2015 12 tlccv magazine

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December 2015

Overland Cruisering Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia (Victoria) Inc.

A0005442c

Inside... < Old

< Portland

< Camp Cooking

Ghan Railway Trip

Sand Dune Weekend

and Trip Planning Weekend

www.tlccv.com.au

Registered by Australia Post Publication No. PP339119/00013 $5.00

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TOYOTA LAND CRUISER CLUB OF AUSTRALIA (VICTORIA) INC. A0005442C ABN87301244383

DECEMBER CONTENTS

General Meetings: 7:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Mulgrave Country Club Wellington Road (corner Jells Road), Wheelers Hill Melways Ref 80 H1 Geelong Meetings: 7.30pm the 1st Tuesday of each month & 2nd Tuesday each November at the Supper Room, Geelong West Town Hall, 153 Pakington St. 3218. (Mel. 451 J2) ENQUIRIES: Membership & General to: The Secretary Toyota Land Cruiser Club PO Box 363, HAWTHORN 3122

Website: http:www.tlccv.com.au MEMBERSHIP DETAILS Joining Fee: $280.00 Membership: $155.00 REINSTATEMENT OF PAST MEMBERS If a member rejoins the Club within 5 years, a joining fee is not applicable.

If a member rejoins the Club after 5 years, they are required to pay the joining fee and undertake the Club’s Driver Awareness course.

RECOGNISED CLUB RADIO CHANNEL: 15 UHF

2015

VOLUME 44

No.6

Club Information

1

Committee 2015-2016

2

President’s Report

3

Yarck Plan

3

Over the Hill

5

Calendar

7

Social Activities

9

Portland Sand Dunes Trip

10

Month at Old Andado

17

Yarck Monster Working Bee

18

Training: Camp Cookout

19

Training: Mechanical Weekend

22

Old Ghan Railway Trip

23

News from ARB

27

Yarck Bushfire Plan

28

Member Directory

28

YARCK PROPERTY Our property is a registered Land for Wildlife property and no inference is drawn in the publication that the sign or registration has any other meaning.

Life Members: Graeme Wilson, John Whitney (Dec), Don Honey, Bill Dower, Alan Winch, Barrie McCarthy, Harold Ross, Sandra Tanner, Brian Stewart, Charles Norman, Ashley (Dec) & Judith Williams, John Turbill, Garry Cooper, Jan Chivers & Ken Hildebrand Honorary Members: Ross McClure, Clive Blakely, Reece DeJong Club Auditor: Chris Rumble

Main photo by Don Bryant The opinions expressed in the articles appearing in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia (Victoria) Inc. The Editor reserves the right to delete where necessary any section of any article, which has been sent for publication in the magazine.

Acceptance of advertisements does not necessarily imply endorsement of products or associated companies or individuals by the Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia (Victoria) Inc.

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COMMITTEE President Laurie Miles president1@tlccv.com.au

2015 - 2016 Advertising Sandra Tanner

advertising@tlccv.com.au

Activities Coordinator activities@tlccv.com.au Matt Lilley Vice President Michael Martin president2@tlccv.com.au

Past President Ian Ross

Webmaster Laurie Miles

webmaster@tlccv.com.au

Excursion Visits Coordinator excursions@tlccv.com.au

Driver Training John MIlls: driverawareness@tlccv.com.au * Driver Training Course bookings * Awareness Course certificates Yarck Management Brian Stewart yarckmanage@tlccv.com.au

Marketing/Public Relations Coordinator Brian Tanner marketing@tlccv.com.au Emergency Response Coordinator tlccrg@tlccv.com.au

president3@tlccv.com.au Secretary Sandra Tanner secretary1@tlccv.com.au Assistant Secretary Ian wells secretary2@tlccv.com.au Treasurer Alan McMeekin treasurer1@tlccv.com.au

Magazine Distribution Gordon Chessum

Trip Convenor trips@tlccv.com.au Tony Middleditch * Register a Member’s trip * Assistance in trip preparation

Club Shop Graham Cahill

Technical Brett Dyson

Social Coordinator

technical@tlccv.com.au

Training Matt Lilley training@tlccv.com.au • Club training courses co-ordinator

Assistant Treasurer Barbra Bryant treasurer2@tlccv.com.au

Special Events Peter & Thea McLean

Committee Michael Schuettke committee1@tlccv.com.au

Membership Barbara Bryant membership@tlccv.com.au * Membership renewals, name badges, contact detail changes

Committee Liz Mills

Librarian Wendy Wilson library@tlccv.com.au * Borrow DVDs & books * Contributions to the Library

committee2@tlccv.com.au

Magazine Editor Sandra Tanner:

Raffles & Supper Gabi & Grace Azzam

clubshop@tlccv.com.au

Sergeant-At-Arms

social@tlccv.com.au * Book for participation in social events Visitor Greeters Carol & Greg Edmunds Cruiserkhana enquiries@cruiserkhana.com.au

events@tlccv.com.au • Shows & special event co-ordinator

FWDV Delegate Tony Bryant fwdvdelegate@tlccv.com.au editor1@tlccv.com.au

GEELONG BRANCH President Matt Lilley geelong@tlccv.com.au Vice President Matt McPhee

geelong2@tlccv.com.au

Secretary Jennie Harvie Social Alison Williams

alison4913@gmail.com

MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTIONS

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

TRADING POST

All articles, trip reports and other contributions are welcome for inclusion in the magazine. They must be in the hands of the Editor by the first of the month.

Please send them to: The Editor, Overland Cruisering, PO Box 1778, Geelong 3220

• Please submit articles as Word documents with no formatting.

(No fancy formats as it will only have to be removed in preparing for publication).

In particular DO NOT embed pictures in your documents • Images (photos) should be supplied as seperate JPEG files.

The higher resolution the better. As a guide images should be of 300 pixel per inch with image files around 1-5MB fine.

• If you have multiple images, please burn to a CD and post to Editor rather than trying to email numerous images.

• Articles can be posted with normal photos.

They will be scanned and returned to the author if a self-addressed envelope is provided.

• Note: if selling a vehicle in the Trading Post it is a Motor Car Trader Regulation (1988-22(4) legal requirement that a cash price, registration number or engine number are supplied.

or email: editor1@tlccv.com.au

Members’ name and membership number must accompany all articles and/or contributions.

ADVERTISING A TRIP • Note: All trips must be approved by the Trip Convenor before they can be gazetted in Overland Cruisering.

All contributions MUST BE received by the 1st of the month.

ADVERTISERS Please support those companies that advertise in our magazine. Let them know you saw their advert in Overland Cruisering.

ARE YOUR MEMBERSHIP DETAILS CURRENT? If you have recently moved, please notify Barbara Bryant – Membership Officer – and provide your new address, telephone number(s) and (if altered) your email address as soon as possible. Please also remember to remove the Club sticker if you change or sell your four-wheel drive.

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U P D AT E

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

W

ith Christmas only a week away, it is that time of the year when we all look forward to celebrating the festive season with our family and friends.

Of course, it also means we are fast moving into the fire season and hot and sometimes very windy weather. It is important that we follow the weather reports and travel safely, especially if we are heading to our Yarck property.

Remember, National Parks and State Forests and our Yarck property are all closed on Code Red days. Yarck is also closed on Total Fire Ban days. So if you are at Yarck, please be observant of the weather conditions and monitor your radio or the Fire Ready app on your smart phone for Total Fire Ban alerts.

Following the Monster Working Bee in November, the property is looking great after all the hard work of 40 Club members who enjoyed a great weekend at Yarck. It was great to see happy smiling faces bonding together to get many of the outstanding tasks completed. A lot of joviality was had with the pouring of a section of concrete near the toilet block.You can view some great Monster Working Bee pictures and video clips on the Club website at http://goo.gl/jKtf8c

The Yarck Strategy group met last month.

Many ideas were discussed and these discussions will continue this month. Don’t forget to email me if you have some ideas about the development of Yarck. Thanks to the members that have offered assistance so far.

