Monthly newsletter of the Mitsubishi 4WD O wner ’s Club of Western Australia Inc. 1985 September 2014 Issue 333
Trip Notes: Yeal Sand Plains Dowerin Field Day Kaarakin Cleanup 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 O’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
President’s Report September 2014
Almost three quarters of the year has gone already and we head into another period of intense activity for the club. For the long weekend at the end of September we are running two weekend trips. Bridget and Judith are leading a group off to Dryandra and the Boyagin area, and Rick (E) and Peter (F) are taking a group to Marshall Rock near Bencubbin. Part of Rick’s group will also complete the Wheatbelt Way tourist path over the week following the public holiday. October will then find the club participating community support events including the Western Patrol Club Convoy for Kids for the SidKids Foundation of WA lead by Guy, and then we have a trip down to Leschenault for a work session on our McLeg project for DpaW lead by Stephen, Eddie and Tony. To kick off November, our monthly members meeting on the 5th will be a very informal evening consisting of a sausage sizzle and a very long supper. Apart from not having any formal agenda, the evening will provide members with specific insights into various club officers’ areas of responsibility. Essentially this format is a variation of previous planning meetings where members can provide feedback on current programmes and we can collect input for future planning. This meeting will give everyone opportunities to do things like update your personal details so that the Secretary has an accurate members list, sometimes we forget to forward changes to phone numbers and email addresses and then wonder why no-one contacts us ! The Membership Team of Peter )F) and Kim will also try and collect members’ birthdays (without years so I’m told) for a new Happy Birthday section in the magazine. Our new I.T.Crowd will be able to update all the vehicle details on the database so Trip Leaders have more accurate information for trip planning. The Trip Planning Group will also be available to receive suggestions for destinations and activities for 2015, as well as harvesting volunteer trip leaders for the next year as well.
One activity that I am sure will be very popular, particularly with newer members, will be a display representing the Equipment List for Vehicles and including perhaps a closer look at the defib and satphone. This would provide members with an excellent opportunity to have a chat with Training Officer Richard, and other experienced club members about all this gear. Similarly the evening may also be an excellent time for members to review their safety equipment, gps and mapping systems, and swap info on camping gear and vehicle mods with a view to making more informed choices about all the 4WD goodies on offer at the upcoming 4WD and Adventure Show. We will of course be present at the 4WD and Adventure Show over the weekend of November 7th-9th so look out for us there. Michael and the Membership Team will then conduct the Visitors Day, planned for the 24th, with a view to encouraging prospective members to join the club. Our biggest event for November, and the whole year, will be another large attendance at the Big Valley site in Margaret River over the weekend of 14th – 16th. This year the attendance has had to be capped off only due to the limitation of the facilities at Big Valley rather than the capability of Trip Leaders Martin, Karen, Roger and Jan. On top of the most unusual golf competition in the southern hemisphere I hear there might also be a scavenger hunt of mammoth proportions which might require a large rear wheel mounted rubbish bag! Not that I am saying one might need a lot of gold coins to get through such a challenge but knowing the Editor’s sense of humour it might be an idea to take any small change you have left over from the 4WD Show. With attendances at the December meetings continuing to climb, and with a view to finishing the year with a buzz, we may possibly be running three day trips in December just to accommodate demand before we hit the summer holiday period. This will certainly present a significant challenge for Trip Coordinator Pat and his group. Look out for those events on the calendar. Peter Cole President
President’s Report
Be a valuable member of the club Become a Trip Leader it’s not so hard
Contact the Trip Coordinator for advice and suggestions
trips@mitsubishi4wd.org.au
NEWS BEHIND THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 2014 If the Red Hat fits..?.. well we certainly know who can’t ever be fire warden. The red hat perched very unsteadily on the very top of Bruce’s head... but then he correctly adopted the role and delivered the serious information of safety exits and mustering points etc. Rick Ellis was heard to comment (loudly) “ I feel so much safer now...do you?” Hear! Hear! President Peter Welcomed back to the club Michael ‘Webmaster’ who has been in UK celebrating an 80th birthday.... Another loud comment heard.. “He’s wearing well isn’t he?” How boring a meeting would be without hecklers.
