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Contents In this edition President’s Report
By Petre Cole
From the Secretary’s Desk
by John King
Trip Report - Logging Track (Cover Photo) By Judith Brinkley
Trip Chalk Board - Moore River Special Article - The Naming of Moore River News Behind the Meetings
By Judith Brinkey
Trip Leading Q&A Trip Report - Bridgetown Easter POTY Award Nomination Trip FlyersWarriedar Station Wildflower Trip Moore River Toodyay
To all the wonderful mothers in our club, have a
Happy Mothers Day
Lechenaultia macrantha Family: Goodeniaceae Distribution: Woodland and shrubland, usually on sand or gravel in areas north east of Perth to Shark Bay, Western Australia.
Wreath lechenaultia
Common Name: Derivation of Name: Lechenaultia...after the naturalist Leschenault de la Tour. macrantha...from Greek macros, large and anthos, a flower, referring to the large flowers of the species. Conservation Status: Not considered to be at risk in the wild. Information courtesy of the Australian Native Plants Society http://asgap.org.au/
President’s Report April 2013 When I was asked to accept a nomination for the president’s job earlier this year I did make enquiries regarding what would be expected of me, and what the duties and responsibilities of the role were. I also pursued Martin to continue in the role that he has made his own, with an outstanding leadership style, extremely dry sense of humour (think Simpson Desert) and his completely unflappable temperament (think duck on water ). It was only during a recent conversation at the back of his house that he revealed two items that would have seriously affected any willingness to accept the President’s role ! The first item was the requirement to produce a report for the magazine on a monthly basis. Since I retired I have assiduously avoided any form of a deadline situation, and then I walked straight into this one ! The second item, and the item of more concern is that the Magazine Editor has the “delightful” task of designing a caricature to portray the President. Having made humorous references to the past president and his caricature in the magazine I find myself in the unenviable position that the Editor is now none other than the past President!! Let this be a warning to all, make fun of the President’s caricature at your peril, at least until you are sure of whom the next magazine editor is. If you have attended any of the regular monthly meetings in recent months you will have noticed that seating is becoming a bit of a problem. Our
attendances have been higher than average and a good flow of visitors has placed pressure on the facilities. Problems that I am pleased to say, we are very happy to have. The format of the members meetings has ensured a lively and friendly atmosphere, with presentations achieving very high standards. We may well have to make steps to increase our seating capacity if the attendance continues to increase. It is a marvellous way to gauge the path the club is travelling. This enthusiasm has also carried forward into our trip calendar as well. The Powerlines trip in Feb, run by Training Officer Richard King was extremely well patronised, as was Malcolm and Trish’s Logging Extravaganza in March. I have no doubt Michael’s Wilbinga Escape later in April will also attract the usual crowd with an affinity for soft sand ! In addition to these day trips for 2013 we have also had several long weekend and extended trips conclude very successfully thanks to the guidance of Peter and Denise (Bridgetown) and Glenn (Nanga Bay). There are also two weekend trips at the end of April, Bob and Bridget’s Northcliffe Explorer and Roger and Jan’s Goldfields Prospector. All of this in the first third of our calendar year ! The club’s major “expedition” trip of the year, the CSR, planned for June and July is also well into the final stages of planning. Pat and his crew are fine tuning now and champing at the bit to get going. Perusal of the club activity calendar will show that this frenetic pace of activity is planned to continue throughout this year and into the next year. The only fly in the ointment of all this “good stuff” is that we are short of trip leaders. As each day trip progresses we are actively seeking volunteers to fill some gaps in the trip calendar. This does not mean however, that we are only looking at new members. The search is for new trip leaders, whether they are new or long term members. Guy (Trip Co-ordinator) has published an ambitious trip calendar and has been actively seeking out new trip leader volunteers to complete the planning stage. If you have thoughts about leading a trip, but have any doubts about your capability, experience, or ideas for a destination do not be put off. Guy has a very good “buddy” system in place to ensure there will be plenty of assistance and support to get you to the starting gate. So, what are you waiting for ? Guy’s phone should be ringing hot already !!!
