Gosnells RSL Hall, 2 Mills Road East, Martin WA 6110 pr@wa4wda.com.au 0418 904 844

Armadale 4wd Club – Paynes Find Authentic Outback Experience (Aug-Sept 2024)

The trip leadership was rotated on a daily basis between Ian and Alex Smith, trip planning was a joint effort with Cherrill taking the notes.  Nine of us attended the trip which included Cherrill Smith, George, Annice & Kieler Henderson, Trevor and Wendy Desmond and Bob and Janet Smith.  It was a great trip filled with a lot of adventure and laughter.

On day 1 we met at the Maddington shopping centre car park, after registrations and a quick brief we headed off to Dalwallinu for lunch.  After lunch we headed to our overnight camping spot, a place called Camel Soak about 50 km from Perenjori this site was a watering point for workers and camels working on the rabbit proof fence in the late 1800’s.  Camel Soak consists of a large rocky outcrop with numerous water holes which in most cases had large tadpoles.  At the base of the rock, we found various species of Donkey orchids putting on a good show.

Day 2 – August 31st

After spending the morning walking around Camel Soak, we had an early lunch and departed for Paynes Find to spend our one and only night in a caravan park. Once set up we visited the historical goldmine battery. This had closed to visitors just before we arrived but were fortunate enough to arrange with the owner for a tour the following morning. It was very interesting but did delay our departure for Fields Find by a few hours.

Day 3 – September 1st

We departed from Paynes Find at about 11:00 am and headed 60km NW to Fields Find. Both sides of the road for the entire trip were covered in wildflowers. On arrival we set up camp at Fields Find mine site which was to be our base for the next 3 nights.  Once settled in we drove minus vans to what is referred to as communication hill, an interesting drive giving us a good view of the surrounding landscape.

That night we shared a hearty camp oven dinner of roast pork and vegies served with hot bread rolls followed by a camp oven cooked dessert served with custard and cream which was enjoyed around the camp fire.  A great way to settle in to our base camp.

Day 4 – September 2nd

We headed off on a day trip around the area. Did some interesting bush track drives around Pinayelling to some old gold diggings.  We travelled up some steep rocky tracks to reach the diggings. Trevor and Wendy took their camper to places they didn’t think possible.  Once again, the wildflowers were extraordinary.

We called in to Warriedar Station where we had a look around and a spot of morning tea then visited Fielders Find cemetery; some headstones make for interesting reading (like 3 miners in 1 grave as a result of an explosion in the late 1800’s) we then all headed back to Fields Find for lunch before heading off to visit Thundelarra Homestead. This historic site is being refurbished for tourism.  A Botanist who was using the homestead as a base while working in the area kindly showed us through the homestead which would normally be closed.  After that we had a look through one the oldest and largest station sheering sheds still standing in Australia today.   Then had a quick look through the old school house.

Day 5 – September 3rd

Spent the day looking over some old sites, we crossed the rabbit proof fence and traversed about 25km along an interesting track that took us through vast displays of wild flowers. We called into the old Rothsay Cemetery and then to the John Forrest lookout.  To reach the top there was a walking trail that was steep.  Most of us ventured to the top which afforded great views of the area.   Getting down was a bit trickier than going up but all made it safely back to our vehicles.  On the way back to Fields Find we stopped in an area where wildflowers were thick on a particular mound and we couldn’t resist sitting in amongst them for a photo shoot. That went well until we tried to stand up when most couldn’t, consequently most just slid down the slope.  The belly laughter this caused was out there.  After that adventure we headed back to camp for a final night and BBQ dinner.

Wreath Flower discovered just out of Perenjori, just starting to flower
Taken as we travelled the old Rothsay-Perenjori Road, now just a 30km track

Day 6 – September 4th

Broke camp at Fields Find hitched our vans and headed off to Perenjori where we had morning tea. From there we headed to Carnamah where we had the opportunity to refuel and a bite of lunch before heading across town to the historic McPherson Homestead which has been beautifully restored. After an interesting visit we headed off to Watheroo for a pub meal and our final night’s stay before heading home.

Day 7 – September 5th

Departed Watheroo for Moora where we enjoyed breakfast/lunch before independently heading home.

