November 2014 tlccv magazine

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

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INSIDE > Little Desert Trip > Simpson Desert Trip > Warrnambool and Whales > Nissan Club visit to Yarck

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

November 2014

www.tlccv.com.au

Guest 4WD service centre has been established since 1961 with extensive expe operating 4WD tours to some of Australia’s roughest and remotest areas. As well as general servicing and vehicle modifications, we pride ourselves on pre-trip preparation and suspension modifications to ensure customers have a trouble free 4WD adventure.

Extensive showroom

With decades and millions of kilometres of 4WD experience, we only stock the best quality accessories in our new showroom - at the best prices.

Services • 4WD service and tuning • Pre-trip inspection and advice • Suspension modification and kits • Transmission and diff repair • Pre-purchase inspection • Clutch and brake repair • 4WD tyres and wheel alignment • Dual and triple battery kits • Turbo & intercooler kits Products • Engel & Waeco 12 volt fridge freezers • Piranha off road distributors • ARB accessories • TJM accessories • Kaymar step bars and wheel carriers • Black widow storage systems • Cooper and BF Goodrich Tyres • Roof Racks • Rhino Racks • Long range fuel tanks • Electronic parking aids • Tyre repair kits • T-Van Camper trailer hire • Air compressors • 4WD maps and books • Shower units - hot and cold • Optima batteries • Lightforce, IPF, Cibie & Hella lights • HID head and drive lights • Recovery kits • 4WD tours • Safari snorkels • GME UHF radio and antennae • GPS and EPIRB • In car TV/DVD and Sat navigation

194 Grange Rd, Fairfield, Victoria 3078 Ph: (03) 9497 3899 Fax: (03) 9497 3155 email: info@guest4wd.com.au website: www.guest4wd.com.au

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

NOVEMBER 2014 CONTENTS

VOLUME 43

No.4

Club Information

1

Committee 2013-2014

2

President’s Report

3

Over the Next Hill

7

Yarck Bushfire Plan

13

Calendar/Coming Events

13

Simpson Desert Trip

17

Blues Train Social night

21

Nissan Club Visit to Yarck

23

Little Desert Trip

24

Warrnambool Whale watch Trip

25

Yarck Maintenance Weekend

26

News from ARB

27

2014 Member Directory

28

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

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: $145.00 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

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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

INSIDE > Little Desert Trip > Simpson Desert Trip > Warrnambool and Whales > Nissan Club visit to Yarck

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

November 2014

www.tlccv.com.au

Main photo by Brian Tanner 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.

Overland Cruisering 1

COMMITTEE

2014 - 2015

President Ian Ross president1@tlccv.com.au

Driver Training John MIlls: driverawareness@tlccv.com.au * Driver Training Course bookings * Awareness Course certificates

Vice President Adriano Denni president2@tlccv.com.au

Yarck Management Brian Stewart yarckmanage@tlccv.com.au

Emergency Response Coordinator Bruce Fullard tlccrg@tlccv.com.au

Magazine Distribution Russell & Lesley Edwards lredance1@gmail.com

Raffles & Supper Gabi & Grace Azzam Karen Wade

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

Club Shop Graham Cahill

Secretary Sandra Tanner secretary1@tlccv.com.au

Assistant Secretary Ian wells secretary2@tlccv.com.au

Treasurer Alan McMeekin treasurer1@tlccv.com.au

Technical Brett Dyson

Committee Russell Edwards committee1@tlccv.com.au

Committee Adam Takacs committee2@tlccv.com.au

Advertising Sandra Tanner

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

Cruiserkhana tlccv@cruiserkhana.com.au

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

GEELONG BRANCH

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

Webmaster Laurie Miles

Activities Coordinator activities@tlccv.com.au Ian Ross

Visitor Greeters Carol & Greg Edmunds

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

editor1@tlccv.com.au

advertising@tlccv.com.au

Sergeant-At-Arms Russell Edwards lredance1@gmail.com Social Coordinator Helen & Rebecca social@tlccv.com.au * Book for participation in social events

FWDV Delegate fwdvdelegate@tlccv.com.au Tony Bryant Magazine Editor Sandra Tanner:

clubshop@tlccv.com.au

technical@tlccv.com.au

Special Events Assistant Treasurer Steve de Mamiel treasurer2@tlccv.com.au

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

President Matt McPhee

geelong@tlccv.com.au

Vice President Matt Lilley Secretary Jennie Harvie

Social Judith Williams webmaster@tlccv.com.au

Excursion Visits Coordinator Russell Edwards excursions@tlccv.com.au

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.

A R E Y O U R M E M B E R S H I P D E TA I L S C U R R E N T ?

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.

2 Overland Cruisering

U P D AT E

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

hen one takes on any voluntary position in any Club, it is important to remember that you are required to act in the best interests of the members. The recent decision made by the committee that the printed version of the magazine should be phased out was not a decision made lightly by the Committee, rather at the time we thought that we were acting in the members’ best interests. In saying all that, the power of the membership is that they always have the power to disagree with the decisions of the committee.

At the last General Meeting the members did exactly that. The main concern expressed was in relation to the process.

Sure, the Committee could decide to dig its toes in and fight it, but in truth that opposes the very nature of the way in which they were elected. As a result of the concerns of the members, we the Committee, felt that we had to demonstrate to the members that we have clearly heard the membership. Hence at the last Committee meeting the Committee passed a resolution effectively saying that the magazine will continue to be printed as it is now until the members resolve otherwise.

This now means that any prior decisions made have been overturned.

The members did however ask that they be provided with some factual information in order that they may review the situation and make an informed decision. I am pleased to say that the Committee will assist in this process and, as I write this report, details are being prepared for presentation to the members. Options will also be included in that process. As a Committee we are clear that any next step re the magazine will come from the members. I sincerely hope that all present can truly appreciate just how tough it was for me to chair the last general meeting. I tried as best I could but after a while it simply got too much. I apologise if anybody was offended by my decision at the time to leave.

On a more positive note, I learnt a lot more

W

LETTERS

was easy, but a little long. The weather was nothing short of perfect. We were all pretty much in the one group at the Lakeside caravan park.

I have never driven on the beach or dunes like this before. I have to say that I found it very challenging at first. Maybe because I did not have my centre diff lock engaged!

Somehow I found without it on, my vehicle refused to turn on the dunes, and I found myself in a situation of having to turn my wheels further in the direction I wanted to go with the subsequent effect of sapping the momentum required.

After the second day Brad stated that the centre diff lock should be engaged. Well I tell you what, it seemed to make a huge difference on the third day’s drive. I am pleased to say though that I never once had to be extracted. I did have to help two others, and that made me feel good. I learnt a few other things on the trip that I thoroughly enjoyed, eg. always wear your seat belt when performing a snatch!

Overall it was a fantastic trip, and the visit to the sink holes around Mt Gambier very interesting. The trip was interesting, challenging, fun and educational. My children loved it and are still talking about it!

Thank you to Sandra and Brian for running such a great trip that I shared with a delightful group of Club members.

Fantastic!