Peter Cole President
Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Western Australia Inc. PO Box 655 South Perth WA 6951 Meetings: 1st Wed of each month except January Manning Senior Citizens Centre 3 Downey Drive Manning www.mitsubishi4wd.org.au email: secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au Publication issues:editor@mitsubishi4wd.org. au President: Peter Cole Vice President: Peter Belcher Secretary: John King Treasurer: Bridget McPherson Editor: Martin Archer WebMaster: Michael Gilbert Trip Coordinator: Guy Lehmann Training Officer: Richard King Membership Officer: David Jones Insurance/Propoerty: Glen Bignell WA 4WD Assoc.Delegate: Keith Parker Social Chairperson: Denise Belcher
2013-2014 Entertainment Book Orders now being taken Place you orders with the Secretary, John King
secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au
From the Secretary’s Desk The roster for supper duties has been prepared for this current year and it has been broadened a bit to include cleaning up the hall and setting the tables and chairs back into position after the meeting concludes. I suggest that one member of a family each take one part. (I am not suggesting it is the female in the kitchen and the male doing all the hard work!) If everyone does their bit it will make light work for all. Please remember to arrange a swap if you can’t do your turn. It will really help in planning meetings if you let me know that you have a report to make or any matter of interest to tell members and I will put your name on the agenda. The club will again have Entertainment Books for sale. They are a good fund raiser for the club but we need more support from members to increase sales. Think about getting a book and sharing it with the family, or give one as a gift. See if you can get friends and work associates to purchase one from us. Every purchase comes with a ticket and the chance to win a bottle of wine . Cost has not increased for three years and remains at $65. Call me with you order. Do you remember the first meeting you attended. Were you made to feel welcome? We all have a responsibility to make sure visitors go away with a good feeling about the club and want to come again. Make sure they have a name badge to wear and are not left sitting by themselves and they meet a few members over supper. New members are the life blood of our club. John King Secretary
TRIP NOTES LOGGING TRACK TRIP 24/03/2013
All trippers assembled at the Dwellingup information area. This time the last to arrive wasn't delegated Trip Note Writer but was assigned Tail End Charlie. First time for Henry and Denise but a very good learning curve with procedural help offered when needed. Group gathered. A good mix of seasoned and newbies....trip leader Malcolm asked all the required questions & then it came to "do you all have compressors " the surprising answer was "yes ..but still in their boxes!" So it promised to be the fun learning experience that Malcolm was aiming for. Started onto Nanga road, aired down at Nanga Camp, then Malcolm and Trish led us directly into the bush. One of the problems with bush is that it continues to grow after a trip has been planned...so there was some unexpected side scratching at the first. Once through that baptism to 4WDriving, the tracks opened and most difficult sections had alternate paths. The route took us in a long GPS guided loop through Dwellingup Forest and back to the Nanga Mill car park for airing up.This was
a perfect trip for the new members and visitors though the small anthill tells a story.. When a vehicles needs lifting. This trip got everybody over their first "oh no the car is scratched" and onto the "hey lets go watch everyone try to get through the tough bits". .... preferably without scratches tuning into dents. Some of the new members had been a little apprehensive of what a 4WD
trip entailed. Malcolm’s ‘grading level’ of this trip reassured that a 4WD drive doesn't automatically mean a locked and lifted experience. This trip showed you can just go and watch someone else do the hard bits if you want. We came up to Malcolm at one stage with directional hand waving and speaking into the two way....except his handheld radio kept realigning to another channel and was silent to us....It just shows that good hand directions can be very effective too. There was a smelly bog to go through...or around.. Those who opted for smelly didn't realise smell was actually a 'stink' that stayed. Tracks took us through some high cuttings ...Craig explained we were actually driving along the route of old logging train tracks. Cuttings had been dug through rises to keep the trains running fairly level instead up and over. Where logs blocked the track we drove around through bush or over where it allowed. An interesting item from Craig who's family lived in and around the area..a cure for diarrhoea is to dissolve some of the red sap off the marri trees into warm water. Drink it and diarrhoea goes. At one stage we missed a turn. Trish claimed Malcolm's pre-tripped breadcrumbs trail must have been eaten by drop bears, so half the convoy had to back up and find the tight squeeze around a log, then and back on the GPS route. As the
tailenders arrived to the area, Malcolm could be heard instructing a car through a challenging group of ruts.. This section required “track maintenance” to get Murray’s Delica through comfortably. Craig's definition of through is a bit different to our definition... While we're all being guided over the straddle, he chose to test the resilience of his newly replaced tyre and plowed his whells straight up the middle of the rut. All good entertainment..and novel for the new members who had not ventured off road before. We lost Tail End Charlie one time. Perfect example of not following procedure. The corner wasn’t marked for him. A red flash noticed in a mirror as the car shot passed the turning and a quick call on the two way got them back. Morning tea was had about lunchtime and lunch was quite a bit later as Malcolm had headed for an area he knew where there was plenty of shaded room to circle our chairs, talk and rest.. After lunch a bit of track widening was needed, Bruce with his saw, one of the young lads with a saw and Denise with her Leatherman!!! Onto Drivers Rd I think it was and to the camp car park. By then we were all very ready to head home. A great day. Judith Brinkley