FAWDCWA – Dirk Hartog Island (April 2021)

Freedom All Wheel Drive Club of WA endeavours to hold at least one trip each month including day trips, social outings and extended camping trips. This trip to Dirk Hartog Island is one of many over the years, including Karara Rangelands, Ravensthorpe, Mellembye and Melangata station stays and Mount Augustus.

FAWDCWA had been preparing for this trip to Dirk Hartog Island for some months and it was with some excitement that on Tuesday the 20th April 2021, we all headed for Galena Bridge, which was the prearranged meeting place. Passing through Geraldton just after midday, the trip leader was congratulating himself  on their progress when the wheel fell off the trolley, well actually three studs sheared on the rear wheel to be precise and the car developed a very pronounced wobble. It was time for lunch anyway so the damaged wheel was removed, the spare fitted and a tow truck called from  Geraldton. Other members arrived  and gave  moral support before proceeding to Galena Bridge. At 5:05 we were back on the road with no usable spare and a considerably lighter pocket, arriving at Galena Bridge at 6:15 where everyone pitched in to help erect the tent and cook dinner. By 7:00pm our day was complete and we were all looking forward to the next day of this exciting trip.

The next morning (Wednesday) we were all packed up and on the road by 9:20. After comparing fuel prices we all topped up at Billabong Roadhouse, which was far less expensive than Overlander. After the previous day’s convulsive start, today was a leisurely run to the overnight camp at Hamelin Station. The original plan was to drive to and camp at Steep Point, but cyclone Seroja had closed the Steep Point road and campsites. This Station stay has excellent ablutions and camp kitchen and we all had a relaxing evening.

Thursday morning the park was still closed, but we had permission to drive through to the embarkation point. Because of the extra distance involved we allowed an extra 3 hours to make the journey. The Hamelin Station management suggested we allow 4 hours which we did and finally covered the distance in a little over 4 hours 20 mins. This was our first introduction to the corrugations which continued relentlessly for the rest of the trip

We aired down to 20 psi as recommended by the Steep Point Rangers but to be honest I think we could have gone a little lower. The convoy leader’s radio decided to turn itself off which resulted in a high speed chase (about 45 km/h) on the corrugated road to eventually catch and stop him. Radio communication restored, we continued, being tested from time to time by detours around sand blowouts from cyclone Seroja.

The barge was running a little over 2 hours late so we joined a queue and ate lunch until we were finally transferred over to the island. One of the group celebrated his arrival on the island by driving off the barge and getting bogged. The other members were quick to assist and we continued onto our allocated campsite.

We left one by one as the next car arrived, so there were always two cars on the beach in case of trouble. It was a one hour drive to Jed’s camp, over what was to become the norm, a corrugated road.

Jeds camp is a beautiful spot overlooking Homestead bay. We saw sea birds, dolphins, fish and a magic sunset. One member threatened a large flathead but failed to catch it. We set up our tents, sat and swam in the water and cooked and sat around in the camp kitchen. Hot showers rounded off the day perfectly.

Friday arrived with a beautiful sunrise with a few white clouds. After a walk to the office to confirm Sunset tour times and boarding time for Sunday, we embarked on a tour of Surf Beach and the Blowholes. We headed out over the now obligatory corrugations to Surf Beach. The last part of this drive was through some fairly heavy sand hills, so it was undertaken one vehicle at a time, calling the next vehicle through as the stage was completed. There were no issues or problems.

After spending some time sightseeing and snorkelling, we returned to the intersection and turned toward the Blowholes. The first half of the Blowholes track was the usual corrugated sand track, but the second half provided a large sand hill completely devoid of vegetation, which then turned to a rocky cliff top drive. The Blowholes were working and after watching for a while, we set up and had lunch.

Returning to our camp, we had another swim and prepared for the Australia’s Last Sunset tour led by Casey from DHI Experience. This involved travelling in convoy to Herald Heights Cliffs to watch the sun set. Returning in the dark was interesting to say the least. Out Tail end Charlie took a wrong fork at one stage and we all waited until he regained the track. In all fairness, the DHI convoy procedure was not quite what we are used to in our club, consisting of “hi guys, follow me” with little or no radio guidance given and a fairly high pace. Overall the sunset tour was magnificent though. We all returned to camp to the normal chat, shower, tidy up routine and bed.

The next morning we headed to the distant end of the Island to see Cape Inscription and the lighthouse. Cape inscription is where Dirk Hartog landed in 1616, and nailed an inscribed plate to a post. This place is now marked with a monument telling the story.