Ian Ross (1409) PRESIDENT

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thank you Dwyer Peter I would sincerely like to thank the TLCCV committee & those members who showed their expression of sympathy on the sudden loss of Peter.

Your support came in many ways, which I greatly appreciated, the flowers, phone calls, cards, food & to those who attended his funeral, a big thank you.

4 Overland Cruisering

about tyres after attending the evening at Highway Tyres. Having done this trip some 14-15 years ago, I was stunned to see that their 24 hour retreading facility is all but gone. Apparently it is another victim of cheap tyre imports from Asia. They still do some retreading but only to make Burn Out tyres. These are tyres that people can use to make different coloured smoke in drag events etc. This is not a tyre that would be fit to any four wheel drive, but interesting none the less. The Club really appreciates the work put in by Russell and Leslie in arranging the night and the special Club offers made by Highway Tyres to Club members.

We are still looking for a Social Coordinator and if you can help out please let us know. There is also the Monster Working Bee on the 22nd and 23rd November. Please make sure that you let Brian Stewart know that you will be attending. Thanks again also to Grace & Gabi Azzam who will be organising the BBQ on the Saturday night.

Don't forget the Club’s Children's Christmas Party on Sunday 7th December at Nortons Park, Wantirna South. There is further information in the magazine as well as a registration form.

I have just returned from a Club trip to Robe, SA. This is a trip that is run annually by Sandra and Brian Tanner. For the last 15 years I have seen this trip advertised and said to myself that I would like to do it. I can't for the life of me explain why it is that I have never put my hand up for it, perhaps the timing wasn't right. A few days before the trip Sandra mentioned that there had been a cancellation. I mentioned that I had always wanted to do the trip.

Again things just didn't look like they would work out but Sandra’s persistence and encouragement got me across the line thus that two days later I was packing to go.

Taking the caravan over worked well as the roads are all pretty good. My eldest son was a little miffed that he was not allowed to share the driving as ‘L’ platers can't tow anything. Anyway the trip over

Sadly 5 weeks after my Peter died my father passed away. I would like to again thank everyone concerned for their sympathy and support.

Wherever you are in this world, always cherish the ones that are dear to you as they can be gone in a flash.

Please accept this as my personal thank you Marion Harvey (396)

Overland Cruisering 3

” R E T S N O M ANNUAL “ E C N A N E T N I YA R C K M A N O I T C U R & CONST D N E K E E W E E B G N I K R WO 2 2 n d & 2 3 r d N o v e m b e r, 2 0 1 4 To be held at Yarck, a “Monster” working bee is being organized for members to assist in preparing our beautiful property for the summer months and the ensuing Cruiserkhana We need as many members as possible to come for the weekend, or even for a day. There are a host of tasks that require our attention for the safety of our members and the property.

BYO tools, trailers, safety gear and the usual food and liquid requirements.

Saturday night a BBQ will be provided.

For catering purposes, please advise of your attendance by emailing Brian Stewart at yarckmanage@tlccv.com.au or at a meeting PROPOSED ITEMS TO BE CARRIED OUT Hut: Re-paint front wooden door Stain/paint cupboard behind the front door, (newspaper cupboard) Shelves for cast iron pans & jaffles (or large hooks) Clean up storage corner Sand and paint verandah posts and beams Dust/clean and wash floor – awkward as floor cannot be walked on when wet Replace outdoor table – front of hut near triangle gong. Measure and get materials Check and service all taps and cisterns (including Bus Stop) Service gas hot water units Install generator locker Grass cutting and brush cutting around hut (BYO ride on mower would be very handy) Camping Areas: General camping, Whoopsy, Bachelor Pad, Caravan Park and Garvey’s Gully Clean up fallen timber – stack or remove Evergreen: Clean up around plants – re-staking, pruning, remove unwanted stakes, etc.

Memorial garden clean-up Tidy up storage tank for garden equipment & remove garden equipment from breezeway e.g rolls of plastic tree guards Mow around trees in competition area (in preparation for tractor slashing) Remove black wattle (cut and poison) from Grevillea and Callistemon gardens Spray thistle areas

4 Overland Cruisering

Bush Hut: Finish gable ends. Roofing iron General: Clean out contour drains in car park and under access track Firewood Cut back ti tree around 2nd gate. Remove stumps Move ash piles from burn-off areas, Bachelor’s Pad and Garvey’s Fencing – check boundary and repair damage Bridge nuts & bolts require tightening and a clean-up of fallen timber Lengthen trailer shelter to protect trailer couplings \Log seating near kiosk in competition area Relocate tank in Caravan Park Exit gate (near Bog Hole) Pick up fallen timber and small branches from gassed areas to be tractor slashed Paint signs All the fire extinguishers will be serviced by the CFA Cruiserkhana Events: The events need to be brought up to scratch as very little has been done since C/khana Saturday evening there will be a BBQ provided so Gabi & Grace need to know numbers so that they can cater for this – email to Yarck Management.

This can also be a wine tasting evening so bring along your favorite bottle or 2 of wine and cheese to make this a memorable event.

This is your last chance to say: “I have been to a Maintenance and Construction weekend this year.”

Come along and support the Yarck Management team.

Brian Stewart (340) YARCK MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Overland Cruisering 5

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

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, Scott Hamilton at trips@tlccv.com.au. All applications and payments 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.

NOVEMBER Date: Trip Leaders:

THE MYSTICAL HAUNTED STREAM Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November, 2014 Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com

DECEMBER Saturday 6th Sunday 7th Limit: Equipment: Details:

OXFAM CHRISTMAS TREE DELIVERY FOR 2014 For delivery to the South and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne For delivery to the North and Western suburbs of Melbourne No limit - would like as many as possible Trailer/Ute to carry at least 20 trees, rope, Santa hat if you have one, Melways and a navigator Saturday: Pick up your trees at Heatherwood School, 370-380 Springvale Road, Donvale.

Sunday: Pick up your trees at Princes Hill Primary School, Wilson St. Nth Carlton (Mel. Ref: 29 J11).

Pick up time is before 10:00am each morning (the earlier the better as it can be a bun fight later & you get the best trees). Trees are already paid for, you don’t handle any money. Delivery time is 2-3 hours. This is a great way to start off your Christmas by delivering Christmas trees to the kids of Melbourne & at the same time helping a worthwhile cause. If you can help send an email to the Trip Leader with your suburb, phone number & method of delivery (trailer, ute station wagon etc) ASAP. Garry Cooper: Email: gac001@bigpond.com

Trip Leader: DECEMBER Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment: Overnight: Details: Trip Leaders: DECEMBER Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment: Overnight: Details:

Trip Leader:

GRAMPIANS MVOs Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December, 2014 TBA Saturday 8:30am 8 vehicles Easy to medium (some sections may be difficult if wet) Full tank from Stawell UHF (initially channel 15) Basic recovery gear including snatch strap, closed recovery points on front & back, shovel, air compressor for tyre inflation, genuine off road tyres with at least 50% tread including spare tyre.

Bush camping on Saturday night.

We will explore some exciting tracks in the Grampians, plus some of the MVOs. Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com REGION G - JORDAN VALLEY LOOP WORKING BEE Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December, 2015 Top of Victor Spur Track off Woods Point, Walhalla Road 9:00am Saturday morning No limit.