Trip Chalk Board
Things to do or information about the locations being visited in coming-up trips
Moore River Day Trip. May 26
Trip Leader: Craig Perry
Information LandGate: Hitsory of WA Town Names
Guilderton is a small coastal town north of Perth, Western Australia at the mouth of the Moore River in the Shire of Gingin. It was originally known as Gabbadah, an Aboriginal term meaning “mouthful of water� until its gazetting as a town in 1951. The river mouth regularly opens and closes depending on the seasons, and alternates between a closed lagoon and a tidal estuary. The area has been used as a camping and recreation spot since 1905 when the residents of nearby Gingin petitioned for a road to be constructed to the area. The area was declared as a recreation area in 1907. In 1931, 40 17th-century silver guilder coins were found in the sand hills near the entrance to the Moore River - thus the name Guilderton. The coins were thought to be from the wreck of the Dutch ship, the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) that had foundered on a reef north of the river-mouth near Ledge Point in 1656. Soldiers used the area as a rest and recreation area during World War II. The township was gazetted and named Guilderton on 28 November 1951; the area was known locally as Moore River until this time. In 1983, the Federal Department of Transport established a lighthouse at Wreck Point, Guilderton near the river mouth at a cost of $240,000. The following article is an extract from the Trove web site which documents historical documents held in the National Library of Australia (www.trove.nla.gov.au) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Extract from Library of Australia (www.trove.nla.gov.au) A NEW RIVER DISCOVERED, BY THE HON. G. F. MOORE, ESQ., ON A RECENT EXCURSION TO THE NORTHWARD. (The Perth Gazette and Western
Australian Journal (WA : 1833 - 1847))
…We were unwilling to rest so soon, but a guide, who had accompanied us, said there was no water further on ; in which (as we afterwards found) he was not speaking the truth ; but this appeared a favorite place with the natives, as there was plenty of “ Yandyait” — that broad flag or sedge, the roasted root of which they eat with avidity. To prevent the necessity of mentioning the particular description of the character of this valley, which I marked in my Journal, I may say at once that it greatly resembles the place called Ebenezer Flats, on the York road. The soil on the hills a stiff red loam, softening in quality, and darkening in color, as it descends. The trees are (in order as you descend from the high grounds) Wando (white gum with a rusty tinge), Kardan (red-gum), Mangart (raspberry-jam), Tuart (the York gum), casuarina, wattle, and swamp oak. The stone consists of fragments of quartz and felspar. At the place where we stopped there was a long succession of deep pools in the course of the water bed, as if the river was beginning to scoop out a decided channel for itself, but had dug deep only where the ground was soft, leaving the rest to be hollowed out on future occasions; the pools were perhaps twenty feet deep from the level of the ground, with sides so shelving, that it was scarcely possible to stand upon them. Bringing my fishing tackle into requisition, the bait was scarcely in the water, when it was seized, and up came a fine cobbler of nearly two pounds — the first perhaps that ever was drawn out of that pool since its creation. The natives call this fish, in the fresh water, “Moyoart,” and its relative, in the salt water, “Garalyer.” Sailors call them “ cobblers,” and in my hurry to recover the hook from the fish, I fancied I learned the reason of the name, by getting a deep “ probe “ in the finger from an awl- shaped sort of spike, which he seemed to wield at each of his fins. Warned by the native that the sting was poisonous and would cause inflammation up the arm, I sucked my finger and drew blood copiously from it, and, perhaps, to this precaution owe the comparative impunity of a mere temporary pain… ... At night I renewed my inquiries about a river among some natives of this quarter, who had arrived in the evening, and now, for the first time, heard the mention of water at a place called “ Jaydeep,” a day’s journey to the north, without any intervening halting place of grass or water. It seemed to be rather out of their usual beat, and a discussion sprung up among them as to its locality. At length Needyal silenced them, with an air of one who would say, “ I’ll tell you all about it;” and, in a rapid and hurried manner, he seemed to give an itinerary of names of men and hills and waters and grounds so complete, that they all assented with a kiah ! kiah ! and then turned to me with an air of the greatest complacency, as if I must now be informed to my complete satisfaction. Must I acknowledge that I was not much the wiser, but I had stationed Weenat beside
me, with a caution to attend and understand it. Needyal’s utterance was so rapid, his pronunciation so thick, and his gesture so energetic, that I was rather amused at his manner, than interested in the matter of his story. One part of his description seemed to have particular reference to the immediate subject of my inquiry, but at the same time appeared so questionable and so ludicrous, from his animated manner of “’ suiting the action to the word,” that I was constrained to indulge in a laugh, which seemed lo offend him. I hastened to make amends. His words were these, as well as I could catch them : — “ Needya Beloo colo colo, boorda bokal derbacolo, boorda yerapp, Garbanup, Gabby wotan wato ;” as if he had said; “there the river runs, runs till it runs headforemost under a hill ; by and bye it rises again and goes past Garbanup out to the sea.” Now it would be too much to say that I saw the river afterwards perform this marvellous feat, but I will tell in due time what I did see, and leave it to the reader to say, whether poor Needyal’s animated description was not true in fact though figurative in expression. It was a great point gained, to find that the river I was