Keep ‘em coming!
Where Are They Now messages came from Richard and Helen. Then Peter & Deearne. Their message thanked the club for the learning, support and confidence building they have gained from their association with the club. They are ‘out there’ and really enjoying themselves. They’ve discovered their best ever campsite in Fincke Gorge National Park in Northern Territory... with photos. Jan & Roger too have returned from their travels. Peter & Tanya Nicols and daughters sent their Greetings. They are freezing in their new interstate home .. photos of snow and ice!!! Malcolm & Trish were last known working with Blaze Aid in Julia Creek helping out on a station in the area. Membership Officer Peter Fry welcomed Cristian and Camelia to the Club. They have been active for a while and finally inducted. Welcome to them both.
President’s Report Firstly he introduced the ‘In IT Crowd’ .....um... I.T. Team Michael, Rob, Jon, Steve.
Next the Trip Planning Team.... Pat, Rick L, John B, Brett, and David I. Spreading the tasks across a number of members certainly seems to be working. Trip Reports Playtime in Wungong August 10th Pat using his trusty right arm appliance.. his mobile phone.. read his report and informed all of that day’s events. Trip Notes on the Website. This again is another example of spreading the tasks. Pat led the trip. Jon Standen wrote the trip notes for the day. Pat was able to use these trip notes for his report. Sand Plains - Yeal Nature Reserve August 24th Judith also had I.T. help as she could only present a thumb drive of stills of her photos (taken by Jon and Bob McP on the day and downloaded from the Drop Box). The I.T. team converted them to slideshow in time for her report. Much better presentation than stills. Trip Notes on the Website. Judith was advised to hold the mike under her chin.. not to wave it round the room. Next time? Environmental MCLEG Saturday 11th October DEPaW have asked for the Club’s help down south but had to advise that in the immediate future that our usual Leschenault Peninsula campsite is not fit for camping. There have been roadworks at the northern end of the Regional Park as earthworks have been performed in the area of the Cut which apparently has been “washed out” and dunes have gone too. Jobs required are for a team to do a beach run collecting rubbish, and for a team for planting of native pug face in affected areas. One being around where a toilet block has been burnt to the ground by vandals and rebuilt elsewhere. Those who wish can make it a day trip as work will be done on the Saturday. Or for those who wish to camp over on the Saturday, Stephen has investigated camp facilities nearby.. most appropriate and pleasant ( group camp fees will apply) is at Binningup Beach approximately 20mins north from the Conservation area....a newly revamped caravan park. In fact if we wish we can all go to dinner at the local Surf Club. Sounds a like a plan..! I. T. Officer Steve D On Easy Use of the Website Drop Box Steve walked us through the easy steps with visual on the screen. He did ask us to be selective in the photos we put up there. Don’t up load all.. Just your best. These can then be used by the Editor, The Trip Leader and the Webmaster. So a request goes out to all to upload their photos of events. As we all have different subjects in our sights when we go on a trip there is such a variety of photos we all would love to see. Also often the only time a photographer actually sees themselves is through someone else’s images. So put them up there .. it is easy. OziExplorer Training Packages Peter Cole has firmed a deal with the appropriate supplier so that for only $10 we have a choice of two packages. 1 x Android or 1 x CE. These packages are complete with manuals, a powerpoint presentation for easy learning and following, a comprehensive set of training maps. At the next Club meeting bring thumb drive or card and they’ll be up loaded for you. The new Hema Maps 2014 are updated and exceptional. Upcoming Trips Brunswick Saturday
13th September Paul
