July to august 2014 outward bound web by Club Editor

Monthly newsletter of the Mitsubishi 4WD O wner â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club of Western Australia Inc. 1985 July/August 2014 Issue 332

IN THIS EDITION TRIP REPORTS Byford Lane Pool Lorella Springs UP-COMING TRIPS Harvey Mud Stomp Marshall Rock & Wheatbelt Way Big Valley

Proudly sponsored by

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: Craig Perry Secretary: John King Treasurer: Bridget McPherson Editor: Martin Archer IT Officer: Rob Nankiville Environment: Stephen Kalynuik WebMaster: Michael Gilbert Trip Coordinator: Pat Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dowd Training Officer: Richard King Membership Officer: Peter Fry Insurance/Propoerty: Glen Bignell WA 4WD Assoc.Delegate: Linda Bickerdike Social Chairperson: Vacant

Click here to got to the club trip calendar

This a combined July and August edition of the Outward Bound magazine. News Behind the Meeting is provided here for the July and August member’s meeting

News Behind the Meeting on July 2014 In the absence of Judith who produces these notes after every Club meeting the task has fallen to me. I lack imagination in writing so don’t expect the same high standard that you have become used to. The emergency and site familiarisation announcement that opens each meeting is fast becoming an important spot on the agenda. Not only are we finding hidden talent among the membership of our club. Take for example Jon Standen who performed tonight. Not only did he wear the red hat with pride, his body movements were perfect, pointing out the exits, the muster point, the loos and refreshment spots with grace and clarity. I see a future for this member and those who preceded him in the last few months, not to mention those to come before us at future meeting. Membership Officer Peter Fry introduced our newest member Harvey Hatch, whose partner Janet Nott was overseas but will no doubt be recognised at a meeting when she returns. President Peter welcomed Harvey and presented him with his membership kit and name badges. Harvey responded, thanking the members for the way they have welcomed him and Janet into the club and saying how they are looking forward to getting out on trips and taking part in events organised by the club. The members present added their welcome with enthusiastic applause.

delegate Linda Bickerdike was able to say the Association had extended the cut off day and late registrations could be lodged. The plans for this event all sound exciting and those members who will be attended should have a great weekend. She also provided the meeting with some road closures and other information from the Linda is Association. doing a great job as our delegate and keeps the members informed of all that is going on. President Peter advised that he planned to conduct a navigation training session on Wednesday 20 August in the hall. I leave it up to you, dear reader, to look at the calendar and check the details. We also heard that there will be a ‘Forum Sale’ at each meeting. Rules for this activity have been drawn up and will be published on the website. There is something in this plan for everyone, those who want to clear out surplus stuff and those want to accumulate more stuff. We can all work out which group we fall into. (details also in the June Magazine). Peter Fry said he would like to see members birthdays recognised and Martin agreed his monthly magazine would be the ideal way of doing this. Peter will collect only the day and month of birthdays, not the year (they get harder to remember as they go on).

Craig Perry provided the latest news on the closures of the Then came our guest speaker for the evening, Mark power line track around Mundaring. Gates have been put Bruce, customer service manager for the electronics across the track and will be locked when the rifle range is firm Redark. We heard of the formation of the firm and being used. Take care and follow the instructions at the the rapid progress they have made, evidenced by their gate. Linda will keep members informed of developments market penetration. Many in the audience related to the as she hears of them from the Association. examples he talked about when batteries run flat, brakes Peter Belcher will be looking after the Secretary’s job while on the caravan are touchy or the lights in the van go dim. John and Rosalie are away for a few weeks celebrating Mark donated a piece of equipment that was included their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Thanks to all for your good wishes. in the raffle for the night. Richard Nicholls thanked Mark for his enlightening presentation and this was met with applause from those present. John King Richard King could not be at the meeting and his report on the Julimar trip that he had led on 15 June was held over for next month. Richard Nicholls made a report on Secretary the training conducted at Lancelin on 14 June. He said the event was well attended and all participants, after hearing from the trainers, handled the driving with confidence. With the Dowerin 4WD Gathering coming up on 11 July our