going to, fell into the sea near Garbanup, and with this information we retired to rest. … In the morning I asked Needyal how far it was to the river. He said I must make haste and walk all day, and that the sun would be setting when we saw it; that there was no other water nor grass to stop at. Placing the compass under his hand as he pointed how we should go, the line was N N.E , and this was our only guide. After distributing some more cobblers among them, and presenting Toodyeep with a hook and line, we proceeded on our way. Adhering strictly to the N.N.E. course, over hill and dale, in the space of nine miles we crossed a valley, which we supposed to be the same that we started from, no fewer than five times. Thence, for 14 mile further on, our course lay over hills of the ordinary description of the Darling Range. The last hill that we defended consisted of fragments of whinstone and quartz, and at its base we came into a valley of good soil, with a water-course trending to the north It was now about the time we hoped to see the river, but there was no sign of it; so turning down the valley, we began to search for water and pasture for the horses — the sun set, the twilight failed, and no river. We had come about 27 miles since morning, but were obliged to stop, where there was good grass, and the valley appeared to have expanded on all sides. We had brought some cobblers with us; Weenat baked them in the embers, wrapped in paper-tree bark, and, from the richness and moisture of that deli- cious dish, suffered but little uneasiness from want of water. Next morning we started at daybreak, and had not proceeded 200 yards before we saw the flooded gum trees, which indicate the vicinity of water, — the horses instinctively quickened their pace, — we struck upon the river at a fine long reach, and rushed down the first opening to the water. Numbers of ducks fluttered off in great alarm as the horses plunged in to quench their thirst. Handing the flask to Hefferon to qualify his draught, he said, “ Sir, as you are the first to see this river here, I think you have a right to name it; I’ll christen it, if you please, Sir, the “ River Moore ;”’ ‘ and so he made his libation, but not on the ground. Whether his christening will be considered good, is not for me to say. We had now leisure to look around us. The river here was not running, but in pools and reaches, at different distances. Judging from the length and
depth of the reach, the breadth of the water-course, and height of the banks, the river appeared to be intermediate in size between the Swan and the Helena. The appearance of the country at this particular place very much resembled the York district, the trees and shrubs being similar; but we supposed that we were only just approaching the eastern side of the Darling Range, and not yet quite out of their influence. As we ascended the river, which came from the N. and N.E., the country improved at every step — the hills became more gentle — the river flats or plains more extensive the grass fine, wherever it had not been burned. Some hills appeared still to the eastward, but near the river the soil was of the best brown loam of the York district. At a place called Candoby we halted on a fine pool, and caught some cobblers, but having by this time plenty of ducks, we were careless of other fare. It was not many miles from this that we first met with a native in this district. His name is Bingal, and, in mentioning him, it is gratifying to record an instance not only of kindness and good fellowship on his part, but of his reliance on the good faith and friendship of white men, whom he now saw for the first time. He was evidently a good deal embarrassed at first, but in mentioning the names of his friends whom we had last seen, by way of introduction, he re- gained his confidence, appeared pleased to have met with us, and asked us to go and eat some of a kangaroo, which he had killed in the morning. This is almost the only instance that I have met with of a voluntary proffer of hospitality among them. He preceded us to his fire — his two wives had run away in alarm. Three fine native dogs (which I think they call “Moarjne”) were very honestly couching beside the fire, looking at the kangaroo, but had not taken advantage of the absence of their master to help themselves They rose on our approach, and seemed greatly puzzled, — first wagged their tails — next showed their teeth, then turned tail and slunk off. Here Bingal handed us the entire “saddle” which had previously been cooked. I took a substantial cut off it, and handed him in return two cockatoos and some cobblers, and also a piece of biscuit, which Weenat called his attention to as being the “ very good” of which he seemed to have heard…
Discover more at www.trove.nla.gov.au
News behind the Minutes April 2013
By Judith Brinkley
What goes on before a meeting...? Well there’s the set up of the visual and audio. There’s the men all updating each other on their vehicle upgrades while they rearrange the seating and tables. The ladies evaluate the quantities of food for supper. Shop items are laid out and nervous new raffle ticket sellers, the Byworths, second guess their first offerings as prizes... then start their trade. Those doing talks or reports set up their files on the computers and it’s all smooth sailing.. Easy .. Not! As soon as technology is involved the calm disintegrates. Foreign thumb drives cause grief ! Equipment doesn’t talk to each other... So nonchalant set up time can become an anxious moment or two for Martin, Rob and Stephen trying to get the things to work. But they did and do.. each meeting! President Peter Cole was unable to attend so Vice Peter Belcher covered and Secretary John kept all on track. Stephen Kalynuik gave an excellent rundown on the proposed National Health Reform initiative called eHealth. Especially for us, the 4WD “out and abouters”, who could possibly end up with some unfamiliar medico if things perhaps go pearshaped. If ill, one cannot always guarantee one is conscious so, for the attending practitioner, a simple name, date of birth and medicare number usually found in wallet or purse will give access to health conditions, past treatments, medications and allergies etc.