Heidi and I will be celebrating our 100th Club trip this month. By the time this goes to print, we will have reached this milestone. We certainly have enjoyed taking many members through the Victorian High Country and the Victorian deserts.

Hopefully we find the time to keep running trips as it is a great passion of ours.

The committee has reviewed the Club’s By-Laws and you will now find that they have been updated on the website. The major update to the By-Laws was including the procedures of our driver training program. This inclusion will help members better understand the operation of the DA team. A big thanks to John Mills and his team for helping create this component of the By-Laws.

There has been recent discussion on our Facebook page concerning dogs as Yarck.

The postings by some members suggested that there had been changes to our By-Laws, however no changes (apart from

clarification) have been made to this ByLaw. We are aware that some members feel our By-Law relating to dogs is a little restrictive. Your committee will continue to monitor member feedback and will review some of the suggestions discussed.

However, as it stands, our current By-Law still applies, which is that dogs are not permitted in the Hilton or the Toilet Block at any time and dogs are to be kept on a leash and under control at all times.

Cruiserkhana is now in full swing.

Applications can be downloaded from the website with early bird discounts being available until the end of the year. This is a great Club activity, so if you haven’t been to CruiserKhana before, perhaps it is time to book in early so you don’t miss out.

CruiserKhana takes place at Yarck on 16th & 17th April.

On behalf of the committee, I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Laurie Miles (1058) PRESIDENT

CRUISERKHANA 2016 16TH & 17H APRIL After a solid review of this year’s event, it is proposed to only run the main competition on the Saturday with the prize presentations after dinner on the Saturday night.

The optional events such as Rock Climb and Bog Hole will be run on the Sunday morning.

We need your help to make it happen!

Please review the following vacant positions and contact me if you are available.

The committee meets once a month, but a lot of our work is done via email.

Coordinator, Sponsorship, Publicity, Chief Marshal, Entries, Financial Controller, Secretary, Logistics Coordination, Merchandise and Marshals Coordination.

Please give serious consideration to volunteering Please contact Neil Chambers : co-ordinator@cruiserkhana.com.au Or phone Neil on: 0419 520 810

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CALENDAR

INFORMATION FOR TRIP LEADERS • Trip leaders please note that under the Constitution, members may not take part in any club activities involving four-wheel driving unless they have completed the Driver Awareness

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COMING TRIPS

Course (Theory & Practical) and have filled in an Indemnity Form.

• The Club Insurance Policy states that only Club Trips that are gazetted in the Club Magazine and the Club website are covered by the Club Public Liability Policy.

• All Club Trips gazetted in the Club Magazine must include a telephone number (or mobile) and/or an email address for the purpose of booking on a trip.

• Members please note that telephone calls should not be made later than 8:30 pm.

Club trips are for club members only. Non members are not afforded insurance coverage by the club and may jeopardise our coverage. If you have any queries they may be raised with our Trip Coordinator, Tony Middleditch.

Members Please Note: All guests attending TLCCV trips must take out Temporary Membership. This includes children of members 18 years of age and older. If you have any queries contact our Trip Convenor, Tony Middleditch at trips@tlccv.com.au. All applications and pay-ments for Temporary Membership MUST be received by the Membership Officer NO LATER than 14 days prior to the trip.

Facebook: Any trips advertised on Facebook that have not been approved by the Trip Convenor will not be recognised as an official Club trip and therefore not be covered by the Club insurance.

Seasonal Road Closures: Contact Parks Victoria on http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/safety/fire,-flood-and-other-closures/seasonal-road-closures2.

JANUARY, 2016

Date: Details:

Trip Leader: FEBRUARY Date: Details:

Trip Leader: FEBRUARY Date: Details:

Trip Leader: MARCH Date: Details:

Trip Leader: MARCH Date: Details:

Trip Leader: APRIL Date: Details:

Trip Leader:

ABERFELDY ADVENTURE Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th January, 2015 Explore the exciting 4WD tracks near the Aberfeldy River, including a visit to O’Tooles Flat, plus take in the views as we descend the famous 12 switchbacks on Trigg Track, just north of the old mining town of Walhalla.

No trailers, no dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip.

Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com AVON RIVER ADVENTURE Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th February We will head north, crossing the Avon River & Ben Cruachan Creek many times. We then head east following the southern edge of the Avon Wilderness area & camp on the Avon River. On Sunday we will retrace steps to the Ben Cruachan Creek, then head up to Ben Cruachan to take in the great views. We continue to follow the Ben Cruachan Creek & then climb up to McMillans Lookout to take in the views. We will descend from McMillans & finish our trip near Cheynes Bridge, just south of Licola. No trailers, no dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted.

Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com SWIFTS CREEK EXPLORER Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th February.

Explore the exciting 4WD tracks around Swifts Creek, including the famous TVGC track.

Trailers are most welcome at our base camp at Swifts Creek Caravan Park.

No dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip.

Laurie & Heidi Miles. Email: trips@zebra400.com TINGARINGY TRAILER TRIP - (Labour Day weekend) Saturday 12th - Monday 14th March Head north from Orbost to mt Tingaringy drivng to the summit on the NSW border. Take in the views as we head down to McKillops Bridge via the Laurie Track.

On Monday we will visit the Little River Gorge before heading home.

No dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip.

Laurie & Heidi Miles. Email: trips@zebra400.com SANDY WYPERFELD NP & VIC / SA BORDER TRACK (Easter weekend) Friday 25th - Monday 28th March.

Travel through the sandy Wyperfeld NP via Lake Albacutya, circling the Big Desert via Ross Springs. We will then travel through the ‘Disputed Country’ before crossing into SA & heading down the Centre Track. We will join the Vic/SA Border Track at the bottom of the One Way section. We will experience some interesting sand dunes & bog holes, before finishing in Nhill. No trailers, no dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip.

Laurie & Heidi Miles. Email: trips@zebra400.com TLCC NATIONAL CONFERENCE Friday 22nd - Wednesday 27th April, 2016 A perfect opportunity to meet other TLCC members from throughout Australia & head to Fraser Island enjoying the sandy island tracks both coastal & hinterland. Anzac Day service will be held on the Monday on Fraser Island.

Caravans & campervans are OK. No dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip.

Michael Martin: Email: shuthonger@gmail.com

Full details on these trips available on website

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TOYOTA LAND CRUISER CLUB OF VICTORIA DOWNL OAD AP www.cr PLICATION FO R u or for m iserkhana.com MS AT ore info .au enquiri es@cru rmation email iserkha na.com .au

2 days of exciting 4x4 all terrain, all fun, family four wheel drive skill competitions PLUS 4x4 TEAM CHALLENGE ruiserKhana is a skills based 4x4 event suitable for fourwheel drivers of all standards. No vehicle modifications are necessary to be successful.

Full vehicle specification details are found on the website, but basically are as required by the Cross Country Drivers Association. Highly modified 4x4s are not permitted.

Applications are now invited for drivers in Standard and Touring Classes. Note each vehicle requires a driver and navigator.

C

Entry Fees

Major prizes - More than $10,000 worth of prizes will be

Enquiries:

distributed across all categories, including individual and team awards.

enquiries@cruiserkhana.com.au

4x4 Club Teams Challenge

Weekend (Includes camping and Saturday night 3-course dinner.)

• Competitors: $125 • Navigators $50 • Non competitors $40 • Children under 15 $30 • Children under 5 Free Day visitor $10 • Hot and cold food and drinks available all weekend • Event held at Club property at Yarck ( 2 hrs north of Melb.)

Entries close 14th February, 2016

Four wheel drive clubs are invited to field a team(s) to compete for the CruiserKhana Perpetual Trophy. Teams consist of three vehicles from the same club.

Early Bird Special - Save 10% for entries received before 31st December 2015

15th - 17th April 2016 www.cruiserkhana.com.au PLEASE NOTE ENTRY NUMBERS ARE LIMITED

Major sponsors

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CALENDAR January 9th & 10th January 12th January 16th January 30th & 31st February 8th February 9th February 13th & 14th February 20th & 21st February 27th & 28th February 27th & 28th March 5th March 8th March 12th – 14th March 14th March 19th & 20th March 19th & 20th March 25th – 28th April 9th & 10th April 11th April 12th April 22nd – 27th April 30th & 31st May 9th May 10th May 21st & 22nd May 28th & 29th June 13th ` June 14th

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COMING TRIPS

Prior to booking or setting any dates for an event, please check with the Activity Coordinator who will ensure that there are no clashes. Please email to the Activity Coordinator the proposed date, time, venue and overview of the event.