President’s Report

NEWS BEHIND THE MEETING AUGUST 2014 Meeting kicked off on time...Our new member Bruce Davies was running a little late so was welcomed later. He said he will only be able to come every second month...the off month being his fishing club membership. Hmmmm can we expect fried fresh fish nibbles at his next meeting with us? Presidents Report: Peter has been involved doing research to help Paul Ryan’s son Sam who chose the Mitsubishi 4WD Club as his project topic. Sam has grown up being a member. Following is some of the data Peter shared in his Powerpoint presentation ‘Then’ and ‘Now’ Membership 2002 19 Membership 2013 68 Only 2 members back then had mobile phones (the old bricks) 2002 Mitsubishi Toyota Nissan

11 2

2013 Mitsubishi Toyota Nissan Land Rover Diahatsu Mazda Ford Jeep ??

39 13 5 2

1 1 1 1

A ‘multicultural’ club? Some families from back then...Weldon, Ellis, King and Bromberger are still active members today. Richard King was the youngest member then and is now a member in his own right... and our training officer. Peter said of the photos of the members then and now.....the men have aged. The women are still beautiful!!!

Would he doubt it?

We were shown a page in the old newsletter calling for Trip Leaders to step forward... Then he showed the page in our current magazine asking for the same thing. Some club issues persist. Club Magazine Report: Delivered by the President as Editor Martin away with work. Essentially there was no issue in August... !! Simply from lack of content. Martin can only rehash club history so far and keep the magazine interesting. If there is no current input there is no magazine. Peter then asked people to stand if they’d contributed in the previous month, 3 months, 6 months 12 months. Over all these months only 12 people eventually stood. It was pointed out that apart from the info aspect for members, a vibrant magazine is essential for the club to attract and retain Sponsors. Trip leaders are encouraged to nominate someone, if not themselves, to write a trip report. It’s not difficult. Sights and experiences are appreciated differently by different eyes and different minds. Even if everyone on a trip wrote one paragraph of their day and emailed it to Martin or Judith. Makes for interesting reading. Even if it is simply consequences of spilling coffee down their front with the bumps.. That makes the trip human and real..! Personal notes for the meeting trip report, no matter how rough or scribbled, can be transformed for the magazine. Just take a moment to pass them on after the meeting to any committee member or email to Martin or Judith. Rick Irvine’s report notes read simply for him to stand in front of the room...like a police report. Training

dies hard..but it is the basis for the report going in both Magazine and Website this month. Photos are such a bonus too. So easy to upload. Phone Judith if help is needed. She can talk you through it over the phone..! Easy.

Trip reports Dwellingup July 13

By Brett Anderson.. (Can read on club website)

A fun, varied day. To get started he had to drag all away from watching the Hotham Valley steam train shunting...! Brett’s first time as trip leader...and he didn’t lose anyone. He had a few thought provoking events that were a little different to his pre-trip with Murray Hudson earlier....like 16mm of rain the night before. Added an additional challenge or two that was overcome with positive attitudes from everyone and just “going with the flow” (pun intended). Loads of mud. Brett even managed to enhance his chosen lunch site with brown “water views”. Photos of kids happily playing footie while drivers aired down. Lorella Springs Report. Rick and Sue Irvine’s tag team with Rick talking and Sue manipulating the many photos. It was a great trip for all who went. Rick took the group places where one would not normally venture (except perhaps for the intrepid Harrisons) Reinforced again are the advantages of traveling places remote, but in convoy, so any misfortunes or breakdowns are not insurmountable... they become part of the adventure. Rick’s report was interrupted by a plea for help from those in the kitchen preparing supper...” the oven won’t heat up..we have all this food to warm!!!” Kitchen experienced Paul Ryan rose to the challenge. Returned after fixing the fault. “Aaah....it wasn’t plugged in? “ He’s so clever..!!

