December 2012
PO Box 655, South Perth, WA 6951
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From the Secretary’s Desk A Happy Christmas to all, a Prosperous New Year for those who have to work and a relaxing year for those who don’t. Enjoy the time you have with your families and friends, they are precious. We wish you good health, safe and happy driving and lots of enjoyment in the club during 2013. John and Rosalie King
I just wanted to say how lovely it was to be at the December club meeting. After being on the road for 6 months, it was great to be able to catch up with all the members again, you all feel like an extended family. We were really thrilled to see so many new members, well done Michael and everyone else for getting the club 'noticed' and putting in the effort to actually get “New Bums” on seats. Now I just need to pull my own weight and get to know them. I was beginning to feel settled, and maybe stay around a bit longer. We could join in more club outings, then our guest speaker, Nick Underwood, started to share his love of the desert and especially the Pilbara, and that was it, my heart did a 180 and I can't wait to get back out there! At one point I think there was a bit of concern about running out of food as we had such a large attendance, but there must have been a bit of the loaves and fishes thing going on, because there were a few 4
little doggie bags accompanying people home. A big well done must be said for whoever made the Rocky Road mountain. Who is the person with such creative talent? Next time Malcolm is terrifying me as we ascend or descend some impossible slope I will try to remember that creation in the hope it will distract me. Looking forward to the Fonty's pool camp and the next meeting in February.
4wd negotiates Rocky road complete with winch line & dampner! Brilliant.
CLUB SHOP OPEN!
Gents and ladies Cooltex polo shirts $35 each, Caps at $15 each Tick removers at $5 each IN STOCK Buy at the club meetings or go to the member website.
Correction: The excellent August POTY entry was taken by Wendy L. and not Bridget M. The photo shown below was shot on the Kimberley trip earlier this year. Well done Wendy. Bridget doesn’t miss out as one of her photos is the March entrant. Winner announced at AGM in March.
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AUGUST POTY by WENDY L.
“Get out John, they’re not for you!” Some boys never grow up! MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
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This great photo taken by Judith Brinkley goes into the mix of excellent entries this year. Taken on the Wilbinga Training Day in March. Well done Judith.
December 2012 POTY Entrant
November 16 to 19, 2012
This was the 7th Annual visit to Big Valley by the club and the trip continues to be popular with club members. Some of the more fortunate members were able to travel to Margaret River in the week leading to the official start of the trip. The trip officially commenced on Friday November 16 and finished Monday November 19. Roger, Jan, Karen and I arrived a few days early in order to make things ready for the weekend. This included pre-tripping the tracks and locations for Saturday’s day trips. Peter Belcher and Kingstons helped Roger pre-trip his plan, while the Vasiles followed the Archers to pre-trip the alternate run. 18 cars (39 people) were expected, after a few late withdrawals, and we managed to fill most of the reserved section of Big Valley with an assortment of caravans and tents. The last to arrive on Friday were Rick and Nancy who managed very efficiently to get their caravan set up just in time for the 7:00 o’clock dinner. This year the Lamb on a spit was considerably larger than previous years and along with the accompaniment of assorted salads made for a very enjoyable start to the weekend. The size of the lamb meant getting it on the spit at 11:00am allowing it to rotate over the fire for 7 hours. There was barely enough stomach space (some of us more than others) to fit in the deserts but we all managed to make room. With a fine contribution of deserts from Neil the cake supply kept us going for the whole weekend. Roger’s nine pin golf course was set up once again through the fields of the valley. Throughout the weekend most members had a go at the course, some doing questionably very well and others doing too honestly poor. The results of which have been kept tightly secured until the December meeting. On Saturday, those that wished to go for a drive formed in line behind either Roger and Jan, for a country site seeing tour, or the alternate trip was with Martin and Karen for a casual day at the beach. Some elected to have a more relaxing day around camp. Roger’s Trip Nine cars left Big Valley camp site on the morning of 17th November 2012 on a 140 kms grade 2 run through the Blackwood forest
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The first section of the trip was through farmland well stocked with ripening vines and with well filled reservoirs. It was concluded that the wine growers of the region should have a very productive season. We were soon off the bitumen and into the forested vegetation. The various twist and turns of the forest tracks Sam and Pasc preparing the feast. soon tested the skills of our trip leader and navigator Jan. A few incorrect turns were soon on the trip sheet; however with the able assistance of the Kingston’s we were very soon back on track with little disruption to the following convoy. Our tracks followed various fence lines until eventually we passed over our first crossing of the Blackwood River. Fortunately the water levels were low and caused no problems to the intrepid explorers. A morning drinks stop was made at the crossing, with a convenient long drop toilet being in the near vicinity. Soon on our way again we were onto the gravel tracks with the resultant dust clouds causing some discomfort to our participants. However our intrepid tail end Charlie team of Jeff and Maxine proved more than capable of keeping the convoy in good contact with the trip leader throughout the various forest sections. Lunch break was taken at another river crossing beneath a newly constructed bridge. The location was at a section of the river where tragically two children lost their lives in 2006, a river crossing accident when their car was swept away. The new bridge construction was we considered as a result of this terrible accident..