Stephen distributed brochures and showed a video demonstrating the advantages of the new voluntary system. An excellent and very relevant presentation. Next, Judith as Malcolm’s proxy, talked about the Logging Track Trip travelled the weekend previous to Easter. A good introduction to many that if one goes off road, cars will get little scratches... but again..why else are we here? Remember that recalcitrant thumb drive mentioned before.. Well it’s content worked beautifully but the projector simply turned off in the middle of the slideshow! No reason.. does anything electronic ever need a reason.? (editor’s note: The power outage to the projector was caused by the same finger that switched the lights off)
By being read from the backlit iPad, the presentation continued in the dark and once again the audio/visual techo members went into action to rectify the problem. Presentation and slideshow delivered. Henry had some good videos of the day, but they also had their own inherent problems. So if we are lucky they’ll make it to the Website too. Peter Belcher who probably sensibly didn’t rely on any photos (his are already up on the web for viewing) gave a report on his and Denise’s leisurely Easter trip to Bridgetown and Greenbushes where a keen and generous Easter Bunny found them all. Known upcoming trips were reaffirmed:
• Wilbinga Day Trip – 21 April – Michael Gilbert • Bob has one space left if anyone wants to take it up on Anzac weekend Northcliffe trip.
achieves for the 4WD community across the State and with it’s lobbying Government to further the causes of us.. the 4WDrivers.
Craig also listed the various tracks and the clubs who have adopted them. There is a New trips were added for forward push to make our adoption of Leschenault planning: Peninsula and Wungong the same formal • Plumridge Lakes / Connie Sue adoption. Track in August with Tony and Stella The Powerline Tracks have been adopted • ‘Annual’ Wildflower Trip through by the 4WD Assoc as a whole. to Jurien Bay, Dongara, Murrawa this There are 11 projects to formalize and September with John and Rosalie approx $85,000 available to be used. • And a 2014 Lorella Springs on NT/QLD border area . One section is Stephen as Environment Officer noted only 80km to the coast but will take 2 his difficulty in obtaining a definite date days to get there...May/June 2014 with for the coming Wungong work. There will Rick and Sue Irvine. be short notice so he hopes all who can attend do come out to help. It would be a • Not mentioned but proposed shame if DEC allowed our interest to wane except he seems to like keeping it to because of slow responses to our proposed himself, is a trip to Warriedar Station timeframes. They especially know how hard (Trackcare restored) near Ninghan it is to get volunteer involvement..and when Station, with Bruce (and Judy) in June it’s an established relationship at risk it is a this year. Details to be advised in this shame. issue. Member’s Forum opened. Secretary John spoke of the death of Raffle was conducted and Supper Alan Stanger, known to many members. commenced. He also spoke of the new routines The meeting was finished by 9.30. and duties for supper, recent equipment purchases, the proposed This years Entertainment Book website upgrade,and be advised the Still just $65 for thousands of Entertainment Books are again available so please order if required. This does dollars worth of bargain discounts generate funds for the Club as well. In the absence of Guy and Bruce, Craig Perry spoke on 4WD Association matters: The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed... finally. There is an open day and BBQ 11.30 am on 20th April at Karakin (on the escarpment ..Mills Road off Tonkin) for anyone who wants to know ‘the reason for being’ of the Association and all it
All fundraising proceeds to the Mitsubishi 4WD Owner’s Club Order yours now from the Secretary John King secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au
TRIP LEADING Q&A The aim with this monthly post is to provide members with a step by step guide and helpful tips on leading a trip. A new topic will be presented each month. Last month was: PART 1: BEING A TRIP LEADER Information contained in this article is derived from the Trip Leader Guidelines manual
PART 2: PLANNING A DAY TRIP