Ryan announced by Co trip Craig Perry. (Paul was at home eating Birthday cake with his newly turned 15 years old son) A very comprehensive “play in the mud” after all the rain but not just for hardcore Locked and Lifted fans but to have side track options as well for the rest of us. Dryandra Weekender 27th - 29th September Bridget and Judith. A very laid back unspectacular bush weekend away. Judith held the mike close to her chin! Marshall Rock and Beyond 26th - 29th September & After Rick and Nancy Ellis Marshall Rock is near Bencubbin. A laid back weekend also.. with a few forays into the surrounding areas. MCLEG Saturday October 11th Stephen K Details to be advised. Stephen will email all who have indicated intention to participate. Big Valley November 14th Karen A People on the list met with Karen after the meeting for arrangements to be made re the communal spit roast buffet. Upcoming Events Karrakin Cleanup 20th September George Bickerdike coordinating the event. Arrive 9am for 9.15am work delegation. Bring gloves, rakes, hammers, secateurs. Only 3 hours work anticipated. Convoy Kids for Sids 5th October Guy Lehmann Aiming for 50 cars from our Club. Has 10 listed so far. Only $25 for the day with funds going to the Charity. Lots of entertainment. Chance to go home with an extra car? Members Forum Shop is open GearBox Table is Open Proposed Wine Tour Trip Coordinator Pat spoke again of needing more numbers to make a wine tour of Swan Valley viable. As he doesn’t drink alcohol Pat is offering to collect everyone from predetermined points and to deliver them back to their homes in the hired bus. $60 a head with a refund to each if he returns the bus ‘unscathed’. Please contact him direct. Raffle managed by Bob McPherson this night. All stayed for an unexpectedly sumptuous supper .. and thereby lies another tale. Upcoming Meetings Committee Wed 17th September @ 7:00pm Club Wed 1st October @ 7:30pm
EDITORIAL AKA: My two cents worth Photograph of the Year Award (POTY) Although I don’t highlight the monthly selection for the POTY Award, a monthly selection is still happening. The reason I don’t publicise each photo is because it may not necessarily be included in the magazine. This is because there are still some trip leaders not producing trip notes, and as result, the photos taken by participants of the trip are not inserted in the magazine. However, be assured that any photos uploaded to the drop box or sent to me direct will be considered for the POTY. Whilst mentioning photographs, there are certain people who do an out-Standen job taking very creative and picturesque photographs. The front cover is an example. Keep them coming John. Tips for Trips Most day trips are very well attended by members, however, social outings, volunteer days and other events frequently fail to attract many members. If you take into consideration that club meetings generally attract les than half the membership don’t expect to get a good turn-out if the only marketing of the event is a brief mention at the meeting. Day trips are well attended because the majority of people at the meetings are new or prospective members eagerly waiting for the next day trip. After all, that’s what we all join a 4WD club for. Therefore marketing day trips is not so important as they sell themselves. But how do you get people to participate in events that are not 4WD trips? These are my tips for filling your attendance list. The first important thing to consider is how to get people to put the event on their calendar. If you are like me, if something is not on my calendar at least a month before it’s due, then I’m already booked for something else. Place the event information in as many places as possible, as early as possible and as attractive as possible. In other words market your event. Use all the club information systems, not just one or two of them. i.e: Magazine Club’s Web Calendar Secretary’s Email distribution Meeting Trip Board Meeting presentation. • Keep repeating the information and reminding members until you have the numbers. • It is not the Trip Coordinator’s responsibility to do these things, but I’m sure he/ she will assist if you ask. • Although it’s a club activity you need to take personal ownership of the event in order that things get done. • Contact the club officials involved to have the information placed. As Magazine Editor I will be more than happy to asist you in preparing the advertisement. The Web Master or IT officer will be more than happy to place your event on the club calendar if you ask. The most important point to remember is to give members sufficient notice (TIME) to plan their personal and work commitments around your event. Leaving the planning and advertising until a month before the event will most likely fail. Martin Archer Editor
PERTH 4WD AND ADVENTURE SHOW 7-9 NOVEMBER 2014
Sponsored by:
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NEW IN 2014!