There is a lighthouse and abandoned buildings at the Cape, and the buildings are being restored and used as accommodation for research groups. Our plan was to then go to Turtle Bay for lunch, but we found the beach had been washed away and it was very rocky, not leaving much room for parking so we pushed on to Dampier’s Landing and had lunch in the car park at 12.30. This entry to the beach was also roped off to vehicles as there were turtle eggs on the beach. After lunch we headed back to base to prepare for dinner and some packing in readiness to leave after the dawn service the next day. Arriving a little after 4pm we could not resist a swim though.

The following morning we awoke in time to head up to the homestead for ANZAC dawn service. A combined effort from the Island staff, and various holiday makers, predominantly our club and Geraldton 4 wheel drive club saw us observe the rising of the sun followed by Anzac biscuits freshly baked by the DHI staff. Watching the dawn in this small group, knowing that the large Anzac ceremony in Perth had been cancelled due to Covid, was actually quite moving.

By 7.45 am we were all on the CoRrUgAtIoNs heading for the barge. We were booked for 9AM and arrived just a bit early at about 8.30.  There were four vehicles that had been booked in for 8am still there. Oh well. We took some photos and flew kites until our turn came up, about 1030. We were the first of our group so on arrival we hit the water. It was after 1230 when everyone was across. A quick drive up to Steep Point for more photos and then we were on our way home, around 2pm. As it was obvious we were not going to get back to Hamelin Station until dark we reduced the pace and arrived just after 6pm. The trip was called at this stage but all members stayed overnight before heading in their various directions the following morning.

Western Patrol Club – Flagship Events

Established in 2008 by like-minded 4WD owners, the Western Patrol Club is one of many clubs in the WA 4WD Association that you might find patrolling the wonders of Western Australia and beyond. The club welcomes owners of any 4WD, not just Patrols, looking to meet new friends and explore off road or camp.

But the club is also about promoting responsible behaviours and supporting 4WDrivers in the broader community through organised events and volunteering.

Some of the key activities you will see on the club’s calendar every year are:

Camp Oven Cookout (June)

What is better than a camp oven on the fire, a dozen camp ovens, or they could be Choofers or Oz Pigs or even a smoker.

This is the chance for members and their guests to sit around a fire, try out a new recipe, brag about your best campfire recipe or just responsibly enjoy a drink with great people.

Held close to Perth around the long weekend, this is a great social event and a great way to introduce new members and their families or friends.

Recovery and Support for the Avon Descent (August)

Held in August each year, the Avon Descent is a two-day white water event stretching along the Avon and Swan Rivers from just outside the Northam Visitor Centre, through the upper reaches of the Darling Range escarpment and onto the finish line in Bayswater.

Western Patrol Club members volunteer as part of the AVON Decent Support Unit (ADSU) and provide vessel recovery and transport, as well as other support where required. The teams receive their training and event briefs the week before the event and camp together with the teams for the event weekend. It provides members with access to the event that most people would not get an opportunity to get so join WPC and put your name down to help out. 

Gymkhana and Learning Weekender (September)

Think of the Olympics meets Minute to Win It, the Gymkhana is a fun, but sometimes very competitive, games event, focussed on your fourbie and what you can do with it. Try the 4WD version of shoot a basketball, sink a golf ball, blind man’s bluff and egg and spoon race, all sure to lead to belly laughs. Mix that with a quiz and some educational talks and you have the formula for a great weekender.

Usually held around September, members and their families get away for the most fun that you can have on a weekend.

Recovery and Track Marshalling for the Kalgoorlie Desert Race (October)

Held over 4 days in October each year, the Kalgoorlie Desert Race (KDR) is a thrilling high-speed off-road race for motorbikes and cars held on the outskirts of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The race has recently been added to the National Off Road Championship, ensuring a top quality field.

Members from the Western Patrol Club join almost 100 other volunteers across the week to get up close to the action amongst the red dust, in support of the racing as track marshals and recovery crews. When the racing is done, members get to sit back and enjoy camp and swap stories. Visitors are welcome however some training is needed before you hit the tracks.

