DRIVE
. . . . . . .
TORQUE
High Country Adventures Oi Oi Oi Coolah Tops Valentines at Newnes Mt Royal The Dam Rally Driver Awareness
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WHO’S WHO ON THE
WAY POINTS
Club Committee president@subaruclub.com.au
PRESIDENT Julie Rush 0409 307 381
Committee Reports President/Editor Trip Conveners Not So Technical Report Delegates
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Ian’s Shop
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Trip Reports High Country Adventures 10 Oi Oi Oi 18 Coolah Tops 23 Mt Royal Weekend 27 Valentines at Newnes 29 The Dam Rally 33 Driver Awareness 36 Footy Tipping
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Member Profile
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Trip Gradings
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Convoy Procedures
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Future Fun
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Minutes
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Club Shop
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VICE PRESIDENT Sandi Strickland 0414 870 168 TREASURER Sandra Moss 0438 276 012
treasurer@subaruclub.com.au
SECRETARY Cath DeSantis 0413 474 630
secretary@subaruclub.com.au
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Karolyn Honor 0459 111 096
membership@subaruclub.com.au
TRIP CONVENERS trip_convener@subaruclub.com.au Mark Honor 0418 406 118 and Troy Strickland 0409 908 977 4WD ASSOCIATION DELEGATES delegates@subaruclub.com.au Heidi Ploeg 0438 989 793 and Evan King 0402 411 742
technical_officer @subaruclub.com.au
TECHNICAL OFFICER Jo Quinn 0409 771 019 EDITOR Julie Rush 0409 307 381
editor@subaruclub.com.au
ASSISTANT EDITOR Jean Dunstan 0409 747 335
editor@subaruclub.com.au
SOCIAL CONVENER Karen Campbell 0430 842 101
social_convener@subaruclub.com.au
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Jo Quinn 0409 771 019
publicity@subaruclub.com.au fund_raising@subaruclub.com.au
FUNDRAISING Sandra Moss 0438 276 012 CATERING OFFICER Karen Campbell 0430 842 101 4WD TRAINING Brett Atkins 0412 208 874
EMERGENCY Club personnel appointed as first contact in the event of a problem on a trip: Troy Strickland 0409 908 977 0418 406 118 Mark Honor
vicepresident@subaruclub.com.au
catering@subaruclub.com.au
4wdtraining@subaruclub.com.au Brian Flood 0425 270 385
WEBMASTER WEBMASTER Kevin McCormack 0428 408 568 SERGEANT-@-ARMS Robert Moss 9820 2128 PUBLIC OFFICER - Paul Sistrom
webmaster@subaruclub.com.au webmaster@subaruclub.com.au sergeant-at-arms@subaruclub.com.au Public Officer@subaruclub.com.au
Monthly meetings held at: Ermington Community Centre 10 River Road Ermington
33.815710 S;
Important Stuff! CLUB MEETINGS General Meetings are held on the second Friday of the month at Ermington Community Centre, River Rd Ermington starting at 8pm Committee Meetings are held on the Tuesday prior to the general meeting starting at 7.30pm at the homes of committee members – all members are welcome to attend. Please contact the president for details of location each month.
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LUCKY MEMBER JACKPOT UP TO $70 - will you be the first lucky winner? Must be in attendance to claim prize.
NEW MEMBERS Scott Ashhurst Simon Reid
Have you been asked to write a trip report for the magazine? Don’t panic, it is not that hard. It doesnt have to be a novel, just an interesting description of what happened on the trip is fine. Please don’t forget to include a list of trip participants and the cars they drive. Also, the sooner you write it after the trip, the easier it is to remember everything that happened. Forward it to the trip leader asap so they can then send it on to the editor. Trip leaders, it is up to you to select someone to write the Trip Report for you. Whether you ask a specific person, ask the group if someone would like too, toss a coin to choose or use the old tradition of last person to the meeting point that’s up to you but please have someone selected preferably early in the trip but definitely by the end of the trip. Please remember to also encourage keen photographers on your trip to send their best few photos to the editor, high resolution images work best. To those who celebrate birthdays in
Karen Horwitz Sandi Strickland Michael Dunstan John Hocking Guy Freeman
Amanda Capratsis Jean Dunstan Lyndon Skeggs Paul Campbell
February and March
Craig Fitzpatrick Janet Cheung James Wall Kaitlin Strickland
Tracey Foreman Loz Horwitz Robert Moss Tom DeSantis
President’s Report Hi everyone, well the Rush family is well and truly back in the real world after our fabulous cruise in January but thankfully we have had lots of great trips over the last couple of months to give us the opportunity to chill out and relax. The weekend to Mt Royal was lovely and relaxing and the Dam Rally was excellent, although confirmed just how unobservant I am! There’s lots more great trips coming up but there’s always room for more so get your name down on a trip or run one of your own. It is the club’s 40�� birthday this year so it has been decided that the October long weekend will be a weekend of celebration for our great club. All being well we will be heading to Olinda - more details to come but keep the weekend free for some great fun. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our website and our Facebook page, both are a great way to keep up to date with what’s going on between magazines. Just remember that the FB page is for our own club trips and other camping and 4wd related threads, please use your own personal pages for promotion of other trips/websites etc not related to the club - most of us are friends via our own pages anyway. Hopefully the shop on the website should be up and running by the time this goes to print - Michael D has done a great job getting this going. I also wanted to say that I am very proud of our club’s attitude to ‘tread lightly’ and believe that we always follow it but what does it actually mean? In a nutshell, it means that as you travel, you should minimize your impact on the land and its inhabitants. This means you stay on defined paths, don't leave anything behind, and you are careful to leave no trace that you were ever there. There is a very good article at http://www.4wdaction.com.au/articles/2010/tread-lightly - nothing new to most of us but always good to have a reminder. If we want to keep tracks and campgrounds open it’s up to us to be good examples and get the word out there.
Editorially speaking … Well here we are again, another edition put to bed and I apologise that it is somewhat late. Part of that was just due to me running out of time with work and other things taking over but it was also partly due to receiving so much of the content way past the deadline. Without sounding like a broken record, please send your trip reports and photos to me as quick as you can. To you it is only one trip report, to me it’s a whole magazine. The electronic magazine was well received and seemed to go off without too many hitches. Due to the lateness of this edition it was decided to go electronic again and make the April/May magazine a hard copy. After the June/July edition we will look at our options and what people prefer.
Julie The Subaru & Recreational 4WD Club, its Editor and the Committee accept no responsibility for opinions expressed in this magazine, nor for the accuracy, veracity, safety or legality of any product or modification. Material for publication should be submitted to the Editor, NO LATER THAN THE DATES INCLUDED IN THE CALENDAR. Photographs should include a descriptive caption, if applicable, and your name. The inclusion of photos with trip reports is especially encouraged. Information can be sent to the Editor by email to editor@subaruclub.com.au.
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Trip Conveners’ Report Welcome back every one and Happy New Year. Mark and I both hope that you had a safe and fun holiday, either on a club trip or out on your own somewhere or even both. We (Sandi, the girls and I) had a fantastic time meeting up with Brian and Heidi's Victorian High Country Trip for a week and then ended January with a cruise to the South Pacific islands. Both were fantastic and totally different types of holidays. We were away for the Aussie Day celebrations but hope both trips went well.
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It seems like Summer has almost passed as we head towards Easter and usually the best time of the year to go camping. There are 3 trips over the Easter period to choose from, with a few still to come up before then. Before you know it, it will be the June long weekend. If you are thinking of running a trip and not sure where to start, as Mark said, email or call Mark or myself and we will help get you rolling along. Check the website for the latest events in the Calendar first and then choose an appropriate weekend or date you want to run the trip and you're half way there. All ideas are welcome and we can get some more exciting trips into this year’s calendar with your help. We would also like to say thanks to all those people who have either written a trip report or spoken about the trip at the meetings. I'm sure Julie loves getting the report in quickly after the trip and it makes it easier to remember some of the details when they have only just occurred. I know I enjoy reading about both the trips I have been on and the ones I have missed out on. A big thank you to Julie for putting it all together. As a past editor I know how much work goes into putting together each edition. Bring on 2015.
