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1 Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring TRACK July 2015 Newsletter Torque The Presidents Page Inside this issue: Member s Page/ Open Forum Minutes from April General Meeting Trip Reports Club Trips Advertiser s Page Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 1 Editor s Notes

2 WANGARATTA 4X4 CLUB President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Committee Members 4WD Victorian Representative Membership Officer Merchandise Officer Newsletter Editor Property Officer Publicity Officer Trip Coordinator Minutes Secretary Committee Member Committee Member Non Committee Positions Training Coordinator Sergeant at Arms First Aid Officer Social Co-ordinator Web Master Tom Barnard Andrew Brown Kate Burke Helene Martin Chris Penniceard Steve Fuller Peter Burke Andrew Brown Graeme Martin Kate Burke Damian O Connor Bill Willett Glenn Norton Richard Rhodes Tom Barnard Damian O Connor Richard Rhodes Damian O Connor Paul L Huillier WEBSITE: The Wangaratta 4WD Club has evolved from a few members in 1983, to a membership of over 80. The Club is made up of individuals and families who are interested in responsible Four Wheel Driving. There is no restriction on the make or type of four wheel drive vehicle, and there is always plenty of variety and camaraderie amongst members. Where we live: Members live all over the North East and beyond, including from Benalla, Beechworth, Corowa, Glenrowan, Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Goorambat, Tatong, Langwarrin, Molyullah, Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Stanhope, Violet Town, Melbourne, Rosebud and Overseas (England). Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club is a member of the Victorian Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs. Affiliations: Members of our club are proud to be part of the Adopt a Hut Program and work with Parks Victoria to look after Top Crossing and Lake Cobbler huts. We are also affiliated with the South Coast Four Wheel Drive Club based at Wollongong, and the Four Wheel Drive Club of WA. Current members of the respective clubs are entitled to Reciprocal Membership. Membership: Single or family $ p.a. General Meetings are held on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month, generally at the North East Car Club Rooms, Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve, commencing 8.00pm. There is no meeting in January. Please refer to the club calendar. Visitors are always most welcome. : Newsletter Contributions may be forwarded to Editor : Andrew Brown : editor@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Editorial Deadline Usually 1 st of the month. This is your newsletter so be a part of it and send any articles of interest, comments, birthdays, etc, to the editor. Advertising: $100.00/yr. Please contact the editor for further details. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor or of Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. The editor reserves the right to delete any section of any article, or reject any article, which has been sent in for publication in the Newsletter. Front Cover: Tom and Tim in the bush both considering the next move and admiring the Tim s Pajero Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 2

3 The Presidents Page Hello Members and Friends, It certainly has been cold lately and you all know what that means... Snow trips! Craig has a run going at the end of this month which is filling up fast! I too am leading a trip, not snow related but if there is a good dump, I will certainly consider it at the end of this month also. Craig has been doing some hard work organizing guest speakers for our general meetings and he has locked in some very exciting speakers! So make sure you are at the meetings to support Craig and the speakers. Note, next month s meeting (August the 11 th.) is a dinner meeting at the Milawa Hotel (Snow rd. Milawa) details to come shortly. Trip coordinator Damo has been busy as usual, but will be an apology at meetings for the next few months due to work commitments. Next month we also say farewell for a few weeks to Graeme & Helene Martin as well as Peter & Kate Burke as they embark on their trek north to Moreton Island. Some have been keeping in touch with Steve & Tracey Twomey as they have TOO MUCH fun on their Cape York expedition. There are certainly going to be a lot of good photos and even better stories when they return. We also have a training weekend in the pipeline (possibly early October, numbers and logistics permitting). Let me know if you are interested in attending this event asap please. Now with the new committee well and truly settled in, we can now concentrate on the day to day operations of the club and trips, trips, trips! Finally on a proud but sad note it is time to say farewell to one of our most 'colourful', entertaining and committed members, and respected go getter committee member of the last few years, Tim Meek. Tim has been accepted into his new career pathway in the Australian Defence Force as a Marine Technician in the Australian Navy. I can confidently say that he has wanted this opportunity for some time now and is quite excited about achieving his goal! On behalf of the committee and the club, I would like to express the most sincere thank you to Tim for his outstanding and selfless contributions to our club over the past few years. We know we will see him again, it s just the when that is unknown. Thanks mate. I hope you don't get sea sick! That's all for this month. Keep the roof rack facing the sun. See you out on the tracks. Pres P.S. There are a couple of photos peppered through the newsletter showing Tim at his best Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 3