If you see any Western Patrol Club members out and about, please pop over and say hi. Otherwise, come and meet us at one of our meetings, held the 4th Monday of each month at 7:30pm at the Gosnells RSL Hall, or drop us a line at secretary@westernpatrolclub.com

TeamW4 Land Rover Club – 2024 W4 Challenge

Since before official incorporation, in 2013, “The Team” behind TeamW4 Land Rover Club have been organizing and running events and trips for Western Australian Land Rover owners and enthusiasts. The major annual club event of the year , The W4 Challenge, has had a varied format over its 12  years, from hard core 4 wheel driving, family fun bonding exercises,  scavenger hunt style outings and some times a combination of all of them. Traditionally this has been held as a full weekend event in spring  just before the AGM and award presentation.

For 2024  we are mixing things up a bit and running the event as a 3 round series with a variety of Challenges.

The first round of the 2024  W4 Challenge, held in early April in Julimar Forrest, was a night navigation exercise. 15 reflective plaques were strategically placed at various locations throughout the Forrest, attached to each was an orienteering punch.  As dusk approached, members were given a map of the Forrest and a list of coordinates, all they had to do was find the coordinates, find the plaque, and punch their score sheet. The more punches they got, the better score they would get. As long as they were back to base by 11pm. So to the sound of 10 or so Land Rovers heading off into the night, the organizers prepared to sit back and relax for next 5 hours. The time flew by, many of the worlds problems were verbally solved, and at around 10.30 the first flicker of headlamps were seen approaching through the trees. The next 30 minutes saw other groups of Land rovers approaching out of the dusty darkness and gloom, the final vehicle bang on 11 avoiding late penalty points.

All the participants had done a great job of navigating the Forrest at night, the lowest score being a respectable 9 punches, the highest an amazing 13.

Round 2 of the W4 Challenge in July was a selection of short course 4wd trials on private property, Round 3 in October is likely to be a combination of various Land Rover based activities concluding with the club AGM.

Muddy Trails don’t have to be a slog

Taken with permission from the West Australian (Outdoor Explorer! published July 14, 2024)

https://info.thewest.com.au/westadvertising/feature/14072024/page2.html

Foothills 4WD Club – Mundaring Powerlines (June 2024)

The much-anticipated Day run that was originally scheduled in January 2024 and subsequently
cancelled due to a warm day (43°C).

A small group of die-hards took part and enjoyed the sun-filled morning, which was great as it
forecast with some rain which eventually fell later in the day. Rob & Gill provided entertainment for
most of the day, well mostly Rob shoring up his Legend status and Gill providing the looks of shock
and horror. Robert tested water depths for us with the Jimny and water up over the bonnet is of no
concern anymore with the ever-trusty snorkel. Sandy and Andy provided tail end Charlie and some
examples of the flex abilities of the MU-X and being able to balance on two wheels. And I was
blessed to be accompanied by my youngest daughter Jessica and her boyfriend Reagan.

We all arrived at our departure point early and after signing obligatory forms and a quick chat left
for quick run out East along Great Eastern Highway to our insertion point off Chidlow Road. The first
section of the track was rather mundane and most handled in 2-wheel drive. We would eventually
test out those buttons and switches once we hit the ditches filled with water from the recent rains
and some of the steeper rutted out inclines.

Not long in we encountered some kids playing near waist deep in the first water ditch and seemed
to not care about the freezing water and lack of visibility. Later to find out they were looking for a
number plate that fell of their car the day before. Mum and Dad quite happy watching from the
safety of the dry bank, because who else would be that stupid 🙂

No one seemed too keen to test water depths at first and where there was evidence of multiple cars
getting through the puddles then we just drove it. Two crossings being a little deeper than expected
but at maximum they were exactly at 1 Jimny bonnet high.

Rob must not have enjoyed me diverting of one of the tracks and wanted a little more excitement,
tested out the Rangers abilities in the water and promptly became servant to the wheel ruts which
swayed the car ‘a little’, I’m sure if you haven’t heard already, he would love to tell you the stories of
his legendary driving skills and how great the ranger is.

We were slightly limited to which approaches we could take due to some of them being destroyed
by some Mud-hungry 4wd behemoths. Happy to announce no chicken runs were used given there
were more than one realistic options.

Robert not to be outdone in showing his cars skills, stopped halfway up a steep rutted out section
and had to lift the bonnet to get that damn solenoid looked at to get the mighty Jimny into 4wd. We
were concerned with the car rolling back but were self-assured when Robert acted as the human
chock.