Aberfeldy Adventure DA Theory (if needed) Toyota 4WDs at Yarck (See below) DA Practical weekend (if needed) Yarck Management meeting DA Theory Avon River Adventure Maintenance & Construction weekend Swifts Creek Explorer trip DA Practical weekend Mediterranean Night at Yarck DA Theory Tingaringy Trailer trip Yarck Management – Public Holiday Pre-Easter Family Get-Together Maintenance & Construction weekend Sandy Wyperfeld NP & Vic/SA Border trip C/K set-up with Maintenance & Construction weekend Yarck Management meeting DA Theory TLCC National Conference to Fraser Island DA Practical weekend Yarck Management meeting DA Theory Maintenance & Construction weekend DA Practical weekend Yarck Management – Public Holiday DA Theory

SPECIAL ACTIVITY

June 25th & 26th July 11th July 12th July 23rd & 24th July 30th & 31st August 8th August 9th August 20th & 21st August 27th & 28th September 12th September 13th September 24th & 25th October 10th October 11th October 22nd & 23rd November 5th & 6th November 8th November 14th November 19th & 20th November 26th & 27th December 12th December 13th

Maintenance & Construction weekend Yarck Management meeting DA Theory Maintenance & Construction weekend DA Practical weekend Yarck Management meeting DA Theory Maintenance & Construction weekend DA Practical weekend Yarck Management meeting DA Theory Maintenance & Construction weekend Yarck Management meeting DA Theory Maintenance & Construction weekend DA Practical weekend DA Theory Yarck Management meeting Maintenance & Construction weekend DA Practical weekend Yarck Management meeting DA Theory

Note: Yarck Management meetings to be confirmed.

T O Y OI TPA 4 W D P R E V I E W S

E X C L U S I V E P R E V I E W O F L AT E S T T O Y O TA 4WD VEHICLES FOR TLCCV MEMBERS Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th January, 2016 Members are invited to preview three of the very latest Toyota four wheel drives.

• The all new Toyota HiLux • Updated 200 Series LandCruiser • New Fortuner

Toyota Motor Corporation has very kindly allowed us to show our members these vehicles, which is a wonderful opportunity for you to come up to Yarck for the weekend and inspect them under the direction of our DA team.

Saturday morning will be allocated to the DA team to drive the vehicles and Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning members will be able to see them go through their paces under the supervision of the DA team.

These three vehicles plus the re-powered Prado were all released in October, so evaluation vehicles are in short supply, making this opportunity very special.

Saturday night a sausage sizzle is organized

Please email: secretary1@tlccv.com.au for catering purposes.

Brian Tanner Marketing/Public Relations Coordinator

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Coming up in 2016...

SOCIAL NEWS

Christmas frivolity at the Elsternwick Hotel Thirty-one very enthusiastic Club members had a wonderful night on Saturday 28th November with wonderful food and good company. Pub nights are a great way to get to know other members, renew old friendships or just have a catch-up chat. The night kicked off at 6:00pm and was still going strong more than four hours later!

We will definitely have more pub nights next year once this Social Secretary has got her mind into gear, but in the meantime don’t forget to book in for the Mediterranean Night on Saturday 5th March, catered for by the Club’s very own fantastic Azzam family, with lots of willing helpers. Cost is $40 for all sorts of luscious food and a DJ. Bookings are strong and payment will secure your place. It is more than half booked out already.

Bookings will close mid-February unless booked out before.

Expressions of interest in the Puffing Billy train dinner on the first weekend of May are welcome. A decision will be made on this early in the New Year and as this books out quickly, we will need to secure our seats. It’s expensive, but well worth it.

Angela Di Lallo (225) SOCIAL COORDINATOR

MEDITERRANEAN NIGHT AT YARCK Saturday 5th March, 2016 This is an advance notice and details are being finalized.

Come and enjoy authentic Italian, Greek and Lebanese food prepared by club members. Live DJ and dancing.

Costs still to be finalized but it will be value for money.

Expressions of interest are open NOW. Contact Angela on social@tlccv.com.au

PRE EASTER FAMILY GET-TOGETHER AT YARCK 19th & 20th March, 2016 This is a special for families and the young at heart. This is a combined Maintenance & Construction weekend but there will also be a couple of other activities organized on the Saturday.

Saturday night there will be a sausage sizzle.

Sunday morning there will be the egg hunt.

Contact Sandra on secretary1@tlccv.com.au or Angela on social@tlccv.com.au

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR PUFFING BILLY SHOW AND TELL - JANUARY DIFFERENTIALS EXPLAINED This presentation is about automotive differentials.

How they work and the best way to use them.

Don’t miss this informative power point presentation.

Liz Mills Show & tell co-ordinator

MAY, 2016 Expressions of interest are sought for a luncheon or dinner and dance journey on Puffing Billy on the first weekend of May, 2016. Cost will be around the $90 mark.

Depending on how we book, Concession or Entertainment Book members may be able to get a reduction.

Please advise your preference as to whether you would prefer a lunch or dinner and a Saturday or Sunday. It will be the weekend before Mother’s Day. Due to the way Puffing Billy operates, money will need to be paid at the time the booking is made and also menu chosen.

However, at this time, I am trying to gauge the numbers.

All you need to do is contact me at : social@tlccv.com.au and give me your contact details and preferences.

Angela Di Lallo Social Coordinator.

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TRIPS

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P O R T L A N D SI AP N D D U N E S

Melbourne Cup weekend: 30th October – 3rd November, 2015 Trip Leaders: Participants:

Garry Cooper and Ann Pinney Bev & Tom Rust Dulcie Watts Peter & Robyn Hepworth Wayne & Martine Eames Jenny & Andrew Poon Sally & Neville Kidd Grace & Gabi Azzam Rob Pascoe & Karen Ditty Megan & Michael Bourke Sarah, Duncan, Amy & Jack Stadler Alison Hilton Chris Atkins & Albert Hilton Michelle, Dave, Mercedes & Cameron McAlister

J

oining a Club like TLCCV, you expect to experience some great times with like-minded people on the trips you go on. But then there’s the wonderful surprises you get when your trip leader and fellow trippers conspire together to make a very special occasion for one of its group. This was my experience when I turned 60 on the day we all arrived down at the Portland sand dunes. My birthday night was made very special for me. Ann side- tracked me and eventually Garry called me over to the campsite for a magical moment when 25

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people each waving a pair of lit sparklers around a roaring fire, sang happy birthday to me. What a truly marvellous thing to experience and then there was more!! Bev had made a fabulous iced birthday cake with a photo of me on it, made from rice paper. The gusty wind stopped us from lighting the candles but it didn’t stop us from tucking in to a delicious piece of birthday cake. Thank you all for my making my birthday so special.

Friday arvo saw Wayne and Duncan each enjoy a ride in a dune buggy - lucky chaps.

Those things were buzzing around the dunes constantly over the weekend, utterly amazing us with their manoeuvres.

Friday night’s weather wasn’t exactly tame, with rain and gusting winds through most of the night; not a lot of us had a good night’s sleep.

Saturday morning saw everyone raring to go and we headed off onto the sand dunes enjoying the fabulous views as we progressed to the top of Baldy, a noted steep, vertical sand dune, which Garry expected all of us to drive down!

Comments like “What, we’re driving down there?” “No way.” “I’m not going down that way!!” “You’ve got to be kidding me!” could be heard muttered from various drivers, including me. Well each rig made it down.

I had Garry sit next to me, and am glad I did as I froze in the driver’s seat. Happily the mighty Tojé did her thing and Garry kept talking to me on when to apply pressure on the accelerator, so we made it down and then I drove Garry back up to the top of Baldy, only to drive back down again.