Mark and Troy
CLUB CALENDAR for full details see Future Fun on pages
April May June July August October December
Take a Hike-Carnarvon Gorge Easter Bush Camp Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Relay for Life 3 Nights in the Coolah Xmas in July Camp Oven Cook Off Eastern Creek 4wd Show (tbc) Club Xmas Party
Exploring Wadbilliga NP Blue Mountains NP Leisure Day Driver Awareness
Club 40�� Birthday Bash
The Not So Technical, Technical Report Leave No Trace, The 7 Principles: Whilst there has been discussion lately around “Tread Lightly” in regards specifically to our 4Wd-ing actions & outings, the aim to minimising impact on the environment, particularly in regards to outdoor recreation, goes further. The 7 Leave No Trace Principles, primarily developed originally down in Tasmania, aim to educate all people involved in outdoor recreation activities, including walking & camping, on how to minimise, respect & preserve our natural environment. The mission of Leave No Trace Australia is to promote and inspire responsible travel and outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. The following information within the seven principles is recommended as a guide to minimise the impact of our visits to the natural and cultural heritage places of Australia. - Know the regulations & special concerns of the area you will visit.
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Prepare for extreme weather, hazards & emergencies Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use Walk in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4 to 6 Repackage food to minimise waste Take maps & compass or GPS & know how to use them, to eliminate use of flagging tape or rock cairns.
- Durable camping surfaces include established campsites, tent platforms, rock, gravel & sand - Good campsites are found not made. Altering a site is not necessary. If you use rocks to secure tents, return them to their place when you leave. - Protect water sources - camp at least 50m from lakes & streams. - Protect plant life - avoid spread of soil born diseases - keep boots, camping equipment & vehicle tyres clean. - Concentrate use on existing tracks & campsite
- Always walk on tracks, even when wet or muddy, so damage is kept to a narrow band. - Avoid places where impacts are just beginning
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites & tracks.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Check campsite & rest areas for rubbish & spilled food. Pack out all rubbish & leftover food.
- If there is a toilet - use it. Otherwise bury all faecal waste & toilet paper in holes 15-20cm deep at least 100m from water & tracks. Cover & disguise the hole when finished. - Carry out any sanitary pads, tampons & condoms. - Wash up using hot water, preferably without soap or detergent. Strain & scatter washing up water 50m away from water sources. - Wash your body at least 50m from water sources.
- Respect Aboriginal sites and other sites of cultural significance. - Preserve our past; examine but don’t touch historical or cultural structures & artefacts. - Leave rocks, plants & other natural objects as you find them.
- Out of preference, use fuel stoves even where fires are permitted. Escaped camp fires have caused landscape wide
damage, and can threaten human life as well as plants & animals. - If lighting a fire (where permitted) use only established fire places and keep the fire small.
- Keep wildlife wild. Feeding animals can turn them into pets and may make them sick.
- Store food & rubbish securely to discourage wildlife from finding it. - Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach wildlife.
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The Not So Technical, Technical Report - continued - Respect Aboriginal culture & country. - Respect the wishes & regulations of all hosts (e.g.: Aboriginal, pastoral, land managers & locals.) - Only visit places where you have obtained appropriate permission. - Respect other visitors & protect the quality of their experience. - Let natural sounds prevail - avoid loud voices & noises. In conjunction with Tread Lightly, we should aim to take into consideration the Leave No Trace points above to minimise our impact & preserve the stunning wilderness that Australia has to offer for future generations to come.
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Above information adapted from Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
Jo Quinn
Delegate’s Report Hi everyone Some key things from the February Quarterly Meeting: . National Parks Regional Advisory Committees have not been appointed for new terms to date - this is a legislative requirement so there are possible legal ramifications . Zig Zag access at Clarence - The trust owns the land that the crossing is on and want to close the road - council own the land the buildings are on and have indicated they will require them to be relocated if the road is not kept open - stay tuned for more details . Presentation about Search and Rescue - 4wdrivers are the biggest users of Spot devices in Australia. New version of Spot will be two way (send and receive messages) . This is impacting on the use of satellite phones and standard beacons . They are wanting clubs to put forward submissions of routes through struggling towns particularly along the great divide - Rob Kelly on the Central Coast is running with this to collate the information and then submit an ambient claim to parliament that will hopefully result in some iconic 4wd tracks being re-opened. . They are working with the Shooters and Fishers Party to obtain funding for a grant to do a university study on 4wding and the financial impact on business’s (such as small towns, accessory suppliers etc).
Heidi
You must be joking…… Pat and Mick were camping in the bush. The mosquitos were so bad, they decided to pack up camp and move to a new site. But they decided to do this in the dark, so the mosquitos would not know where they had gone. They stumbled around in the dark, striking the tent by feel and then groping their way through the thick scrub. Somehow they manage to re-pitch their tent in complete darkness and, finally, fell inside exhausted. Whereupon a firefly came through the tent flap. “It’s no use,” moaned Pat, “they’re looking for us with hurricane lamps!”
Ian’s Shop Hi everyone Over time I have bought a selection of items at the best price possible , trying to cater to the interests and needs of 4WD enthusiasts and Club Members. Just some of the items available include: .
. . . .
LED torches hand tools high quality disposable plates and bowls knives and forks cling wrap and foil
plus many other incidentals. To see what else I have available please email me at ianheathcote52@gmail.com. I can advise price , brand names etc and if interested I will then bring them along to our next meeting night. Alternatively you can call me on my mobile 0411 096202. Look forward to hearing from you.
Ian Heathcote
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oeg l P i d i d He n a d o n Flo a i r B ers: d a e L Trip
s e r u t n e v d A y r t n u o C h g i H
Trip Reports: everyone
Trip Participants:
Visitors:
Brian, Heidi & Izzy - Jeep Wrangler Joel Dedman - Challenger Troy, Sandi, Lauren & Kaitlin Strickland Forester Nick, Amanda & Charlie Capratsis - Patrol
Adam, Paulina, Emily and Madi - Patrol
And so the adventure begins ... 11
26 Dec (Friday)
Charlies Creek Camp. The hut was nowhere to be seen Today was the 1�� day of the trip. Having stayed just but the scenery was beautiful. before Cooma for the night on Christmas Day (Brian Heidi and Izzy) we headed to Jindy for a quick stop at We then did a reccie down Tom Groggin Track to the shops before heading to Tom Groggin where we decide which way was better to tow the trailers. The track was a bit overgrown but we decided that was the were camping for the next few days. better way to go the next day. We set up and headed for a swim before Nick, Amanda, Charlie and Adam, Paulina, Emily and Madi We got back to camp and had a swim and decided we arrived. Joel and the Stricklands would join us probably needed to get up early the next day. tomorrow. When we got back to camp Heidi, Paulina and Sandi 27 Dec (Saturday) took a run into Jindy to pick up a few things and for We were meant to leave at 9:30 but instead left at some petrol. 10:30 to head to Mt Pinnibar. We crossed the Murray 29 Dec (Monday) - Tom Groggin to Swifts Creek River into Victoria and stopped at Dogmans Hut. We then headed up Mt Pinnibar Track. The track was a We woke up EXTREMELY early for some and all of us little rough and quite challenging but only one car were ready to leave at 8:30am. (Heidi was seen needed a 2ⁿ� attempt due to lack of momentum. The walking around camp at 6:15am!!) rest of the track had no other incidents. We had lunch at the top of Mt Pinnibar and some photos where We then headed up Tom Groggin Track. It was a little taken back towards NSW as we had a 360 degree view. steep in parts especially over the irrigation humps. Adam got hung up on the drawbar on one particularuly From there we headed to Mt Anderson and Mt Gibbo. big one and needed a tow from Joel to get over. We These were a smooth run. Charlie felt a bit ill at this then continued and soon after heard a call for stage. We then went down Mt Anderson track to Mt assistance from Nick to help push his kitchen back in Hope Road and back across the Murray at Tom to the camper as it had come undone and had Groggin, back to camp to find Sandi and Troy had ploughed along the dirt bank on the side of the track. arrived and setup and were ready for a swim. With a bit of brute force the kitchen was pushed back Joel then arrived about 6pm after we finished our into place and we drove the rest of the track without swim. a problem until near Omeo when Troy and Sandi’s awning partially fell off the roof rack. 28 Dec (Sunday) - Davies High Plain We left camp at 10 and once we crossed the Tom Lunch at Omeo, refuel and new brackets for the Groggin we turned left to the Davies High Plain Track. Forester and we made our way to Swifts Creek. We had morning tea at the hut then a late lunch at The afternoon was spent fixing Nick and Manda’s kitchen and relaxing and having showers.