Upcoming Trips: August 10 Pat O’Dowd’s ... Wandering through Wungong (without having to work) August 24 Bridget and Judith’s... Out among the Sand Plains This was imposed into the agenda by Judith. With profuse apologies to Paul..next on the agenda. It was a trip that on returning from Lorella, Bridget and Judith thought only to be an empty date on a calendar. They were surprised to learn that 5 people had actually signed up in their absence so with sheer dedication to the cause... decided not to defer it.. but had no opportunity to amend either Peter’s head nor his agenda. September 13 Down Around the Coalfields aka The Harvey ‘Comfort Zone’ Test Day. Paul’s promise ...Comfort zones will be tested ..but not broken! And he will try to get co trip leader Craig Parry’s shiny new car very muddy!! September 27 28 29

A camping weekend “Not at Boyagin Rock” .

To be run proficiently, interestingly, and enthusiastically by Bridget and Judith. Further details to be advised...when they figure out what they will be doing and where they will be camping..!. September Friday 26 to Monday 29 Marshall Rock Rick Ellis is leading the trip and continuing on for those who wish. This long weekend is also the start of school holidays, Rick and Nancy are continuing on for a few more days to explore some more of the

wheatbelt. You are welcome to participate as it suits you. The proposed meeting place is Minnivale Townsite (approximately 18 km past Dowerin). We will camp here and continue to Marshall Rock on Saturday stopping at a couple of points of interest along the way. (Alternatively you can make your way to Marshall Rock on Saturday) The weekend will be one of relaxing and enjoying good company with some exploration of the local area. The Marshall Rock campsite is a bush campsite and therefore does not have any facilities so you will need to be fully self sufficient for water, Power etc. This trip is “Caravan Friendly”. Most roads are good sealed roads with some good unsealed roads. On the Monday, anyone who is unable to continue will make their way back to Perth. October 5 Kids for SIDS Guy Lehmann talked about our Club’s involvement. Put it in your diary and commit to attend. Added incentive is... You could actually win a car! November 14 Martin’s Big Valley

Trip list is now on the board. Fills fast.

Upcoming events August 20 Oziexplorer training library.

Peter cole asked those interested to meet after the meeting in the

September 20. Karrakin busy bee George Bickerdike organising . A morning of routine maintenance. Help is needed from our club members as well. November Monthly Club Meeting will be in the park next door....A sausage sizzle and general natter. President Peter recognised that the supper period after a meeting really isn’t enough time for everyone to catch up with members that they see across the room but can’t get to spend time with before the night is done. So November will be entitled an “ideas meeting”...as so many good ideas are voiced and so much information exchange goes on after each meeting, that this event will simply be a night for catching up and interaction. Officers Reports Environmental assistant Eddie Chalk advised that by virtue of the new DEPaW system of collating an individual’s volunteer hours, the club has been awarded 6 more Park passes. Also note volunteering entitles us to discounts on their website shop. Contact Stephen Kalynuik and he’ll get a pass to you for your use. Members’ Forum Gearbox Table is up and running. Bring items you wish to sell. Display them. Negotiate your price with your buyer. And drop a gold coin into the box so any side funds will go to ROYAL FLYING DOCTORS SERVICE. And remember to take home anything not sold ..but do bring them back the following meeting to show members unable to attend this time.

By: Judith Brinkley

Meeting News

Be a valuable member of the club Become a Trip Leader itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so hard

Contact the Trip Coordinator for advice and suggestions

trips@mitsubishi4wd.org.au

Presidents Report July / August 2014 Towards the end of June I received the wonderful news from Guy Gambin, New Vehicle Sales Manager for the John Hughes Group, that our club sponsorship for 2014/2015 would be continued. It is very encouraging that such a dynamic and successful organization as the John Hughes group of companies is to support our activities and assist us in our endeavours for another year.

do our best to assist an organization, Sids and Kids WA, that will benefit not only from our financial contributions but also the very public show of support by the 4WD community of WA. So please set this date in your calendar and put the biggest smile possible on Guy’s face.