Saturday proved a day of challenges, taking a lot of us out of our comfort zone and acquiring new admiration for our trusty steads as they chugged up and down the

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dunes. Mostly it was the Prados that got stuck with the occasional LandCruiser bogging in.

Maxtrax proved useful numerous times to get the rigs moving again.

Saturday night the wind had died down so everyone retired reasonably early for a good night’s kip.

Sunday was a full day out on the sand dunes. Weird weather and the wind couldn’t make up its mind which direction it would blow. Garry’s challenge for the day was to find the track down to a beach he’d found a few years ago. Over the dunes we travelled going down a particularly challenging track, which I chickened out of and went the easier steep track on the right.

This steep track would prove the better of all the Prados later in the day. After a while Garry found the track to his beach and he and Tom set off but it proved to be too soft for 14 rigs to navigate down and back up, so we parked on a spacious dune and walked up and down and up and down to the beach. There were already two trucks parked strategically across the beach entrance to prevent the wind from buffeting their campsite.

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Three young chaps were fishing this beach, although at the time we wandered down, two were asleep in their swags whilst the other one was sitting in his chair contemplating the ocean waves. The wind at this time was decidedly cold and we posed for a group photo opportunity before the rain began.

Back in the cars Garry led us eventually to the top of a dune with spectacular views of the ocean. The sun shone brightly and lunch was had trying to find a spot in the sun but out of the wind. We started off back to the campsite but first we all had to traverse and conquer this steep dune I mentioned earlier. This proved a real effort not only for the Prados but also for the blokes manning the shovels trying to patch up the track after each attempt. We Prado drivers got a lot of practice backing down the slope and trying again. Eventually some got snatched up but some finally made it on their own steam. Tojé finally got up and over with Wayne’s help, tyres down to 12 psi., in low. Hooray!!!

Sunday night was loads of fun. We had a Swiss chap cycling across from Perth to Melbourne stop by and join the party.

Bruno had a backpackers guitar which he put together to play a few tunes for us.

Amy sang a couple of her favourite songs and everyone got up dancing under the stars. A top sociable night was had by all.

Monday saw the convoy leisurely driving through Nelson on to Port Macdonnell, the southern-most town in SA. It was once a busy shipping Port in the 1900’s and has numerous ship wrecks dotted around its coastal area. Now the place relies on tourism and the lobster fishing industry.

We dispersed to walk around and eventually met up at the local pub for lunch. On the way back, we detoured onto the beach near the Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, and drove along it towards Nelson.

We found a few sink holes developing close to the foreshore embankment, which probably means the beach may not be drivable in the future. Jack fell in one of them up to his waist, luckily his Dad had some old pyjama pants he uses as a rag in the back of the truck. We dropped into Piccaninnie Ponds and talking to the divers we found their permits are hourly and the first pond is approx. 8 metres deep with the second pond approx. 130 metres

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deep. It’s a lovely spot and you could see clearly into the first pond.

Monday night we used up the second supply of wood, playing musical chairs dodging the campfire smoke as it swirled around.

Tuesday morning everyone packed up and headed off home.

Thanks very much to Garry and Ann and also to our tail end Charlie, Grace and Gabi for all your wonderful effort and help throughout the weekend, it was much appreciated by all of us.

And thank you to everyone, I had the best birthday and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Dulcie Watts (2480)

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SPECIAL REPORT

O U R M O N TI HP A T O L D A N D A D O

June / July, 2015 "I would really like to spend more time here". This was my request to husband John as we departed across the dune overlooking Old Andado on our return to Melbourne in 2014. The decision was made to apply for the role of volunteer Caretakers at this Heritage listed property on the edge of the Simpson Desert, 330 kilometres south of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

John and I had camped there twice before and fell in love with the unique property, which was originally part of the Andado cattle station.

The surrounding land had been settled in the 1800s. An original mud brick building was replaced by the iron and timber structure now in existence.

Mac Clark, Molly and their three boys went to live at Andado in 1955 as managers, with the prospect of eventually owning the station. A few years later, a new home was built 18kms away leaving the old home to the elements of wind and sand.

A number of tragedies occurred in the 70s and 80s. Mac had a heart attack and died, the eldest son, Graham, was killed crossing the railway line at Pimba and Kevin, the middle son, was in a nasty accident but thankfully survived. Then brucellosis struck and Molly was advised that all of approximately 5000 cattle were to be destroyed, leaving her no income; therefore the property had to be sold. In 1987 she applied to the government in Darwin to secure a Crown lease to keep 45 square kilometres of land with the original homestead on it and to run a tourism enterprise.

The house was saved from the sand and repaired. This is now what is known as Old Andado.

Molly was instrumental in the opening of the Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame in Alice Springs as she felt that women weren't represented anywhere nearly enough in the opening up of the Outback.

Mac has been remembered by the naming of the reserve called The Mac Clarke Park, approximately 35kms north of Old Andado.

The Acacia Peuce tree or 'Waddy' tree is protected in this reserve, there being only three areas in Australia, and indeed the world, where this long living wattle remains.

Our duty as Caretakers was to welcome visitors and tell them the history of the property and the Clark family. I was to make scones each day on the old wood burning stove and keep the kettles boiling to entertain anyone wanting to enjoy the traditional hospitality around the table in Molly's kitchen. The vegetable garden was a project I particularly wanted to embark on, and during our stay I planted a number of seeds in the new Wicking beds, which frustratingly didn't appear. Eventually seedlings were planted, which hopefully will mature for future Caretakers. I was

Old Andado Station Below: Liz prepares anniversary dinner

allowed to forage for discarded items around the property to make trellises for the climbing vegetables and other items to give an old world feel to the garden.

John was worried that he wouldn't have enough to keep him occupied. Oh boy,was he mistaken!! He spent hours screwing down the homestead roof and repairing gates around the property. Matching timber needed to be found and cut to shore up the inside roof structure. This timber was also to repair the thatched Meat House roof. The Saddle House required propping up as it sits at a very peculiar angle. A new soak-away was made from the camp kitchen tap and a rock cairn constructed over the pit. This was all over and above the daily duties of cleaning toilets and showers, unblocking sceptic tanks, tidying the campground, collecting wood for the wood stove and the 'donkey' to heat water for the showers. Finding timber entailed a round trip of 20kms each time. The generator required maintenance and switching on each evening to illuminate the house and grounds, plus the pump for the bore needed to be switched on most evenings to pump water to the overhead tank.

We celebrated our 47th Wedding Anniversary here. John always takes me to the most interesting places for this annual event!!! We took a day off and travelled the 212 km round trip to Mt Dare, hoping for a steak lunch as a treat. Sadly there were only pies, pasties or sandwiches on offer. Oh well, made a lovely scenic drive to boost the batteries.

We welcomed 622 visitors, 343 of them camped for a night or more, 488 scones were made and consumed. There were so many lovely people passing through, some were to bring Molly's organ to life and enjoy

Old saddlery the atmosphere of her lounge. Others stayed longer than they had anticipated just to 'chill' amongst the wonderful scenery.

Well known racing drivers stopped by on their way to the Finke Races and film crews began their journey across the Madigan Line from here as this was where Cecil Madigan had restocked with water from the well in 1939 before his crossing of the Simpson Desert. (We think this well would be worth renovating with perhaps an application for a Heritage grant, as part of the historical story of Madigan's epic journey.)

This Heritage listed property must be unique in Australia as it is open all year round for visitors to learn more about the way pioneers of the Outback lived.

Molly left in 2006 in her 80s leaving everything behind, clothes, cutlery, furniture etc for all visitors to enjoy. She spent her last years living in Alice Springs with the occasional visit to her old home. She died in 2012 at the age of 89. Her final return was allowed having been granted permission to be buried on the property overlooking her beloved sand dunes.

John and I left with heavy hearts as we would miss waking to sun drenched red sand dunes and the sound of hundreds of Zebra Finches and Doves. We have left a little of ourselves behind and hope to return one day to camp or take on the role of Caretakers once more.