John K, Michael G, Pasc and Sam V prepare for battle.
(Continued on page 11)
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A GOLD PROSPECTING WEEKEND. Expressions of interest wanted: When: 27th April to 29th April 2013.
See website for more info on ALL CLUB TRIPS
Where: Goldfields Region. Convoy: 12 Vehicles Who: Members only. Bring: Campers, Swags, Tents. (Possibility of access for small caravans may be decided at a later date). Camp fire cooking utensils. Equipment: Metal detectors available for hire - Reeds Prospecting Supplies. All vehicles should carry the necessary Recovery & repair equip. To register your interest please contact trip leader Roger Freegard / John Stampallia Via website
Easter trip to Bridgetown staying in Bridgetown Caravan Park Arriving Thursday March 28th 2013 - Departing Monday April 1st 2013 Powered sites $25 per night for two persons. Ten powered sites have been booked – all adjacent to the river and near to each other. The site has good camp kitchen facilities and ablutions amenities nearby to our sites. Lots to do in and around Bridgetown – canoeing and swimming in the Blackwood River. There are Heritage sites, Parks and Trails; Forest and Bush walks; wineries and cudgeries; plentiful eating out and pubs/hotels. Bridgetown is a character town full of interesting buildings and a variety of craft and collectors shops. All this within easy walking distance from the caravan park. There will be an Easter Sunday Market, and we will endeavour to participate in a club Easter Egg hunt and Easter quiz. There will be opportunity to participate in a local scenic drive in this attractive area. Further details via website
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After a quick swim by the Nicol.family followed by a robust good natured discussion of marron, olives and reptile near misses, we were soon on the road again through the forestry to our next destination of Canebrake Pool. Our arrival was tempered somewhat by the large number of vehicles in the small parking area of the Pool; however to the credit of our group we found a place to settle and enjoyed another natural break. Soon on the road again we passed along a track that provided a few harder driving challenges, water, narrow access and water rutted passages. All negotiated with little problems we were soon back on the bitumen and on our way back to camp. We thank the participants for their enthusiastic participation and patience shown to the trip leader on this day. Roger Martin’s Trip As an alternative to the bush explorer trip, Martin and Karen lead a group of 6 vehicles for a shorter run to the beach location called Joey’s Nose. Joey’s Nose is located north of the Margaret River mouth and is accessed by an off-road track at the end of Kilarnup Road, off Caves Road. The track down to Joey’s Nose is mostly sand and limestone with some areas that may prove slightly challenging depending on seasonal changes. The final decent onto the beach is quite steep with wheel rut holes well established to cause some passenger discomfort. The beach at that location is not too soft, but advisable for tyre pressures to be down to prevent strain on the vehicle’s engine. Lower tyre pressures are well advised for the climb out of the beach and the ascent back to the bitumen. As soon as we found a suitable location on the beach awnings were erected and the group spent a very enjoyable morning relaxing, swimming and eating lunch. Some of the crew took the opportunity to explore further tracks in the area, this being their first
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visit to this beach area. Being a Saturday, there were several other parties on the beach, but these mainly consisted of surfers taking advantage of the reef breaks, whereas our party preferred the sheltered and calmer end of the bay. The bay is very popular with locals because of its close proximity to the town, and when DEC took over the area from the council over a year ago and attempted to close vehicle access to the beach, there was some protest by the community. We have visited Joey’s nose regularly over the 6 years we have been running the Big Valley trip and it has seen no ill-effects resulting from vehicle