(Extended trips will be covered in a future edition) Q: “Where do I start?” A: Before setting out on a trip, it is important that some basic planning is done to ensure that the event is conducted in such a way to ensure that it is both enjoyable and safe for everyone. Selection of the route is the most important consideration. The Trip Leader should endeavour to be conversant with factors such as hazards, points of interest, expected weather conditions and suitable meeting and stopping locations etc. Consideration should be given to the following: Route and Destination - determine the destination and / or areas to be travelled and identify areas that will likely cause travel delays. These include hazardous terrain, points of interest (photo opportunities), suitable meeting points and meal break locations. · Always plan for an alternative route if;· You haven’t pre-tripped the route · Where there are areas of difficulty · Driving conditions change dramatically with adverse weather · Planned stopping points on popular routes may be occupied by other groups · Availability of toilets at stopping points Duration – Once you have the destination sorted, you can then determine the trip duration. It’s always advisable to pre-trip the route to establish an estimated duration. Always consider the possibility of unforeseen delays and the ability of the participants to ‘keep up’. The more participants you have, the more chance of problems and delays happening. Ensure you allow a good balance between driving and rest stops. For example; you may not need rest stops on a ‘Locked and Lifted’ day because most of the time is spent out of the car watching others navigate obstacles. Where as a ‘touring drive’ requires a lot of time behind the wheel and rest stops are advised every couple of hours to avoid driver fatigue. Trip Rating – rate the trip to the highest expected standard and be prepared en-route to make changes to suit weather or track conditions. It should be noted that four wheel
driving is unpredictable by its very nature and variation from the expected degree of difficulty is very possible. In line with the clubs grading of trips policy, all trips will be graded in accordance with the following Grade 0; No 4wdriving involved. Driving on bitumen roads, social events etc. Grade 1; Very easy going with little 4wdriving involved Grade 2; A moderate trip with some 4wdriving involved. Towing or winching is not required. Suitable for all levels of experience. Grade 3; A medium grade 4wd trip with some cautious driving required. Towing or winching is not normally required. Suitable for experienced drivers. Grade 4; A moderately hard 4wd trip with cautious driving required. Towing or winching may be required. Suitable for experienced drivers only. It may not be suitable for visitors and eligibility will be determined by trip leader. Grade 5; An extremely difficult 4wd trip. All participants must be experienced in driving over difficult terrain. Towing or winching will be required. All vehicles must have their own recovery equipment. Vehicle damage may occur to unsuitably modified vehicles. Q: “Who can come on my trip?” A: The club guidelines recommend no more than 10 vehicles on a trip. But this ‘guideline’ is at the discretion of the trip leader and consideration is given to;· Environmental impact · Convoy communication · Entering off-road locations with size restricted areas · Rest/Camping location size · Break down frequency and delays on extended trips · Frequency of recovery situations delaying the trip Management of smaller groups allows for better control of safety and enjoyment of all If the number of interested people is considerably large, then consider arranging a second group lead by another trip leader. Visitors are always welcome on day trips, but members always have priority if there are too many wishing to attend. Q: “What equipment do I need to provide?” A: All club members are required to carry their own recovery and communication equipment. Visitors may not have appropriate equipment and this may cause problems if such equipment is required during the trip. Therefore the club has a ‘Trip Leader Kit’ which includes recovery equipment which you need to obtain from the last trip leader. The club
property officer should be able to tell you who have possession of this equipment. The Trip Leader Kit also includes an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) and a satellite phone. Most day trips involve travelling in the hills around Perth or beaches in the metropolitan outskirts. These locations have limited or no mobile phone coverage and it is in the interests of your participants that this equipment is available in the event of an emergency. “Beginner” trip leaders are recommended to use known and documented routes. Experienced trip leaders may be more adventurous, and in doing so, may need to carry additional equipment such as chain saws and electric winches. If you are carrying such equipment, it is essential that the operator is trained in their use and all necessary safety precautions are taken. Q:”Where can I find maps and details of the popular day trip locations?” A: The club’s Trip Coordinator” has a library of hard copy and electronic maps and routes. These have been acquired over many years of club trips. Therefore, it is most likely that there will be information available for you