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The Perth 4WD and Adventure Show is the biggest show of its kind in Australia and is a must-see for anyone interested in 4wdriving. All the new releases in caravans, camperClub trailers, SUVs and needed at our club tent. Volunteers 4WD vehicles, camping gear, 4WD accessories, Check out the new Kid’s Casting competition, cast a Free entry to volunteers fishing gear and so much more all in the one spot. rod and hit the target to win a prize. Free to have a Plus it’s always been a fun day out for Contact the whole Michaelgo Gilbert and you can learn some new skills! family with heaps to see and do!webmaster@mitsubishi4wd.org.au • Check out the latest 4WDs and SUVs. Watch new vehicles take on the 4WD test track, or get in and experience the ride yourself. • The 4x4 Extreme Show is always a huge attraction and this year will include motorcycle stunts too! • The Fourby Forum has the most up-to-date information and technical tips on 4WDriving and the great outdoors. • Special guest Pat Callinan from TV’s 4x4 Adventures will be at the Show! • Fishing demos in the Engel Aquatank. • Catch TV’s Jason Andrews and Ernie Dingo. • Terrain Tamers Allan Grey – Ask Allan! • Kayak demos and rides. • Water ski demos with Show Ski WA. • Activities for the kids and more! Click here to view the 2014 Show Promo video on YouTube!
www.4wdshow.com.au
Perth 4WD and Adventure Show
Kids can have a go at riding a quad bike, heaps of fun for all ages!
JOIN US AT THE SHOW!
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Dowerin Gathering 11 – 13 July Trip Leaders: George and Linda Bickerdike Numbers from the Mitsubishi Club dwindled to five vehicles who made there own way to the Association organised weekend. The Bickerdikes arrived first and after a bit of confusion as to where we should park found an area where we could be found easily by the rest of the group and set up, displaying the club banner. The Pikes, Morrisons and Craiegs, arrived and set up during the afternoon then we all enjoyed Happy Hour between the Pikes and Craiegs vans. The afternoon had been quite pleasant with a coolish breeze which turned to freezing as the sun went down. All manner of warm clothing came out, with Linda and George regretting they had packed their thermals for their trip to NZ later in the week. The cold eventually sent us inside for dinner. Guy arrived later, having left Wendy behind on Ambulance duty. George and Linda were happy to socialise with him in the confines of his van, checking our how the heater worked – it was great. Saturday dawned clear and ccccccold. After breakfast Linda and George joined Guy for the day trip, but when we got to the starting point were advised that we were it. No trip leader, no convoy. The Nissan Patrol club were doing a pre-trip in the afternoon so we decided we would join them then. With no morning run we decided to check out what was happening at the track. Sponsors ‘Opposite Lock’ had the dubious honour of being the first to get bogged and had to be pulled out. In their defence they did manage that section later. George decided to tackle a different section of the track with no dramas. Another vehicle managed to bottom out on top of one of the hills. Bob and Sue then decided to brave the most popular part of the track only to eventually find the limitations of having a long wheel base. After several attempts they gave up on the hill they could get up, owing to the angle, and went round. Some locals also tried the track, some of whom obviously had no respect for their vehicles as they pounded the track as fast as they could.
A blindfold course was also set up, with a blindfolded driver navigating around cones with directions from the navigator. Although none of our members took part it looked an interesting exercise. Lunch for many was a sausage sizzle- raising funds for SIDS. After lunch Guy, George, Linda, Bob and Sue added two vehicles to the Nissan Patrol trip, 10 vehicles all up, along the railway line. The track was mainly good with a couple of sandy spots and a few more boggy/muddy patched which we all managed to negotiate without incident. The track eventually ran out and we and we had a narrow area between rail and rock to gain access to a receival point and back to the road. We noted the lack of the usual banter and radio chat that we have on our trips. We returned to camp about 4.30 after an enjoyable afternoon. Happy hour was again held between the Pikes and Craiegs vans and again got really cold as the sun went down. Much to the disappointment of most of our group the communal dinner was cancelled so all decided to cook their own. In the evening everyone gathered round the2 large bonfires. Unfortunately these were up near the track and well away from the camping area. Musical entertainment and the raffle draw were the evenings activities. There was plenty of raffle prizes, most of which seemed to be won by the Quad 4x4 club - perhaps they bought most of the tickets. Many decided to retire to the warmth of their vans after the raffle draw. Sunday morning dawned cold and clear, Many enjoyed the SIDS Bacon and Egg burgers for breakfast. After breakfast Guy left to assist Wendy with the home duties. Linda and George joined eight others on the town walk. The early morning walk had been postponed until 10.00am when the weather was a little warmer. The map proved quite a challenge and even the local police had trouble trying to work it out. It was quite sad to see the number of shops, empty, under mortgagee sales – a sign of the times in many country areas. We also found a Geo cache for one member. After the walk all packed up and headed for home or elsewhere. We were told to take fly nets – those we didn’t need but thermals were a definite requirement. LB
