Monthly newsletter of the Mitsubishi 4WD O wner ’s Club of Western Australia Inc. 1985 March 2015 Issue 338
Trip Notes: Moondyne Country 2015 Committee Bush Tracks: Binns Track Part 2
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: Harvey Hatch Treasurer: Bridget McPherson Editor: Martin Archer IT Officer: Rob Nankiville Environment: VACANT WebMaster: Paul Ryan Trip Coordinator: Pat O’Dowd Training Officer: Richard King Membership Officer: Peter Fry Insurance/Propoerty: Murray Hudson WA 4WD Assoc.Delegate: Linda Bickerdike Trackcare Delegate: Bruce Brinkley
Click here to got to the club trip calendar
2015 Membership Fees NOW DUE $110
How to pay: In order of preference. Electronic Funds Transfer
Pay to Account Number: 2840244 BSB: 306 089 Account name: Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club Reference payment: “Membership� followed by Your surname
In Person
To the Treasurer (Bridget) at the April meeting
Send cheque* with explanation of payment to: Secretary Mitsubishi 4WD Owners NOTE: Club PO BoxWA No longer used P.O. Box 2518 Mt Claremont If subscription required by mail Please contact the Secretary WA 6010 *
Cheque: Apparently still exists today where an amount is written on a piece of paper and handed to someone else, who in turn takes it to a building where it gets held for over a month before being passed on to another building where it sits for another month before the recipient of the money eventually sees it appearing in their bank statement.
Introducing BluBags™ Portable Drinking Water Solutions BluBags™ are new and innovative products to carry and store drinking water. They come in different ranges and sizes to suit different applications and are unlike any other product available on the market. While it looks like a regular bladder tank, the secret lies in its two layer design: heavy-duty polyester or UV resistant PVC for strength and durability, and an easily replaceable inner layer, made from food-grade polyethylene. The water never comes into contact with the outer layer, so it stays fresh and tasting great. That way you can quickly change the water-filled inner layer when required. There are no cleaning or maintenance costs involved and the BluBags™ are ready for use in no time. The uses are endless: camping, travelling, boating, caravanning, 4WD, mining, farming or industrial sites, you name it. They come in sizes from 20 to 20,000 litres, and unlike jerry cans, 44-galon drums, huge metal tanks and so on, BluBags can be folded up when not needed and stored taking up very little space. There’s also a range of accessories available for the BluBags, pumps, taps, chillers and suchlike. More on www. blubag.com.au. They can be ordered online via our secure store and payment mechanisms. BluBags were recently featured in the Western 4W Driver magazine (94th Edition, Autumn 2015). Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club members receive 10% off all BluBag products on all orders. Enter the code ‘m4wdwa’ in the online store. Not valid with any other offer.
BluBag™ Solutions for Camping and Boating The Problem Camping, caravaning and boating are popular recreational activities. When going out into the bush, or out to sea, it is essential that an adequate supply of water is available for use and for emergency situations should they arise. Today, most water containers for such activities are hard body plastic tanks such as jerry cans. They are rigid, take up much needed space and require regular cleaning. After a short while, users complain of the water having a plastic flavour. The same applies to onboard containers found in caravans and boats.
The Solution The BluBag™ portable drinking water solution provides an innovative, cost-effective and easy to use solution that can be used in every camping, caravanning and boating application. With their flexible shape, they can be stored in out-of-the-way areas in caravans and boats and easily moved as required. When not required they are folded away and do not take much storage space. Caravan and boat users can use their onboard tanks for showering and cleaning, while the water kept in BluBags™ can be used for drinking and cooking.
Benefits
Supplied with standard connections - just connect and fill.
Zero maintenance and no need for cleaning.
Folds away and requires very little storage space.
Reusable - easily restored to full functionality after use.
Easily transportable and does not require water trucks.
For more information contact: BluBag™ Australia Website: www.blubag.com.au Phone: +61 (0) 8 9467 2511 Email: info@blubag.com.au
www.BluBag.com.au
Our Final Magazine This is the final newsletter in magazine type format, the way our club presents news and stories to our members is evolving to take advantage of contempory information technology. This means, after this eMagazine has been published, the club’s news, trip stories, feature articles and much more will be available as it happens, in an easy to read format and quickly accessible on any reading device.