4 CLUB APPAREL Club Tee Shirts, badges, jumpers, windcheaters, etc. are available from STEER Clothing 15 Baker St, Wangaratta [new address]. Contact person is Bruce Steer. Phone: (The club shirt should be a dark green with gold embroidery. Club Badges New Club Members who have not yet received their Club badges or any other club member who would like to order new badges at $10.00 each, please Peter Burke (Burkey) our Merchandizing Officer and let him know exactly what you require. Burkey s address is: bettabuilt@westnet.com.au Member s Page Open Forum Hello everyone, Just a re i der to follo o fro i trodu tio of the Ope Foru i the August 2012 newsletter, please feel free to contact me if you have something to sell through the club or have an idea you would like to have discussed at the General Meeting or brought to the Committee. (Please send newsletter advertisements straight to the Editor. address above.) My contact details are: Mobile: Home: (03) gr.ht.martin@hotmail.com Graeme Photo: Ti Meek a d Burky playi g i the rai after a recovery. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 4

5 Wangaratta 4X4 Club General Meeting 9 th June, 2015 Meeting Minutes Present: As per Attendance Book. Apologies: Allan & Jeanette Wallace, The Robinsons, The Abotomeys, David Jackson, David Blore, Chris Penniceard, Steve Fuller. Visitors: Richard Allen from Benalla & Dean Goodsell, a Structural Engineer from Yarrawonga. Minutes of Previous Minutes: Moved Peter Burke/Monica French that minutes of previous meeting be confirmed. Carried. Business Arising: Nil Guest Speaker: Nil. Correspondence In: from Four Wheel Drive Victoria. North East Car Club. Cross Country Jeep. Catalogue of Lifters. Newsletter: Shooters and Fishers Party. Correspondence Out: Request for Insurance Currency certificate. Treasurers Report: General Account has: $10, credit Deposit Accounts total: $2, credit. Accounts to be passed for payment. Benalla Trophies for $17.70, & Alpine Gourmet Goodies for $1, Moved Damian O Connor/Peter Burke, Alpine Gourmet Goodies acc. be passed for payment/ carried. Moved Tim Meek/Monica French, Benalla Trophies account be passed for payment/ carried. General Business: 1. Start times for meetings. Tom and Damo to send to financial members asking for their thoughts about moving starting time forward to 7.30pm for general meetings, then comments to be put to Committee. Reasons for moving time forward were that Vic Club shuts at 9.00pm and gives chance to socialize. Comments from floor; Have social time before the meeting Was originally for Committee only and If it s not busted, don t try and fix it. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 5

6 2. Noel: Some interest in continuing Hotham Event (new organisers). Need more Club participation Will be much more affordable. Last weekend s event very well attended. May get invitation to participate. 3. Question from the floor; Are all sponsors Financial? Answer, Not at present but is being rectified. Discussed at Committee. Letter sent out with Invoice. 4. Few members heading to Queensland from 1st August, Let Graeme Martin know if you wish to attend. Trip Reports: Birthday Bash a huge success. Need Trip Leaders. Kate holding a onesie (pyjama Party) drive about October with dinner at a pub (to be decided), then a winery walkabout in your onesie suit. Sgt at Arms. Damo came armed with six pages of fines for members, which included, Damo 4; Burkey, Martins, Tim, 5; Monica, 2; Jason, Andrew Brown, 2; and Tom, 8. Open Forum: 1. Breaking of Snap Strap (Online Comparison) Two companies recalled poor straps. Advised to take your time and do it properly the first time. 2. Trip on Sunday, 28th June, Easy and clean rating. Lunch at Martin s, Myrtleford, then a drive. Martins ing details. 3. Some discussion on what FWDV Insurance covers. Especially about trip notice time. Craig thinks requires 2 weeks notice of any drives. 4. Snow Chains. Some comments from floor were; To be fitted where instructed. In all Alpine Parks. Need to look at specific report for each resort s webpage as they are all different. RTA demands that you carry chains whether needed or not. COMMITTEE TO CHECK AND REPORT BACK Meeting Closed: 9.15pm. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 6