to use. The club’s web site has trip notes from most trips since 2004. Trip notes can give you a good insight into any unforeseen events that occurred on the trip being considered. ‘4WD Day Trips Out of Perth” is a popular publication produced by Westate Publishing and can be purchased at most Newagents, camping and 4WD supply shops and the Chart and Map Shop for about $20. www.exploroz.com is a popular User Forum website where travelers can register, download and upload interesting tracks. Q:”I want to go into a National Park. Do I need to contact anyone?” A: The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) manage conservation areas and National Parks in Western Australia. Some of these areas require an entry pass or permission to enter. You must consult with the club’s Trip Coordinator to arrange notification to the appropriate Ranger for that area. Even if you are just travelling through the area on gazetted roads, it is a matter of courtesy to let the Ranger know that a large group will be in convoy. Our visits are often welcomed and the Rangers may suggest interesting areas to visit or give advice about other groups using the park on that day. As a result of the club’s environmental volunteer work, there are a number of DEC Park Passes available for use. Consult with the club’s Environment Officer to obtain these passes. NOTE: Always consult with the club’s Trip Coordinator before planning a trip. Next month: PART 3: ADVERTISING AND TRIP PREPARATIONS
WARRIEDAR STATION MAY 31, JUNE 1,2,3 MEET: 8.30am Friday at Ginger’s Roadhouse Privacy Tab: For more information Great Northern Hwy Membersdeparture. refer to web site. Visitors WARRIEDAR: please email the trip leader (CLICK HERE) for 9.00am LEAVE Midmorning Monday A possibility there may be some small jobs if Trackcare have any. If not, it’s just a weekend away “to look” Suits Caravans to Tents (12 vehicles) Visitors Welcome. Fires permitted so some Campfire Cooking Normal recovery gear per club requirements Minimal facilities so need to be self sufficient. Trip grade 2 to 3 depending on condition of tracks on the station. Good gravel road to station from the turn off from the highway suitable for caravans. Warriedar Station is a Trackcare Rangelands Adoption Project. Link to minerals: http://www.mindat.org/loc-248216.html Link Map: http://bonzle.com/c/a?a=p&p=250228&cmd=sp&c=1&x=117%2E18757&y= %2D29%2E133&w=40000&mpsec=0
Trip Leader : Bruce Brinkley 04.bruce@gmail.com
Approx 330 km from Perth Position DEG-29.133 117.18757 DMS29º 07' 58.8" S 117º 11' 15.25" E UTM 50 J 6777264mN 518246mE
WANDERING AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS Explore the beautiful areas for which Western Australia is famous and enjoy the spring sunshine.
Dates : Wednesday 18 to Saturday 28 September 2013 incl. Depart Perth and travel north to Jurien Bay before moving through the mid-west to Morawa and on to Goomalling via Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills. In all nine nights with no one night stands. This will be leisurely trip, level 2, suitable for vans and campers. Limit of 10 vehicles, members only. Usual recovery and repair gear is essential, batteries in good condition and R.A.C. cover always helps. Contact Rosalie or John at email johnandrosalieking@bigpond.com or phone Privacy Tab: For more information Home 9384 7649 Mobile 0411 437109 Members refer to web site or click here. SORRY - NO VISITORS Register your interest before 4 September to make sure of your spot
TRIP NOTES Bridgetown Thurs 28th Mar to Mon 1st April 2013
By Peter Belcher
By Thursday evening some 9 caravans and 19 club members met up at Bridgetown Caravan Park situated on the banks of the Blackwood river. On Good Friday most went to explore the attractions of
the town and the river walks, and after happy hour and dinner all settled down to an Easter Trivia Quiz organised by yours truly. The worthy winners by only half a point were Bridget, Sam and Rosalie. On Saturday morning seven vehicles set off in convoy, trip leaders Peter and Denise and tail end Charlies Jeff and Maxine. Club convoy procedure being observed we entered the township of Greenbushes by south west forest route and proceeded to the Lookout over the Cornwall Pit – a disused open cast pit originally mining tin but more lately mining Lithium and Tantalum. The open pit ceased operations a few years ago but if you use a mobile phone, camera or laptop then the chances are your equipment has a tantalum capacitor manufactured using Greenbushes Tantalum as it is one of the world’s largest defined resources of Tantalum. After a short 4wd we arrived at the Greenbushes Heritage Park where mornos was enjoyed followed by an interesting hour going round the Greenbushes Discovery centre. I would recommend this attraction to anyone travelling through the area as it is a very