One other bit of good news that has been received is that our Lorella Springs mob has safely returned home. Rick Irvine’s’ email has been As well as the financial aspect of the sponsorship, sent out so we are all aware of the adventures the very positive attitude of those people at they have had, and I am sure the upcoming trip John Hughes that we have had contact with has reports at the members meeting and in the I’m sure, provided magazine will provide great motivation to the club with more your Management opportunities to enjoy Committee to continue the embarrassment of looking for ways of several Piston Broke achieving the highest nominations!! Who possible standards for got bogged? Who had all our club activities. close experiences with local wildlife? Club sponsorship Anybody make smoke assists us in many with a chainsaw? Well ways and in many we will all have to wait areas. Maintaining for the trip reports. high quality training within the club, in all And now for something relevant streams such completely different ! as driver training, trip leader training, safety and first aid training, all play very important Thanks to the inspiration from Paul Ryan, we roles in ensuring we have successful outcomes are considering making a “slight” change to to our primary goals of improving driving skills, the members meeting format for November. respecting the natural environment and to all How about we commence with a sausage sizzle have happy social interaction within the club and don’t bother sitting down. We could have and within the general 4WD community. Having several discussion corners and hold a “Planning the financial ability to provide the services and and Information” evening. In essence just the required equipment to our club officers in start supper early and just continue chatting. Chance to have a look at the event calendar for conducting these activities is very important. 2015, check out the list of mandatory vehicle As we progress through the year’s activities, equipment, examine other members vehicles for and our club officers all expend their own time in mods and ideas, and altogether just have a good planning and conducting their respective events time. Anybody interested ? it is somewhat comforting to do this in the knowledge that they will be ably supported in achieving the most successful outcomes possible. To continue this line of thought, as we benefit from the support of people and organizations outside the club, I would like to remind you all that the Western Patrol Club’s Convoy for Kids (that had to be postponed from June) is now scheduled for October 5th. Guy Lehmann is acting as our event leader for this day and he has set a high target for our participation as a club. This will be a wonderful opportunity to get together and have a bit of fun, but ultimately

Peter Cole President

Kids Convoy 2014

Western Patrol Club Inc : Convoy for sids and kids

RESCHEDULED Sunday October 5, 2014 Our club is keen to support the Western Patrol Club in their fund raising effort for the Sids and Kids WA charity. We would very much like to see as many club vehicles as possible attend this event and show the general community that we, along with every other 4WD club in WA, can get together and make a significant contribution to a very worthy cause.

The convoy registration web page, www.kidsconvoy.org, is now up and running. Please go to the web page and complete your registration, and then send an email to me at , president@mitsubishi4wd.org.au, and I can record your registration.

It is our intention to assemble for the convoy as a club, and proceed as a group to the finish point at the Kwinana Motoplex. Bring along your wallet as well, there will be heaps of raffle tickets to buy with great prizes to be won. All part of the fund raising for the day. You might be lucky and go home in a different car to the one you started with !!!!

WA4WDA Delegate report July 2014 By Linda Bickerdike Powerline Track. Two Rifle Clubs have leases adjacent to the track and the “Range danger area” has been extended due to high calibre weapons being used. Gates have been installed at Chidlow and Gorries roads to be closed by Rifle clubs when these weapons are in use. Vehicles are to use Great Eastern Highway to bypass this area and then re enter track. This is not an acceptable option for 4WD’s and assoc representatives still discussing options with DP&W. Kidson Track The National Council want to unify the permit system. An Assoc representative is working with the aboriginal elders to work out details. All info gained will go into a guide to accompany permits. Kaarakin 2 working bees have been held in June clubs camping with clubs camping overnight to enjoy a bonfire. Mitsubishi to have working bee/training day 20th September. Eastern Suburbs and Armadale clubs will also be assisting in the working bee. DP&W There are still some on going projects ie Eastern Suburbs – Avon Valley; LROC Donnelly District, TLCC have spent one week at Dryandra / Congellan and maybe work at Emu Rock, Armadale with Captain Fawcett , SouthWest Club doing work on Lennard Track and work was done at Dirk Hartog Island by members of the Association. Track Care are working on Warriedar and also work to commence on Narloo Homestead. DP&W are awaiting the new budget before assigning any more projects. Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds The Dept of Local Govt and Communities has developed a consultation Paper and a flyer reviewing the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act of 1995. Responses are required by Sept 1 2014. If anyone is interested they can read the document on www.digc.wa.au/CPCG-Consultation-Paper<http://www.digc.wa.au/CPCG-Consultation-Paper>