Easy and medium tracks Fuel at Warburton or Moe 15 UHF All terrain tyres required. Appropriate front & rear recovery points, basic recovery gear (snatch strap, 2 rated shackles & gloves), driver awareness training required.

Bush camping opposite Victor Spur track off Woods Point, Wallhalla Road Working bee to maintain the West Gippsland Relic, Mining & Heritage Protection Inc., Region G part of the Jordan Valley Loop. Attendees will need to bring gardening equipment - a more detailed list will follow. We will be digging steps into the road embankment to access the Father & Son Lone Grave. Also resume clearing the Jericho Cemetery, Diversion Tunnel, Oak Tree & Chinaman’s Point, etc.

Dulcie Watts. Email: dulciew@bigpond.net.au Overland Cruisering 7

CALENDAR

DECEMBER Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment: Overnight: Details:

Trip Leaders: DEC/JAN 2015 Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard; Fuel: Radio: Equipment:

ABERFELDY ADVENTURE Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st December, 2014 TBA Saturday 8:30am 8 vehicles Medium to difficult Full tank from Moe. UHF (initially channel 15) Basic recovery gear including snatch strap, closed recovery points on front & back, shovel, air compressor for tyre inflation, genuine off road tyres with at least 50% tread including spare tyre. Room to carry your MTB if riding.

Bush camping on Saturday night.

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. Heidi will be out MTBing early Saturday morning. Anyone wanting to join her on the ride is most welcome. You will need a driver as we will pick up Heidi en route. No trailers, no dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip.

Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com NYE IN THE HIGH COUNTRY Tuesday 30th December - Friday 2nd January, 2015 Blue Duck Inn, Anglers Rest (28km from Omeo) 11:00am 8 vehicles Easy Full tank ex Omeo 15 UHF Vehicle in sound mechanical condition. Off road tyres with minimum 50% tread (road biased tyres not acceptable), full recovery equipment, compressor & tyre gauge, camping equipment, water & supplies. No trailers, pets or firearms.

8 Overland Cruisering

CALENDAR

NYE in the High Country continued: Overnight: Bush camping with no facilities.

Details: A relaxed family friendly trip over the new years period. It’s a busy time of the year, so we will be base camping by a river, with time to fish, practice your camp fire skills, swim, read a book & maybe have a few half day 4WD adventures. Camping along the Mitta Mitta river upstream of the Blue Duck, communal camp oven meal for NYE. Trip Leaders: Adam & Olivia Takacs. Email: adam@insightproperty.com.au JANUARY Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment: Overnight: Details:

Trip Leaders: EBRUARY Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment:

Overnight: Details:

Trip Leaders: FEBRUARY Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment:

TANTALISING TINGARINGY - Australia Day weekend) Saturday 24th - Monday 26th January, 2015 Orbost Caravan Park Saturday 8:30am 8 vehicles Medium to hard - depending on weather conditions Full tank from Orbost UHF (initially channel 15) Basic recovery gear including snatch strap, closed recovery points on front & back, shovel, air compressor for tyre inflation, genuine off road tyres with at least 50% tread including spare tyre.

Orbost Caravan Park on first night - bush camping on Saturday & Sunday night.

Head north from Orbost to Mt Tingaringy, driving 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 trailers, no dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip.

Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com MIRIMBAR MAGIC - 4WD, MTB & OziExplorer all in one Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th February, 2015 Mirimbah (30km east of Mansfield) Saturday 9:00am 8 vehicles Easy to medium Full tank from Mansfield UHF (initially channel 15) Basic recovery gear including snatch strap, closed recovery points on front & back, shovel, air compressor for tyre inflation, genuine off road tyres. Room to carry your MTB if riding. Plus bring your laptop or android tablet if you want to play around with OziExplorer.

Bush camping on Saturday night.

Come & enjoy a weekend with some great 4WDing & some MTBing for those fit members. We will be base camping at Mirimbah (at the base of Mt Buller). Some of you may wish to sit around the campfire & listen to Laurie talk about the famous mapping software “OziExplorer.” We will be hitting the 4WD tracks as well, taking in the great climb up to Mt Stirling after visiting Howqua Gap hut plus some others. Heidi will also be heading off on her MTB to explore the amazing MTB trails around Mt Buller. On Sunday we will 4WD to Lake William Hovell & return via Pineapple Flat. No dogs, no cats, no firearms. Trailers are welcome at our base camp at Mirimbah.

Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com

Trip Leader:

MT SUNDAY - AGAIN! Thursday 12th - Sunday 15th February, 2015 Licola area 9:00am 6 vehicles Difficult to very difficult Full tanks ex Mansfield 15 UHF Raised suspension, winch, good quality 33+ inch off road tyres, front & rear diff locks required. Full recovery equipment, compressor & tyre gauge, camping equipment, water & supplies. No trailers, pets or firearms.

Bush camping with no facilities.

Take an extended weekend break to explore the more challenging & scenic tracks in the High Country. Mt Sunday, Barkly River Jeep Tk, the Macalister & Caledonia rivers & other areas are on the itinerary. Finishing around Licola.

Track & weather conditions will determine final route.

Adam Takacs. Email: adam@insightproperty.com.au

FEBRUARY Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard:

SWIFTS CREEK EXPLORER Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd February, 2015 Swifts Creek Caravan Park Saturday 8:30am 8 vehicles Medium to hard - depending on weather conditions

Overnight: Details:

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Overland Cruisering 9

CALENDAR

Swifts Creek Explorer continued: Fuel: Full tank from Bruthen Radio: UHF (initially channel 15) Equipment: Basic recovery gear including snatch strap, closed recovery points on front & back, shovel, air compressor for tyre inflation, genuine off road tyres with at least 50% tread including spare tyre.

Overnight: Swifts Creek Caravan Park - fees apply.

Details: Explore the exciting 4WD tracks around Swifts Creek including the famous TVGC track. No dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip. Trailers are most welcome at our base camp at Swifts Creek Caravan Park.

Trip Leaders: Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com MARCH Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment: Overnight: Details:

Trip Leaders:

MacFARLANE FLAT ADVENTURE - (Labour Day weekend) Saturday 7th - Monday 9th March, 2015 Bruthen Caravan Park Saturday 8:30am 8 vehicles Medium to hard - depending on weather conditions Full tank from Orbost UHF (initially channel 15) Basic recovery gear including snatch strap, closed recovery points on front & back, shovel, air compressor for tyre inflation, genuine off road tyres with at least 50% tread including spare tyre.

Caravan Park on Friday night (fees apply). Saturday & Sunday night bush camping.

From Bruthen, we will head up to the NSW border & 4WD across the Ingeegoodbee Track & MacFarlanes Flat.

After camping overnight on MacFarlanes Flat, we will 4WD to The Playgrounds at the base of Mt Cobberas No. 1.

A short walk to the summit of Mt Cobberas No. 1 is possible. Overnight camping is possible at Native Dog Flat or Native Cat Flat. Monday will take us down through Hells Gate, exiting out of the 4WD tracks at Swifts Creek. No trailers, no dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip.

Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com

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Overland Cruisering 5

CALENDAR

APRIL Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment: Overnight: Details:

Trip Leaders: JUNE Date: Meeting Place: Time: Limit: Standard: Fuel: Radio: Equipment: Overnight: Details: Trip Leaders:

Vic / SA BORDER TRACK - Easter weekend Friday 3rd - Monday 6th April, 2015 Lake Hindmarsh Friday 8:30am 8 vehicles Medium - depending on weather conditions 145Lt capacity - full tank from Horsham - refueling at Pinnaroo if required.

UHF (initially channel 15) Basic recovery gear including snatch strap, closed recovery points on front & back, shovel, air compressor for tyre inflation, genuine off road tyres with at least 50% tread including spare tyre.

Thurs. - Lake Hindmarsh CP (fees apply). Bush camping Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights.

Travel through the sandy Wyperfeld National Park 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 Vic/SA Border Track. We will experience the border sand dunes & some interesting 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 SANDY WYPERFELD TRAILER TRIP - Queens Birthday weekend) Friday 6th - Monday 8th June, 2015 Lake Hindmarsh Saturday 8:30am 6 vehicles Medium - depending on weather conditions 145Lt capacity - full tank from Horsham/Rainbow UHF (initially channel 15) Basic recovery gear including snatch strap, closed recovery points on front & back, shovel, air compressor for tyre inflation, genuine off road tyres with at least 50% tread including spare tyre.

Friday - Lake Hindmarsh CP (fees apply) - bush camping Saturday & Sunday nights.

Travel through the sandy Wyperfeld National Park via Lake Albacutya. No dogs, no cats, no firearms permitted on this trip. Trailers welcome on this trip.

Laurie & Heidi Miles: Email: trips@zebra400.com

hastingscamping@gmail.com 4 Overland Cruisering

Overland Cruisering 11

YA R C K

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.

CALENDAR

November 22nd & 23rd November 22nd & 23rd November 29th & 30th December 6th & 7th December 6th & 7th December 6th & 7th December 9th December 20th & 21st January 13th, 2015 January 24th – 26th Jan. 31st & Feb. 1st February 8th & 9th February 10th February 21st & 22nd Feb. 28th & March 1st March 7th – 9th March 10th March 28th & 29th April 3rd – 6th April 14th May 2nd & 3rd

4 Overland Cruisering

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

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.

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

COMING TRIPS

Annual Monster Maintenance & Construction weekend The Mystical Haunted Stream DA Practical weekend Jordan Valley Loop Working Bee Oxfam Christmas Tree Delivery for 2014 Grampians MVO’s Yarck Management meeting Aberfeldy Adventure Yarck Management Tantalising Tingaringy (Australia Day w/end) DA Practical weekend Mirimbar Magic – 4WD, MTB & OziExplorer all in one Yarck Management and DA Theory Swifts Creek Explorer DA Practical weekend MacFarlane Flat Adventure Yarck Management and DA Theory DA Practical weekend Vic/SA Border Track (Easter w/end) Yarck Management and DA Theory DA Practical weekend

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.

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.

May 12th May 30th & 31st June 6th – 8th June 9th June 27th & 28th July 14th August 1st & 2nd August 11th August 29th & 30th September 8th September 26th & 27th October 13th November 7th & 8th November 10th November 28th & 29th

Yarck Management and DA Practical weekend Sandy Wyperfeld Trailer B/day w/end) Yarck Management and DA Practical weekend Yarck Management and DA Practical weekend Yarck Management and DA Practical weekend Yarck Management and DA Practical weekend Yarck Management and DA Practical weekend Yarck Management and DA Practical weekend

DA Theory trip (Queens DA Theory DA Theory DA Theory DA Theory DA Theory DA Theory

CONDOLENCES The Executive and members extend their sincere sympathy to Brad and Melody and family on the recent passing of his mother. RIP

Overland Cruisering 13

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TRIPS

SIMPSON DESERT TRIP

22nd – 30th September, 2014 Adam, Amelia, Owen and Angus Takacs James and Matthew Clark Alan and Gail McMeekin John & Judy Roeszler Rosalie & Adrian Reville Michael Schuettke Peter, Karen and Sasha Crump

Day 1. Monday 22nd - As most of the trip participants had enjoyed a meal together the night before in Coober Pedy, it was a quick chat then straight off towards Oodnadatta shortly after 8:00am on the Monday morning. That was for everyone except James Clark, who had vehicle problems so had to stay in Coober Pedy until it was fixed. The road was in great condition, and in just over two hours we met up with the two remaining vehicles who had stayed overnight in the area. After a chat, morning tea and refuel ($2.20l) for some at the Pink Roadhouse, it was off towards Dalhousie Springs.

Good weather and track conditions made the trip up to Hamilton Station easy, where lunch was taken under the shade of some gums in a creek bed. After a stop at the Dalhousie Ruins and a close by lookout, it was into the Dalhousie Springs campsite around 2.30pm for an early camp, and most importantly a dip in the water. Nibbling fish were a highlight for some, but not others!

With no fires being allowed, and an impressive display from the local mosquitoes for an hour or so around dusk, it was an early night for most.

Adam Takacs (2450) Day 2. Tuesday 23rd - Some early morning risers went for another dip/bath in the Dalhousie Springs which were at 38 deg.

We left camp leisurely about 9:00am with all our sand flags flapping in the breeze. (So glad to get away from the mozzies/midges). The road was quite corrugated and dusty, and the weather was warm with a gusty wind.

At 10:10 we stopped for morning tea so Adam could get the latest update on James (still in Coober Pedy) and his alternator problems. Soon after another Toyota convoy of 6 vehicles (going in the opposite direction) met up with us. They were also from TLCCV and were on a private trip prior to Don Bryant’s “Great Australian Bight” trip so we had morning tea and a chat with them. At 11.20 we parted company and our convoy headed off for lunch at Purni Bore.

Purni Bore is at the start of the French Line and is located in Witjira National Park. The Bore was drilled by the French Petroleum Company in 1963 during oil exploration years of the Simpson Desert. The bore ended up corroding and leaks caused a substantial amount of hot water (85o C) to surface and develop into a sizeable lake. The lake has dried up and the bore flow has now been restricted, but still allows some water to be released to sustain wildlife.

The highlight of lunch was the sighting of a mangy dingo skulking through the bushes.

We left Purni Bore at 1.30. Blue sky, 34 deg and a hot gusty wind, poached egg daisy was flowering and the road just goes on & on & on. Found a campsite and watched a brilliant sunset from the top of a nearby dune while waiting for James. Great campfire with James and Matthew joining us about 7:30. A pleasant day’s travelling of 91 km.

John and Judy Roeszler (2674) Day 3 Wednesday 24th - After a windy night listening to the tent flapping, the wind had fortunately abated by the morning to a light breeze, but the wretched flies had returned.

Photos by Adam & Amelia Takacs

Trip Leader: Participants:

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With Alan as our “trainee leader,” the convoy continued driving along the French Line to the intersection of the Rig Road.