THE NEW WEB SITE WILL BE UP AND RUNNING VERY SOON
Extended Trip: 2016. Dates TBA
Remote Desert Terrain: Level 3
Maximum vehicles : 6 (Members Only) NO TRAILERS NOR OFF-ROAD CARAVANS Meeting place to be arranged with participants RSVP: Malcolm and Trish before June 30, 2015 PH: 0407 993 265 malcolmandtrish@gmail.com This is a trip of a lifetime as you will be in probably the most publicly accessible but remotest desert location in OZ with no other support than your fellow travelling companions. You may also find some sense of achievement in that since Madigan’s crossing in 1939, it wasn’t until 1994 that an outback expedition lead by Owen Correa located and physically marked the camps again, and only about half a dozen groups attempt this trip each year. Unlike the typical W/E crossing of the Simmo along the French line where 12,000 vehicles crossed in 2012!! YOU WILL NEED: Time: To get from Perth to Mt Dare and Birdsville back to Perth. The crossing is expected to take around 10 days 4WD with: Low Range High clearance Good quality tyres min 50% tread 2 spare tyres/rims or tyre plus tyre changing gear and skills Tyre repair kit Preferably relatively new model or perfectly sound vehicle Approved Mechanical Check-up may be requested Ability to carry 250lt Diesel Ability to carry a minimum of 30lt water per person Compressor Good mechanical knowledge of your vehicle and your choice of ‘spares’ (eg.shockies,bushings) Permits: Will be discussed later, but readily available Sand Driving experience All the necessary desert recovery and traction aid equipment UHF Radio One or more of the group to have HF or Satphone GSOH – Good sense of Humour GSOA – Good sense of Adventure ATGO – Able to get on (with people)
WA4WDA Delegate report March 2015 BLAZEAID Blazeaid will be assisting in the Northcliffe area over the next few months. Volunteers – individuals or club run events are welcomed. See website blazeaid.com BlazeAid volunteers: Not just rebuilding fences, but helping rebuild lives. BIRD RESCUE BCPS have requested assistance from WA4WDA to set up a recovery transport roster for injured birds also for the collection of fruit and vegetables from supermarkets. Any members interested in assisting please send their interest to secretary@wa4wda.com.au with name, email, phone and club. BUSY BEE Busy Bee 14th June – Mitsubishi Club have volunteered to participate in this Busy Bee – co-ordinator required. KIDSON TRACK The Kidson Track is now known as the Nyangumarta Highway. From the 1st March a permit fee of $50 will be required to drive the Highway It can be either the beginning or exit to the Canning Stock Route. A booklet will be issued with details of history and do’s and don’ts. Callawa Track still no access and Loop has not been surveyed. Total Highway is approx 450k ASSOC WEB PAGE Web Manager is currently looking into options for updating the current website to something a little more interactive that will include a calendar containing club trips, meeting dates, busy bee’s etc. The website facelift will be a great advertising point when promoting the 4WD association. We hope to achieve a broader spectrum of visitors by integrating keywords in our webpage that will link to Google search’s, Facebook advertising and social media platforms. As part of the facelift we will be seeking photographs of 4WD trips, action shots anything you think stands out for us to collate and create web banners. Now is your opportunity to show of your photography skills! ASSOC FACEBOOK PAGE Numbers are increasing with an average of 7 new likes per week. a target audience of approx 1000 followers will soon e reached. This is great advertising for the WA 4WD association. Clubs are actively encouraged to contribute to the page to post pics and share information. For any of you who still requires contribute access please contact webmanager@wa4wda.com.au DPAW Funding for projects through DPaW is at an all time low – non existant.
Stuart Harrison (DPaW) has passed on information re external sponsorship. Clubs are asked for any people who are interested in forming a sub committee to look at sponsorships for the purpose of projects in conjunction with DPAW Please send in any interest to Jan secretary@wa4wda.com.au. CLUB VISITS Members of Executive Committee will be visiting clubs during the year – Jan to make a list of meeting nights and co ordinate the visits If you have a prefered date for a visit please convey to Jan
INSURANCE Arthur J Gallagher USA are now in Australia and have taken over OAMPS DOWERIN The Dowerin Gathering is to become a bi-annual event. The Association is seeking expressions of interest of any club interested in running a multi-club Gymkhana type event there this year or other in-between year .