BYFORD DAY TRIP

Sunday 10th August 2014 - Jon and Kath Standen We arrived on the dot of 8am and were the last as usual. Pat Gave the assembled masses a concise briefing and after welcoming guest Christian and his family to the trip, we set out promptly at 8:15. By 8:30 we had entered the reserve, taking smooth tracks in and enjoying the pretty yellow gorse amongst the bush. We arrived at the Airfield shortly afterwards and aired down tyres. Following the perimeter road took us up a steep and rutted climb which proved no object. We attempted to take a trail down the hillside but Richard King found the way blocked by a large tree. Without a chainsaw, there was no option but to turn back and have a morning break at the Airfield. Radio chatter was still minimal, due I suspect to the shock of such an early start on a Sunday morning! After the break we set back out at 10:30am, taking the steep descent and onto the zig-zags, where a prominent rock nearly claimed it's first scalp. Thankfully our crossmember is lower than our sump, or was, at least.... At the base of the valley the recent rains had left some sections water logged, leading to an entertaining 30cm deep water crossing. Again, our route across the valley was blocked, this time by a mud hole and a large ledge which only a few of the group were equipped to negotiate. We later saw an unauthorised visitor to the reserve hang his Ute on the ledge by front and back bumpers. Our alternative route took us left up the valley side with a steep and rutted climb ending in some fine views of the valleys with flowers in bloom.

By 11:30 we had taken the right turn to the flat land of the old farmhouse site. A leisurely lunch enjoying the sun, wild lemons and buterflies followed. After lunch, our final 'blocked path' was the gate to Wungong dam. Richards keys did not fit, so sadly we had to make one last turn back to retrace our route and exit the park onto the Highway after airing up. We took the opportunity to thank Pat and Richard for an excellent and slickly organised day out and Byford reserve was looking beautiful once the sun shone, though clearly we are not the only people with 4x4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who can access it!

20th July 2014

Lane Pool Day Trip

Trip leaders: Brett Anderson and Murray Hudson

This was my first trip as a leader and thanks to everybody for making my task very easy and I wish to thank Murray for his help with this trip. I don`t have any photos of this trip... a small technical problem... I forgot to use the camera. We all met at the Dwellingup information centre and after watching the Hotham Valley steam engine shunting, we dragged everyone away to do our prestart and formed up into our convoy position. I started to go from car to car to check if everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radios were working only to find my navigator had already done this before I got to the second car, so we headed off to Nanga Town site. We turned onto the gravel road and stopped to air down . We then traveled through the bush with no difficult obstacles to reach our mornoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s site. This now

had a much larger puddle than the pre trip the week before (might have had something to do with 16 mm of rain overnight) so we were able to provide ‘water views’ for the members. We headed back onto the track where we had a couple of obstacles to engage... the first being a large deep puddle which was now deeper than at pretrip... so we took the chicken track to the left! I don`t remember this much water being on the bypass track either and Murray added that he didn’t remember any tree roots in this sidetrack! I got out to help guide people through this bit of bog and asked the wife /navigator to move the ute forward a little. “Yes dear. You are right! I did need to walk... a whole 100 metres further in the mud...!” The second obstacle was a large deep puddle which proved to be no challenge for the convoy . Then came the real challenge. We had no option but to drive over a largish fallen tree. With a little road building, we crossed with no troubles and made our way to the spot we had planned for lunch... only to find some other people had the same idea. So we parked all around them and had our lunch too. Stayed here for about an hour then made our way back to Lane Pool to sit and watch the water rapids for a while... before everyone packed up and headed home. Brett Anderson

More photos

Lane Pool Day Trip

LORELLA SPRINGS 19 JUNE - 20 JULY 2014

Trip Leader: Rick Irvine

Co Trip Leader Sue Irvine

Notes by Rick with comments from Jude In a nutshell: 6 vehicles, 3 left from Perth, 3 were already traveling and would meet us up there. Covered 8,500km Cost about $3,000 excluding Pre trip costs About 4,000km was on dirt Trip was 32 days

cause there was no pool this time of year.

