavern, visit Wongan Hills to find a rare Banksia, Mullewa for the Wildflower Show and historic sites of the town, a day trip to Yalgoo, then Mingenew to explore the Coalseam Nature Reserve and find a the Wreath Flower, travel on the Midlands Highway through Three Springs and Moora to New Norcia, the Heritage listed Monastic Town with a long history before heading for home via Gingin.
Trip rating : 1. Good roads all the way, suitable for any/all trailers. Meeting :
North Side of Harper Park, Guildford (left off GEH at Harper St. then left into Ford St. 12 noon for a 12.30 pm. departure on Thursday 23th.
Activities :
Detailed trip information will be sent by email to anyone interested. Participants may join or leave the trip to suit their own arrangements.
How many : A maximum of 10 vehicles Facilities :
Where possible we will stay in Caravan Parks, as good as we can find. At all times you will be able to top up with water, shops will be available to replenish supplies and fuel readily available.
Equipment : All participants are responsible for their vehicles & should carry the necessary recovery & repair equip ment. Bookings :
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John and Rosalie King johnandrosalieking@bigpond.com
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27 May 2012 Thirteen vehicles, including two visitor vehicles, assembled at the Caltex Service Station in Neerabup for the pre-trip briefing by trip leader Craig Perry. Craig and Paul Ryan had done a recce the previous weekend and promised some real challenges for the willing, and as this would be serious four wheel driving – there would be no time for morning tea. We set out for the day’s adventures at 0910 with Craig in the lead and Pat as Tail-end Charlie. Seven kilometres past the Seabird turnoff, where we stopped on the east side of Wanneroo Road to air-down. We then proceeded in a generally north-easterly direction along sandy tracks until we reached the river. This part of the trip brought home the carnage of fires in this area over the past summers, with vast areas of pine plantations along our route destroyed. The river was gently flowing with a depth of around 200 mm, but with deeper holes in places. Craig explained the plan was to enter the river and head upstream for about one and a half kilometres. The recce the previous week had shown that there were some places we would have to leave and re-enter the river to avoid snags, but the banks in these areas would allow relatively easy entry and exit. The initial entry point was down a steep bank then a hard turn left taking care to avoid any area on the river bed that had been softened by preceding turning vehicles. Whilst the bottom was soft in some places all vehicles made it through without problems. All agreed the trip upriver was a great experience, especially those who had been tardy in cleaning the mud off their undercarriages after recent trips. After leaving the river and taking a detour to get around fenced areas Craig led us to a very pleasant shaded area adjacent to the river for lunch. It was obviously not frequented by the general populace as it was completely devoid of any rubbish. The usual banter ensued, inevitably getting onto recent and planned vehicle modifications inspired by Graig and Daniel’s modified Patrols. One of our visitor groups, originally from Norway, showed they have quickly settled into the ways of their adopted country, coming up with a sausage sizzle for lunch. Unfortunately they still have to learn that the onion should also be barbequed, not put into the bun raw. But at the end of the day it turned out we all wasted our time preparing any food; Peter and Anna had brought enough for everyone. After lunch it was more river crossings and another short drive up the (Continued on page 10)
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JUNE P.O.T.Y. This well framed photo by Martin A. is this month’s Picture Of The Year entrant. Taken on the Kadji Trip. Read all about it next issue.