Easter Weekend
Trip Leader's Name
PAT O'DOWD
Trip Title (Location)
HOLLAND TRACK 4 Nights
Terrain being driven
Hills and bush
Trip Grade
Level 2
Start date
03/04/15
Trip duration
1-day Overnight
End Date
07/04/15
Maximum number of vehicles
7
2 or 3 nights Extended Participants
Members Only Visitors Welcome
Meeting time
Special Requirements RSVP by: Trip Leader e-mail Contact phone Other comments
8:00
Meeting Location
KFC MUNDARING 7295 GREAT EASTERN HWY, MUNDARING
It is expected that all participants have the mandatory club equipment as per club Policies and Procedures 31/03/15 tripleader@hotmail.com 0477.035.858 Mundaring - Coolgardie = 521 kms Coolgardie - Hyden = 354 kms Hyden - Armadale = 314 kms
Holland Track in Three Nights Trip Leader's Name
Peter Cole
Terrain being driven
Hills and bush
Trip Grade
Level 3
Start date
03/04/15
Trip duration
End Date
06/04/15
Maximum number of vehicles
1-day Overnight
7
2 or 3 nights Extended
Visitors Welcome Meeting time
Special Requirements RSVP by: Trip Leader e-mail Contact phone Other comments
10.00
Meeting Location
KFC MUNDARING
It is expected that all participants have the mandatory club equipment as per club Policies and Procedures 20/03/15 petercole7@bigpond.com 0419.939.190
The Binns Track Detailed Part 2 of 2 From Davenport Ranges to Timber Creek
By Malcolm Harrison
If you have enjoyed the first detailed part of the Binns Track, then pack up the tent, check the tyres engage 4WD and buckle up as we leave Old Policemans Station Waterhole and continue the journey to its culmination in Timber Creek. Heading the 10km or so back to the main track we turn left and make our way past the aboriginal community at Wu t u n u g u r r a
then shortly thereafter heading west on the north side of the Davenport Ranges. As you head west, the road also continues straight on. This takes you a couple of hundred meters or so to Epenarra Station where you can refuel, have a coffee and snack or shop at their ‘Store’ which has a range of goodies from washing machines to car batteries to foodstuffs, including fresh vegies (if you are there at the right time) For those regular outback travellers, there is a station track on Epenarra that links the station with the Barkly Highway about 11km southwest of the Barkly Roadhouse which the owners allow people to use if you ask nicely, provided they are not mustering along the way. All you need to do is call them when you exit the property on arrival at the Highway. There is mobile coverage there.
From the Epenarra turnoff it is 120km of good gravel road to the Stuart Highway, passing a turn off south to Whistleduck Creek in the northwest part of the Davenport Ranges. There are camping facilities here, and if there has been some rain, the creeks can be quite spectacular. When arriving at the black top of the Stuart Hwy, you are just 18km north of the Devils Marbles, a magnificent field of granite boulders like huge Easter eggs. Due to the reddish colour of the Marbles, they are at their best either at sunset or sunrise. If you haven’t been before, it is well worth the 38km round trip. There is a well set up camp ground, but it can be very busy during the ‘season’ If you don’t head down to see the Marbles, it is 87km north up the Stuart Hwy to Tennant Creek where you can wet your whistle at the pub, refuel, visit the museum, gold stamp battery and old telegraph station or even camp up at the wellappointed caravan park. There is a visitor’s centre which has a lot of information on the early prospecting days around the area. Leaving Tennant Creek behind, it is 23km up the Ways Roadhouse, which Barklay Hwy and Stuart have a meal if required, the John Flynn memorial the night. For those Flynn founded the Flying Flynn Story)
Stuart Hwy to the Three marks the junction of the Hwy. You can refuel and then take a short walk to or even camp up for who don’t know. John Doctor Services (The John
Continuing our way further north, it is another 136km to Renner Springs where again you can refuel, have a meal or camp up for the night. If continuing onwards, the next point of call is Elliott a further 92km away. Elliott sprung up as a World War II Army camp and staging point, based at a Bore on the Newcastle (once owned by Kerry Packer). There is a memorial situated at the old camp and adjacent to the bore. Elliott now services the local pastoral community and has a hotel, fuel and caravan park.