access. So fortunately, common sense prevailed and the log barriers have since been removed. Saturday Evening With an incident free trip day all returned to camp in the afternoon in time for a happy hour or three. This was followed by a totally unnecessary dinner, but what else do you do when camping? At 8:00pm everyone gathered in the camp kitchen for a quiz night. Questions were prepared and delivered by Peter Belcher who had tried very hard to make the questions more colonial than British. Adjudicators Jan and Denise ensured that cheating was kept to a minimum. Watching from the sidelines, with 2 year old Alexis on my lap, I noticed that this year’s game was a lot tamer than previous years. That was either due to good game control management or the more vocal objectors were absent or perhaps won the game for a change? The only event planned for Sunday was a lunch at the Woody Nook Winery. Having been well looked after by the people at Woody Nook last year, it was a pleasure to return there this year. And once again, the hospitality, service and food were very good. After lunch, some headed back to Perth and the remainder returned to camp. But not before making the compulsory stop at the Chocolate Factory and other tourist traps. Thanks to Kevin and Shelly at Big Valley for accommodating our club and being such wonderful hosts during our stay. Their attentive, friendly and relaxed attitude is what makes the location such a pleasant place to stay. Thanks to Roger and Jan for doing the trip planning and organizing this year. Everyone had a wonderful time. Martin
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Sunday Dec 9th proved to be a marvellous warm day. A great way to spend it - working on your 4bie with club mates! Certainly one of the best places to do it is MEDICAR Automotive Solutions in Bibra Lake. George and his wife Margaret made us all extremely welcome, donating their time, work area, tools, 4 hoists & 4wd shop exclusively to our membership. George’s decades of experience was most welcome and his advise sought on in many areas. George, the busiest person by far on the day, didn't stop rushing from one job to the next well except for an excellent snag BBQ put on and provided by Piers M. Work carried out included oil, bearing and brake pad changes. Lights fitted, and a new ARB compressor installed in the engine compartment of a club members (who shall remain nameless) Pajero. Everyone agreed the day was a fantastic success and a HUGE thank you to George, Margaret and Piers for their generosity! If you need some work done on your car or stock up on some 4wd parts, CALL GEORGE OR MARGARET at MEDICAR—94342211
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Visitors Day November 25th 2012 Sunday morning, dawned as a beautiful clear day, much to the pleasant surprise of the Visitors Day Trip and Team Leaders. After the fierce storms of the night before, and a weather forecast of possible similar weather for the Sunday morning, a planned drive from Seabird to Wilbinga with a group of prospective members was shaping up to be even more spectacular than planned. The weather however, showed some compassion and the fine conditions enhanced the most spectacular views of our glorious Western Australian coastline as we travelled south from Seabird. Following the clubs appearance at the 4WD Show earlier in the month, a large number of interested people had registered for a special visitors day trip with the club. There were so many people wanting to come along that the club had to impose a limit to the number of vehicles that could participate and initiate a waiting list for the trip. The planned group consisted of 24 visitor vehicles (15 of which were actually Mitsubishi) and 8 member vehicles. Following a brief welcome and trip briefing by the Clubs’ Trip Co-ordinator Michael Gilbert, Team Leaders “Black” John, “Blue” Peter, “Green” Martin, “Red” Richard K and “Yellow” Richard K’n, briefed their designated teams regarding convoy procedure, use of uhf radios, emergency procedures, and then the group set off from the start of the
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10th Light Horse Memorial Trail to Seabird for the start of the trip proper.