Left John H gets some air on at Moore River. Read about it in this issue. Taken by Laura E. Cover photo: Congrats to Nicole Renshaw Please add your name or initials to the photo file name when uploading. 8
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river bed. Then Craig came up with a heavily rutted hill challenge. All vehicles fitted with a diff lock or two made it up the hill successfully including Peter and Lynn’s Challenger. Pat had six or so attempts creating so much dust that it’s just possible that he may have made it to the top but we didn’t see him. Hakon, a visitor in his Patrol without lockers came within 10m of the top and cheering crowd before traction and victory slipped away. Then it was back to the river for a crossing with easy entry and a steep 5m high 30 degree exit on the opposite side. Play time with those game having multiple attempts at the various obstacles. Some tried the aggressive approach, inevitably to ploughing into the lower part of the bank with their bull bars and exiting like a praying mantis with front wheels in the air. Our Norwegian visitor, Hakon, showed us how to do it, with his front wheels air-born for a horizontal distance of 5 metres from the top of the bank, although his front number plate is now unreadable. Peter and Lynn turned their tail pipe into a post hole digger in backing down the bank. The bush mechanics came to the rescue hacking off half the exhaust whilst Lynn managed to keep smiling. A final challenge remained. A seemingly innocuous sand hill, which proved in the end to be only for the true believers. The devil was in the uneven cross falls which lifted diagonally opposite wheels off the ground and threatened to pitch
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the vehicles into the undercut side banks. By this time it was 1530 so we stopped to discuss the day’s events, while we aired up and then set off for home. It was a most enjoyable day with challenges for those who wanted them, easier routes for those who didn’t, an idyllic picnicking spot for lunch, beautiful scenery and the novelty of cruising up the river. Our sincere thanks go to Craig and Paul for the planning they had done to make it such a success. John Holbrook x 2 11
Moore River
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1. McLEG. The visit to Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park planned for last month has been deferred to July. I am waiting for DEC’s advice on the best date but the good thing about a July date is that the ticks will be colder and quieter. I have asked it there are any other areas we could look at where there are less ticks and mossies but have had no news yet. 2. McBEG. 17/06/12. We have three tasks set up in Wungong Regional Park for next Sunday week. 2.1 Old Airstrip Rehab area (Site 1). 2.2 Closure of Illegal Entry Points. 2.3 Old Homestead (Site 2). John Harding, DEC’s Operational Works Controller and who has worked at Wungong with us on earlier occasions, has said:“The weed that is starting to infest your rehab. site is Conyza Bonariensi (flaxleaf fleabane) and if not managed will overtake and destroy the seed stock plants that are coming along so well. It is easy to hand pull and can be left on site to break down naturally. The original rehab. site 1 is truly magnificent and a credit to your members for the efforts that they have put into this area. I have taken photos of the site and have shown them to other groups as it portrays what can be achieved with a once degraded area.”
“When time permits with my very busy schedule, I take 5 minutes and go walk through the site and monitor the growth. Always leave with a smile.” John Harding, DEC’s Operational Works Controller
We are disappointed that neither John or Tony Eddleston are able to join us this time due to other commitments. I know that both are extremely busy and Tony is doing two jobs at the moment. Tony Weldon Environment Officer 13
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Trip Leader Glenn Bignell Followers. Malcolm and Trish Harrison, Lynn and John Byworth, Ian and Robin Took (and Emma), Pat O'Dowd and son Kyle, Yanna and Trevor, Jan and Roger Freegard and UK friends Pam and Knocker! Tuesday April 10 Most of us were happy to a stay at the camp and have a 'rest' day. Trevor and Yanna were leaving us the next day (damn work!) so decided to explore north towards Laverton. Pat and Kyle, Ian and Robin also joined them. Those of us in camp used our time swimming in the very full dam or walking around it only to discover it was so full the trail markers and info plaques were under water! Feeling refreshed in the afternoon we thought a social visit up to the Kookynie Pub was a good idea. Glen is well known to the owners Margaret and Kevin so he called ahead to let them know we were coming (to get the red carpet out? ;) Whilst Kevin appears to be lugubrious, Margaret is very cheerful and chatty, despite going in to Perth for shoulder surgery the following morning. We also found the rest of our campers had beaten us there and were already tucking into the lemonades. Back to Niagara Dam to get dressed up for our Mexican night. I think there must have been a run at the op shops for stripey blankets and fake mustaches. Malcolm found his fake black whiskers wouldn't stick to the real one, so I volunteered to wear it for him! We all put our Mexican food buffet style for everyone to share. Knock and Roger excelled and provided beautifully presented and very tasty chicken wraps - good enough to serve at a restaurant! After the dishes we hung up a Pi単ata and took turns to bash it down - after Malcolm blindfolded and turned us round to confuse our sense of direction. Eventually it broke and all could partake of the chocolates, along with a snifter of Tequila. Wednesday April 11th A few dead moustashios were found near the fire, but only Glenn's left eyebrow - Ian slapped it on to impersonate Mr T. Set off to Lake Ballard via Men15