well put together interactive exhibition of the local industries and environment. There are working displays of a tin mine complete with a blasting sequence and a mockup of a timber cutting control room as well as an interactive logging truck to drive. Many more displays and a plethora of information about logging and local industries .Well worth a visit. Returning to Bridgetown by the highway we deviated to the Bridgetown Cidery where we were just in time to join a cider tasting group and sample some 9 or ten different ciders
before arriving at the Bridgetown Tavern where a hearty lunch was enjoyed. After a recovery session in the afternoon our usual happy hour was replaced with free outdoor musical entertainment and a free steak and snags BBQ - all courtesy of the Caravan Park. Easter Sunday arrived and all found that the Easter Bunny had been busy and each caravan had been surreptitiously visited and several eggs deposited. The children
Bridgetown notes continued
especially had a veritable feast of chocolate. The local church was attended by some of the party and others explored the local craft, produce and car boot market in the adjacent park. That evening the group had their final joint function consisting of a dinner at the Nelson’s motel which all enjoyed. On Monday morning all departed after a leisurely start and fond farewells. There are a few photos on the club drop box site. Peter Belcher
DAY TRIP
Moore River Nature Reserve
WHEN
Sunday 26th May 2013
MEETING PLACE
1st Service Station on the right as you approach the intersection Privacy Tab: For more information of Members refer to web site. Visitors please email the trip leader (CLICK HERE) Wanneroo Rd and Hester Ave, Neerabup from Perth (Name to be announced)
MEETING TIME
8.45 am for a 9.00am leave
BRING
Morning Tea, Lunch and Drinks, Chairs etc In Car UHF Full Recovery Equipment
RATING
2 to 3 depending on personal choice as there is a variety of terrain From Sandy Rutted Hills, River Crossings, Mud and Flat Sand We will be driving in the river for some distance, water depth varies from 50mm to 300mm deep Lunch will be under trees on the flat hard sand edges of the Moore River Privacy Tab:RSVP For more information Members refer to web – site.Craig Visitors Perry, please email trip leader Trip Leader Mbthe 0432 632(CLICK 552 HERE) craigperry5@bigpond.com
Weekend camping Trip Toodyay 4wd Property WHEN
Sat 17th to Sun 18th August
COST
Approx $40 per 4WD, price to be confirmed Day visits welcome cost is approx. $25 per 4WD
MEETING PLACE
Privacy Tab: For moreRd information Truck bay on the left on Toodyay about 1000m past the Members refer to web site. Visitors please email tripHighway leader (CLICK HERE) Railway crossing once turned offthe Roe
MEETING TIME 9am for a 9.15 leave
BRING
Camping Equipment, warm clothing and bedding, Chairs etc Full Recovery Equipment We will be having a large fire on the Saturday night
RATING
2 to 4 depending on personal choice as there is a variety of terrain on the Property from Rocks, Creek crossings, Mud, Gullies and Steep Hills
RSVP
Trip Leader – Craig Perry, 0432 632 552 Privacy Tab: For more Mb information craigperry5@bigpond.com Members refer to web site. Visitors please email the trip leader (CLICK HERE)
Last month’s entry to the Photograph of the Year Award.
Photograph taken by John Holbrook Powerlines Trip, Sawyer’s Valley February 24
CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY TO THE POTY AWARD Photographs must be taken during a club trip Upload the photographs to the club’s internet dropbox. (See instructions on the club’s web site (Members Area) Alternatively, send the photos direct to editor@mitsubishi4wd.org.au You do not need to nominate a photograph, the editor will chose from all those submitted The more photos you upload, the better chance for selection To be chosen for the POTY entry, the photograph needs to be; • In the theme of ‘We’re Outward Bound’ • The subject must be a participant in a club trip • The subject must not show any activity that contravenes our club code of conduct • Photographs must be submitted prior to the 15th of each month
Good Luck. eMAIL ME Martin Archer Editor 0428 952782
Proudly sponsored by
CLUB CALENDAR
For more details go to the club web site or view flyers inside this edition
April
21st
Day Trip
Wilbinga
Michael Gilbert
24th
4 Days
Northcliffe Explorer
B&B McPherson
24th
4 Days
Goldfields Prospecting
Roger Freegard
26th
Day Trip
Moore River (See flyer inside) Craig Perry
30th
Weekend Trip Warriedar Station (See flyer inside) Bruce Brinkley
30th
Day Trip
Avon Valley
Guy Lehmann
17th
2 Day Trip
Toodyay (See flyer inside)
Craig Perry
18th
10 days Wildflower Country (See flyer inside)
8th
4 days
Perth 4WD and Adventure Show
15th
4 days
Big Valley Margaret River
May
June
August
September November
John King
Perth
Martin and Roger