Judith: Campsite in the creek bed. No rain.. no flash floods...except we were set up right where the cattle hoof prints came down the bank.. that worried me more.. we were on stretchers right there under the OstrichWing Why? awning! We slept soundly and warmly. Ice To visit areas I’ve wanted to visit for years since working on the camper trailer canvas. Our body warmth in the north of WA To locate and visit the 1950’s failed must have kept the OstrichWing awning dry? or irrigation project on the Fitzroy River To explore Lorella maybe the moisture froze before it could penetrate! Springs in the Northern Territory To travel to Alice Springs from Lorella without going onto Next.. Nullagine to Marble Bar, to 41km north camp at the main Stuart Highway. Doolena Gorge. Beautiful spot. Brinkleys and Irvines dined out in the middle of the broad sandy creek lit by Did we do it? the stars. Yes - all of it! By Sunday we were attempting a SHORT CUT to Sandfirst We departed Bindoon Bakery Bruce & Jude, David & fire via a track across the Coongan River. Our Tracy, Sue & myself, about 7.45 am on Thursday 19th training session on letting down tyre pressures and walkJune. Headed up Great Northern Hwy through Paynes ing the track. Find and Cue, 1st camp 93km nth of Cue just south of Although it was sandy and the Jones caravan bogged, Bluebird Mine . Then through Meekatharra, stopped at once freed it still seemed an ok direction to go. But we Newman for buying the things we’d left behind, bank- were stopped in the 3rd section of the river – about half ing, and to obtain permits from BHP to enter and camp way across. A great big sand hill in the middle of the river at Kalgan Pool... which was very disappointing only be- and further walking ahead revealed that the track only

got worse, was overgrown & even more sandy. We gave up and turned back. So much for my short cut to Sandfire!! Don’t believe everything on the map or navigation system.

We learned later that the sign was not legal..!.. just a deterrent message from the locals. It did cut 200km off the route, we got to explore another abandoned homestead, and it meant we had welcome hot showers and restaurant dinner at the Fitzroy River Lodge that night. Judith: Rick wanted to find deserted Eginbah So all good. homestead except it beat us. He called it a short cut... it was the first Judith: Next day we bit of actually going stopped to take a bush on the trip. microblitz sample intending to catch Later we learned the the others up. The homestead had been Irvines and Jones abandoned for many forgot to pass on years. Saw evidence of they were scheduled for their inlined up rocks and causeways but now mostly unjections that day, der layers of deep sand so while they were and washouts. Pity...old “shooting up “ in abandoned homesteads the Halls Creek are really interesting. carpark, we drove Was still a great experion through thinkence... so far from bituing we were trying men. to catch them up. We carried on forever northwards Via Muccan Shay Gap When we heard David commenting on two men Road/De Grey River/Shay Gap/ Boarderline Road. The on a bridge carrying a bucket and fishing rods, De Grey River crossing was dry so no challenges there. and we’d already passed that bridge, those men We stopped a number of times over the trip for Judy to and that bucket, we figured we were somehow do her soil sampling for science – MicroBlitz. in front now. Sandfire through to Roebuck Roadhouse then on to Willare Bridge. The rush to arrive in Kununurra before the park office In the wet the bush park beside the bridge would be closed was eased by a phone call metres under water but now gave us a good off road ahead to Bob and Bridget who were set up there already. By now they’d lunch spot. The Stop Go been on the road for 4 roadworks man at the Willare Bridge had us sitting weeks. They advised for 45minutes with no-one the park people we going in either direction. were on our way.. Secluded camp at Seventeen Mile Dam and walked around the embankments and crippled broken canal locks . This was the 1950’s rice growing project which failed when the Fitzroy River flooded higher than expected and wiped out the project. Definitely worth the look and a campsite. Next day headed further down the road to find the weir across the Fitzroy river where the diversion to the rice area was built. Crocs on the river banks. My intended route took us on a gazetted public road but this was blocked with a sign warning us away.. so our only route was through Paradise Station. Not something you want to do without prior permission but no alternative road.