Waters Station
If you are about ready to pitch the tent for the night, I would recommend going on to Longreach Waterhole, situated on Newcastle Creek which runs into Lake Woods. This is a huge waterhole with camping facilities and a drop toilet. There’s good fishing, birdwatching and boating on the waterhole. Another spot where you can recharge your batteries for a couple of nights before continuing along the Binns Track. To get to the waterhole head north out of Elliott 1.5km from the fuel station, and there is a gravel road on the left, I don’t think there is any signage, but it is another 11.2km along this gravel road to the waterhole. Ignore any signs you may see that may say something like Private Property as this gives the impression that there is no access. Although it is on private property, the owners allow people to camp there for a small fee. This gravel road can be quite corrugated, but it is a great camp spot with plenty of places to camp on the banks of the waterhole. Back on the Stuart Hwy just out of Elliott, we head north again on the blacktop for 100km and enter
Dunmarra, where you can refuel and a further 18km north we take a left at the junction of the Buchanan Highway, signed to Top Springs. The Highway is a quite good gravel road, but like most they can deteriorate quickly with the passage of heavy traffic and absence of graders, so drive to the conditions. Top Springs is 181km from the Stuart Hwy and is right at the junction
of the Buntine Hwy and the Buchanan Hwy. It is a stopping and refuelling point with camping, basic meals and a bar.
We now continue our way along the Buchanan Hwy to what was once the world’s largest pastoral property; Victoria River Downs. It once boasted 41,000sqkm before having much of its property resumed by the authorities and now only ‘weighs in’ at 8,900sqkm, which is less than half of the current largest property of Anna Creek. In the good old days it used to be referred to as The Big Run. It is still running large heads of cattle requiring mustering by helicopter. In fact a company has set up their heli-mustering business at Victoria River Downs station, and it is not uncommon to see about half a dozen Robinson choppers sitting on the deck as you pass by. The station is 99km from Top Springs. Just 2km past Victoria River Downs station there is a sign indicating the Humbert Track to your left. We take this track and head towards the Gregory National Park. Note that virtually all the tracks in the Gregory NP are closed during the ‘wet’ as they become impassable. It may take some time after the wet and on into the tourist ‘season’ before Parks and Wildlife are able to open up the tracks, so it is wise to check with Parks and Wildlife in Timber Creek before embarking on this section. You can download the Parks leaflet on
4WD in Judbarra/Gregory NP from the NT Parks and Wildlife site. This details all tracks in the
park including the Humbert Track and states that towing is not recommended. It doesn’t actually say they are forbidden, but occasionally some ill-informed, illprepared and ill-trained people need recovering from the track. Having spoken to a couple of rangers in Timber Creek and them seeing my Vista RV Crossover, they said I should be OK. A word of note here is that you need to be experienced in towing and have the right type of offroad trailer/van to complete this section. Alternatively, you can keep straight on past the Humbert Track turn off and reach the Victoria Highway via Jasper Gorge. This is 90km from the turn off and passes through the spectacular scenery of Jasper Gorge, where there is a smallish camping area by a waterhole, but there are no facilities. Care needs to be taken through the gorge area as the track is quite rocky. The remainder of the highway is good gravel. Exiting on the Victoria Hwy and turning left, it is 28km to the end of the Binns Track at Timber Creek. For those keen enough and prepared enough to complete the Binns Track, lets hang a left., The
track follows the Wickham and Humbert rivers for 47km, arriving at the Humbert River Station before becoming the Humbert Track proper and entering the National Park. From here the track is generally easy going with some quite rugged sections about midway. There are a number of water crossings and depending on the time of season, will dictate how deep they will be. But be aware that if the Parks have officially opened the track, it will not be too difficult. The Humbert Track links Bullita Station and Humbert River Station and was an early packhorse and cattle droving track and provided the vital link between the stations for transporting supplies. From Humbert River Station, the track runs along the southern side of the Humbert River for 17km before entering Top Humber Yard where you will need to cross the river. There are camping facilities here with BBQs. The track then heads north, crossing a number of watercourses before crossing Fig Tree Creek just before Fig Tree Yard, which also has camping facilities provided by Parks. From Humbert Top Yard to Fig