dune area and for the most part was leisurely and undemanding. By the time the group arrived at the first area that The first “organised activity” for this trip might present a challenge for those with was the reduction of tyre pressures before little 4WD experience everyone had setentering the sand track on the edge of tled into a disciplined convoy routine and town. A pre-trip assessment had been car- an appreciation of the beautiful scenic ried out on the previous Thursday to deviews. This first ascent stage, with a level termine a route with some challenges and approach and a right hand turn to the provide alternatives if they were required. base, allowed the whole convoy to This assessment determined how low the observe each of the preceding vehicles’ tyre pressures would have to go to in progress up the hill. Most of the drivers order to facilitate an easier trip for drivers managed this part on the first attempt, and their vehicles and also provide as while just a few required a little coaching much protection as possible for the tracks from team leaders. It was actually benefiwith such a large group. For some of the cial for most drivers to see one vehicle fail visitors it was a new experience to actually at the first attempt but succeed at the let their tyres down at all let alone to the second one after receiving advice to get required 12-psi pressure. It certainly tyre pressures down even further. Some helped to calm a few visitor nerves to see immediate track repairs were carried out more experienced drivers happily listening during this stage, a clear demonstration to the air chorus of tyres deflating. that shovels are not solely for digging out a bogged vehicle. Even at this early part of the trip, visitors were beginning to understand the benefit With an increase in confidence among of going on such a trip in the company of those with less experience, the convoy an organised and experienced club. continued towards our planned lunch stop Conversations conducted over the at Guilderton. At this time one should cacophony of “tyre tunes” include handy always remember the quote from Robbie tips about driving technique with lower Burns “ The best-laid schemes o' tyre pressures, and how to minimise mice an' men. Gang aft agley“ . damage to the tracks by not powering on Our second ascent proved to be much when momentum has been lost, switching more of a challenge than originally off traction systems that impede sand planned. With a couple of the earlier vehidriving, and also making sure that every- cles requiring more than one attempt, and one had a shovel in a handy position! the need to occasionally carry out track improvements, and a vehicle in the middle Would you believe it, even before the first of the convoy getting bogged, it became team of vehicles were all on the sand necessary to bring the rest of the vehicles there was a call on the uhf to stop and through on an alternative track. By the back up. The very first vehicle we encoun- time the bogged vehicle was extricated tered travelling in the opposite direction and holes filled in, the convoy had rewas a very large tractor. No issue about formed on the other side of the hill and the size of the convoy, he clearly had a we all drove into Guilderton and managed much bigger vehicle! This first section of to squeeze the whole group into a very the trip followed a scenic route along the pleasant area next to the river. 18
With the pleasant sunshine, kids having fun in the river, and conversations about the trip so far and what was ahead, lunch was a very social experience in the 4WD club environment for all on the trip. It was initially anticipated that some of the drivers new to this activity might have experienced enough of a challenge for the day and here was an opportunity to call an end to their trip and depart with pride and vehicle intact. It was a very pleasant surprise to find that everyone had had such a good time so far that they were eager to tackle the second stage. After the later than planned lunch break, the convoy re-inflated tyres to road pressures as we were going to travel back down the bitumen to enter the Wilbinga area for some more sand driving. Leaving the bitumen just south of Barragoon Rd, and entering the first area large enough to allow us all to form up, it was time to reduce tyre pressures again. This time there was no discussion or hesitation from anyone. The first 10kms into Wilbinga was an easy and scenic drive, and while it required a degree of concentration from the driver it did not cause any problems for anyone. Amazing how the confidence levels had increased after the morning drive. The approach to the Wilbinga “Bowl� provided an interesting section of twists and turns with some softer sand bits. Once at the Bowl, MG assembled all the groups together, debussed the convoy, and 19
John H’s “Black Ops Group” gave an impromptu demonstration of soft sand driving. It was a very impressive display of vehicle and driver capability, and perhaps with a smaller convoy and more time available several other drivers would have been willing to give the “Bowl” a bit of a go. Certainly argues well for a full trip list on the next club outing to Wilbinga. The convoy headed out of the Bowl and moved on southwards through the sandy tracks towards the Wilbinga Rd exit. With
the afternoon almost over MG had one more special event to entertain the group, and it turned out to be a fitting “ pièce de résistance” for the whole day out. One Tree Hill ! If there is one sand hill on the entire continent that MG has a passion for, this is it! As a 4WD challenge it is a beauty. With some skill and heaps of patience the whole convoy was shoehorned into the small clear area at the base of the hill. On the pre-trip the previous Thursday it was envisaged that the well travelled Gilbert Triton would head up and over One
All Members are welcome to attend
A Night Out at the
Eat Greek Restaurant Smorgasbord all you can eat with entertainment
Saturday 23 February 2013 at 7pm 110 Riverside Road, East Fremantle Cost ? $45.00 per person. Not including tea and coffee Fully licenced with table service RSVP to Roger and Jan Freegard ( website for contact details)
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Payment direct to club account BSB 306 089 number 2840244 on or before 16th February and email to Jan advising you have made the payment which confirms you are coming. When making payment include details, i.e. Eat Greek and your surname.