7 Victorian High Country Huts Association VHCHA For information about huts please visit the VHCHA website : This site has further information on the Victorian High country huts and activities associated with each area. Our club is a member of this organisation, with Chris Penniceard our representative. FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA Driving In A Sustainable Environment For more information visit the website: FWDV Delegates Brief Sheet to be read out at Club Meetings, and printed in Club Magazines. CLEAN UP THE BUSH PROJECT The Clean up the Bush project recovery and removal stage took place over the weekend of the 2 nd and 3 rd of May. It was a very successful effort during which more than 60 cubic metres of rubbish was collected and put into skips for removal. More than 60 people participated over the two days and made a very significant difference in the Hill End, Rokeby/Crossover and Moondarra Forest areas. Household waste, building materials, car bodies, tyres and televisions and whitegoods were among the rubbish collected. Those involved included people from Parks Victoria, DELWP, FWDVic and a multitude of 4WD clubs. And after all the hard work, there is the satisfaction of a job well done and knowing we have made a difference. HELP US HELP YOU Whilst out on the tracks, most of you pick up rubbish and take it out with you. Many others clear and repair tracks, or make specific trips to care for huts, cemeteries and other significant sites and tracks. When you are doing this, please record your activities and send that information to us so that we can present quantifiable evidence to the various agencies to show that we do indeed take care of and improve the environment, thus strengthening our case for continuing access to the bush. NEW TOURING ROUTES One of the commitments FWDV has made to DELWP is to devise six new touring routes for inclusion in their Forest Notes pamphlets. This, as yet, has not been fulfilled. We need to identify and plan routes that are interesting and exciting throughout the state s forests. They will need to classified, not only to their difficulty, but also have historical and cultural significance to the area they are in. The aim is to make these drives inviting to a wide range of people, from four wheel drivers to the wider community in all types of vehicles. Crucial to the success of this is standardised track classification, so that all who take these trips know and understand what to expect. If you like to be part of this and help put a drive together, please contact the office. REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION UPDATE The RTO status of FWDVic has been formally renewed and once again allows us to conduct recognised courses. However, due to changes brought about by the governing bodies, certain courses are no longer able to be run under our scope. It is also necessary that instructors will need to ensure that their own qualifications and CV s are appropriate and up to date; FWDVic is working with them to this end. A special note of thanks goes to Gary Doyle and Hugh McLaren for their work in helping secure our re-registration and the rewriting of our courses to bring them into line with the new requirements. CAMP HOST Already this year, a number of clubs have conducted successful Camp Host weekends. This program puts club members in specific camping areas to be a presence and interface between the public and the various stakeholders. It has been shown that when a Camp Host is held, hoon behaviour and vandalism reduces in the vicinity. One of the requirements of Camp Host is the collection of survey data from the campers in the assigned area. Carrying out these surveys allows an interaction and to find out why people go to that place and what they want and expect. It can be a great recruitment tool as well. Get your club involved and have a fabulous experience at the same time. For further information, contact the Four Wheel Drive Victoria office. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 7