Tree Yard is about 28km, then a further 17km to the Old Bullita Homestead which is well set up for camping with most facilities, including interpretive signs. From Bullita Homestead it is 49km to the Victoria Highway then just 10km west to Timber Creek, however, if you have the time, there are many other tracks, camping and fishing spots in the National Park. Again it would be wise to download the information from the Parks website and talk to the rangers in Timber Creek. Note that all the rivers and creeks in Judbarra are tributaries of the Victoria river, which is famous for its proliferation of crocodiles, These crocs will work their way up these tributaries during the wet, chasing the barramundi and would typically go back to the Victoria River during the dry, but please be cros-wise when near any of the water in the park. If not staying in the park and enjoying some of the sights and tracks, on the way out of the Park about 8km north of the Bullita Homestead is a turning to the left to Limestone Gorge. This ends 6km from the main track and there is a further 2km walk at the end for those who need to stretch their legs. This is a picturesque walk taking in limestone topographical features such as calcite flows and tufa dams. The end of the Binns Track is Timber Creek, over 2000km from Mt Dare. It is quite a long trip to complete the track in one hit and many people split it up and do sections at a time. Arriving in Timber Creek, you can re-provision at the small supermarket, refuel at either of the petrol stations, visit the visitors centre and even sign up for a Victoria River croc spotting cruise. There is a well-appointed caravan park, but for those wanting to ‘free camp’, 10km west is a good camp area near the river called Big Horse Creek, and for a small fee you get good drop toilets, water and BBQs, plus access to river a short distance from the camp. Be aware that this is a popular place for the Grey Nomads and can get full pretty early on in the day during the season For those heading east to Katherine, there is a fantastic camp area at Flora River Nature Park and should not be missed (like many travellers do). There’s a small fee, toilets and showers, plus some great river walks.
A final note of thanks to Bill Binns and those who compiled the track. It is one of the longest and most varied tracks we have in Australia and a ‘must do’ for all outback travellers.
Moondyne Country Trip 11th January 2015
Meeting place: Gingers Roadhouse, Great Northern Hwy. 8.45 for 9am start. Trip leader Steven Kalyniuk. 11 vehicles including 3 groups of visitors enjoyed this trip though farmland, forest and wilderness reputed to be the hideout areas of Joseph Bolitho Johns AKA “Moondyne Joe�, the infamous WA bush ranger in the 1860s.The convoy set off after briefing by Stephen, with Pat acting as Tail End Charlie. The start was delayed very slightly to allow emergency vehicles dealing with the hot weather and a bushfire in nearby Bullsbrook to access great Northern Hwy without overtaking us all. Following a pleasant drive enjoying the countryside and wildlife along Chittering Rd, Smiths Rd and Fraser Rd, some radio chat about visibility, dirty cars and what time we could expect a morning tea break, we left the bitumen at Wilson Rd. to start the off road fun. The gravel track was dry, dusty, and included some corrugations, fallen trees and wash out areas to wake up Sunday morning drivers. At the gated area on top of a steep descent the group stopped to engage low range gears. As Peter Cole slipped and slid down the first section on foot to act as photographer a very fit looking and nimble runner jogged up the way, followed by (presumably) his back up vehicle. Once the way was clear we set off allowing plenty of space and time between cars. Negotiating the ruts and bumps on the way down proved to be a fairly challenging and slow exercise over some quite tricky areas, with some largish rocks, a couple of quite narrow areas and the gradient adding interest. All made it safely to the morning tea break near the valley bottom river and railway track. Visitors and regulars alike had enjoyed the experience, with some now expressing concern about how to get back up. Conversation ranged from driving