Judith: when we got to Kununurra and did some laundry, we realised we didn't have much to wash... then Bruce reminded me we'd worn the same clothes for three days and nights...it'd been too freezing cold with predawn packups and afternoon setups to do otherwise. Our stay at Katherine Gorge camp ground gave us a chance to catch our breath and enjoy a cruise up the Katherine River and have a quick look around Katherine. Onto Cutta Cutta caves where most of the group did the

tour – They are around 20 million years old! I chickened owner, Peter, that we were probably the first group to out. I got stuck in a chimney when cave exploring some actually camp there. years ago. Lorella Springs was great with lots to see but we actually only saw a very small portion of it. One million acres is I stay out of caves now. Where did we get the idea there a big back yard. It did however lack the challenge and was this great coffee shop there? Then it was down Roper Highway and onto Roper Bar. The Roper Bar Causeway was closed due to Aboriginal Ceremonies in Arnhem Land just the other side of the river. The ruins of the old police station (and church) were interesting to wander through. They were partially burnt down by the locals some years ago. We left Roper Bar and camped at a place called Tomato Island in the Limmen National Park. Pleasant, and simple and quite populated. Some of the residents there were long time stayers and well equipped for their fishing trips on the river. driving excitement I was expecting. The tracks to all the We were now up to Day 11. We took a look at St Vidgeon attractions were in a better condition than anticipated Ruins and the lagoon at the foot of the hill. Again some and while there were water crossings and plenty of corlong term caravanners had set up there. Great camp site. rugations they were easily conquered. Most places were 2WD drive. From here onto the Savannah Way. Not a good road!!! Fossil Fern Rocks with fossils embedded in the rock. Off it we turned on to the Lorella Springs road.. a little Tawlah Pool. The Water Slide. Wild Fire Gorge. Climb the Ridge to overlook Lorella Springs. Eagle’s Nest Billbetter.? abong. Huge camp area spread out and there we met up with Crocodile Spring where Trish and David rowed in the Trish & Malcolm Harrison who had arranged to spend resident tinny up and down the billabong. These places the week with us exploring the area. They had arrived by were just a sampling only. coming north via our intended route south so were able to give us prior knowledge of problems ahead. This coming summer wet season they will be the resident care- We enjoyed the warm thermal spring right at the camptakers for Lorella Springs Nov to April. No way in or out. site and which could substitute for a shower but Nudie Springs had the heat.! Water there came out of the Isolated by rain from about January on. They’ll love it. Another couple, friends of the Brinkleys from Queensland, ground @ 50° but by the time it reached the spring it was Janene & Barry, joined us for a while and joined in with a very comfortable 38°. our activities. While at Lorella Springs we did what each of us wanted Monday 7th July we departed and headed towards Alice to do and visited what attractions that took our interest. Springs via the back tracks. We all walked through the The Brinkleys & Harrisons & Janene & Barry went off to Southern Lost City geological monoliths. Rosie’s Fishing Camp to do some fishing and try for the We visited the Barkly Homestead, travelled through Epenerra Station and stayed at Policemans Waterhole. We Barra. They got Queenies but no Barra – too cold. The rest of us made for the Secret Fishing Spot and we saw the ruins of the Frew River Cattle Station (abanrenamed it Sandfly Alley – just ask David. The owners doned in 1894) & Police Station (1918–1921) in the Davof the station had just finished pushing through a new enport National Park. track to the Secret Fishing Spot and we were told by the Continued along Binns Track to the Hatches Creek mine