Spinifex bordered the track, a few wild flowers, (mostly white) and a golden grevillea added interest to the never ending red sand and dunes. Dingoes had been active during the night as evidenced by the footprints in the loose sand on the middle of the track. We turned onto the Colson Track. Soon after starting off on the WAA track John & Judy in their short wheelbase Prado, now nicknamed “Shortie,” put it to the test again. Some of the group felt they needed a challenge so tried going up one of the dunes from the east. Some made it and I won’t say who tried three times but had to admit defeat.

At this stage in the trip, James was the only one who hadn’t had to reverse back on a dune and start again.

By 3.55pm after traversing many sand dunes, Alan selected a flat campsite with a sand dune for a backdrop and retired as leader after a very good day at the helm.

Peter found he had a flat tyre.

Day 4. Thursday 25th - Another day dawned with clear skies and a light breeze as we continued heading east on the WAA track. Pale lemon wattles covered in blossom, along with golden wattles, provided relief to the seemingly endless sand dunes. Once again we saw evidence of dingoes being active during the night by their footprints in the loose sand. Some parts of the track were lined with hard white rock, which we found out to be gypsum.

After crossing two salt lakes, we turned onto Knolls track and then onto Rig Road to see a corkwood tree where there was an abandoned eagle’s nest.

We then went to see the Lone Gum, a Coolabah tree, where we met other travellers. We got back on the WAA track to Erabana track and then the French Line heading towards Poeppel’s Corner.

Shortly afterwards we stopped for the night after travelling 100+ kms over many sand dunes.

Rosalie & Adrian Reville (2067) Day 5. Friday 26th - Morning saw the usual packing up routine, and we set off for a pleasant morning's driving and climbing sand dunes along the French line - some quite challenging. Morning tea was had at The Knolls, an interesting feature of the landscape and a great spot for views.

Lunch saw a collection of bodies under the middle of Peter and Karen's car to investigate a suspicious knocking noise. It was an

18 Overland Cruisering

intermittent noise, only audible from outside the car at idle and only occasionally.

Adam pronounced a problem, but Peter decided to drive on as long as the car kept running.

We continued to Poeppels Corner, running into the Geelong 4WD Club on the salt lake just before the corner. Photos were taken of the kids sitting in all 3 states at the same time. Poeppels Corner is the junction of the NT, SA and Qld. From there we continued along the QAA Line, which provided some quite different driving in places, including one fast salt pan where 5th high was even engaged.

Adam found a lovely camping spot and Alan and Gail decided to try a camp oven chocolate cake to celebrate Gail's birthday, but without success, though they made up for this with a beautiful cake a couple of days later.

Day 6. Saturday 27th -The next day saw some fun and quite tricky dunes, some with significant scalloping, which provided a very bouncy ride for occupants. Eventually we reached Big Red, the biggest and most famous dune on the Simpson.

Adam immediately climbed the middle track on Big Red but it proved too difficult for James, Peter and Michael. James made a number of attempts trying different gears, but no luck. John and Judy however made a spirited attempt on the left hand climb, the hardest one, and climbed it in the short wheel base Prado very effectively, with Judy repeating the effort as driver.

Adam and Alan also attempted the left hand track successfully as well.

Everyone made it to the top however, using one track or another, and photos were taken and phone reception taken advantage of before heading into Birdsville where some of us made a beeline for the pub to watch the Grand Final. Showers were gratefully had at the caravan park where we camped for the night.

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Birdsville was very welcome to Alan and Gail, with only 9 litres of fuel left in the tank when they arrived.

Dinner was taken outdoors at the pub and we were surprised to find the Deputy Prime Minister walking past us, apparently for a meeting held at the pub, so after much insistence from Sasha, Peter sidled up to him after dinner and asked if he would be good enough to have his photo taken with Sasha, which he did. A quite unexpected end to a good day, and a wonderful crossing of the Simpson, but certainly not the end of the trip.

The Crumps (2254) Day 7. Sunday 28th - Birdsville to Innamincka (approx 350 kms) We had a 10:30am late start, after morning tea at the local Birdsville Bakery where camel pies were very popular. Earlier James and Matthew were privileged to have breakfast with Warren Truss, the Deputy PM. It was a balmy 25 degrees as we headed east over the Diamantina River and turned right onto the Outside Track.

Passing through rolling sand dunes with the occasional cattle grid launching us, we eventually turned left onto Walker's Crossing.

The countryside was very arid and we all wondered how the cows managed to survive out there. We had an early lunch while Peter changed a flat tyre in the heat of the day. Passing two Brolgas, the track narrowed in places, becoming quite sandy as we approached Innamincka. There were many private roads as we were passing through the oil and gas wells of the basin. Adam was kept on his toes navigating. A nice camping spot at Policeman’s campsite on the Cooper Creek just outside the town was found where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Around the campfire that night, discussion centered on our fuel usage across the Simpson from Oodnadatta to Birdsville about 470 kms. Adam's petrol 105 series

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used 197 litres, James’ D4D V8 79 series used 97 litres and Peter's 6 cylinder diesel 80 series used 95 litres.

John's D4D shorty Prado used 135 litres and Alan's GXL D4D Prado used 141 litres. Very interesting comparisons in fuel consumption in soft, sandy conditions.

Day 8. Monday 29th - Birdsville We had a beautiful campsite beside the Cooper Creek with lots of wildlife, birds, tortoise, and fish to entertain us at breakfast. A free day. Adrian and Rosalie left to get back early to Melbourne, the rest of us decided to visit the local sites such as the Dig Tree, Burke’s Grave and Cullyamore Waterhole. The temperature reached 37 degrees. It emphasised the conditions Burke, Wills and party had to endure walking across Australia - very brave. The afternoon was spent relaxing under the River Red gums watching the flycatchers have a drink in the river and the tortoises

sunning themselves on a log.

Alan & Gail McMeekin (2519) Day 9. Tuesday 30th - Breaking camp just before 9:00am, we all headed back into Innaminka and crossed the Cooper Creek where we headed north to Kudriemitchie Outstation for a pleasant morning tea beside the north branch of the Cooper Ck. After a quick poke around the campground, it was north and a short hop to Coongie Lakes where a great campsite was found on a headland jutting into the lake. With very hot weather almost everyone spent the afternoon relaxing and swimming. The turtles and fresh water mussels provided amusement for the kids.

Adam Takacs.

Day 10. Wednesday 1st - The convoy left Coongie Lakes at 8:30am with the expectation of a full day of driving. The local flock of crows would descend on to each campsite, as we packed up, to pick it clean.

We first back tracked to Innamincka where we had come from the previous day. Here everyone refueled and had morning tea.

We then headed south on the Old Strzelecki Track only stopping to check out a large lizard on the road near Merty Merty.

We then turned onto the road to Cameron’s Corner and had lunch shortly after beside the road.

The road to Cameron’s Corner is one of those love/hate type roads in that it crosses Overland Cruisering 19

hundreds of sand dunes that run northsouth. The road itself is a smooth gravel. It all comes down to how fast you drive and whether or not you suffer from motion sickness! After an ice cream at Cameron’s Corner, I was feeling a lot better! After passing through the Dingo Fence, we entered NSW and turned off the main road to Tibooburra and proceeded southwards on secondary roads. We made a bush camp at 4:00pm near Lake Stewart Station. Alan and Gail impressed all by cooking chocolate cake in their camp oven.