tips, introductions between those who hadn’t met before, stories from other trips, and the animals spotted during the morning. The ponies, cattle, donkey, sheep, hens etc. were seen by most, but the snake was spotted only by a few! Getting back up to the track over the same terrain was also tricky. Apparently nearly slipping into ruts and rising anxiety levels led to the use of colourful language in some cars! A short distance from the top of the slope was the walking track to the area of cattle trap and holding pens built by Moondyne Joe. The track was quite overgrown so there was a quick “tick check” before moving on via Julimar Rd back to the bitumen, and onward to the lunch stop at a park with good facilities on the outskirt of Toodyay, where the nearby railway line provided trainspotting opportunities while everyone enjoyed food and drink under shady trees. Topics of conversation here included: the condition of the Holland Track for Easter, suitable camping equipment for off road areas, more talk about snakes and how to avoid them, how to download apps for maps, installation of oziexplorer on a variety of devices, and other stories of trips and travels. A stop at the old Newcastle Gaol and Police stables continued the local history theme, before the journey to Avon Valley National Park along sections of sealed and gravel road. Into the park Peter moved to the front of the convoy, just to get ahead of the dust some said, and led the way to Bald Hill, and the short walk to the spectacular view from the lookout point. (The ladies decided it might not be politically correct to discuss how fit and nimble the aforementioned runner was at this point). Driving over corrugated track led to some discussion about suitable tyre pressure and speeds; visibility through the dust prevented trying out the higher speed theory. Trip notes: Tony F and Flo.
News Behind the Meeting March 2015 By Judith Brinkley
AGM went smoothly and quickly....with all formalities and acceptances of reports planned and
choreographed prior to the night.
The President’s annual report for 2014 - 2015 was given by Peter and will be available on both website and coming magazine. Tony Weldon (a member since 1990) applauded Peter Cole for his presidential year and all the work he has undertaken ensuring the club stays both active and headed in a sound direction. The Treasurer gave her financial report.. and it’s good to know we are still a very viable association with financial “room to move” for the coming year. Bridget advised a further $4000 had been set aside for expected equipment replacement this year. Thanks were given to Muntz and Partners for their ongoing yearly auditing of accounts. A request was put out to members... worthwhile ideas on how to use some of the funds would be welcomed... ideally by either presenting ideas to one of the Committee, or to come to a committee meeting and present the idea personally. Don Swift asked if there were plans to spend the excess funds. Peter responded that the annual budget is in current process of being planned and will be discussed down the track. Keith asked the members to accept Bridget’s report and to be thankful that her term was not to finish that night. Bridget keeps easy to understand and accurate records. Roger then adopted the role of Returning Officer as various positions in the Club and Management Committee were declared vacant, and the Rules of Association were followed. Dave and Sue Morrison gave thanks to the outgoing committee for their “behind the scenes” quiet achievements in keeping meetings running smoothly. Presidency is to remain with Peter Cole. After many years John King has passed over “the Secretarial Quill” and Harvey Hatch has assumed the important role of Secretary. John and Rosalie will now be free to do more travelling. Webmaster to be Paul Ryan. Magazine to remain with Martin. Insurance Officer Murray Hudson Training Officer Richard King to remain. Environment Officer was put to the floor but handed in for future negotiations. After the March 18 Committee Meeting the assistants will be announced. The AGM was officially closed. After a short break the new officers assumed their positions ...which pretty much meant sat back down in their same seats ... except for Harvey. This is the Club’s 30th Anniversary Year.
TRIP REPORTS: January: Cheynes Beach
Trip Leader: Martin Archer
No photos as the thumb drive Martin handed over to the IT guys apparently had a few movies on it.. just no photos of the Trip. Though Martin did say that because it was very much a laid back, do nothing, go nowhere, time away.. not many exciting photos were taken. Contemplating navels, or kettles boiling on the campfire, is definitely a sound reason for a Club Trip. Martin did let us know of Waychinup Beach. It’s a nearby excellent spot for camping too, great beach, no van access, only campsites and a 4WD needed to access it. ie not quite so populated. February: Lancelin
Trip Leader: Neil Hewer.