Trip Leaders: Bridget McPherson and Judith Brinkley August 24, 2014 All arrived by 9am at Gingers Roadhouse and we left by 9:15. Coffees, loos, general greeting chit chat and then Pat, our Trip Coordinator, presented the short Trip Leader with an upturned milk crate to stand on so everyone could see and hear the trip preamble. In total 33 people came along on the day. All into cars. Pat’s car to number 5 to relay radio and co Trip Leader Bridget to be Tail End Charlie. Proposed initially as a traditional Ladies Day, we ladies decided there are to be no more of them.. just ladies being Trip leaders. All in cars and headed north on Great Northern Hwy. Numbering problems must be a Brinkley trait. I counted 12 cars on the list. One radio was hard to hear so natural to assume the missing car in the middle had no radio? Pulled to the side further up the highway where it was safe and Bruce walked the file of cars... hmmmm there really were only 11. I realised I’d counted members on the trip list, not cars. We turned left off the Brand Highway towards Pearce Flying Club at the “no through road “ sign... and then turned right directly in front of the locked gates to a newly graded wide straight road where we aired down. The track into Yeal Nature Reserve ran straight off the first corner along this road. We advised all to air down to about 18 since we’d had to reduce further than initial reduction on the pre trip.... A couple of drivers didn’t ...but did once they became bogged in the first stretch of deep churned up sand near the start of the track....Restricted in forward motion is more correct ...they removed more air from their tyres and thankfully drove out.
Yeal Reserve is a lovely sand drive through natural bush...with loads of different tracks seen to be explored for a future day trip. There’s nothing spectacular to see, no major 4WDing....just a lovely route for rain or shine, windows down ...breathing fresh air... no other cars or people to intrude...and only an hour north of Perth. The tracks vary from firm, to deeper soft sand to very bouncy mini moguls creating variety and interest. This gave the women drivers a chance to feel the control needed to handle the surfaces and the cars. And for their men to learn to control their withdrawal symptoms and to sit back and enjoy. At 15 - 20km per hour not too much can happen fast... except perhaps for the large kangaroo that almost made it as mascot for the Irvine’s bonnet. We halted along the track and circled our chairs under a really old tree for morning tea. Apparently some were watching ticks moving on the ground beneath them but didn’t know our history of itches so didn’t know to yell it to the treetops..! More driving following the blue line on our iPad Hema map as there were no actual track lines in this map, although many named tracks were encountered..green names painted on half buried tyres. Bridget had our waypoints logged on her GPS in case our iPad died. For a short while we drove along an open formed ‘road’ where a new power line is being constructed. Off road again and through very close soft foliage skirting Quinns Creek. Very pretty...then under tall pines for a leisurely lunch. Headed west along Wapet Rd (track) and at one stage tried to get a photo of all the cars in convoy appearing among the shrubs and trees . A hint for other happy snappers. I’ve worked out the trick to get the photo shot of the convoy. First you must announce your intention of stopping at the top of the rise and ask everyone to stop at the same time..! Otherwise by the time you get out of the car to aim the camera everyone has caught up and instead of this great image you saw in the rear vision mirror... Headlights spread out shining through the soft foliage...You now have a car park directly behind you ! Wapet Rd emerges out of the bush without warning onto Military Rd. We turned left then right on Hombrecht Rd
through a pine forest to Wabling Hill fire tower for 360 degree views of the area. A caravan was camped there tucked among the trees...great free camp. Secluded. It’s places like that to remember for those times you want to get out of the house and go for a Saturday night bush stopover. This was the end of the trip with options for drivers to return to Military Road (or as in Pat’s car to go on Gnangara for some real 4WDing) or to follow us the 800m downhill direct to Wanneroo Rd. This route gave one driver the best fun she’d had the whole day as the council have deposited truckloads of soil to prevent the locals driving up and dumping their rubbish along the track. These huge mounds gave us the fun (and learning curve) of careful up and overs and of not bottoming out or being left stuck on the top of one. All safely turned left on Wanneroo rd and headed home.