Day 11. Thursday 2nd - It was sunny but a cooler morning as we departed at 8:30am.

We continued southwards on a series of roads that follow the NSW/SA border. At one stage we followed the Dingo Fence, and we stopped for morning tea beside it.

These roads all service the farms in this area as such there were many gates to be opened or shut. Not a great day to be tail end Charlie! Eventually we pulled in to Eldee Station. The plan was to bush camp on their property and check out some of the trails that they have opened for four wheel drivers. Unfortunately they have restricted camping to a very small camping area alongside the farmhouse and no fires.

After many spread out bush camps and nightly fires, we decided that this was not satisfactory, so we headed off to a nearby

TRIPS

bush reserve to camp the night. Feeling a little bit outdone by Alan and Gail the night before, John and Judy prepared scones and jam in the camp oven, which was enjoyed by all.

Day 12. Friday 3rd - The following morning all rose and broke camp early. We had a short run into Silverton where everyone

said their formal goodbyes, and most started the long run back to Melbourne. Once again thanks to Adam for organizing and running this fantastic trip through the South Australian Outback. I’m sure all involved will be back again!

James Clark (2475)

B L U E S T R A I NI PE V E N I N G

Saturday 4th October, 2014 The Happy Travellers: Janet & Roger Brydon, Jaqui & Paul Keyte, Carol & Greg Edmunds, Helen Foley & Nicole Yap, John & Jade Lapham, Slawko Kulyk & Rebecca, Wayne Lee and Maggie, Lesley Weber and Ian. What a fantastic night this turned out to be!

The week leading up to the event had been cool and overcast but those who attended were rewarded with warm conditions with a light breeze – just perfect for train travel.

After the platform of 200 wanabe travellers were welcomed by the founder, Hugo Armstrong, dinner was served in the waiting area of the historic Queenscliff Railway Station. The meal consisted of roast beef and turkey, fresh salads and hot veggies from the buffet bar. Tables had been set up

for us in Carriage D and when everyone had finished their dinner, the tables were removed to make room for dancing.

By the time this four-car steam train slowly pulled away from the station at 8:00pm, our carriage had come alive with foot-tapping music. Guests were encouraged to get up and dance to the lively tunes of Blues music belted out by The Liars Club band.

Jaqui and Maggie were on their feet enjoying the music to the max for the entire time and again in the other carriages whenever there was a chance to dance.

There were three intervals for rest and refreshment, each a half-hour apart, when we all moved to a different carriage to see another musical act.

Carriage A comprised the Chris Wilson duo, one a drummer and the other an acoustic guitarist/mouth organist located in

the centre. In car B we were entertained by the soulful music of guitarist John McNamara. A trio of young musicians with German accents, known as the Johnny Rieger Band, continued the blues theme for the last half hour of our journey when the train returned the revelers safely to Queenscliff Station shortly after 11:15pm.

Some of our group lingered on the platform for a while exchanging their experiences of the night having been intoxicated by the music. Others meandered slowly to their hotel room while the rest made their way home as soon as possible in order to be at the TLCCV stand at Leisurefest by 10:00am. Daylight saving had kicked in overnight, which made this commitment even more of a feat!

Helen and Rebecca TLCCV SOCIAL COORDINATORS

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JANUARY SHOW & TELL ROBE, 2013 Enjoy some fun as we face the challenges of soft sand and ever moving sand dunes on South Australia’s magnificent beaches. This member DVD will spur you on to join a future Club trip.

Liz Mills Show & Tell Coordinator

GET WELL WISHES FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND MEMBERS To all those members that know Theo Plousi (1130), we are happy to report, one week after a quadruple heart bypass he is now home recuperating.

We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to Robe as tail end charlie.

Likewise we extend our best wishes to Helen Foley (2098) for a speedy recovery after serious surgery. Get well soon.

22 Overland Cruisering

Overland Cruisering 5

TRIPS

N I S S A N C L U BI P V I S I T T O YA R C K

3rd – 5th October, 2014.

Nissan Members Gary Lyons Brian and Trish Rollins Mike and Jane Carbis Steve and Debbie Nugent Darren and Deb Hanna Owen Power Sharon and Max Williams Andy and Sarah Harding Dean Walker and Paula Wood David and Mary Ballantine Keith and Geert Klijnsma Neil and Lisa Brydson Andrew Rodrick Angelo Loculano

s you can see from the above list, we had a great turnout from both Clubs.

The original plan was to form a convoy of all the Nissan members at Yarra Glen and travel up to Yarck from there. As it turned out only six Nissan members were in the convoy, the rest travelled up earlier in the day – no doubt to pick the best campsites and leave the poor convoy people to find a spot and set-up in the dark.

The convoy arrived at Yarck at 8:15pm, and before long everyone was settled in and down at the Hilton ready for a great weekend. The first thing on the agenda was to give a warm welcome to our Nissan friends and to point out where and how things work at Yarck. Two trips outside the property had been planned for Saturday around Eildon, one run by Gunther Scheffel and the other by Robert Karkut, with eight spots on each. Most people were enthusiastic about going until they heard the leaving times would be around 7:30 – 8:00am in the morning. The result of all this was that six Nissan members voted to stay at the property and the rest went on the trips with instructions not to be noisy when they leave in the morning.

A

24 Overland Cruisering

TLCCV Members Garry Cooper and Ann Pinney Gunter and Amina Scheffel Robert Karkut and Andrea Holden David and Phillipa Manz Neville & Sally Kidd Adrian and Wendy Froggatt John and Liz Mills Neil Chambers Gabi and Grace Azzam Michael Martin John, Karen Wade and Ebony Nazloomian Gary Holt Andrew and Jenny Poon Bill and Jan Black Tracjo Vilarov Colin Low Eamon King After a koala disturbed night, Saturday dawned bright and sunny with the eager people away on their trips on time, leaving the rest of us to have a peaceful breakfast and make plans for the day ahead. With a good mix of Nissan and TLCCV members, we headed off to the competition area for a look and to try out some of the obstacles built there. All had fun on the Cross Country, Stair Case (up and down), Timber Challenge and Sand Pit. Back to the Hilton for a leisurely lunch, which was followed by a drive around the property ably lead by John Mills.

Back to the Hilton to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with afternoon tea and to get to know the Nissan Club a little better. The two trips arrived back at camp around 5:00 pm with no mishaps and no one lost. Great effort Gunther and Robert. On the agenda for Saturday night was a night convoy drive around the property with a twist – no radio communications, just indicators. I had asked John Mills about this earlier. Was this brave or stupid? John said a bit of both but give it a go. This adventure was put to the group, but after being in the saddle for nearly eight hours that day it was given the thumbs down. A much better idea was to

settle into a comfy couch, drink liquids of red, white and amber, and get ready for the communal dinner cooked and eaten in the Hilton. With dinner eaten, the liquids again flowed freely with good banter amongst the group. Groups gathered around camp fires lit in the camping area and it was reported that Gary Lyons (Nissan Prez) was hijacked by one of these groups and made to sit and drink until at least 2.00am.