John and Liz Mills (1937)

SHOW AND TELL FEBRUARY 2016 Join us as we spend a month as volunteer caretakers at this unique historical heritage property.

Originally built as the homestead for Andado Station on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

Now open all year for travellers on the Binns Track.

Liz Mills - Show & Tell Co-ordinator

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YA R C K

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MONSTER WORKING BEE - NOVEMBER

Monster Maintenance & Construction Weekend - 21st & 22nd November, 2015

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great start to the weekend with over 20 members there on Friday evening so it was quite a social night. There were a total of 40 very willing participants over all. Some members had even arrived on the Thursday.

Members present were: Duncan & Sarah Stadler, Sally & Neville Kidd, Michael Bourke, Rick & Liza Ellerton, Mark & Lydia Emerson, Garth Julius, Neil Chambers, Jan Chivers & Ken Hildebrand, Paul Langenberg, Garry Cooper & Anne Pinney, Gabi & Grace Azzam, Greg Howarth, Colin Low, Slawko Kulyk & Rebecca Schlosmacher, Peter & Margaret Koren, Neil, Sharon & Melanie Davey, John & Dianne Chenowarth, Bernie Clapcott, Robert Duff, Alan Dalton & Brenda Daniels, Greg & Leeanda West, Trajco Vilarov, Bill Motschal, Peter Burchall, Laurie & Heidi Miles, Brian Stewart.

The major project was to pour concrete for the track drain near the toilet block.

Greg West had this under control; I think that is how it went. As there were still preparations to be done prior to the concrete arriving it was all systems go.

The concrete arrives and there are plenty

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of willing hands with shovels to spread it about. Photos can be seen on the TLCCV Facebook Page & the Club Website.

Other projects being worked on included Jan with a team of girls were in the garden areas re-staking, pruning and generally removing old wattle trees and making piles of fallen branches in the vicinity of the camping area. Garth was busy with the brush cutter in areas difficult to get at with a mower. Garry had a team out spraying thistles and reported back that there were nowhere near as many this time, so it is good to know we are winning. Heidi was out on the fence line with the chain saw cutting back fallen trees - that is when she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t using the flying gadget to get some great aerial photos. Slawko and Rebecca were at the Low Bridge to tighten any loose nuts.

Peter and Colin were at the Bush Hut setting out for the verandah post holes and Ken was preparing the tractor to drill the holes.

Trajco, Michael and helpers continued with replacing the timer units on the solar light switches. They are now finalized and Trajco has done an up to date drawing of the system. There was a team out on the main track clearing the drains, a job well done. Greg, a local contractor with bobcat, moved a number of truckloads of

dirt and gravel to the tyre road. The plan is to create a new event over the tyres - ideas are welcome.

The Honour Board was taken down and brought home to be updated. Gabbi and Grace and their team prepared everything needed for the evening BBQ. And it was certainly more than just a sausage sizzle.

Some of the girls had made cakes and slice. Very nice, thank you. Another social evening was enjoyed by everyone.

Sunday and it was finish yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jobs, round up tools, clean-up and eat remaining food before heading home. As this was the last Maintenance & Construction weekend for the year, I would like to thank everyone that has participated in these productive and fun weekends. Particular thanks to the regular team that also attend the monthly Yarck Management Meetings. Please note the change of meeting times in the calendar. Remember to take extra care with fire during the hot and windy times ahead.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Brian Stewart (340) YARCK MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

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CAMP COOKING & TRI P PLANNING WEEKEND

Camp Cooking & Trip Planning weekend – October, 2015 Participants: Matt & Sara Lilley, Simon Mustey and Sherry Salvesen, Tony & Barbara Bryant, Michael & Di Martin, Judy Spence, Julie Harrington, Gail McMeekin, Robert Pascoe, Lydia Emmerson amp cooking with Liz Mills began with the promise that at the end of the course we’d have the skills to shake off the title of “bait layers.” The term, historically, had often been applied to bush cooks, especially bad ones, by drovers whose dogs often died of poisoning through picking up the baits laid by station owners. We were determined to learn and exchange ideas to ensure we were on a better path.

Liz was extremely well prepared with an excellent PowerPoint presentation and tables laden with supporting samples and products. Her extensive experience in camp cooking gained from 4WD trips to remote locations was invaluable. With others who had between them a wide range of travel experiences, this made for an active and enthusiastic idea exchange between Club members.

Participants learnt about Liz’s love of lists.

The approach categorizes catering needs by the type of storage required: dry foods, tinned foods, long life foods, fridge goods, fruit and veggies, drinks. We learnt how to pack foods to extend their life and protect

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them from damage over rough terrain.

Food preservation techniques discussed included cryovaccing and dehydration.

Rob demonstrated manual cryovaccing, an exercise sure to tighten flabby “chicken wings.” Finally, we were armed with hints and tips for fire building, cooking methods and utensil selection (including cast iron ovens, the Cobb and the Pokji King). We were ready to head outside to the fire pit.

Behind the scenes, Liz’s pyro-expert, husband John, with the assistance of Matt, had been stoking the fires 30 that we had a pit full of glowing coals when we were ready to begin the “bait” baking. Much of the skill was in managing the fire and setting the coal “oven” up.

John shared his coal management techniques and Liz demonstrated how to set up the pot in the pit. For hours on end, and well into the evening, Liz and John nurtured the fire and the novice cooks.

Couples worked closely together, or not, to combine ingredients in hopeful expectation that baking experiments and dinners would be delicious deliveries.

And they were.

Simon and Sherry produced the lightest and tastiest pumpkin scones, with a smile of pride that Simon

could not conceal. The most experimental couple, Mark (in command of the couple’s new camper kitchen) and Lydia (providing only positive feedback) attempted challenging pastry delights, followed by a pizza trio for dinner. Other couples dined on a wide variety of camp oven cooked delicacies including braised lamb shanks, roast beef and pork spare ribs, served with roast or braised veggies. Yum!!

Sunday, with fires set for a 10:00am start, the scone “cook-off” began. The variety of recipes ensured that judges, Brad and Gary, had a table of plenty to sample. The prize for the best scone was won by Sara (assisted by Matt). Her scone had the crispest base and lightest texture, a clear winner agreed the judges. But, in a category of its own, Simon and Sherry’s bacon and onion damper was hard to beat.

Unlike his previous damper efforts, which Simon said he’d used to “hammer in nails,” this little beauty rose to become a crisp, light, plump and tasty, golden delight.

Everybody was delighted with their success and grateful to Liz (and her pyro assistants) for turning us from “bait layers” to accomplished camp cooks. Thanks Liz for a fun and educational weekend.

Judy Spence (2658) P.S: Thank you to Viv Moon who kindly donated a few of her wonderful ‘Travellers Cookbooks’ and ‘Outdoor Cookbooks’ for prizes. Thanks also to Club member Norma Norris for her expert advice on food dehydration, and to John and Matt for being great ‘keepers of the coals.’ Liz Mills

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BRAD’S BUSH M I PE C H A N I C S C O U R S E

Brad’s Bush Mechanic Course – October, 2015 Participants: Tom Lovass (60 Series), Gabi Azzam (100 Series), Mark Emerson (120 Series), Michael Johannessen (200 Series), Robert Harrington (100 Series), Steve Spence (120 Series), Trajco Vilarov (200 Series), Alan McMeekin (150 Series), Karen Ditty (150 Series), Julie Harrington (100 Series), Robert Pascoe (150 Series), Brad Schaffer (80 Series)

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o, you think you’ve got your truck all together and you’re ready to hit the bush big time, eh? And then you attend Brad’s Bush Mechanics course and it’s all back to basics you go.

Just when you thought there wasn’t another gadget, duvelachy, or thingamabob you needed to buy, you discover how much you already had that can be re-purposed in an emergency…and how much more you actually need to have.

Brad led the group through his drawer stuff and shared his extensive knowledge and experience with guys and gals who had also travelled a lot or a little – all ending up highly encouraged, enthused and enlightened.