zies. What a difference a bit of rain makes. Most of the Gormly bronze sculptures had their feet in water. It looked spectacular. A slight breeze made it seem as if the tide was coming in, the water was trickling south at a few centimeters every second. Wading out was an experience, beautifully soft red slime on top but you didn't sink too far. I could not believe the thousands of tadpoles - the water was so salty, how do they survive? I collected my little ziplock bag of salt and was happy. Heading south we drove through Riverina, Mulline and stopping at Ularring Soak for lunch. Perfect for picnics, with shaded table, well, info plaque, toilets and or course the granite outcrop with cairn to add to. We are all having such a nice social time, I think Glen is having a hard time rounding us all up and getting us on the move again, this time for a quick stop at Siberia (information plaques, graves and mines) then some of us to continue south to Ora Banda. Found a forgotten pair of crocs outside the pub that fitted Kyle, perfect as he has raced around so much the last few days he was wearing his runners a bit thin. I'd be quite proud of a pair of crocs with a history connected to the Ora Banda pub. Whilst the Harrison's were looking forward to a beer, the O'Dowd's wanted to be able to claim having a meal at the infamous pub! Everything was enjoyed, beer, burgers and coke, then we decided that being in the neighborhood we had also better visit the Broad Arrow pub as well. I'm told I was there many moons ago before we were resident here (1981). Chauffeur tried to find our signature from then. I am surprised there is any wall space left, the graffiti spreads from floor and across the ceilings. Hit the road at 5:40 heading back to camp. Thursday April 12th On the move again. We broke camp at 09:00 with the intention to get to Lake Mason early for a change. We all went into Leonora and filled up with diesel,
Dodgy Amigo? 16
Pretty Senorita & her Bandito
Tough Guy!
petrol and fresh groceries. We also made a trip to the tourist bureau to get maps for our trip to Sandstone via The Agnew Loop circuit . This turned out to be a great decision as historical sites along the way well signposted and had very interesting interactive information. We travelled 150km on a good gravel road with only a few rough stretches. Some of the sites visited were: The old telegraph line at Boxer’s Well, Doyel’s Well, The coach road to Agnew, Poision Creek which boasted three tennis courts, a hotel, theatre and a pool, Lawlers Mine and cemetery, and then on to Agnew pub for lunch – another have to go there outback pub. After lunch three cars decided to stick to the gravel and make way to Sandstone but were turned back by the dreaded ‘no through road’ sign and the rejoined the rest of us on the bitumen. A quick fuel stop at Sandstone and off to Lake Mason for the night. Lake Mason is a station that has been vacated by the owners and now run by DEC and volunteers. We arrived at 5pm, set up camp, happy hour and again prepared meals and relaxed around our camp fire. Pat set up a ‘public’ hot water shower for all to use if desired – thanks Pat! Friday April 13th To Billiburning Rock The weather has been absolutely great and today was another perfect day. Up bright and early again, stoke up the fire, billy on with the jaffle iron for bacon and egg toasties – way to go. Today we explored around the homestead, shearing shed and quarters, old sheds, windmill and wells. 10am and off to Sandstone to 17
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look around. In 1894 gold was discovered here and a town quickly sprung up and is still with us today. We set off on the Sandstone heritage trail and explored the old brewery, London Bridge, State Battery and Contradiction Well then off to Paynes Find by gravel road. These sites were so interesting that we didn’t reach Sandstone until just on midday! Oops, late again. All of the outback gravel roads have been good condition suitable for comfortable 80-90km/ hr travel. We finally pulled into Paynes Find at 15:15 only to find that their generator had run out of diesel – oh well, but hang on, that means no food and what’s worse, the diesel and petrol pumps also don’t work. Ian and Robyn were low on fuel, so Pat comes to the rescue with 40 litres of diesel – problem solved – thanks Pat. At this stage of the trip Pat decided to head off as he was brought up in these parts and was ready to head home. Also John, Lyn, Ian and Robyn had caravans full of dust and also decided to head home. That left just 2 vehicles to continue on – Malcolm and Trish and Glenn! We all departed Paynes Find with three vehicles heading down the Great Northern Highway and two vehicles continuing to Billyburning Rock. By 17:45 our camp was set up, fire going and yes – another happy hour followed by great food and campfire stories. Saturday April 14th After breakfast we packed up camp, went for the mandatory walk to up Billiburning Rock to the cairne – that’s the exercise out of the way, now time to start heading home. We decided to head for Cunderdin to have lunch at the Ettamogah pub – the route had lots of lefts and rights but we finally got there. After lunch it was time to head for home – for some! Malcolm and Trish decided to head off to yet another rock extend the trip even further – why not! Thanks everyone for your company. Trish Harrison / Glenn Bignell 18
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