Tree Hill as a closing scene for the day. On this day however, Black Johns’ Special Ops group decided they were up for the challenge. With the Triton up and over first, followed by a couple of Landcruisers, and then the Patrols, Richard “Red Hat” K could not resist the challenge and up and over he went. The whole audience was well entertained, particularly by the resilience of those who did not quite make it the first time. The last vehicle to make it over was however, the clear winner of the “Crowd Favourite Award”, it was non other than Mark H in a very shiny, new looking Ford Ranger!!! Well done Mark From the spectacular One Tree Hill, it was a short drive out on the Wilbinga Rd exit towards the bitumen. At the designated Air-Up point, Club President, and Green Team Leader, Martin gathered the whole crowd together and after thanking the organising team for a splendid event, delivered a special invitation to all our visitors to come along to the next club meeting on Dec 5th. It was quite an extraordinary experience to see the visitors change from a group of almost complete strangers to a convoy of new friends and satisfied 4Wdrivers within the space of a single day. Only time will tell how much of a success this event, including the presence at the 4WD Show, will be for the club but the enthusiasm generated from this Visitor Day argues well for the future of the Club. Peter Cole Blue Team Excellent trip notes! Thanks Pete! Leader
Got something to sell? Send the details to editor@mitsubishi4wd.org.au It’s free for members! Or put it on the forum. 21
Visitor Information
Benefits of Membership Traveling safely in a group with expe-
rienced trip leaders.
day trips, week end and extended trips. Tell Me About The Club
The Club currently has approximately 67 members consisting of singles, couples remote and unique places in Australia. and families. We are a family oriented Family activities including camping, club which promotes safe and sensible sightseeing trips and other social four wheel driving and the enjoyment of events. our natural environment. The members Driver education, promoting awareness are very friendly and love participating in of correct four-wheel driving techfour wheel drive trips and the various soniques. cial outings that are organized during the Accessing the collective 4WD year. knowledge of other Club members. Where & when are the Club meetings Gain invaluable technical info on your vehicle and trip prepara- held? tion tips. On the first Wednesday of each month Monthly club magazine mailed to (except for January) at 7.30pm Manning members. Club members only website, Senior Citizens Centre Cnr Ley Street & trip details, image library, trading post, Downey Drive Manning WA 6152 forum and latest news. Club shop and library at regular Do I need to be an accomplished 4 wheel monthly meetings. driver to join the Club? Discounts for members at selected outlets. No, the Club caters for all experience levels. We have a Training Officer who runs Why Join? training days during the year and the Club You will have the opportunity to develop trips are also graded according to their degree of difficulty. New members/visitors new skills and to learn more about your are provided assistance and coaching, if 4wd. Traveling with the Club will allow you to undertake trips which you may not necessary, while on Club trips. be confident of undertaking alone. The For more info feel free to contact club organizes a range of activities for its members including driver skills training David Jones both for novices and more experienced membership@mitsubishi4wd.org.au drivers, social functions, regular monthly Or visit: mitsubishi4wd.org.au Opportunity to explore the beauty of
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Do I need a Mitsubishi 4WD to join the Club? We welcome all brands of 4WD's however Mitsubishi Pajeros are driven by approximately 60% of members. Other members drive Toyota Land Cruisers, Nissan Patrols, Land Rovers and other makes of 4WD's. As we mostly drive larger 4WDs with dual range, the majority of our trips aren't suited to "soft roaders" as low range 4WD is considered necessary. When does the Club run outings? The Club usually has at least one organized 4wd trip on the last Sunday of each month. These outings are run by individual members and overseen by the Trip Co-ordinator. Events are varied and include day events, camping weekends and long distance trips over several weeks. What do I need to do to join the Club? New members are always welcome at the Club. You will need to attend at least 2 club meetings and participate in 2 club outings before nominating to join. This gives you a chance to see if our club suits you as well giving us a chance to get to know you. 23
CLUB CALENDAR DATE
DESTINATION
DETAILS
Dec 26—Jan 6
Fonty’s Pool
See club website
Jan 26
Evening at McBeg
See club website
Feb 23
Eat Greek
See Flyer in mag
March 28 - April 7
Nanga Bay Resort
Contact Glen Bignell
March 28 - Aril 1
Bridgetown Camp
See Flyer inside
April 25– 28
Northcliffe Explorer
See Flyer inside
April 26 - 29
Goldfields Camping
See Flyer inide
See website For more info.
CLUB MEETINGS 7.30pm. FIRST WED OF EVERY MONTH (except Jan) WE LOVE VISITORS
Our Club Proudly Supported By
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