Great fun for all...with memories continuing long after as sand kept falling from parts of the car for days after. Neil said it was the quietest he’s seen the “traffic” on the dunes. Four of the trippers had never experienced dune driving before. Sue not only drove 4WD’ing for the first time, she also had a a great time doing all the dune driving. Pat, true to form, buried his DMax 3 times. Good teaching experience for the newcomers... not the burying, but the getting out!!! To the accompaniment of laughter and heckling, Rick Lazar told us how, using a butane cigarette lighter, to reseal a tyre that’s lost it’s seal...method not to be repeated here... plus tongue in cheek admonishments from Paul “not to try this at home”. UP COMING TRIPS: March 22nd Gnangara Park Gary Izzard / Pat O’Dowd With apologies but I was distracted when this was discussed. March 29th Up The Murray with Paul Ryan Paul said the purpose of the trip is to have fun!! Members and visitors are invited, and so far there are 28 cars signed up. Paul advised the most interesting bit of the day is ‘he doesn’t know any trees in WA large enough to fit 28 cars underneath for mornos and lunch’. Maybe we can do it in timed sittings?? parkings?? Next advice Paul gave was that there would be NO mornos because it would take us three hours to get moving... ! A request for those going, for those who have them, to take awnings... and food for laps for mornos. EASTER WEEKEND April 2nd
Lucky Bay
Guy Lehmann
Guy will email participants directly. Guy requested if anyone has the way points for the turnoff could they please email them to him. Great.. The Trip Leader doesn’t know where he’s going. ( I think he’s still trying remember where he turned last time) Lucky Bay is north of Geraldton....somewhere...but it’s definitely not the Lucky Bay down south. Holland Track ...for those unfamiliar with the Holland Track conditions ( and when Bruce and I joined up we had no idea where it was, let alone what the conditions could be like...) If it is or has been raining.. then it’s definitely a members only trip which is Pat’s Trip.. but Peter Cole has accommodated that eventuality for his Holland Track group in having an alternative “venue” to explore just in case... hence visitors welcome to join.
We personally have been along the track twice now but each time it was dry and still a very interesting route to go. Interesting too in that you can see why in the wet it is for experienced drivers only.
April 3rd
Holland Track Pat O’Dowd
Members Only. This trip will go from West to East. April 3rd
Holland Track Peter Cole
Visitors welcome. Starting off at Heyden on Good Friday.. at a time to allow for comfortable travel from Perth. 1st night camp Mt Holland 2nd night camp Cat Camp 3rd night camp Thursday Rock then on to Coolgardie and back to Perth on Easter Monday. By adhering to the ‘3 nights only’ rule for visitors, definitely a good trip for visitors to enjoy. ...and a comment from one of the members that...4WD Club, Toyota 4WD Club and Adventure Offroad are all heading to the Holland Track... It all adds to the experience..!
April 25th Ninghan Station
Eddie Chalk
A long weekend of driving and camping. $10 a night to be on the station. Interesting place to visit 5 hours north east of Perth. The club has been there many times and there are still many places to explore.
May 17th Mundaring Powerlines Rick Lazar Level 4 Members Only It’s in “Trips out of Perth” book. History in the Hills is it’s other name. All difficult sections have side tracks for those who don’t want to participate in the locked and lifted parts. Dry versus Wet..? totally different animals according to Rick.
Future : Madigan Line Malcolm Harrison / Pat O’Dowd No Date yet. May to September 2016 or 2017 Asking for expressions of interest. 10 days on the track itself. No trailers. Need spare shockies / 2 wheels. 800 Sand dunes. Starts Mount Dare, Oodnadatta on edge of Simpson Desert. Rick Lazar called out... “Pat! There are 800 sand dunes..and you get stuck on every one..! How long do you think you’ll take?”
UPCOMING EVENTS: March 21st
Herdsmans Lake Tavern Jan Freegard
‘Pre- tripped’ by Roger and Jan..! MEMBERS FORUM: Club Buying Group Judith: Stainless Steel fully moulded Thermal mugs with Club logo etched. List on the Trip board for orders. Up to 30+ by end of night. John King: asked if anyone saw the Television program previous night.. To remove ticks ...Buy from Chemist an instant freeze used on warts and skin tags.