Dinner was at the pub in Swifts Creek – YUMMY! 30 Dec (Tuesday) Today we spent the morning doing some washing and playing in the park and walking/driving to the shops.
and Brian took some of the kids on an adventure along the Tambo River, from the water hole back to the campsite. We then had dinner and sat around feeling a bit cold and catching up on the trip report! 31 Dec 2014 (Wednesday) - Swifts Creek to Dargo
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Up early to be on the road by 9am….. Well some were up and packed early. While the Stricklands and I went for fuel and donuts at the Swifts Creek Bakery, the rest of the group topped up their water and fuel. We were en route to Dargo at a more leisurely 10am.
At around 11am we (Troy and Sandi) were a bit bored so suggested a drive to Moscow Villa Hut and Bentleys Plain Hut.
We attempted a ‘Heidi Shortcut’ however was deemed to hard and took a more roundabout route to the Dogs Grave. We didn’t stay long as the flies nearly carried us away. Next it was on some relatively easy roads to Italian Flat for NYE – Good times, 5sies and campfire - what more could one ask for! No sympathy for the headaches to follow. 1 Jan 2015 (Thursday )
It was a great drive up through Windy Ridge Rd through some farms and lots of gates. We stopped at Washington, an old steam logging site, very well preserved and with relics of the 1�� steam logging maching in Vic from 1920’s. We then went on to the Moscow Villa to find that James and Gill had been there the night before! The hut was gorgeous and well kept and the kids all had fun playing in the loft bedroom! We had lunch there and some of us went for a great walk through the bush, over bridges, up metal stairs and back to the car park. We then went to Ensay Winery and bought some reds, whites and their special sparkling Shiraz. Had a drink at Little River Inn and went back to camp for a swim at the locals secret waterhole at Swifts Creek. Troy
I awoke at an early 10am to find everyone else already up, surprising after the late New Years Eve party. We had breakfast then Joel and the Stricklands headed into Dargo for ice creams (New Years resolution didn’t last very long) dropping off the rubbish and playing on the ‘spinning death trap’- Dargo seems to be the only one in the country with a merry-go-round like it! Heidi and Brian and Nick and Manda joined us for a drive to Harrisons Cutting for a swim in the creek and some lunch. There was a lovely waterfall and ‘spa’, cool but refreshing. On the way back to camp the Stricklands got a flat tyre. Nick and Manda and Troy and Sandi stayed at camp. Adam and Paulina joined us other two cars (I was in Joels) to Grant, we drove to the now non existent town with signs displaying where and
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what buildings were. On the way back we had heaps We then followed the Crooked River Rd through 8 of river crossings. water crossings, one being a bit hairy. 2 Jan (Friday) Today we said goodbye to the Stricklands who left about 8am for the drive home via Dargo High Plain track. Adam and Paulina were also leaving today and about 10:30am we left camp to drive with them to Bright. We had lunch in Bright looked at the shops, picked up supplies and said our goodbyes. We headed back to camp via Mt Hotham and took the Dinner Plain Track and Stockmans Spur back to Italian Flat. It was a long day but the track was so pretty I really enjoyed it. We have new neighbors at camp (well actually they were our neighbors last year as well!)
We stopped at Black Snake Creek Hut for a quick pit stop and pics then headed up South Basalt Knob Track. It kept going and going up. Bit tricky but was a nice climb. Lunch was at the top of South Basalt Knob. Then up Basalt Knob Track and North Basalt Knob tTrack and left onto Blue Rag Range Track and at the top the boys cracked open a tinny to enjoy the top views. Izzy was asked if she wanted to get out and she looked around at the view and said ‘Nope I’ve been her e before’.
We headed back down and via Dargo High Plains Rd and visited Lankey Plain Hut and then continued down Dargo High Plains Rd. Then a quick Heidi Shortcut down Downey Mt Ewen Rd, with some tricky up hills and down hills. Onto Upper Dargo Rd 3 Jan (Saturday) and back home for a swim in the river to cool off. Today we headed into Dargo for morning coffee and We then headed of into Dargo for tea. a few pics in front of the hotel. We then headed off along the Dargo Rd and headed into Short Cut Rd.
4 Jan (Sunday) Best thing today: Charlie – playing with the new kids, Brian teaching me to make whip crackers, riding my bike through the river, sausages for breakie, flying fox and hammock, splitting wood
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Izzy – pancakes for breakfast, tricky to catch flying fox, whip ‘crapping’, chasing Charlie with whip Dinner was best ever – lamb roast! We had a rest day at Italian Flat. Both the kids preferred the neighbor’s company to ours. Weather is much cooler with some light rain 5 Jan (Monday) It was a very relaxed morning for our last morning at Italian Flat. Charlie and I had a turn on our Romanian neighbor’s flying fox before packing up and heading off to Bairnsdale . Given our leisurely pack up we made it a mere 15km down the road to Dargo for fuel and food. Next stop via the winding road was Bairnsdale. After setting up camp Brian and I headed to Bunnings while everyone else swam.
6 Jan (Tuesday) Today was spent washing clothes, swimming, washing cars and shopping in Bairnsdale. Some took the opportunity to check out the magnificent mural on the ceiling of the Catholic Church. Dinner was at the local Chinese across the road.
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7 Jan (Wednesday) - Nick’s Birthday
Lunch was at Lakes Mountain followed by a drive to We descided to stay another night and head to the Woods Point. Lakes Entrance for the day. After a seafood lunch we It was now raining pretty hard so we kept driving and headed to the beach then Nick, Charlie, Brian and Izzy found a nice spot near Jamieson and set up the full hired some electric boats to go round the lagoon in. annex on the camper during a short period of no rain Joel entertained us with his snoring on the lake fores Dinner was yummy lamb cutlets from the Bright hore. Back to camp and a trip to Woolies to stock up Butcher (who cryovac them) and sponge for Brian’s then yummy dinner of butterfly lamb and vegies. birthday. Rain looks set for a few days 8 Jan (Thursday)
10 Jan (Saturday) Nick and Manda descide to head home as they are We headed into Mansfield and walked around the concerned about Nicks father. shops. After topping up on fuel we headed up Mt Heidi, Brian and Joel head to South Dandenong to pick Buller for a bit of a look around, we drove up to the up a new gas strut for the camper (apparently they summit and Izzy said we could come back to watch her in a snow boarding competition when she is bigger. aren’t meant to bend). Checked in to the Marysville Caravan Park in time to 11 Jan (Sunday) cook dinner on the BBQ. Best hot showers!!! We invited Luke and Kieran, the young couple camped next us who where travelling around oz, to join us for 9 Jan (Friday) - Brian’s Birthday a drive to Craigs Hut. We turned off the Heyfield-Licola Izzy, Joel and Heidi head to the bakery to buy breakfast Rd and headed out via Howett Hills and Mt Skene. as a treat for Brian’s birthday. Pack up camp and Izzy At lunch Kieran discovered maggots in their chicken, has a quick jump on the jumping pillow. by the time we got to Fry’s Hut she was feeling ill so Head into town to check out the Phoenix Museum they headed home once we got to the Buller Rd. We which demonstrates the rebuilding of the town. It was headed to Mt Stirling and then up to Craigs Hut for great to see the town continue to rebuild after the dinner. With the sun setting we headed along the fires.