8 OTHER EVENTS Explore Australia: FWDVic had a stand at this event held May at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Our involvement in events like this make the public more aware of the activities of four wheel drive clubs and assists clubs in recruiting new members. It was a good attendance by club members; however, the public turnout was quite low compared to previous events. REGIONAL REPS MEETING This meeting was held on Sunday 24 th of May at the offices of FWDV in North Balwyn. This meeting was a strategic look at the way the way Regional Reps work and to look at what it aims to achieve and the actual outcomes from the program. There was particularly good representation from the land managers, but attendance from FWDVic representatives was disappointing. It was generally agreed that overall, the Regional Reps model is working, and that there is considerable scope for advancement. 40 th ANNIVERSARY AT MANSFIELD An incredible weekend of fun, fellowship, fine dining, relaxation, and exploration was had by all at the 40 th birthday bash held at Mansfield over the June long weekend. Although cool and often overcast, the predicted rain held off and allowed people to mingle and share around the warm and comforting fires distributed throughout the camping area. Sadly, a number of drives had to be cancelled or diverted due to recent rain and/or snow falls. This included the highly prized and anticipated trips to Craig s Hut. On Saturday evening, the formal part of the weekend got under way with a two course sit down meal, which was received with great pleasure. Following the main course, the speeches began from a variety of people covering a very wide range of topics, from the history of the Association to driving in and around the high country. As dessert was served, the raffle was drawn and we congratulate the winners. There were many door prizes given out at this time too, with the winners happily collecting their prizes. With the meal and formal parts over, the DJ fired up and people took to the dance floor, whilst others returned to the warmth of the fires to continue sharing with others, exchanging tales tall and true. On Sunday, most headed out on trips again around the local area, some to play in the snow at Mt Skene, others to enjoy the tastes of the Jamieson Brewery, and so many more. Then as the day trippers returned, so the delightful of aromas of evening meals being prepared filled the air and wafted across the campgrounds and campers again shared around the fires. And so came Monday. Time to pack up and reluctantly head back to the grind. Goodbyes were exchanged between friends, old and new. We look forward to the next event where again we can share in such an easy and relaxed way. AFFILIATION FEES UPDATE Affiliation fees for the financial year have been set and will rise by only one dollar to $48 in line with the rise in CPI rounded up to the nearest whole dollar. We have managed to keep this as low as possible due to tighter control over costs. FIRST AID CERTIFICATES FWDVic, in conjunction with National First Aid, regularly holds First Aid courses. If it has been some time since you last updated your qualifications, then now might be time to consider doing a refresher or new course. You never know when you might need it, and you might just save somebody s life, maybe even someone you know and love. Please contact the office for further details. MT SKENE PERMITS After much confusion and delay from a couple of sectors, the Mt Skene permit system is up and running again for this year. Permits are issued on a first come-first served basis, with a maximum of ten cars per permit, and a maximum of ten permits per day. All required paperwork must be completed and forwarded to FWDVic before approval will be granted. This includes all vehicles travelling in the group, temporary membership form for any guests (including $10 for insurance to be paid to FWDVic prior to the trip), and contact details for Ground Charlie. Police, road and land managers have indicated that they will vigorously enforce permits, and that heavy penalties apply for any breaches of the conditions of the permit. Any changes to a permit that has been issued must be forwarded to the FWDVic office and the permit re-issued before travel. No changes will be permitted after midday, three (3) days prior to travel. The permit must be carried at all times and produced upon request. If you have any queries, please contact the office. VALE JOHN CRIBBES Former Vice President of FWDVic, and current VP of Macalister 4 Wheel Drive Social and Touring Club passed away last month after a long battle with health issues. John was fervent advocate for all things important to the four wheel drive clubs and worked tirelessly to help keep access to the tracks. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew and worked with him. Our most sincere condolonces go to Esther and the family. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 8

9 The Tip of Cape York We are pleased to have reached Bamaga, the town nearest the very top of Cape York. From Cairns we drove to Cooktown via the lovely rain forest lined Bloomfield Track. There is a very informative tree top walk at Daintree and so much to learn about this area. We did a bird watching cruise up the Daintree River and saw a few interesting birds but the rain prevented us seeing the masses of birds which are found on Cape York. No crocodiles have made their presence felt either, but we have heard many stories and we are being pretty careful about where we venture. Lakefield NP is very beautiful with lovely rivers, birds and huge sand monitors and we had a couple of days there. Next came Weipa, a very well serviced mining town where we stayed for a few days to restock food and do the bauxite mine tour. everywhere. We drove to Mapoon and lunched on the palm fringed beach. All of these waterways look very appealing for swimming but the warnings are obvious The roads are extremely good and recently graded so our use of 4WD has been limited to the very short distances we have done on the Old Telegraph Track which begins at Bramwell Junction. We decided not to do this track as not every vehicle is allowed on it but we have been to several spots to satisfy our curiosity about the Adventure Trek. The first southerly crossing is Palm Creek which you can see by the photos is very confronting. We visited Elliot Falls and Fruit Bat Falls, both on the OTT and drove through one of the very easy crossings to get there. This was great fun and we were all happy with this small challenge. Both falls were really beautiful and we were able to swim there as apparently the crocs can't climb waterfalls! Many people we have spoken to have told us that the OTT is a challenge for those who are young and with much intestinal fortitude. There are lots of people here but mostly they are our age. We have a few days here before we start the long trek back. Everyone is happy and well and we are all enjoying each other's company. Rob and Les xx Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 9