ruins. Next off to Dulcie Range National Park... a National Park with no public access and no track access. We travelled Binns Track a lot of the time travelling at speeds that only a snail could imagine. We went through creek beds, rocky tracks, ‘Gibber stones” and red dust. Oh my God! Red dust (and bitterly cold at night). What a combination!! Judith: When your draped dishcloth can stand on its own the next morning...it’s cold. David & Tracey left us somewhere along the Binns track and arranged to meet us again in Alice Springs. Their new caravan had stood up well so far, but the report that Malcolm & Trish had provided for the track further on was not something that David wanted to put the van through. It turned out he made a very wise decision. It turned out to be my favorite place for the whole trip. The waterfall (not flowing) gathered into a large permanent rock pond. Water still seeped out of the rocks or small spring. This was the source of water for the old homestead. Leaving there was very hard. Peaceful. The views from the ridge top were spectacular. Then it was through Huckitta Station via station tracks that again were not on any map we had. We just kept following the little blue arrow on the mapping system and headed south. The cattle didn’t help either; they had a knack of totally obliterating the tracks near the water holes. If nothing else, if we kept heading south, we would fall over the Plenty Highway. By some miracle in navigation we came to the old Whisteduck Mine site. Again it was in- tact and little evidence of visits by anyone. We were now on the lookout for the abandoned Old Further on we stopped at the dam that supplied the old Huckitta Homestead. We were now cutting east across mining settlement. today’s Huckitta Cattle Station in the direction of the Dulcie Range. From there it was onto the Plenty Highway – a mongrel of a road and onto the Gemtree Caravan Park only a day’s Any relationship between tracks on the map and where we were going were strictly coincidental. I had co-ordinates of the old Huckitta Homestead Ruins and the tracks we were on wasn’t leading us to them. By luck we found an old disused track which was almost indistinguishable. Bruce & Chris (David Eggleston’s travelling buddy, co-driver and photographer) started walking and we lost them over the hill, but hand held radios kept us up to date with where the track was leading. After quite a while we got the OK that a track did exist – may be - sort of. After a bit of scrub bashing we eventually arrived at the ruins of the old homestead and were total rapt. No footprints, no car tracks, no fire places were to be seen. No-one had been there for ages!! It was almost pristine.

drive out from Alice. We enjoyed an outdoor film evening and then the rain set in. And it rained and it rained all night. It caught a few of us unaware and with David wet, and Chris drenched! We packed our soggy campers up next morning, bought bacon & egg sandwiches and ate them under cover around a drum fire. It was then onto Alice Springs, catch up with David & Tracy again, into heated cabin accommodation and out of the rain. Didn’t like the rain & the cold - tough aren’t we!). A rest day in Alice allowed everyone to dry out and fix cars etc. From then on it was homeward bound... down the Great Central Highway. We started to get the scent of home. Lunch at Lassiter’s Cave and if anyone found gold they haven’t told me. Judith: A camp stop near four gnamma holes where the old road made a great level campsite, we were visited during the night by a number of camels. Just noises in the night for all bar the guys on stretcherswags. Potentially a bit more slobbery, up close and personal for them. Onwards and forever onwards when an overnight stop at The Pines revealed a trailer bearing and hub a bit the worse for wear. Two nights form Perth. With the assistance of 4 expert mechanics, each giving each other advice, the bearing was changed and we were off next morning. The journey home continued. Laverton and on towards Kalgoorlie. We did the traditional bakery stop this time at Menzies. After a short break, David & Chris left us as David was visiting his brother in Kalgoorlie. Also the smell of home was too great for the Brinkley’s so they hightailed for home too. On Saturday just three of us left Kalgoorlie. The McPherson’s , Jones and Irvines headed home. Started with two trailers and a caravan...ended with two trailers and a caravan. My Most Memorable Moments Lorella Springs Station Viewing the Gulf of Carpentaria Finding the abandoned Huckitta Station Finding the Whistleduck mine The friendship and mateship of all those on the trip. Thanks for a great trip and we have to do another one in the very near future. Rick Irvine

LORELLA SPRINGS TRIP

Long Weekender Camping Trip Friday Sept 26 to Monday Sept 29

Commencing

at Minnivale Townsite and travelling to Marshall Rock campsite

Relaxing weekend exploring the local region Marshall Rock Campsite is a bush campsite and therefore you must be fully self suffiicient Caravan Friendly

Trip Continued

Wheatbelt Way Monday Sept 29 to Saturday Oct 4 Travelling the Wheatbelt Way through the North Eastern Wheatbelt Visiting places of interest including Elachbutting Rock Will be a mix of bush camping and caravan parks Some unsealed roads, but otherwise caravan friendly. Further details

and regeister your interest with

Rick Ellis 0409 882 357

PERTH 4WD AND ADVENTURE SHOW 7-9 NOVEMBER 2014