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ridge stopping at the GGS Hut and Hoqa Gap Huts. movie so after filling up with petrol, air and getting A long day. rid of rubbish we where ready for… “Penguins of Madagascar” in 3D. As an extra treat we booked 12 Jan (Monday) bean bag seats!! Lunch at the bakery and we hit the The day started with a swim to freshen up. Joel had road again. a half day trip planned so we headed off to Mt By Myrtlford it was pouring and jokes of a cabin Terrible and the firetower lookout. became serious and phone calls and visits resulted The track was interesting and had a few harder in all booked out or too expensive. sections - with by-passes! At one stage we had to winch Joel up a tricky section. Lunch was at the base We headed to AH Young Reserve in the Buckland of the fire tower at Mt Terrible. We started to pack Valley. As luck would have it this was a great spot up camp when we got back in preparation for moving and the rain pretty much stopped whilst we set up. day. 13 Jan (Tuesday)
14 Jan (Wednesday)
We packed up camp and headed into Mansfield just We headed to Mt Buffalo to explore there. We before the rain started. We had promised Izzy a checkout the Falls and had lunch at Dingo Dell.
Almost home
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Mazda were filming so that provided some extra long it would take to get back to camp as every track entertainment. When we got to the horn we had a was blocked by massive trees. We stopped for dinner fantastic view - of fog/clouds! of steak and chicken skewers and wraps on the track. Next we went to the Chalet which was closed for On our 5�� track attempt we were again stopped by a renovations - talk about timing. What a grand building tree. Brian was having no more of it and put a winch this was in its day and we had an opportunity for a look extension strap around the tree and with lockers behind the scenes and grabbed the chance. engaged, attempted to pull the tree back along the Somewhere to go back and stay when it is finished, track but to no avail. Then we broke part of the tree off and moved a smaller one out of the way. We that’s for sure. crawled under the tree and just literally scrapped Dinner in Bright – pizza and wine! through. From there on it was smooth sailing back to camp. 15 Jan (Thursday) After a lazy morning it was off to the Wannogatta Valley around Buffalo River. I got a massive flat tyre after hitting something unidentified on the road. Road 1 – Tyre 0. Shortly afterwards was lunch somewhere near Abby Yards then back on the Wannagatta Valley. It was a vast open valley with some remnants of the homestead that once stood till a fire in 1957. A small hut was built from sheets that came from the house.
16 Jan (Friday) Today we packed up camp. It was weird pulling down the annex knowing we where going home. We stopped in Myrtlford at the bakery for lunch - they had the nicest pies. We said goodbye to Joel and headed to Albury. We spent the night there visiting Brian’s grandmother in hospital and then continued home via Rydal where the Jeep Club was spending Saturday night.
The trip home was interesting to say the least. We Thanks everyone for a great trip! took a Heidi ‘short cut’ up Hart Spur Track which would rival South Basalt for length, steepness and roughness but was it fun! After that we weren’t too sure how
Heidi & Brian
Aussie Au ssie
Aussie
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I O I O OI
ono H k r a r-M
de a e L p i r T
Mark Honor - Navara Jason, Karen & Steph Finlayson Landcruiser Jo & Shahni Quinn - Ranger Geoff Adcock - Pathfinder John Young - Forester
r Trip Repo rt
- Sandra
Moss
Robert & Sandra Moss - Landcruiser Heidi, Brian & Izzy - Wrangler Ann-Marie & Travis Meade - Pathfinder Neil Hird - Challenger Paul & Karen Campbell - Pajero Kim Nolan - Landcruiser
Australia Day Weekend
Subi Style
Micalong Creek Those who accepted the mission of relaxed camping, fantastic waterholes, great happy hours, interesting drives, spectacular views, new locations, challenging tracks, motor vehicle maintenance, and good fun were:Mark Honor, Jo and Shahni Quinn, Jason and Karen Finlayson, Geoff Adcock, John Young, Neil Hird, Brian, Heidi and Isabelle Flood, Kim Nolan, Robert and Sandra Moss, Paul and Karen Campbell, Ann-Marie and Travis Meade. There were many others who could not accept the challenge for various reason and we remember during one of the happy hours, I think. As it quite often does, the weekend started with Geoff packing the club banner and heading south on Thursday to stake our claim at the Micalong Creek camp site. He reported some other campers wanted to set up close by but after telling them they were welcome to have that area and hopefully the big group coming in would not disturb them too much, they then moved on. When some of the group arrived on Friday afternoon it was good to see John had joined Geoff as custodians of our camp site for three nights. Friday was very warm and after setting up camp we thought it only right to test the waterhole and report back to the group. Only 300m upstream from the camp the clear, cool running water making its way down the waterfall and across the rocks into a large pool was just terrible. We stayed there for hours because we couldn’t drag ourselves back to the camp. When our fellow club members arrived they were just as disappointed so we all spent many hours there. This turned out to be the cleanest trip any of us had attended. When arriving very late on Friday night, Brian thought he would make friends with the group camped next to us. They didn’t have the same intention and Brian
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became a little disorientated while the Jeep ended up doing a few circuits around or through their camp site until he saw where we were setup. The remaining crew arrived during Saturday with Neil being the last at about 5pm, saying it was a great party he was forced to attend on Friday night in Sydney. Saturday was a good social day for checking out the Wee Jasper area, electrical repairs, swimming and catching up with old and new friends over a cold drink or two. The smell of rain and thunder storms was mentioned a few times during the afternoon but due to some really good planning our camp site missed all but two or three drops of rain. Importantly a departure time for Sunday’s drive was agreed to and we were ready to check out some of the Snowy Mountains High Country. Sunday morning saw a beautiful day dawn with mostly clear skies. All eleven vehicles together with their occupants were ready on time for the trip in to Tumut via Nottingham and Brindabella Roads. After purchasing fuel for the cars and the people we lined up ready for the Police RBT but they must have thought we were “tea totallers” or a gang they did not want to mess with.
Heading south on the Snowy Mountains Highway we stopped off at Blowering Dam, Tumut 3 power station and a great lookout to view Talbingo Dam and the wall. After a few “I think I cans” we all made it up the steep climb on the highway still heading south towards the Yarrangobilly Caves area. At Rules Point we turned left on to Long Plain Road and in just a few minutes made another left turn to our lunch stop at Long Plan Hut. What a
fantastic vista looking north east to across the grass lands, you nearly miss seeing the 330KV transmission lines running through the winter looking landscape. It really was a great camp area and could easy stay a few days while exploring the area.
Earlier in the day we had spotted some wild Brumbies in the distance but near “Broken Cart Clearing” right next to the road was mummy and her little baby, just waiting for us to drive by. Our convey had been smelling them for while and it was only a matter of time before we found them.