Needless to say that Sunday morning started off pretty slow. So slow in fact that the planned 9:00am event for the morning – a GPS based treasure hunt around the property (for the first time), was given the thumbs down too. Apparently no one could get their brains into gear let alone their cars. This treasure hunt had been in the making for approximately five years, according to Tracks Hawdon, who had handed me the manual for the running of it just a few days before the weekend. Looks as though someone else will have to give it a test. What did happen though was a day drive around the property starting at 10:30am. Most people by then had had their breakfast and woken up. This drive took in most of the tracks that are traversed during TLCCV’s Driver Awareness course including the steep side of Whoopsy Doo, Ups N Downs Track, Gunbarrel, Bridge Track, Butch’s Track, Garvey’s Gully, Boghole Link Track, (by the way it was about here that the resident red bellied black snake was spotted, which caused a deal of consternation) past the Bus Stop and to finish off, the option of a drive through the water crossing of which I think five vehicles tackled. This then finished off the planned events for the weekend, and all retired to the Hilton for lunch and then to pack up and head for home.

Official closing of the weekend was under the front veranda of the Hilton with Gary Lyons expressing his thanks for a great time and suggesting that these weekends between the two Clubs should be made into a regular occurrence. All agreed with this.

In closing this report, I need to say a big thank you to all the TLCCV members that helped to make this a great and positive weekend, without your help it would not have been the success that it was.

Garry Cooper (349)

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TRIPS

L I T T L E D E S E R T IS P L E N D O U R

8th & 9th October, 2014 Trip Leader: Participants

Ian Wells Peter and Brigitte Shaw John & Judy Roeszler Michael and Lyn Johannessen Marion Tapper Logan Driver

Wednesday 8th: Everybody gathered opposite the Frances Hotel at 10:00am (SA time) for a quick brief on the day’s trip. The tiny village of Frances in South Australia's south-east is a mixed farming district with a community of about 300 almost directly on the Victorian border and approx. 50km south of Bordertown. Frances has become known for the Folk Gathering held in February every year when it opens its heart to visiting folkies for a fun-filled weekend of music, merriment, dance, competitions, concerts and workshops.

We left Frances about 10:20 with a few ominous storm clouds and occasional patches of sun and only 14 degrees. We headed for Horsham on the blacktop with lush green grass either side and lots of sheep. After turning onto a gravel road, we proceeded into the National Park heading for Mt. Moffat. Not long after we were stopped by a fallen tree, which the fellas very deftly removed. Turning right onto the Border Track, we noticed an amazing amount of Banksias and Pink Heath, and a small white flower. There was a heap of fallen wood and a small yellow daisy and Egg & Bacon plants colouring up the roadside. We continued on the sandy track following the SA/ Vic border and saw yellow Broomes and Wattles, a pink flowering Gum and lots of very old and large grass trees, some of which were in flower with creamy flower spikes.

After lots of left and right turns and zig-zagging across the western side of the desert and some helpful navigation through some deep bog holes, we arrived at Mt. Moffat at 12:40 for lunch. A leisurely stroll to the top of Mt. Moffat (really just a sand dune) gave us an uninterrupted 360o view over the low tree line with the Bordertown towers in the distance. After lunch we travelled along the East West Track and the McDonald Track with some quite deep sandy areas, and

24 Overland Cruisering

200 Series 100 Series Prado 200 Series 100 Series 80 Series

consequently one of us got stuck, so a bit of digging the sand away from the wheels and we were back on the move again. We arrived at Broughton Waterhole (actually had some water) which was to be our campsite for the night.

We set up our campsites then relaxed around the fire chatting, drinking and eating nibbles until our dinner was cooked.

About 8:15 we were able to see the start of the total lunar eclipse, which occurred because the earth was between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow across the moon. The total eclipse lasted for ages and photographs were taken of the various stages and as the moon darkened in colour. A pleasant day’s travel of just over 100km.

Judy Roeszler (2674) Thursday 9th: Oh how cold it was last night, camped at Broughton's Waterhole in the Little Desert! Today is the second day of our tour in this National Park, and after a briefing from leader Ian Wells we were off at 8:45 to see and experience the eastern section.

We had several stops along the way, which were all a good break from the constant jiggling we were experiencing driving over the sand. The first stop was at Mount Turner where we went for a short clamber over rocks to the lookout. Photos were taken and amazement was evident at the flatness of the land. We also stopped briefly at the Salt Lake for another photo opportunity, and of course there were the morning tea and lunch stops - one being in the only shade visible anywhere, and the other out in the heat of the sun. Throughout the park track names showed evidence of German influence in the area.

The experience of travelling over bumpy, sandy tracks was amazing. The eastern section of the park seems to be sandier than the west, and in my opinion rougher.

A driver could not take their eyes off the road as conditions changed quickly and each required a different driving technique.

It was total concentration the whole 6-7 hours behind the wheel. The ride was relentlessly unsettling; the car and van bounced around like a dinghy on a choppy sea. Occasionally we encountered corrugations. Ian looked after us all very well, passing on through radio, warnings and hazards. The word we heard most of all from him was "momentum" to make sure we got through the deep sand without getting stuck. Marion, aka Charlie, was equally helpful to the group, ensuring we all heard any messages over our radios.

We were a little early (or was it late?) for a full wildflower display, but the flowers that we did see - mostly the white ti tree shrubs - were lovely in their subtlety. There was a conspicuous general absence of the grass trees Xanthorrheoa, so prolific in the west, and the undergrowth differed also as well as being considerably denser.

Several areas affected by bush fires came into view as we bounced along. Blackened twisted shrubs holding banksia cones like sinister Xmas tree baubles; promises of new beginnings below spindly and burnt tree trunks.

At last the Grampians came into view and very soon we left the sea of sand. We were now gently rolling along on the black top beside bright canola fields. The exit was reached at 3:30pm and the job of inflating tyres now lay ahead of everyone. These were an exciting two days in which we learnt the importance of momentum, particularly if towing a trailer.

Brigette Shaw (2648)

TRIPS

W A R R N A M B O O L AI PN D T H E W H A L E S

Saturday 6th September, 2014 Trip Leaders: Participants:

Alison and Judith Williams Sandra & Brian Tanner Jennie Harvie, Kelvin & Yvonne Connors Scott & Susan Fabbian Mark, Kerry & James Ker-David Ian, James & Cameron Ross Robert, Lynell, Ken & Chantel Dungan Greg & Margaret Fleet Graham Cahill & Stella Matt Lilley

aturday morning dawned with my alarm ringing at 5:30am. Up to boil the kettle for the flasks, butter the rolls, dress and leave by 5:55am. Good drive down to Geelong where I picked up Kelvin and his Mum, Yvonne and was navigated down to the Bunnings car park at Waurn Ponds where we were to meet everyone.