10 Post Cape York Hi Folks, I ve not sent many s, I have left it to the other half. So I may repeat something's or give it another slant. Well we have been to the tip and back (returned without Paul and Rob Kelly) They are probably home now after their breakdown and may not wish to return to the tip ever again. The Oliver's flew home and left just David and Liz Tallis and ourselves. On the recommendation of John Smythe the four of us travelled to Chillagoe. We stayed at the Eco Lodge. They had an observatory with a powerful telescope and the owner conducted interesting talks each evening along with viewing the stars and moon. We left Liz and David after Chillagoe and moved on to Cobbold Gorge. Wow what a great place. The trip down the narrow Gorge is sensational. Quiet, scenic interesting. The boats are specially built, narrow enough to just fit the gorge with inches to spare. They are driven by solar powered outboards. The facilities here are first class, with a pool overlooking a large dam. A restaurant, bar, camp kitchen and other excellent amenities. Bird life is also great, rainbow bee-eaters, red tailed cockatoos, black kites and in the gorge we were lucky enough to see two Nankeen night herons. Now settle down don't get too excited. Local rangers conducted tours of three limestone caves over a full day, interesting and educational and well worth the time. The bird life here was exceptional. Crimson winged parrots, blue faced honey eaters, white winged trillers and many more. The lady that owned the gift shop was a a great photographer and had produced a book on the local birds. A steal at thirty bucks. Dave Tallis often picks up a bargain and is quite mechanically minded. Boy was he surprised to pick up a 14mm x17mm open ended spanner on the way. (See pic) This area is also rich in gemstones and many fossickers frequent these parts. You could put both these areas on your to do list! There is an ugly rumour circulating that my vehicle required a tow from a very precarious situation up at the tip. I vehemently refute any suggestion that it was precarious. Should there be even the slightest truth in any such rumour I can only say the incident has slipped my memory. Well that s it folks, tomorrow Rob and I are off towards Normanton way. Regards Les and Robyn (Editor): Great to hear from you both thanks for your updates see you home safely soon. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 10

11 Gapsted and Surround Trip Report Sunday 28 th June 2015 started with a crisp morning but fine after showers the previous few days. In total 10 vehicles turned out for the drive with two prospective new members Richard Allen and Dean & Jeanette Goodsell turning up to join Damo and young Tom, John Haring, the French s, the Burke's, Dee Brown and Indi, Tim Meek, Tony & Jill Millar and the Martin s. Meeting place was Graeme and Helene Martin s residence for a BBQ lunch then the afternoon drive. After lunch all vehicles headed towards Gapsted Winery cut across the Great Alpine Road and headed into the Gapsted State Forest. First stop was at an abandoned mine that Graeme and Helene found 6 years ago while looking for firewood. After a parking all the vehicles and a short walk into the mine, Graeme gave a quick talk about the history of the area and the gold mining. Apparently it boasted 6 pubs at Gapsted in the height of the gold mining rush in the Gapsted area. From the mine the convoy travelled behind the Gapsted Winery and up Link Track for a steep ascent. The road was in pretty good condition and everyone made the climb up with no problems. At the top, we took in the views of the very picturesque Myrtleford Valley below. From here it was a steep downhill traversing towards the power lines and down towards the Great Alpine Road. With the amount of vehicles on the trip what would normally take about 40 minutes to do the loop took almost 2 hours. Lots of radio banter and spot the kangaroo kept us all on the lookout. From the bottom of the power lines we travelled on the old Ovens Highway to drive a short loop and back to the Martin s for a cup of tea. Perfect weather, a lovely BBQ lunch and great like minded people made this a very pleasant afternoon drive. The Gold Coin donations for lunch totalled $ This money will go into the Club s Raffle Kitty. Thanks everyone. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 11