We had a brief morning tea stop on a rock outcrop with lovely views over-looking the state Forrest.
That is when we noticed the clouds rolling in on our nice day.

A few more fun splashes and we reached the end of our part of the powerlines. Luckily, the rain held
off until we were on the sealed roads back to the Mundaring Weir Hotel. As always, we all ate too
much and required our nanna naps, headed on through the Forrest via Kalamunda and back to our
castles.
Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.
Cheers,
Magic

Quad Drive 4wd Club – Brunswick Junction (May 2024)

Quad Drive 4wd Club explore their old stomping grounds…

Established in 1986, Quad Drive is one of Western Australia’s most seasoned clubs. Quad Drive is known for tackling the tough tracks,  having a go and not turning back when the going gets tough. We pride ourselves on getting out there in the tough stuff.

We recently returned to an area of the south west that Quad Drive has spent many years exploring with some new and old faces. We spent two days in May exploring the red mud hills of Brunswick and we had a blast.

To really make us feel old, we had two new members who are second generation Quad Drivers on this trip….. Many of us remember Deegan Langham and Chloe Richardson as toddlers on our club trips jumping in puddles and dragging red mud through Mum & Dads 4×4 but they are now sticking the P plates on tackling the toughest tracks in the South West in their own 4×4’s and making them look easy! 

No Quad Drive trip would be complete without some challenges and recoveries. The winches were out for a couple of recoveries when things didn’t quite go to plan. With some care and guidance all cars made it through the tracks with no damage and made it back with a story for the campfire on Saturday night. 

If you are interested in tagging along on one of our trips please check out our website: https://quaddrive.tidyhq.com/ and get in contact with us. 

Attendees:

MEMBERS:

Matthew Johnson (Trip Leader)
Jake Mueller
Tommy Langham
Deegan Langham
Chloe Richardson
Ron Li
Dennis Pittard

VISTORS:
Anna & Michael
Sean
Tinny
Ken

WA 4WD Association Gathering 2024.

On the weekend of the 20th April twelve 4WD clubs from the WA 4WD Association met at Whitegum Farm to hold the Gathering, an event to allow education, collaboration, mingling and fun to occur with likeminded 4WD enthusiasts.

It was a great weekend, fantastic weather, the site booked just by members and their visitors. We had speakers on a concurrent schedule who educated all on safe towing, recovery update, tyre technical issues, CPR and first aid. An amazing cooking class with tasting included from members of the Indonesian Perth 4WD Club.

The evening was spent learning about the new adventures for Albany 4WD club, a raffle drawn which raised over $800 for RFDS and then a quiz night to test the attendees knowledge. A great night was had by all with fantastic hosts at Whitegum Farm.

A big thanks to all our speakers, committee and those who attended, it was greatly appreciated and we look forward to next years in Albany. #Whitegum Farm #RFDS # MakeTracksARB #DeptLGSC

The State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries are major supporters of the WA 4WD Association and The Gathering in Western Australia. Sport and recreation creates vibrant, inclusive and connected WA Communities.

Out & About – Avon Valley National Park and Surrounds (December 2023)

Members and visitors met between 8:30-9:00am at a truck bay 1km east of the Ampol
Garage on Toodyay Road, Stratton. One exception was Rex who had problems with the
battery in his vehicle while at home but joined the convoy later in the trip.

After all signing in, Frank gave an overview of the pending trip advising that it would be a
leisurely run without any difficult 4×4 driving. Troy was given the task of being Tail End
Charlie.

The convoy set off at 9:08am driving east on the Toodyay Road. The weather for the day
was clear with a maximum of 30C. The convoy travelled 36kms and turned left into
Morangup Road and after 6kms arrived at the entrance to the Avon Valley National Park.
Rex joined the convoy at this point.

To everyone’s surprise, the honesty box at the Park’s entrance for payment of fees had been
vandalised and a notice explained that fees payable were suspended as a result.

To everyone’s surprise, the honesty box at the Park’s entrance for payment of fees had been
vandalised and a notice explained that fees payable were suspended as a result.

The convoy travelled 9kms in a north/east direction along gravel tracks to reach a camping
spot called Bald Hill where morning tea was had at 10:15am. A fifty metre walk from the
camp led to a rock outcrop where there is a 270 degree view of the Avon Valley showing the
river and the standard gauge railway line. The view was one of the highlights of the trip.
The camping site had an open shelter with picnic benches and a clean and well maintained
a long-drop toilet.