No time to waste because we had Coolamine Homestead and Blue Waterholes waiting for us, both these locations are found on the Blue Waterholes fire trail which runs east off Long Plain Road. A few short walks, photos, flat tyre and bull-ant bites rounded off these visits. Back to Long Plain Road we were now heading north towards Broken Cart fire trail which is the connection to Brindabella Road because there is now no access from Long Plain Road to Brindabella at the Goodradigbee River.
From the intersection of Broken Cart Fire Trail and Boundary Road there are a few ways back to Nottingham Road; we decided to continue along the open Broken Cart Fire Trail which joins on to Barnetts Road. The next hour or two involved some more challenging driving in mud, rocks, washouts and creeks. A recovery was made using a strap, and no, it was not John’s Forester. Once back on the better tracks and heading for home Anne-Marie had some cooling system over heating issues which could not be fully addressed. Most of the group returned to camp while some stayed to tow the wounded home. It is worth noting the use of brakes while towing on downhill slopes because overheating and damage can occur as it did in this case. The Australia Day games and competitions were cancelled due to the time of day and the swimming hole together with happy hour and dinner. (Thank you Jo for the work you did!) A relaxed evening and some radiator cleaning was done before a very busy day ended. Monday morning was a busy time packing up for those who needed to get going early. Kevin arrived from Sydney to help with Anne-Marie’s car which was great. I thought the trip ended here with people making their own way back home.... but I did hear an Avan did not want to go home with a Pathfinder. Thank you to all for a great weekend, however Karolyn could not make it due to baby sitting and a hospital visit so I told her she did not miss much. Lol
Oi Oi Oi! Mark Honor
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2 e k a T d n e k e e W y a D Australia
Coolah Tops rom t s i S l u a P : Trip Leader
all W s e m a J : t Trip Repor Paul & Jenny Sistrom - Forester Craig Fitzpatrick - Navara James & Gillian Wall - 80 Series Landcruiser David Wellham - Forester Jo Bortalazzo - VW Tiguan
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A place we had wanted to visit. 24
e w a e b d l u o w It
! s h t n o m r e l oo c e h t n i e m o s
More to see yet. Gill and I arrived on the Friday about 2.30pm and set up camp at The Barracks campground. It was a little busier than we had hoped for but plenty of room. The drive up to Coolah Tops is easy with great views along the way. After we setup the camper, we went for a short walk up to where there is a huge amount of giant grass trees growing. It’s an amazing sight. The amount of kangaroos and swamp wallabies at the campground was more than I have seen in a while. They were everywhere! It was an early night for us after the drive up, but when Craig arrived about 4:15 am, our blissful slumber was disturbed. Not only did he arrive in the dark he was setting up his camper at 6:45 am, while we were still sleeping. How rude Craig!! On Saturday, the three of us had an easy day lounging around waiting for the Sistroms and Jo to arrive, which they did around 3.00pm. I love watching people setup tents when we have the camper with us. Paul and Jenny brought along a pair of orphans for the weekend, to show them where they might live when they were a bit older. They were very cute and no trouble at all. Both had much more hair than Paul though. Fivesies time duly arrived, with Craig cooking up some of the local
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roo population into meatballs and as it looked as though we may get some rain, dinner was not a late affair. The rain, thunder and lightning began right on dark with a spectacular lightshow. So it was an early night. Sunday dawned clear as a bell, and we only had patchy showers overnight. The decision was made to explore as much of the park as we could. We had a look at The Pines campground, which was pretty good, second to
The Barracks. Next on the road was Bracken Hut, available for hire, and Bald Hills campsite. Pretty rocky, secluded and remote from the rest of the park. We then headed off to Breeza Lookout a mere 25ks or so away. The road had some very slippery patches in parts as the types of soil changed. We drove over the spine of the Great Dividing Range and were stunned by the view from Breeza. Straight over the Liverpool Plains, up towards Gunnedah, if you had binoculars. We headed back the 25k’s to camp for a late lunch
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over the same slippery patches. Not sloppy mud, just not much grip, as I found out when the 80 departed the road at about 5 kph. Note to self, use the centre diff lock earlier. After lunch we drove up to Bundella Lookout. Breeza was very good, Bundella was much better. The view was too big to get in one picture. It was then back to Cox’s Creek to have a look at the old wood mill site and the very pleasant campground. Later on fivesies, dinner and a great campfire. We welcomed a young couple from Belgium to the fire and had a great chat with them about what they had seen on their travels. They loved what Australians sometimes take for granted, the fresh air and open spaces, and it was fantastic to see their enthusiasm for our magic country. Our visitors were asked if they wanted to feed the orphans before their bedtime. A very special treat for them and one they will remember after they have gone home.
Monday was a slow pack up and we headed off for home. Paul and Craig headed over to the coast and Jo tagged along with Gill and me until Gulgong. It was an easy run home with no traffic at all. Bonus! Now, about our orphan visitors. They were a pair of Red Ringtail possum joeys, two and a half months old, called Milly and Charley. They got a feed every four hours and Jenny was very dutiful. A big thanks to Paul for putting on the trip, it was a place we had wanted to visit. It would be awesome in the cooler months! More to see yet.
James
l a y o R Mt
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: r e d a e Trip L
m a h l l e J o ey W Trip Report: C raig Fitzpatri ck
Joey & David Wellham - Forester Paul Sistrom - Forester John Hocking - Pajero Ross Macbeth - Forester
Craig Fitzpatrick - Navara Julie, Michael & Zoe Rush - Triton Geoff Adcock - Pathfinder Jeffy Cairns - Forester
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Everybody met at the twin servos north of Wyong except me, I met the group at morriset at 9.00am. We headed up the M1 and onto the new Hunter Expressway to Singleton where we had a short break to get final supplies then it was onto the camp site up in the Mount Royal National Park . The road turned to gravel just after Lake St Clair and we started to climb to about 1200m then down the other side into the campsite, the road was a little rough and bumpy but a nice little spot - very secluded and nice grass, shelters, gas BBQs and a drop toilet.
Sunday morning we awoke to another glorious day, had breakfast and packed up and left camp around 10 am. We drove out a different way which was an interesting drive, quite bumpy but good driving. We came to a very long steep climb out of the valley to the top of Mount Royal when over the radio a message came that Geoff's Pathfinder was overheating. Julie and Michael stopped to help and after it cooled down they headed off to catch up with the rest of the group that was waiting up the road taking photos. After a couple of group shots it was onto the tar road back past Lake St Clair into Singleton for lunch and to say John and Jeffy went for walks but the rest just relaxed our good byes before we headed our separate ways around camp. As it was my birthday we had cake at home . fivesies and a few presents where received. I settled down to read a few jokes from a book I received from This was another great trip run by Joey and he turned John much to everybody's approval and after about the great weather on again, thank you very much Joey one hour or so and many jokes later (some could not from all the group. be read out load with ladies or children in the camp) we decided to have dinner then sat around a nice fire Craig till late .
s e n w e N t a s e n i t n e l a V 29
ck & i N : s der a e L p i Tr
tsis a r p a da C n a m A
Trip Report: Nick & Amanda Capratsis
Nick, Amanda & Charlie Capratsis - Patrol Paul, Renee & Mark Williscroft – Prado Kim Nolan – Landcruiser Troy, Sandi & Katelin Strickland – Outback
William, Teresita & Austin Morales - Xtrail
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We began our trip over the mountains Friday evening with two vehicles, visitors to the club trip William, Teresita and their son Austin and us. Leaving the M4 Service centre at 6.30pm, heading into the darkness arriving into Newnes at 9.30pm, where we met up with Paul, Renee, Mark and Kim, who had come up earlier in the evening and found us a site. Friday night saw us setting up camp and then with little time remaining sitting by the fire. Saturday morning was an early breakfast and a romantic moment by Paul and we were on the road / track by 9.ooam. Our first stop was along Wolgan Rd at the top of the hill overlooking some magnificent views of the canyon, a few happy snaps and we were quickly back on the road heading for Blackfellas Hand Trail. We stopped just below the Blackfellas Hand Caves, where Mark and Charlie took a quick walk up to see the caves. No one else was feeling adventurous / energetic enough to take the stroll up. We aired down here and once the boys arrived back we began a journey up the track heading towards Sunny Side Ridge. Along the way there were no takers for track no.5 detour (Spanish Steps).