First we went through all the stuff he carries (we estimated around 30kg+) for that ubiquitous of fellows, ‘Mr Justin Case,’ hoses, clamps, nuts, bolts, spanners, sockets, wrenches, hammer, bushes, fuses, 12v drill (no battery – uses leads to the crank or aux), drill bits, multi-grips, mallet, electrical wire, tie wire, recovery

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tape, jumper leads, lugs, plugs, sockets, detailed car manual, multimeters (emphasis on the multi), LED and fluoro lights, etc. etc. etc….it was endless!

Almost like a TLCCV pick-a-part or mobile TLCCV Club Shop. Most of us could tick off many items as already in personal stock, but some items were a surprise, like welding rods and welding glass! What the??!! More explained later……

His recovery toolbox included the usual culprits like snatch straps, trunk protector, damper, winch extension straps, snatch block, bo9w shackles, gloves, drag chain, etc., but he also takes tyre levers, bead buster, air hoses and attachments, etc.

We spent time talking about vehicle preventative maintenance, oils, bearings, bushes, general vehicle love and care. All great advice and insight.

After a round of freshly cooked pumpkin scones by the Camp Cooking group (running simultaneously as Brad’s course), we then did Brad’s Ramp Reveal. Several victims agreed to place their chariots on the ramp for the warts and all poke, prod and fiddle by the Bush Man. We learnt to look for all sorts of tell-tale signs of pending doom on that next trip and what preventative maintenance jobs that all of us can achieve in our driveway. Almost everyone who put their truck into Brad’s capable hands discovered something wrong or about to be wrong, both under the body and/or in the engine bay. Split CV boots, sweaty seals, split bushes, drive shaft

movement, poor wiring grade choices, fuses (or lack thereof), connections, etc., all featured in the Ramp Reveal diagnosis.

After lunch it was time to create some short circuits to create an emergency arc welder from car batteries. Using two well charged batteries (either crank and/or deep cycle) in series, a very capable 24v/80A arc welder was created using a multigrip tool as the electrode and a set of jumper leads and battery connecting cable with terminals (oh, that’s another little addition to the kit!). Sceptical we all watched a demo as voltmeter and amp meter monitored the condition of the batteries while Brad welded. To our delight, sparks flew as 2.5mm flux rod fused some plate and angle iron together. Many of us took the chance to have a turn, face mask and gloves fitted, etc…watch those open shoes though! For the author, this was the first time in his life that he got to weld, having wanted to do it since childhood. Bliss…..such a joy!

Afternoon tea saw us drilling holes into a tyre only to plug them again using the tyre puncture repair kit tools and plugs. We then proceeded to remove the tyre from the rim using tyre levers and mallet. Much was learnt while Brad worked up a fierce sweat on our behalf. We then learnt about tyre inflation using the pressure balancing technique, essentially decanting sufficient PSI from each vehicle tyre to the flat to equalise all four. This requires carrying a hose with clamps, end fittings and stop valve to connect the valve stems to each other – all easily made by purchasing the simple parts – but it’s yet another item to have in the kit bag of tricks that just might get you out of trouble if/when that trusty air compressor finally packs it in at the worst possible time…as happened to the author at Yarck on Tuesday following the camp.

Sunday had us outside around a few vehicles checking the operation and performance of solar panels and regulators. Much was learnt about solar cell types, regulator/controller operation, cables, panel sizes and the various pros and cons for their intended use. The day being fabulously clear skied, we all enjoyed coming to a clear understanding of how to get the best out of our systems.

Again, wiring standards and fuses all came to importance.

It was an incredibly informative and activity packed, practical weekend that left everyone highly encouraged and all the more confident that the next trip’s challenges can be more easily and capably faced. Thanks Brad for a great time and for all your effort.

Mark Emerson (2667)

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O L D G H A N R A I L WI APY - J U LY, 2 0 1 5

Along the track near Hamilton Station Trip Leader: Don BRYANT & Anna BRYANT (9) Participants: Peter, Karen & Sasha CRUMP Mal & Adele KINGSTON Peter & Fiona VAN MOURIK, Campbell (12), Kate (9) Les & Ingrid RYAN Ian STORY Ground Charlie: Dinah BRYANT he old Ghan Railway originally existed between Port Augusta and Alice Springs, running north from Port Augusta to Maree and then beside the Oodnadatta Track and continuing more or less directly to the Alice. We had all been tasked before we left home with researching historical aspects of the railway and other points of interest along the way; and had to present our findings as we progressed on the trip.

29th June: Four of our six vehicles met at the present Port Augusta Railway Station.

Don invited us to look over this station – its mural in the main entrance and its platforms and railway lines – while also pointing out that this was not the original station. The main platform here is serviced by a standard gauge (4’ 8?”) line on which run the Indian Pacific trains (Sydney–Perth) and the new Ghan trains (AdelaideDarwin). Behind the main platform at one end of the station is a narrow gauge line (3’ 6”) which serves as the southern terminus for the Pichi Richi tourist train running on some weekends between Port Augusta and Quorn. This portion of railway line (other than the small section now feeding into this station) is the last remaining operational part of the original Ghan line.

Having checked out the current Port Augusta station, we drove to the original station building in a narrow street a couple of blocks south of the present station. Still in good condition, this building now serves as home to the Curdnatta Art Gallery.

Unfortunately, the Gallery was closed and we were unable to explore inside. It was obvious, however, that railway lines still run right beside this building.

200 Series 80 Series 76 Series Prado Prado + T-Van Troopy

stopped to admire the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead, which had its heyday around 1862 when it was a key post office and medical site for the area. Our next stop was in Hawker, where the original Railway Station is now a restaurant. Ian joined our convoy at this stage. This was followed by some long, straight driving on bitumen and then back onto the dirt roads where we stopped at Brachina Gorge for lunch. This

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Algebuckina Bridge Ghan Railway

Along old Ghan Track We then made our way out of Port Augusta and headed north to Quorn via the Pichi Richi Pass. From time to time the railway line ran right beside the road, with underpasses and overpasses taking the line from one side to the other. At Quorn, we visited the Railway Station which serves as the northern terminus for the Pichi Richi train. Having purchased souvenirs we drove around to the railway workshops which are home to remaining old Ghan railway stock, but the workshops were not open for us to inspect. We then drove to the Quorn Caravan and Camp Ground where we were spending the night.

Despite having a small campfire, the night was terribly cold; and we headed off to bed early.

30th June: We left the picturesque Quorn Caravan Park and headed north. The road was easy and Anna on the radio kept us in the loop as to what was ahead. We

was a very beautiful spot with some good caves and fantastic coloured cliffs. We had lunch and a good lesson was learned by one car group not to try and dry items on the bullbar over a creek in a breeze – things tend to turn out wetter than when they started! We then travelled on to some ochre pits that were traditionally used by the aborigines for art, trade, ceremonies and medicine. Further north, we stopped to collect wood for our nightly fire, and then proceeded to ‘Government Gums’ as Farina was once known.

Farina was once a quite considerable settlement; but now only comprised old ruined buildings. It was the railhead for a time until 1884 before the railway was extended to Maree. What we found amazing was a sign indicating the bakery would be open in the morning. We moved on to the campground which was pretty busy. It was extensive and had good facilities, with trees and wide spaces. As we pulled out the tent to set it up for the night, we were impressed to find ice still on it from this morning! Les and Ingrid – the last members of our convoy – joined us. Another lovely campfire was lit, around which we gathered for warmth and conversation before it was time for bed.

1st July: It was another very cold start with ice over everything. An inspection of the railway station was first on the agenda

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It's just a ruin now, but had good information boards with a lot of the history. A group called the “Friends of Farina”, is slowly restoring some buildings. Best of all, they had set up a bakery in temporary accommodation, but using the original underground oven dating from 1888. We viewed this original wood fired oven before enjoying some of the delicious fare.

Moving on, we cruised through the current township of Maree and out to Hergott Springs, the source of water for the settlement of Afghan cameleers who lived in the region before the rail line arrived. The township was originally known as ‘Hergott Springs’; but was renamed ‘Marree’ during WWI because ‘Hergott’ sounded German.

Back in town, we explored the sights.