At 11:00am, the convoy set off to drive to the next destination – Cobbler Pool. This
meant leaving the Avon Valley National Park and driving along generally well
maintained gravel tracks for 16kms. Dried-out ruts in some sections of the track
indicated that mud could be an issue during the wetter parts of the year.

The countryside was picturesque with hills and valleys even though the vegetation had dried
off approaching summer.

The convoy reached Cobbler Pool at midday and stopped for lunch. While there was water
in the Avon River pool a sign warned that swimmers would be in danger of contracting
Amoebic Meningitis. According to an information board, the last fresh water cobbler was
caught in the area over 50 years ago and work upstream to clear the river resulted in
destruction of the fish’s natural habitat.

At 12:50pm, the convoy left Cobbler Pool where Mike and Clare chose to depart to drive
home. They were followed by Alex (Snr) and Alexander who had to leave owing to another
commitment. The remaining convoy drove 16kms to Julimar Road which led onto Plunket
Road, Beach and Wilson Roads. Eventually the convoy reach Chittering Road and drove
south to the Bullsbrook township where the trip ended at 2:20pm.

The total distance travelled during the trip from Stratton to Bullsbrook was 157kms and took
a little over five hours which included morning tea and the lunch break.

Participants thanked Frank for organising and running the trip as all considered it a pleasant
outing which should be repeated during a cooler time of the year.

Finally, special mention needs to be made of Rex and Carol who thoughtfully wore name
tags on the trip. (When this was pointed-out, several members were quick to call attention to
their club shirts on which they had their names embroidered.) Point taken!

Eastern Suburbs – Hann Track (September 2021)

Led by Ron Dhu founder of Eastern Suburbs 4×4 Camping and Touring club.
Convoy of 8 vehicles consisting of 5 experienced drivers and 3 nervous newbies:
Ron Pajero/Jayco Penguin Ooutback. Vince/Peta Terrican/Avan. Rob/Robyn Toyota 200 series/ Complete Campsite Exodus 16. Graham/Di 200 series. /Vanguard Rustler. Mike/Nuala Ford Ranger/AOR. Russ/Sandy Follow Me Camper trailer. Bea Prado/Jayco penguin on Rd. Pamela Pajero/Jayco penguin outback.

Mike had good maps and radio, Vince mechanic come panel beater, Rob who carried most extra things you may need, Russ who was good at fixing most things.
This trip was on Rons bucket list and as it was to be his last trip we decided to go for it.

Met at Bakers hill for a 10am start. Not a good start as Bea put the route into her Sat Nav it took her the longest way, so she was very late. Rob and Russ waited for her so the others could go on, we met up for lunch. Our first camp was at Mt. Palmer, out from Yellowdine. Pamela got the first flat, no fix no return tyre and we hadn’t even got onto the rough roads yet. Vince and Russ came to the rescue and changed it for her. This campsite was a great area, but you need to take in your own wood. As we will be mostly
bush camping Graham decided to practice cooking on his drum cooker, worked out well.

Had a boring trip up tip Kalgoorlie where Pam tried to get a new tyre, but it was Sunday so luck getting one. We camped at Station Creek north of town. This site is popular with big caravans parking using the Jack system (bugger anyone else I’m alright).

Into Laverton to do some shopping and fuel up as we had 700ks of bush traveling with no fuel stops. Just out of town we aired down as now we had only bush roads and tracks. (Pamela managed to buy a new tyre). Had fun trying to find the correct road to the main track after we left Burtville cemetery. At one stage we lost Pamela as she was sitting at the corner waiting for Ron to call her up, to say we were on the correct track but she had turned her car off so she had no radio so she couldn’t hear us calling her up. (must keep radio on at all times out here). This area has many tracks made by the miners and they don’t show up on any of our maps.