Linda: 1/ Pls contact her if you’d like a free iron on badge of the 4WD Association of WA. 2/ 7th March. 9am - Noon.
Kaarakin: Need help at the Kaarakin Busy Bee. Morning tea provided.
14th 15th June: Kaarakin: Need help to spread mulch and sand day. Peter Cole promised Mitsubishi Club will cover that day.
Steve Delides: Offering his “entry level” 4WD for sale. Phone him. Information: DEFES advise that it is mandated that recreational 4WD’s are not to be used in a fire ban area. Neil Hewer: Raised the question of the viability of defibrillator batteries. Discussion followed from those who are familiar with defibs that batteries will outlast the use of the units.
Peter Fry: A Recall Challengers and Tritons..re automatics of towing heavy vehicles. Martin:
A Recall
Pajeros re possible Timing Chain failure 2007 - 2014 vehicles.
Raffle Draw, Supper and Close. Next Meetings: Committee March 18th Members Meeting April 1 (Wed night before Easter break)
On Presidents Past by Tony Weldon,
Since joining the Club in October 1990, Stella and I have seen quite a few members who have given a huge amount of time and effort to the Club. People like John King who has made an enormous contribution over many years as Secretary...but who was also President for three years! Another standout, who has been mostly forgotten as he is "so quiet and self-deprecating", is John Bromberger, who was President before most you were members, and for a long time gave massive, and costly, support to the Club especially with the magazine printing. The role of the President is a difficult one. It is a combination of being Emperor, politician, herder of cats (yep, you’ve got them in a corner but then one escapes), psychologist, and committee chairman. He has to be active at the coalface plus being involved with multiple Club activities. Over recent times, we have had some great Presidents. The two Johns as mentioned before...but also Rick Ellis, Paul Ryan and Martin Archer. All of whom have given excellent leadership to the members of the Club...so I am glad that this tradition has not 'petered' out with the current President. Peter Cole has, and is, doing a great job as our present President and I wonder how he gets time to do everything he is involved in. Our Thanks to you all for what you have done to maintain the excellent standards of this club. Tony
Trip Leader's Name
George & Linda Bickerdike
Trip Title (Location)
Birdsville Races 2016
Terrain being driven
Other
Trip Grade
Level 3
Start date
20/08/16
Trip duration
1-day Overnight
End Date
18/09/16
Maximum number of vehicles
20
2 or 3 nights Extended Participants
Members Only Visitors Welcome
Meeting time Trip Leader e-mail Contact phone
Meeting Location
0800
gjbickerdike@optusnet.com.au 9259 4069
0410 099180
KFC Mundaring
LUCKY BAY
Trip Leader's Name
Guy Lehmann
Trip Title (Location)
LUCKY BAY (Easter)
Terrain being driven
Beach/Sand
Trip Grade
Level 3
Start date
02/04/15
End Date
06/04/15
Maximum number of 10 vehicles Trip duration
1-day Overnight 2 or 3 nights Extended
Participants
Meeting Location
Members Only Visitors Welcome
Meeting time Special Requirements RSVP by: Trip Leader e-mail Contact phone Other comments
SHELL ROADHOUSE UPPER SWAN GT NTH HYWAY
9.00 AM Must be fully self sufficient as there are no facilities. 04/03/15 guy.lehmann@bigpond.com 0409112435 Located on the coast half way from Port Gregory to Kalbarri. Suitable for all campers and caravans. As you cannot book we plan to leave early as Easter is a busy time.
Trip Leader: Brett Anderson Maximum number of vehicles Terrain being driven Trip Grade
Trip duration
12 Hills and bush Level 2
1-day Overnight 2 or 3 nights Extended
Participants
Members Only
Meeting time
Visitors Welcome Meeting Location
08 45
Dwellingup information Centre Del Park Rd
RSVP by: Contact phone
0409117346
Trip Leader e-mail
06/07/15 Bretton.Anderson@pta.wa.gov.au
Inc. 1986
7 Hayden Ct, Myaree