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We encountered a challenging section where following the leader was not recommended and resulted in having to snatch our visitors up a rut. We arrived at Sunny Side Ridge at 12 noon, where we were able to get yet another magnificent view of the canyon, overlooking the Wolgan Valley. We stopped here for lunch, and a few more photo moments. After lunch we went back down Sunny Side Ridge Road toward the Lost City. The track proved to be quite testing for our visitor, having to stop along the way for some concerning noises coming from below the car. This resulted in parking their vehicle in a safe spot along the track and piling extra passengers into other vehicles to continue down the track to the Lost City. Even though the track was a little worse for wear and having a few challenging spots, we all made it through without a glitch. Down at Lost City Renee, Paul, William, Teresita, Austin and Charlie took the walk down into the Lost City, leaving the slackers behind to watch. A few more photos of the sites and we were on our way back up the hill.
After collecting William’s vehicle along the way, stopping along the way to collect fire wood for the night. On our trip back to camp the skies were threatening us with a spot of rain, which saw the momentum of the convoy pick up, for a quick trip back to the bitumen. Stopping on the side of the Wolgan Rd for some quick running repairs to one of the vehicles, Kim and Paul continued on down the road to get the fire started before the rain set in. This is where Sandy, Troy and Katelin met us and also headed in front to setup camp. We made it to camp and the skies let us know who was going to be boss for the afternoon, dumping all the water it could, all this whilst we were trying to set up the tarp for shelter. This saw us running to and from to make it happen. Thank you Paul for providing the shelter. Once the rain dropped off, we were able to finish setting up the tarp and begin our cooking for our communal diner. We then settled in for a night by the fire.
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Sunday morning saw a very slow pack up, whilst Troy, We would like to thank everyone for joining us on our Sandi and Katelin took a walk around the Newnes first trip as Trip Leaders and we look forward running Ruins. After packing up we headed up the mountain future trips. to Pulpit Rock Lookout at Blackheath, which was well worth the walk down, presenting one of the finest Nick and Amanda views of the weekend. After the walk back up Troy, Sandi, Katelin, Renee, Paul and Mark decided to have lunch while the rest of us decided to make our way home.
Morbi
The
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nor o H n y l aro K & k r Ma : s r e d Trip Lea Trip R
eport: Pau l Sistrom
Trip Participants: Mark & Karolyn Honor - Navara Jo & Shani Quinn - Ranger Julie & Michael Rush - Triton Ann-Marie & Travis Meade - Pathfinder Jason & Karen Finlayson - Landcruiser
Paul Sistrom - Forester Bernadette & Chris Tiller - Subaru XV Ray Stanborough & Peter - Pajero Visitors: Simon & Ben - Navara
This trip was something a little bit different – a hark back to the days when amateurs and other family groups used to go on car rallies, picking up clues at various intervals and hoping at the end of it all to arrive at the correct destination. On this trip we visited four of the older water storage dams in the Sydney catchment – Cataract, Cordeaux, Nepean and Avon.
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All four dams were very special and attractive – gems tucked away south-west of the city and forgotten about by most of us. They are all quite old now, dating back to the early 20�� Century, although all have had refurbishments done since then. They all still play an important part in Sydney’s water supply. Our “instructions” asked us to find out various bits of information (dates, capacities, initial cost etc) which could be found on the commemorative plaques on or near the dam walls. We also had to photograph certain features. One thing that struck me was just how spacious and attractive the picnic grounds at these old dams are. Our lunch spot was at one of them – Cordeaux. Any of them would make a very enjoyable day’s outing. After we had finished our dam visits, we had to solve a word puzzle to find out where we were headed next – Joadja Winery – a good choice. After an impromptu wine tasting and some purchases, we travelled the few kilometres to our campsite for the night – a large clearing on the property owned by the family which runs the Joadja Creek historical site – Joadja was once a thriving centre extracting and distilling kerosene shale. Despite the intermittent showers, the obligatory campfire was a success, and a pleasant evening was passed. On Sunday morning we had a tour of the old town and mine works, conducted by the owner of the tour business, Valero (Val) Jimenez. There was even real espresso and cappuccino coffee for sale! The tour took about an hour and was enjoyable and informative. There are a lot of ruins of the old refining works still on
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the site, also a couple of large chimney stacks and the ruins of some houses that would have been quite impressive in their day. As finance permits (the Commonwealth Government is chipping in a bit) restoration work is being done. The site now includes a working distillery. As we made our way north towards home, some of us stopped at Berrima for lunch at one of the pubs (the Surveyor General, if memory serves me correctly). The weather was a bit iffy, but didn’t detract from a most enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Thanks to Mark and Karolyn for organising it.
Paul Sistrom
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ins k t A t t e r B nd a d o o l F n a Bri : s r e d a e L Trip one y r e v e rt: o p e R Trip
Driver Awa Trip Participants:
reness
Brian Flood & Evan King - Jeep Wrangler Michael Dunstan - Challenger Brett Atkins - Land Rover Discovery Guy Freeman - Triton David Kirkby - Patrol
37 DESTINATION: Lidsdale State Forrest and Marangaroo National Park. EQUIPMENT: Five tough low range 4x4’s all with different 4WD technologies, capabilities and levels of refinement. MISSION: To tackle some of the more advanced tracks in the area in a safe, informative and fun way. VISION: Out the front windscreen. GOALS: To reach the summit of Mt Walker and take in the views of Lithgow and Lake Lyell from the Trig Point Survey Marker. ACHIEVMENTS: A great fun day had by all participants, with many different 4WD terrains covered requiring various levels of 4WDing skills. Lots of confidence made and new things learnt. No recoveries needed. AFTER TRIP REVIEW: Clean and service 4x4 and then put the 28�� and 29�� of March in the diary for the next Driver Awareness Trip up to Stockton and the Watagan’s National Park. Brett Atkins (Driver Awareness Officer) "Of course I'll give it a go," I told myself as I drove the "Main Street" of Rydal towards the showground before the convoy of five vehicles aired down in preparation for our assault on Mt Wilson (somewhere around Lidsdale). Well, after dragging my Triton's arse ("watch out for the overhang, mate") through the roller-coaster of erosion mitigating road works between the Rydal CBD and Mt Walker's base camp, I found myself having a minor Damascus Road experience. "Are you sure?" the voice in my head asked me. "Er, no," I replied and struggled to avoid feeling like a whimp. With some of the others in the convoy, I made it up to the trig point ... on foot. The two heroes -- our leaders Brian (Jeep) and Brett (Land Rover) -- let us bask in their glory as the drone buzzing overhead recorded our combined achievement. Then as I stumbled and groped my way back down the rugged and slippery incline to my waiting Triton, I repeatedly juggled several thoughts: "You really shoulda", "Wise choice", "What if ...", "Yeah, what if!", "Maybe after I get the suspension done" ... "And, and, and ..." (As my friend Noor would say). For quite a while as we roller-coasted our
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way to our lunch spot I attempted to demolish recurrent "What if?" questions. My torment ended when trip leader Brian, whose 4WD experience "rap sheet" would rival the length of a comet's tail, said: "Well, that's one thing I can cross off my bucket list!" I'm comfortable now, knowing that it's still on my bucket list. Thanks for a great trip Brian and Brett. Guy Freeman ”It was a brilliant day, awesome weather & I got to challenge the Challenger” Michael Dunstan Getting to the top of Mt Walker was one challenge I had yet to conquer and without Heidi to stop me I made it. It was good to get the Jeep out where it belongs (in the ruff stuff) Brian Flood (Driver Awareness Officer) What a great day was had, a trip to Mt Walker. We all learned what our 4x4s can do, even if you’re a bit unsure of your 4x4, with Brian & Brett they will show you. We went down hillsides, went up mountains and we drove along river beds. Five 4x4s wound our way through amazing tracks looking out over the Lithgow area and we learnt about the ''HIGH’s'' of photography at each viewing spot we stopped at. If you were not there you missed out!! Be there next time soon where ever it may be. David Kirkby
Being a passenger this weekend enabled me to experience two very different but very capable 4WD’s do some tuff stuff on the dirt and experience the differences between them on the same terrain. Also some great video and photography opportunities, and some dangly bits ;) Great day trip….Great weekend! Evan King
2015 FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENTER! $15 per entry Money to be paid to Julie no later than Round 8 (25 April)
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First Place gets the money. If it’s a tie the money will be split. Last place gets money back. One point for a win. One point for a draw. Two points if you pick a perfect round. You can pick one ‘joker round’ which will give you double points. State of Origin and finals will be included in tipping rounds. Contact Julie for more details or register at www.itipfooty.com.au. COMP NAME: Subi Club Footy Tipping PASSWORD: subaru2015 Winner will be announced at first club THE COMPETITION SO FAR …… RANK
TIPSTER
WHO
POINTS
1
sandis73
Sandi Strickland
21
2
Muddy06
Amanda Capratsis
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3
ThePheonix
Pat Malone
18
3
David Ackermann
David A.