Lorella Springs Addendum
(see August Issue)
Written by Judith while on the Lorella Springs trip. I think she was actually on a different planet. Martin :)
Lorella Springs fiddly bits Rick didn’t have time to report. 1/ Bruce was still reinstalling his trailer springs 3 days before Friday departure. 2/ Thanks to an email from Bridget, the Brinkleys discovered their planned Friday departure would be a day late... everyone else was leaving Thursday. 3/ The Irvine’s packed their camper weeks before..but kept forgetting what and where they’d stowed stuff, so packed and re packed quite a few times..! Is there a moral? Be more like the B’s and pack on the day before..! 4/ Rick’s Eginbah Homestead shortcut . We only traveled 3 km, took 3hrs....and returned in 15mins...but was definitely the best part.. apart from Huckitta.! 5/ David emerged from his van bald...he decided it was time for a haircut and did it himself. 6/ Carparks : Payne’s Find carpark: Bruce broke the Pajero ignition key in the lock! Hall’s Creek carpark: Bruce removed stitches out of his thumb with toe nail clippers and a pair of scissors. Warmun car park : Jones and Irvines had their scheduled injections. No police in sight? Fitzroy Xing car park: When they came back and said we could book in. The simple things that can make you happy! Katherine Gorge Caravan Park: David seen removing a detached limb of a wallaby from his van’s undercarriage. Luckily we were where we were and taps and water accessible. 8/ Hall’s Creek Bakery has great pies and pasties and real coffee. 9/ All rigs were “airborne” on one dip. It had an unexpected double bump in the middle. Only ones worried were the male passengers who had been asleep. 10/ Rick and Sue having dirty water tank problems. Later discover a crack which Bob helped to fix. 11/ Our overnight at Katherine Gorge coincided with 2 bus loads of school children who set up camp right beside us. They were extraordinarily quiet...! 12/ The Snowpeak FirePit was an amazing piece of equipment and used often. One can
have a campsite street party then drag the pit complete with coals off the road and leave no mess. 13/ Suggested essential Trip Leader Equipment. Petrol driven whipper snipper. So many lovely but unusable sites .... just needing a little grass cutting.
Lorella : While Rick’s group were being monstered by midges.... Harrisons, Brinkley’s and Brinkley’s friends the Duttons known by some in the club who were on the Kimberley’s trip in 2011(also members of a Qld Club) , went to Rosie’s Creek for a one night stay with intentions of Brinkley’s rejoining Rick’s group at Secret Fishing Spot the next day. Except Barry hooked his right forefinger with large barbed fishing hook which could only be sorted by cutting the hook off on the shank and going for medical care. He’s fished all his life but never been caught by a fish hook. His back seat was emptied of kit to accommodate Janene so while Malcolm and Trish stayed with Judy, Bruce drove one and a half hrs back to Lorella paramedic... except that, although that gentleman was 80 plus, he was out fencing!. So another hour and a half on rough roads to Booraloola base hospital. An hour later when finesse and an incision to reveal the point hadn’t achieved a result by their nurse in training, the doctor came in and, with apologies to further damage, strong armed the hook out and had to tear the wound bigger. They left there after dark,nmissed the opening hours for the beer stocks to be replenished , one and a half hour trip back to Lorella. Slept there overnight and returned another hour and a half to Rosie’s campsite the next day. Rick’s Group was also overnighting and messages left with Lorella Crew weren’t passed on. After all Bruce’s driving decision made to remain that night and to give Barry’s hand time to settle and before return to Lorella on Friday. Thursday night’s dinner was an all in affair as Harrison’s were anticipating only one night away from their larder and wardrobe back at Lorella. Been wearing the same clothes and running out of fresh food. Late leaving as we all needed to dry off the heavy dew running off the tents. Barry was restoring the back seat kit to it’s place when he noted a bump in the floor under passenger’s feet carpet. During their long rough road drives, a large diameter branch had speared up and punched out a gasket bung in the floor and was wedged beside, and rubbing along, the fuel tank. Repairs were made with gaffer tape in case of future water crossings....6 male legs lying out from under the car. Two men with bandages on fingers / thumbs. Packing completed. Doors shutting. Last inspection around campsite and checking cars and Barry’s passenger front wheel was totally flat!!! They had been lying on the ground beside it and it had not been flat then!