12 Newsletter 2 Revisited 2015 Hi all We arrived on 14 th May and settled in quickly to life at Zonia Downs and enjoyed renewing friendships with Peter and Darlene. We spent a few weeks at Zonia last year helping with Blazeaid drought relief. It is soooooo dry out here and they are doing it tough. They have sold off a lot of their cattle and what cattle they have left here are in good condition. Surprisingly enough the cold winds from down south made their way here and the first few nights were bloody cold! We are camped in the same place which gets afternoon shade which is most welcome as the weather is warming up. Darlene has a large flock of chooks, ducks (many varieties), geese and turkeys and they are hand feeding three poddies. There are also many dogs. The Taylors are in the process of purchasing a 9,500 acre property Barkla, which is approximately 12 kms west of Charters Towers (their future retirement block)! Sunday 17 th saw an early 5.30am rise to travel 1 hour south east to their 25,000 acre block Coobiaby, to muster their young weaner stock to truck to Barkla for fattening. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 12

13 Coobiaby is open flat country bounded by the Flinders River to the north (which only flows during a wet season). Marshall (casual station hand) was already waiting for us and the chopper arrived about 9.00am. Peter, Darlene, Marshall and Graham drove 4 wheelers and pushed the cattle up after they were flushed out by the chopper. The cattle were in the yards by 11.30am. After muster Graham and I were offered individual rides in the chopper with the pilot taking us for a run over the property, magnificent even in the dry. It is hard to visualise the flooding and green grass that occurs during a real wet season. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 13

14 Lunch over we drafted off 330 young weaner cattle that will be trucked out early Tuesday morning with the balance left over put back out in the paddock. Peter Darlene 4.00pm saw our very tired crew depart Coobiaby for the drive back to Zonia Downs. Tuesday 4.00am, saw the alarm wake us for the trip back to Coobiaby to meet the road trains. It was a beautiful mild morning and we watched the sun come up as the cattle were loaded. The 2 road trains are following Peter and Darlene to Barkla for unloading. Peter and Darlene are then going to stay in Charters Towers for business and to catch up with friends while we care take Zonia. They are due home late Saturday night or Sunday. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 14

15 The Office! Graham and I took the opportunity to continue into Julia Creek for supplies, internet access and telephone calls to family. Lunchtime then saw us back at Zonia, home alone! We are enjoying our time here with the company of the cattle, ducks, chooks, geese, turkeys, dogs and cat. Till next time love to all, Sue & Graham Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 15

16 CLUB CALENDAR 2014 Remember club trips are not set in stone so there will be times when trip dates will be changed to suit members and the weather Trip & Event Calendar Date Trip/Event Location Rating Contact Notes Tue 14 July Sat 25 & Sun 26 July Fri 31 July, 1&2 August Tue 11 Aug Aug Aug Tues 8 Sept Monthly General Meeting Trips out from the base camp Mt Skene Snow Trip Monthly General Meeting (Dinner meeting) Border Caravan & Camping Expo National 4x4 Outdoors Fishing Boating Expo Monthly General Meeting NE Car Clubrooms, Nolan Rd Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve AH YOUNG camp ground- Buckland Valley Granny s Flat, Mt Skene, Woods Point, Mt Matlock, Mt Terrible, Mansfield July The Secretary: info@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Tel: (03) X X X Tom Barnard: thomasbarnard@gmail.com Mob: Craig Cheetham Mob: August Milawa Hotel The Secretary: info@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Tel: (03) Wodonga Racecourse Melbourne Showgrounds NE Car Clubrooms, Nolan Rd Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve Website: < html> Website: < September The Secretary: info@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Tel: (03) October 7:30pm for a 8pm start. Guest Speaker: Rupert Cheetham (Astronomy) Trip rating depends on weather. Closing date: Wed 8 th July. RSVP by: Tues. 4 th August to secretary. 6:30pm for a meal off the menu. Meeting starts 8pm. Fri & Sat: 9:30am-5pm Sun: 9:30am-4pm 9am-6pm for 3 days. Entry fee: $18, kids under 15 years free. 7:30pm for a 8pm start. Guest Speaker: Noel Ham-bush welding & tyre pressures Sat 10 Oct Monster Jam Show (monster trucks) 8-11 Oct Melbourne Leisurefest AAMI Park Melbourne Sandown Racecourse Melbourne Damian O Connor E- damnkez@people.net.au Mob: Website: < Website: < st.com.au> Social Trip RSVP by 25 July to Damian. Group bookings (10+) $40 adult Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 16