Maree railway station had a very substantial platform, obviously handling a lot of supplies in its day, and also displaying a truck used by Tom Cruise on the mail run from Maree to Birdsville. The hotel hosted a museum about Tom, including a short video. Following a fuel top-up – vehicle and human – we drove out to Muloorina Station.

We set up camp near the Frome River on quite a large waterhole. After lunch we set off for Level Post Bay on Lake Eyre. Due to recent rain, the lake looked brown, rather than white. The salt dissolves when it rains, so the lake isn't white again until it dries out properly. A few members of the party walked out some distance and found it became wetter; but didn't find any water.

A plaque remembering Donald Campbell's land speed record of 1964 is located at

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NT-SA Border Prescott Point. We made our way back to camp and another night of dinner and chatting was enjoyed around the campfire.

2nd July: Waking at Muloorina Station everyone began the usual breakfast and packing up routine. Fiona managed to spot a Brolga (or what most of us thought was a Brolga), strutting its stuff nearby so a little time was spent Brolga watching.

Ingrid tried her best with some careful stalking to get a good photo.

We headed back to the Oodnadatta Track where a stop was taken just west of Maree to photograph one of the old Ghan bridges, then we headed off to Plane Henge where we took morning tea. For those who haven’t seen Plane Henge, it’s a very strange place. There are a large number of “modern” sculptures and other assorted artefacts placed there over a number of years by a Melbourne plumber.

These artefacts include 2 Wirraway planes placed on their tales standing vertically, a huge coloured flower on top of a windmill frame, a massive dog fashioned out of an Old Ghan water tower and a large number of other metal sculptures fashioned out of waste metal. It was indeed a strange

place to come across in the middle of the Oodnadatta Track.

Travelling a little further, we passed Lake Eyre South – which was clearly holding water, unlike Lake Eyre at Level Post Bay where we visited yesterday. We stopped for the view and photos. Lunch was taken later at Curdimurka, an Old Ghan railway siding, well worth the stop, along with the nearby bridge over Stuart Creek, the 2nd largest bridge on the Ghan line.

A visit was made to the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs to view water bubbling out of the ground, and then to Coward Springs where Karen and Sasha swam in the (almost) warm springs.

We also viewed the museum there, with its photos and memorabilia depicting construction and operation of the Overland Telegraph Line.

Camp was made for the night at William Creek Caravan Park at the end of what had been a very nice day.

3rd July: We left the smallest town in Australia - William Creek - at 8.45 after a stunning sunrise/moonset. Over the radio we had some informative discussion about emus while we passed several dry creek

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beds and some large road-working crews.

We also had our only sighting of a dingo, which skulked off the side of the road as we passed. The old Ghan railway was clearly visible today, with discarded sleepers lying along the sides. We stopped for a break at one of the impressive bridges and listened while Les told us some of the history of Sir Sidney Kidman and the vast land empire he amassed from the north to the south of Australia.

We then moved on to Edward Creek siding and viewed the ruins. These included a bore water desalination treatment plant used for topping up the Ghan trains. A little further north, we took the 21 km side track to the Old Peake Hill ruins, a journey that provided a bit more of a 4WD challenge. Pete shared information about the construction and operation of the Overland Telegraph line which was built from Adelaide to Darwin. We then did a little exploring on foot of the OTL ruins and nearby dis-used mines (gold and copper).

Peake Hill was also a large cattle station during this period.

Returning to the Oodnadatta Track, we travelled on to the Algebuckina Bridge over the Neales River, the largest bridge constructed as part of the old Ghan railway. This section of the Oodnadatta Track proved in reasonable condition despite floods only a few weeks earlier closing the track to all vehicles. Camp for the night was set up near a waterhole on the river

course. Here we discussed the delay in building the Ghan Railway line from Oodnadatta to Alice Springs (which was known as Stuart until 1930), a feat not completed until well after Federation, when the Commonwealth took back the Northern Territory from South Australia.

4th July: Our campsite at Algebuckina Bridge was bathed in beautiful orange/red light as the sun rose. We began our early morning chores…breakfast and repacking the vehicles. We hit the road at the scheduled 8:30am with the rusty Algebuckina Bridge glistening in the bright sunshine.

During a very bumpy section of the dusty, corrugated 59 kms into Oodnadatta, Les & Ingrid were treated to the destruction of their second CB radio aerial for the trip.

This time the aerial snapped at the base.

Peter C generously offered his spare as a replacement and good communication was restored between “Charlie” and the group.

The most prominent feature of Oodnadatta has to be the Pink Roadhouse. Here we fuelled up the vehicles at $1.99 per litre for diesel (and unleaded) and ourselves with

ice creams, potato chips and other indulgences; and took advantage of the time to write a few postcards. The range of pink merchandise at the Roadhouse was broad and garish but no doubt appeals to many passing through.

Off again we stopped by the Angle Pole Memorial, which commemorates all those involved in the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line. Here, Fiona and Kate presented their talk on the history of the Old Ghan Railway from Oodnadatta to Alice Springs. From here we travelled at a gentle pace to the turn off to Hamilton Station, leaving the Oodnadatta Track and beginning a very corrugated 97 kms.

Following lunch at a terrific spot Don just happened to come across, we continued with Peter noticing the only clump of Sturt’s Desert Pea we had seen for the trip.

A somewhat lengthy photo stop ensued whilst we surveyed and shot the display of 10 separate heads of rich, red flowers - a delight.

During the afternoon the s c e n e r y changed

DANDENONG 25 Frankston-Dandenong Rd FAWKNER 1074 Sydney Rd FRANKSTON 138 Beach St GEELONG 25 West Fyans St Newtown HOPPERS CROSSING Hoppers Crossing Homemakers Centre Shop 4, 428 Old Geelong Rd LILYDALE 43 Cave Hill Rd MENTONE B6, 27-29 Nepean Highway MILDURA 846 Fifteenth St SWAN HILL 10 Rutherford St WANTIRNA Cnr. Boronia Rd & Wantirna Rd WARRNAMBOOL 25 Walsh Rd Overland Cruisering 25

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continuously from flat stony plains to 20 kms of rolling hills. The steep road crests were occasionally a challenge when combined with deep corrugations, but by the time we reached Hamilton Station the road was smooth. Hamilton Station is a family owned cattle property that also caters for tourists, if they remain well behaved. The campsite was ideally situated with clearly defined fire pits and a shaded picnic structure. The “long” drop toilets were indeed “long” because they were originally part of a dry bore drill that had stopped at 65 feet!!

While setting up camp a Black Kite (bird) cruised above us for, obviously surveying our antics and looking for a cheap dinner.

Shortly after, a red gyrocopter passed overhead but on a far more restricted flight path. It was taking part in a cattle muster for the station.

Kristy, the station manager’s fiancé, accompanied by her pet Hereford calf Isis and 3 dogs dropped by for a long chat and was a wealth of very interesting facts about station life. The station is 7000 square kms and was originally owned by the Kidman Enterprise. The biggest paddock is 3000 square kms but most are around 50. There are 8 staff mostly engaged in building infrastructure following 3 years of drought. Kristy shops every 3 months when a truck with her order comes up to Oodnadatta from Adelaide. It depends on how many Engel fridges they have as to how much cold food she can take home at one time. Ice cream is out of the question!!! The emphasis is usually on a big intake before and just after summer to avoid the heat. The mail comes once a week, although it should be twice and Australia Post’s recent mail problems may spell a less frequent service.

With the sun dropping below the horizon in a fiery red glow, we began our dinner preparations. Sitting around the campfire we gazed into an awesome star filled sky and shared our reflections on another eventful and enjoyable day.

5th July: Another bright, clear morning in the desert, the convoy set off to Dalhousie Springs and entered Witjira National Park.

Pedirka siding ruins was our first stop.

Even the information sign here is deteriorating quickly, although the cement used for the cottages was in good condition.