Ladies back to reading. Jacks out. again males grouped around the vehicle. Now almost time to stop for lunch before we’ve even started. Wheel replaced. 3hrs back to Lorella. Time to find the rest of the group. Well almost time. Two thirds way home and heard a call on radio to help a driver up to axles in bull dust. Turned off the home track to find him. Single car and French backpacker driver, tyres fully inflated. But he’d had a good try to extricate himself. Malcolm positioned for his winch and pulled him out with Bruce and Barry helping where required. The guy couldn’t have had three more experienced men to respond to his call. Trish by now trying to work out what she’d do first in Lorella...beer, shower or unpack. I think the beer won.
KAARAKIN CLEAN UP It was an extremely disappointing start to the day with a turn up of only 4 people representing just 3 of the clubs 68 memberships. This did not include George who was the 4WD Associations representative responsible for co-ordinating all the work – but he would still be included in those three memberships. Less than 5% turn up for an obligation the club had made to do the clean up was not a good show. Particularly when the average age of those who did turn up was in the high 60s. At 9.00am work started. The weeds in the area around the 4WD Association buildings were about 30 cm high so,gloves, buckets, kneeling pads and whatever else was needed we got stuck into removing them by the bucket/barrow load gradually filling the trailer. Fortunately there was a nice breeze blowing. As the day heated up and the breeze dropped we retreated to areas that were in the shade. 10.15am was a welcome break for morno’s. Even more welcome was the sumptuous feast that awaited us – put on by the Association. This also gave us the opportunity to meet and chat with some of the members of Eastern Suburbs 4WD club who were doing their bit in another area. They had a much better turn up and were continually searching out George to get their trailer emptied. Revived by our cuppa and feast we returned to the weeding and raking the dry leaves thus reducing the fire hazard. The leaves were continually piled on the fires that the Karrakin staff were manning with their fire truck on stand-by. By 12.00 noon the group was exhausted (age was starting to tell) so we decided to call it a day. We had by no means finished our area but had made good inroads and were proud of the effort we had made. You could certainly see the difference. A few more hands would have meant that we made an excellent job of it. Many thanks to John, Rick and Sue, for the fantastic effort they put in, and to George who was continually running around making sure everything was going well and still raking leaves and feeding the fires when we all left. Next time we hope a few more members will make an effort to help. The club is committed to the 4WD association for 2 clean ups per year – this is for all members not just a few, as well as qualifying as a trip for those prospective members. Linda Bickerdike
Mitsubishi 4WD Owner’s Club of Western Australia
Honour Board Inc. 1986
President 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2010 2011 2012 2013
Ian Lockhart Award Ian Lockhart Ray Edwards Ray Edwards Stuart Baldock Robin Silver Geoff McKeown Lindsay Hill Terry Kitchen Terry Kitchen John Bromberger Reg Hill Mervyn Ward Mervyn Ward Peter Baker John King John King John King Rick Ellis Rick Ellis Paul Ryan Paul Ryan Paul Ryan Paul Ryan Martin Archer Martin Archer Peter Cole
Arthur Pearce / Keith Fleming Ray Edwards/Pam Fleming? Ray Edwards ?Reg Hill/Pam Fleming Judith McKeown Dorothy Hill Terry Kitchen/Mervyn Ward? Bill Harvey/David Whitaker David Whitaker Gregg Wilcox Tony Weldon Maxine Gosney Peter Baker Lester Cousins John McKay Terry Keesing Lester Cousins Wes Sutton Paul Ryan Martin & Karen Archer Tony Weldon Neil Hewer Trevor Theunissen John King Michael Gilbert Rob Nankiville
Club Member of the Year Award
Paul Ryan Tony Weldon Guy Lehmann Judith Brinkley
SORRY NOW FULL Those participating (53 Adults 6 Kids) should have received an email. Waiting list available
7 Hayden Ct, Myaree