18
3
sim28
Sandra Moss
18
3
utechick
Julie
18
7
Merlot1957
Michael D
17
7
Nickc1981
Nick Capratsis
17
7
ThePhoenix
Chris Malone
17
10
harleyjs
Harley Saddler
16
10
Jtigger
Jean Dunstan
16
10
troy72s
Troy Strickland
16
13
Ranger10
Jo Quinn
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Name – Joel Dedman
Member Profile Joel Dedman
Children – …Currently I have 22 children aged from 7.5 to 9 years old Suburb/Area you live – Barooga- border town on the Murray River
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Occupation – Primary Teacher Member since – 2010 Current Vehicle – 2012 Mitsubishi Challenger Vehicle Name – Tyres – Cooper AT3s Modifications – 2” lift, Bull Bar, Winch, Steel Bash Plate, HID Spot Lights, Snorkel, Diff lock, A/T Tyres, Roof Rack with Awning, Custom Storage Unit and Waeco Fridge Planned Modifications – None Past Vehicles – Subaru Forester Dream Car – OKA Favourite Place to Camp – Too many awesome places I’ve been to with the club to narrow it down to one Favourite Track – Old Telegraph Track- Cape York Dream Destination – Surveyor Generals Corner (NT/WA/SA Corner) Tent/Camper Trailer – Currently a Centre Pole Tent Committee Positions held - Magazine Editor First Club Trip – Colo River with Harley and Lyn Best Club Trip – Too many awesome trips to single one out Some trips you’ve been on – Colo River, Watagans, WOW Trip, Darts and Dices, Relay for Life, Flinders Ranges, Corner Crawl, Simpson Desert, Trip To The Tip Trips you’ve run – Corner Crawl What the club means to you – Meeting like-minded (and equally twisted) people, befriending them and getting to spend countless nights under the stars in outback places. Travelling, and exploring our vast land with great people, who are now more like family than friends.
Trip Gradings 1
SUBARU
Social/Scenic Sealed roads and smooth unsealed surfaces or tracks. Suitable for all types of vehicles. No previous 4WD experience necessary. Road tyres are acceptable. Suitable for all camper trailers and small caravans.
2
Easy Dirt trails with possible loose surfaces, potholes, corrugations, shallow mud or puddles. Moderate inclines and declines. 4WD may be required. Low range not required. Some previous 4WD experience or completion of a driver awareness course preferred but not essential. Road tyres are acceptable. Suitable for camper trailers.
3
Medium Un-maintained trails, moderate to steep terrain, with loose rocky and rutted surfaces. Sand, water crossings or mud may be encountered. Low range may be required with recoveries possible. Previous offroad experience necessary. Completion of driver awareness course expected. A/T tyres preferred. Suitable for high clearance, heavy duty camper trailers with off-road hitches.
4
Advanced Un-maintained trails, steep terrain with loose, rocky and rutted surfaces. Sand, water crossings or mud may be encountered. Low range, high clearance and A/T tyres required, with recoveries probable. Previous off-road experience and completion of a driver
These gradings are to be used as a guide only and may change due to track and weather conditions.
GRADE 1 The New Members trip to the Southern Highlands was a gentle intro into the club.
awareness course essential. Suitable for purpose built, high clearance, heavy duty camper trailers with brakes and off-road hitches.
5
Hard Expect steep terrain, large ruts, rock steps, deep water crossings, and mud for majority of trip. Low-range gearing, high clearance and under body protection required. Completion of club driver awareness course required. Participation at trip leader’s discretion. A/T tyres minimum. Rated recovery points front and rear of vehicle essential. A hand or vehicle mounted winch must be available. Expect recoveries and very slow progress. No camper trailers. Due to the inherent danger of this type of trip, children must be closely supervised.
Minimum recovery equipment: ■ A snatch strap; ■ Two rated D shackles; and ■ A UHF radio. Visitors can arrange with the trip leader to borrow a handheld UHF radio for the day.
(Please replace the batteries). All vehicles should be in good mechanical condition and have the following basic equipment: ■ Spare wheel,
GRADE 4 Kevin McCormack’s Forester on “that” seemingly unconquerable hill in Lidsdale State Forest. As a cut-out ascent with high walls, deep ruts and not much traction there is little to no choice for wheel placement so very few vehicles can climb it with success.
■ Jack; ■ Wheel brace ■ Basic tools; ■ Shovel; and ■ First Aid Kit. These items should be carried on all club trips.
Convoy and trip procedures
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1
When roads are rough or dusty, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
2 3
Maintain position in convoy except in unusual circumstances.
Always wait at intersections to ensure that the vehicle behind you knows which way to go. EXCEPTION: When drivers are known to each other and radio contact has been made, directions may be given over the CB, to allow the convoy to keep moving.
4
When arriving at a hard section (i.e. creek crossing, steep hill, washout etc.) wait for the vehicle ahead to clear, or to be called through on the CB.
STAY IN TOUCH When on trips our club uses broadcast channel
15 UHF The alternate channel is
16 UHF
5 6
Always stay on the track – Don’t stray into the bush!
If you want to leave the convoy, tell the trip leader what you want to do. Don’t just wander off!
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9
8
10
When using the CB, allow time between transmissions for others to call and keep transmissions short to allow for emergency transmissions.
If there is an emergency call, the trip leader should be the ONLY person to reply. If the trip leader is unable to clearly receive the message, a person will be appointed to relay the radio traffic. All other transmissions MUST cease until the trip leader advises that the emergency is over. EXCEPTION: Radio silence may be broken for another emergency.
Only people nominated by the trip leader should help others through obstacles (“Too many cooks …”) The position of “tail-end Charlie” will be allotted by the trip leader. This person will be required to advise the Trip Leader of various events during the trip, and stay with his/her vehicle and operate the CB should an emergency situation arise.
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tracks).