Morning tea was taken at the ruins of Dalhousie cattle station. There is a spring here and it was used to run sheep and cattle. It would have been a hard, lonely life being so isolated way out here. At Dalhousie (thermal) Springs, most of the group took a dip and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Lunch was taken, the tip was visited and the convoy turned back westward. We stopped briefly at Bloods Creek ruins with good information but very little left on the site. Another short pause was taken at Bloods Creek Bore which looks to be in good condition – the windmill was turning on our arrival. From the bore, the convoy continued west, stopping to collect firewood and then continuing to the water26 Overland Cruisering

hole at Eringa, our camp spot for the night.

6th July: We woke to magnificent morning, and many photos were taken before we headed off to see the old Eringa Homestead, in ruins but still worth a visit.

From here we headed north. The track was wide and easy for a while, before turning into a 2-wheel track that was much narrower. A number of old abandoned 2wheel drive cars were seen beside the track, testament to the fact that it was a more difficult drive. The going was slower but more fun. The surroundings were gibber plains as we passed out of Hamilton Station and into New Crown Station country. A stop was made at Abminga siding to view the siding and surroundings, and Peter spotted an owl hiding in the machinery, which flew out to be dive bombed by other birds. Shortly thereafter we crossed from South Australia into the Northern Territory, as advised by a classic “Oodnadatta” style sign. Those who have travelled in the area will know these signs, pink and hand painted. The surroundings were desolate, gibber plain with one or 2 trees and the occasional cow. We then headed to the Mt Dare pub for lunch. The pub had changed hands only the previous weekend, and was extremely short of supplies, particularly ice creams. When we departed there were almost no ice creams left. We headed to Finke where some of our members took on fuel and we all took a look at the most unusual Finke store.

Camp was planned for Lambert’s Centre of Australia. It was a quick run from Finke to the turnoff but once on the Lamberts road we found heavy corrugations and twisting, turning tracks. That’s tracks, plural, as there were several tracks in places, running in a number of directions where people had taken alternatives to avoid the corrugations, but the alternatives eventually ended up just as corrugated. All ended at the same place. Lambert’s is supposedly the Centre of Australia, but it is only one of several, depending on how you calculate it. Either way it made a nice camp site to end a pleasant day. Even better was a lovely group roast organised by Don, who also provided camp oven roast lamb, with everyone pitching in with other elements of the meal. No one left hungry and I’m sure we all slept well.

7th July: We left Lambert’s after a more leisurely morning. Today we actually had some cloud for the first time, but it made for a spectacular sunrise. As we travelled down the track, 2 emus leapt onto the road in front of Pete, Karen and Sasha and made a mad, gangling dash down the track in front of them. Back on the main road, we farewelled Pete, Karen and Sasha, who were heading off to Uluru. The rest of us headed through Finke, with dogs and pigs wandering around, and again visited the store which had a huge variety of goods, including The group frozen kangaroo tails. We

drove out of town to the Finke River, but before crossing, we headed off on side tracks to look at the remains of the original Finke River Railway Bridge destroyed by flood shortly after opening. While trying to locate this spot, the T-van provided entertainment when we had to do some manual maneuvering at a dead end, as well as overcome it being stuck on a sand hill.

Following morning tea at the site of the old bridge, we returned to the main road crossing the river and headed north. We could see the track used for the Finke Desert Race, and weren’t envious of the participants who would have to cope with the dust and rough going. As the main road was now terribly corrugated, we travelled for a short time thinking it might be a little better, but it wasn’t. The day was a long one, filled with corrugations, undulations, sand hills and bull dust. Don rang a nearby cattle station on his satellite phone seeking permission to use their tracks to take a short-cut to the Chambers Pillar road, but to no avail. We continued on the main road, which was tough going, and we were very glad to reach camp for the night, arriving after dark, but still in time for a talk by the local ranger.

8th July: We spent the morning walking and taking photos of Chambers Pillar (some early birds even arose for the sunrise). We then left at 10:30am for the final run to Alice Springs. It was a generally poor road with heavy bull dust, sand, corrugations and rocky patches. A few minor issues were encountered by the Prado with plastic wheel arches coming loose – but with duct tape to the rescue we were on our way again. Anna rode with Ian – tail-end Charlie for the day – and under Ian’s guidance took over radio duties. Bit of a change for her, having ridden until now with the trip leader, and occasionally adopting trip leader radio duties. But she performed very competently. Morning tea was taken alongside the Finke to Alice desert race road and from the condition of this road, we were glad we were on the main road as bad as it was!!!

We arrived at Alice Springs mid-afternoon and spent a couple of hours viewing the Ghan museum – originally the northern terminus for the old Ghan Railway – with its old rolling stock, photographs and other relics. Departing the station, we made our way to our accommodation for well-earned showers and rest, before adjourning to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. Here we thanked Don and Dinah (for letting him go – and coming to retrieve Anna) and also celebrated Ian’s birthday!!

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PRODUCTS

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YA R C K

Page 28

BUSHFIRE PLAN

The Toyota Land Cruiser Club does not recommend a “Stay and Defend” plan.

Infrastructure on the property can be replaced.

FIRE DANGER PERIOD [November – May] It is members’ responsibility to listen to radio news reports each evening during the Fire Danger Period for advice on the possibility of fires. Also be up to date with any declaration of Total Fire Ban Days.

Yarck is in the NORTH CENTRAL FIRE BAN DISTRICT-149 Rennies Lane, GOBUR It is recommended that members leave the property the day before a declared Total Fire Ban day or very early in the morning of a Total Fire Ban day Members should not go to the property during any Total Fire Ban day.

EVACUATION Those present will select one person from their number to take charge, The issue of evacuation during an emergency must be addressed early in the planning.

Evacuation can be extremely dangerous unless it takes place well in advance of the fire hazard entering the general area of the camp. Roads may be blocked with fallen timber and visibility reduced by thick smoke.

Increased pressures on emergency services may make it difficult for them to render assistance.

Evacuation should only be done via the main access track to Rennies Lane and the Gobur –Yarck Road.

REFUGE There are NO bushfire proof shelters on the property.

If a fire incident occurs and members cannot leave the property, then the Hut could possibly be used as a “safer place” to provide protection from radiant heat. It should be made as fire safe as is practical.

Wet towels to be placed under doors to prevent embers entering.

There is running water inside; there are knapsacks and fire extinguishers.

Other equipment to have on hand should include.

A battery operated am/fm radio and P2 filter masks.

UHF radios left on – mobile phones – torches – first aid kits – drinking fluids.

Clothing - it is advisable to have long trousers, long sleeved shirt and sturdy footwear. Gloves and hat are also useful.

The wearing of shorts, dresses, thongs or any synthetic fabrics is totally unsuitable.

Be prepared for smoke and embers that may enter the building. After the fire front has passed check outside and extinguish any burning embers or fires around the hut.

All vehicles should be parked on bare ground, facing towards the exit with all doors and windows closed and keys in

the ignition. DO NOT BLOCK OFF ANY ACCESS TRACKS. Alarm, A distinctive alarm signal should be used, a simple manual device such as the triangle hanging in the tree outside the hut or the electronic device near the radios in the hut.

Panic. This is something that can well be done without. Anyone showing signs of panic should be kept under some form of supervision, and provided with reassurance and prevented from doing anything rash.

COMMUNICATION and CONTACTS • Phone: 1800 240 667 for Bushfire information.

• 000 only to report a fire.

• Alexandra Fire Station Phone 0357721855 • Yarck Fire Captain Phone 0357734334.

Mobile: 0439 656 913.

• ABC radio AM band 774 • Local Radio Station (Alexandra) UGFM 106.9 (an official emergency broadcaster) • GPS coordinates (six figure grid) of the Hilton.

• Websites www.abc.net.au\emergency www.cfa.vic.gov.au A Bushfire Survival Kit is located on the notice board behind the hut door.

It is available for members to read and return it.

MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTORY

miles.ppm@bigpond.com

ELTHAM TIMBER & HARDWARE P/L

ROB DEYLEN (1622) MANAGING DIRECTOR Mobile: 0409 305 534 1175 - 1181 Main Road, Eltham Vic. 3095 Phone: 9439 5533 (All Hours) Fax: 9431 1762

28 Overland Cruisering

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Page 32

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