We set off on time following our fearless leader, Alison, in cars and 4WDs as this was an activity not a trip. Somewhere near their home base at Moriac, the Tanners joined the convoy as tail end Charlie. Just past Colac we turned northwards towards Alvie and wound our way down into a volcanically created depression and outwards and up to Red Rock 230 metres above sea level. Not so high, but from the viewing platform you can see volcanic cones, craters and crater lakes (or calderas) created from eruptions beginning some 12,000 years ago and continuing until about 6,000 years ago. Red Rock is one of the youngest volcanoes in Australia and from it you can see one of the world’s largest volcanic plains.

Leaving Red Rock we headed back to the Princes Highway and towards Warrnambool. Just short of Warrnambool we stopped at the Hopkins Falls. For me, it was the first time I’d seen so much water cascading over the stones. I normally visit in January when there is but a trickle. A beautiful view of what I imagine is good farming land can be seen from the top of the falls.

Our next stop was Logans Beach for whales. Waited and watched, but saw no whales. We were told they were there the

Descending from Red Rock lookout

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Searching for the elusive whales day before and after our return home we were told they were there the next day, but not the day we wanted.

On our way to the Twelve Apostles (or should they be called the seven dwarves now!) we called in to the Robert Ullman Gallery. Magnificent views from the Gallery sitting atop a hill looking over the Southern Ocean and some magnificent paintings too. Some very life-like depictions of birds and plants, but out of my price range.

The last two places visited were the Apostle Whey Cheese shop and the Gorge Chocolates shop. Unfortunately the cheese tastings were off by the time we got there, but that didn’t stop us buying to try at our leisure. The pickles and honey (both purchased by me) were pretty alright too. Gorge Chocolates, which we could taste, did pretty well out of us as well.

Then it was time to head home after a wonderful day. A long day, but great company, good fun, super weather and good leadership. Thanks Judith and Alison.

Most of us stuck together on the way home. Some peeled off to different destinations and we – Kelvin, his Mum and I – peeled off at Winchelsea and headed for Inverleigh where we dined. I dropped Kelvin & Yvonne off at 9:15pm and headed on home reaching there at 11:30pm.

Jennie Harvie (202)

Hopkins Falls

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TRIPS

Y A R C K M A I N T E N A N C E &I PC O N S T R U C T I O N W / E N D

25th & 26th October, 2014 reat Yarck weather once again and the following members enjoyed being out there in it: Ted Gray, Peter Burchall, Bill Motschal, Eamonn King, Neil Chambers, Jan Chivers, Ken Hildebrand, Paul Langenberg, Trajco Vilarov, Colin Low, Garry Cooper, Brian Stewart.

Friday evening and 9 members are there to sample some wine, cook tea and engage in conversation, some serious but mostly light hearted. It was a late night and quite warm.

Up bright and early Saturday morning enjoying breakfast as more troops arrive, jobs sorted and into it.

Battens and shade cloth to go on the bush hut.

Spouting on the toilet block and the Hilton was cleared.

Equipment maintenance that included pumping flat tyres, repairing BBQ wheels and removing a wheel from the slasher so that the bearing can be replaced. The chainsaw was cleaned and serviced after use.

Trees removed from the 40 acre dam wall and a large number of thistles were dealt

G

26 Overland Cruisering

with in various areas.

Trees that had fallen across tracks were removed. Wildlife camera was checked and information recorded.

Toilets were cleaned and paper refilled and toilet roll holder replaced in the Garvey’s Gully toilet.

Water was pumped and a 1000 litre tank placed at the top of the triangle garden so the plants can be watered.

The old table there was removed and will be replaced - a project for next month.

Material was also collected for sleeper seats in the kiosk area - another project for next month.

Materials rounded up for emergency gate.

Rock to deep ruts in lower section of Latimer’s.

A check on campsites to see what needs doing prior to Cruiserkhana.

Equipment was checked against the Assets Register.

A very warm day ending in a pre-happy hour that ran into the planned happy hour well deserved after a great day’s work.

Sunday morning was a slower start before rounding up all the gear that was used.

Then it was pack up and a casual lunch before heading home.

This was another great team effort. Be

part of that team on 22nd & 23rd November for our final Maintenance & Construction weekend for the year. Book in so that everyone is catered for.

Brian Stewart (340) YARCK MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

ANNUAL “MONSTER” MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION WORKING BEE WEEKEND 22nd & 23rd NOVEMBER, 2014

Many hands get many jobs done!

PRODUCTS

ARB LED HEAD LAMP n a market flooded with head-mounted lights, ARB has developed a state-of-theart LED Head Lamp designed to deliver true freedom in any Outback adventure.

Ideal for the campsite, vehicle recovery and breakdowns, or any time you need additional hands-free lighting – ARB’s new LED Head Lamp is the ideal companion for adventurers who always find themselves in tough situations.

I

ARB’s LED Head Lamp – now available in stores – constitutes an innovative design and impressive features, combined with quality construction and excellent value.

The high-intensity, 5W, 6500K Cree ® LED headlamp – equipped with multiple lighting modes – is specially designed for the outdoor adventurer, delivering a maximum 300-lumen output with a runtime of up to 7 hours.

Whether you're cooking dinner at the campsite or rappelling off a multi-pitch route after the sun goes down, this mega-bright headlamp’s multiple modes allow you to customise your lighting needs to fit any situation. Setting 1 provides a powerful 300-lumen beam with approximately 3 hours run time, setting 2 offers a power-saving 180-lumen beam with around 7 hours run time, and setting 3 provides even further power saving with its

4 Overland Cruisering

flashing mode. Designed for pure convenience, all three modes are accessible via one simple-to-use button.

From chores around camp to a mellow night hike, the fully-equipped headlamp is fitted with an anodised aluminium, hinged and focusing-lens body, allowing the beam to be adjusted from wide to narrow and tilted to suit whichever situation an adventurer might encounter.

With its sleek, compact design and ample feature set, it’s hard to believe that the headlamp weighs a mere 162g, resulting in the best companion piece for those everyday campers who value hardcore performance in easyw e a r i n g lights.

Three 1.5V AAA batteries

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A variety of additional touring and camping products are also available from ARB, including rooftop tents, awnings, SkyDome swags, track shelters and much more.

For more information on ARB’s touring and camping range or details of the stockist nearest you, head to www.arb.com.au.

Overland Cruisering 27

2014 MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTORY

miles.ppm@bigpond.com

ELTHAM TIMBER & HARDWARE P/L

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER CLUB OF VICTORIA

Khana5 r e s i u r C 201

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

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER CLUB

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.

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Entry Fees

Major prizes - More than $10,000 worth of prizes will be distributed across all categories, including individual and team awards.

Enquiries:

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

• Competitors: $115 • Navigators $45 • Non competitors $40 * Children under 12 $30 Day visitor $10 • Hot and cold food and drinks available all weekend • Event held at Club property at Yarck ( 2 hrs north of Melb.)

• Email - tlccv@cruiserkhana.com.au • Phone - Neil on 0419 520 810

4x4 Club Teams Challenge 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.

Entries close 14th February, 2015

Early Bird Special - Save 10% for entries received before 31st December 2014

20-22nd March 2015

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Overland Cruisering 5

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