Take nothing but photos (and video), and leave nothing but foot prints (and tyre
FUTURE FUN - what’s coming up EASTER BUSH CAMP Trip Leader - Tony Nardi Date - 3-6 April 2015 Grading - Easy Some lovely places to see in the state forests in the Lake Conjola area. Great campsite located only about 10 minutes from town, the campsite offers some great views and plenty of space. Trips to the beach and to the lake are planned. Contact Tony at tone2@tpg.com.au
WADBILLIGA WANDERING Trip Leader - Julie Rush Date - 3-6 April 2015 Grading - Easy/Medium Join us for a few days exploring Wadbilliga NP in high country spanning the Monaro and South Coast regions of south-eastern NSW. Heading down to do the Tuross River track on the Friday, into Wadbilliga for Saturday and Sunday then home via Mogo on the Friday. Limit of 8 cars - camper trailers fine.
Contact Julie at therushes@hotmail.com
TAKE A HIKE � Carnarvon Gorge Trip Leaders - Sandi & Troy Strickland Date - 3-12 April 2015 Grading - Touring Explore the Gorge’s 9 major bush walking sites. Whether you walk a 10km track or a few hundred metres, enjoy the majesty of these superb landscapes. It will be your chance to take a hike, get off the beaten track and then relax back at camp. Do as much or as little as you like. Plan for the trip is as follows: Night 1 - Nindigully Nights 2-4 - Carnarvon Gorge Nights 5-6 - Lightning Ridge Nights 7-8 - make our way home either staying an extra night at the Ridge or stay somewhere closer to home, the plan is to arrive home either Saturday or early Sunday but driving past Macquarie Marshes on the way home. Well, that's the plan... we hope you will join us. Contact Troy at tstrickl@exemail.com.au Mobile 0409908977
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FUTURE FUN - what’s coming up cont. BLUE MOUNTAINS DAY TRIP Trip Leaders - Sandra and Robert Moss Date - 18 April 2015 Grading - Social
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Day trip into the Blue Mountains NP for a picnic day with extras. Views down into Nepean Valley and some aboriginal rock art. Some walking will be part of the day so make sure you have your choice of comfortable walking shoes. NP Day Pass fee of $7.00 required unles you have a relevant NP pass. Contact Sandra at sandra0208@optusnet.com.au
PICNIC AT SUNNY CORNER Trip Leader - Stephen Wells Date - 2 May 2015 Grading - Medium Off the beaten track we will go. Meeting point is 8.30am at the shell servo just before you get to Lithgow, corner of Great Western Hwy And Magpie Hollow Rd, South Bowenfiels. Bring all your recovery gear, two way radio, snacks, lunch and drinks. Ps I have never been in this State Forest but with some research I will get us in and get us out . Contact Stephen at wishin4@bigpond.com Mobile 0434983648
WINE TASTING ďż˝ HUNTER Trip Leader - Karen Campbell Date - 16 May 2015 Grading - Social Join us for a wine tasting trip to the Hunter Valley, you don't have to worry about driving. Coach pickup at Central Station 7am. Cost $125 over 18s only - cost includes bus & lunch. Contact Karen at campbell.k1963@gmail.com Mobile 0430842101
FUTURE FUN - what’s coming up cont. 2015 HAWKESBURY RELAY FOR LIFE Trip Leader - Kevin McCormack Date - 23-24 May 2015 Grading - Social Relay For Life is a fun and moving overnight event that raises funds for the Cancer Council. We raise funds by providing hot roast rolls, soups and hot Milo to the participants. There’s plenty of fun to be had by taking part in the centre arena events during the day and lots of entertainment at night. Plenty of room to camp. Contact Kevin at kevin_mccormack@iinet.net.au Mobile Phone: 0428408568
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DRIVER AWARENESS Trip Leaders - Brian Flood & Brett Atkins Date - 30-31 (?) May 2015 Grading - Easy (details to come) Contact bea69@bigpond.com / 0412208874 or floodb@bigpond.com / 0425270385
THREE DAYS IN THE COOLAH Trip Leader - Paul Sistrom Date - 6-8 June 2015 Grading - Easy Camping in the beautiful Coolah Tops National Park. Optional dress theme - Hogan's Heroes (3 days in za Coolah for you!). Will be quite cold but so much to see and admire - lots of native animals, waterfalls, lookouts, remains of old sawmill equipment). Contact Paul on pcsistrom52@gmail.com Mobile Phone: 0404084125
Next Magazine Christmas in July
Camp Oven Cook Off
Club’s 40�� Birthday Bash and more ……
Future Fun and the calendar in this edition of Drive Torque are correct at the time of printing. For the latest calendar information, see the club’s website: subaru4wdclub.com. Members wanting to join a trip should register on the Club’s website. Please remember to check with the trip leader a day or so before the trip to allow the trip leader to advise members of any changes or cancellations. Don’t forget to advise the trip leader if you need to pull out.
No January meeting - no minutes SUBARU & RECREATIONAL 4WD CLUB GENERAL MEETING MINUTES 13/2/2015 ERMINGTON COMMUNITY CENTRE Meeting opened: Apologies: Visitor: Minutes from previous
46
8.10pm Paul Sistrom, Mark & Karolyn Honor, Robert & Sandra Moss, Brian Flood Dianne Brown – X-Trail meeting: accepted: Jo Quinn seconded: John Evans
President’s report – Julie discussed some concerns about “tread lightly” on our trips, issues which had been raised by some members – Julie indicated that she felt that as a club we do follow this policy. Julie also indicated that there have been lots of trips which is very good Vice President Report – Sandi commented on our January picnic meeting at Wilson Park Silverwater – was a great success and hopefully we will do the same in the future. Secretary report – mail presented Treasurer’s report – balance as at end of January $4,331.64 Membership secretary – not at meeting – 87 memberships Delegates – Heidi & Evan confirmed next 4WD Assoc. Meeting to be held at Stockton on 21/2/2015. Trip Convener – Troy Lockstock Dam – Report by Tracey – very hot & steamy, some rain, but all had a great time and there was time for a good drive and some interesting wildlife. High Country – Heidi - ranged from 5 cars with people leaving the trip when they needed too. Lots to see in the High Country but much more to come – need to do another trip. Wee Jasper Trip – Australia Day weekend – great spot and a challenging drive on the Sunday – all had a great time. Coolah Tops – Craig reported that it was a very good trip Mount Royal camping Trip – Julie reported – the trip was camping only and there was a nice loop track through the park – but there was time to just sit and relax. Upcoming trips. - Newnes trip on 14-15 February - Driver awareness – 28 February - Birthday Bash – Picton Go-Karting & picnic - 14 March - Carnarvon Gorge - Easter Break - Easter bush camp - Easter Break - Coolah Tops – June long weekend
- Dam Rally – 21- 22February - Windellama – Kevin – 7-8 March - Driver awareness – 28 March – Sand/Rocks/Mud - Exploring Wadbilliga - Easter Break - Relay for Life - 23 May
Technical Officer/PR Report – next general meeting at TJM Parramatta Webmaster report – Maintenance on our website – on going. Please email the Trip Conveners when you are listing a new trip. Michael D is in the process of transferring some of our old photos onto the website. Editors Report – Julie – Electronic magazine seemed to go well. Reports for the next issue need to be in by 20/2/2015. Social Convenor – Karen – Upcoming events - Xmas in July – Lake Lyell / Dreampots at the Drive-In / Home & Away Tour – Palm Beach $89 General Business: . . . -
Sandy is involved with a 55 Klm walk on 6 March 2015 for the Fred Hollows Foundation. Raising funds for the foundation – if you would like to help please go to the website for donations. Footy tipping to commence soon – please do not let Harley be the only member to join – sign up. Cheryl Atkins was the possible winner of the Lucky Door prize, but was not in attendance. Raffle draw – Gill, Craig, Kevin, Sandi, Tom
Meeting closed:
9.10pm
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