Had morning tea at Malley Hen Rock, Ron did his 2nd shockie on his van, after traveling through interesting countryside we camped by the camel shooters shack on Lake Ranson, the campsite overlooked the lake and had an area that you could play golf , the only problem with this is that you had
to retrieve your balls when finished playing and it was all up hill. Tea that tonight was dampers and we had some very tasty and interesting ones. Driving the length of the lake trying to find Spackman Rd, with many turnarounds with tail end Charlie becoming the leader. This is where Mike came into play, eventually we found Spackman Rd. On this road we found Frank Hann Rock which Pamela climbed to find the plaque. As it was Vinces’s birthday, we camped up early so Pete could make him a cake, alas it didn’t
work so he had a biscuit with a candle in it. Spackman Rd meets Anne Beadell, had morning tea at Bishop Riley Pulpit. This was a dusty and very corrugated road and as we were all so shook up; we welcomed an early camp at Yeo Ruins. As it was windy we delayed lighting the fire till evening and an advance crew for a motorbike tour turned up. They told us that the David Carnegie track had severe wash outs, they suggested that we didn’t take it.

Next morning the Parks and wildlife rangers arrived to do some maintenance work on the buildings. Turned off the main track onto Point Sunday Rd. This was a non-eventful drive until we decided to take a short cut to Great Central Rd. We came out just short of Minnie Creek rest area, had morning tea on the Gun Barrel and 5ks short of Tjkayiria roadhouse Vince needed fuel so Russ gave him 10ltrs to get there. At the caravan park we enjoyed hot showers and did some washing. Had a rest day with some of us visiting the caves, had to get fuel as on Sundays they are only open for a short time.
Decided that we would do the David Carnegie track as it was one of the main tracks that we wanted to do. We thought we would go as far as Empress Spring and if too rough we would turn around. The turn off is 16ks back down GCR, did a detour into Breaden Bluff to see the caves, found an old car that
Graham got some aluminum strips to fix his draws, this track was very rocky but worth the trip in.

Lunch at Empress Springs and two vehicles stopped to talk and took one look at our convoy and said that if we needed any parts for our vans, we could get them further up the track (haa haa). At the spring Vince climbed down the well and said that there was no water no snakes. We passed the van that the guys told us about, had a good look over it, the guys couldn’t find anything that they needed, the flowers were great as there were many different types and colors. The terrane here is very flat with scrub that has spikes that would puncture a tyre and the wind extremely strong so it was very hard to find a campsite as you couldn’t get off the track. Took a chance at one spot and hoped that no one got a flat. Yes, you
guessed it next morning Russ had a flat. The wind was so strong that it took all hands to get Russandy’s camper down. As the track went on it got very rocky and at one stage, we were doing 11.67 ks per hour. The track had deep washouts and at one stage a van had its back wheel in it, the girls did well
as it was quite challenging at times also, we had to do a bit of pruning so the bigger vans could negotiate the bends and over hanging branches. Rons Jayco van collapsed, and the guys had to lift it up so we could jack it up for him to sleep in. At one camp we had a full moon, so the girls decided to have a party so after many wines and loud music they did the moon dance. Next morning with sore heads they cleaned the site up so you wouldn’t know we had been there. Into Carnegie Station, the kitchen was a dream, but the showers were basic. Here Ron and Russ fixed Rons Jayco the cable had broken. Bea made friends with the resident donkey by feeding it carrots. Had a great night around the campfire.

On the way home Ron tried to find a campsite for us by going down a fence line, but as it was not looking good said to turn around. Whoo this is next to an electric fence not happy Ron; Bea did a 25-point turn without hitting the wire. Russ found a Pigmy spikey tail lizard in one of the logs we were going to burn, the log with lizard was returned to where he got it from. Along this road we came across a footy field, so the guys had a kick of the footy that Mike had on board, Into Wiluna as this was the end of Rons trip as he had to be home. The rest of us headed for Sandstone with Russ now the leader, he missed the turn off
to the Magnet/Sandstone rd. and did an extra 54ks this road was better than the bitumen. Called into the Gidgee mine (Russ did a stint up there) they were good enough to show us around. Camped at Lake Mason lit the donkey and had hot showers still cold and windy. As some of the group hadn’t seen
London Bridge, at Sandstone Russ took them there. On the way home the wildflowers were brilliant, the best we have ever seen.

This was a challenging trip with all sorts of tracks from rocky/sandy/rutted/spinifex grass and over hanging shrubs/trees. No damage to cars only several tires, 2 shockies on vans, one side step on a penguin (Vince fixed) and Rons van. Beas on road penguin passed with flying colors.

Regards
Sandy
Russaany