17 Tue 13 Oct Sat 7 & Sun 8 Nov Sat 28 Nov Monthly General Meeting Top Crossing Hut - repairs Christmas Breakup NE Car Clubrooms, Nolan Rd Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve South of Whitfield on the King River November The Secretary: info@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Tel: (03) X Damian O Connor E- damnkez@people.net.au Mob: TBA The Secretary: info@wangaratta4x4club.org.au Tel: (03) *TBA = To Be Announced Last update: 10/7/2015 Trip Grading GREEN (X) Easy Sealed roads or good unsealed tracks with limited 4WDriving expected. BLUE (X) Medium Low range may be needed with a snatch recovery possible. Obstacles and hazards should negotiated by vehicles without assistance, although some assistance maybe required. BLACK (X) Difficult Steep or rutted terrain. Considerable low range driving. Snatch or winch recoveries maybe required. Minimum tyre requirement All Terrain or better but more aggressive tyres maybe specified at the discretion of the trip leader. Double BLACK (XX) Extreme Steep, rutted terrain or rock hopping will be encountered. Winch and aggressive tyres are mandatory on all vehicles. 7:30pm for a 8pm start. Weekend camping trip Ed: Check out the website ( 4x4club.org.au) for the latest details of up- o i g trips Want to lead your own trip, contact Damo and he will get you going e ail: damnkez@people.net.au Also a ig tha ks to Paul L Huillier for suppl i g the Trip ale dar oth here a d o the fro t page of the e site o Some Pre-trip reports for future pla i g Damo sent this for us to read: Speakers for our meetings Tuesday s Meeting July 14 th, we will have a guest speaker for the meeting Rupert Cheetham. Rupert will talk to us about Astronomy, the stars and if sky is clear, set up a couple of telescopes. He is a member of Astronomy Benalla and the Astronomy society of Albury-Wodonga. Rupert also has a regular spot on ABC radio with Matt Dowelling. On Tuesday Sept. 8th, there will be a talk on bush welding and tyre pressures. It will be a hands-on display of 24 & 36 volt welding, using car batteries for track-side repairs. Also on that day, Noel Ham will give a talk on appropriate tyre pressures for different conditions. Note: Dates for up-coming 4X4 Shows and caravan shows have been added to the Trip Calendar. Da ia O Co or Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 17

18 Trip Leader: Craig Cheetham: Tail end Charlie Noel Ham: This trip requires a permit for the Jamieson Licola Road through 4x4 Victoria 3 weeks prior so need confirmed names, vehicle make, model & rego by Wednesday 8 th July. Trip Rating: Intermediate. High Clearance 4x4 s (not suitable for beginners) Meet Granny s Flat. Licola/Jamieson Rd Friday night 31 st July. Saturday drive Mt Skene, camp Woods point. Sunday drive Mt Matlock to Mt Terrible. Exit Mansfield mid-afternoon. Min newish All Terrain tyres, prefer Mud pattern. Full tank ex Mansfield. (Alpine diesel) Winch not compulsory but could be useful. Snow chains not compulsory but again may be handy. Full recovery gear. Long handled shovel. Air compressor. Depending on river conditions a snorkel or blind may be required. Max convoy: 10 cars. Actual route will depend on snow depth, track conditions & river depths. If no snow falls the trip will still run in the same area. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 18

19 Dinner Meeting Details (Tuesday 11 th of August) The Milawa Hotel is ooked for the Wa g 4 4 Clu s August di er eeti g o the 11th. Would the members who are attending this Dinner Meeting please Craig Cheetham E: craigcheet@people.net.au so Craig can have an indication of numbers attending for the meal, one week prior so he can let the pub know please? Meal arrangements are: Arrive from 6.30 for a meal, order off the menu. Meeti g at 8 p as or al follo ed a fe people displa i g photo s of their trips. Would all members to bring a memory stick with no more than 5 minutes of your est pi s rady to show us all.. Craig will supply a laptop, projector and screen. We wo t ha e e lusi e use of the lou ge area ut the ha d-full of diners they usually get on Tuesdays are done by 8. It ill e a terrifi e ue for a great eeti g Ed: Thanks Craig Social Trip 10TH OCTOBER (Saturday) MONSTER JAM SHOW: AAMI PARK MELBOURNE. 60 Olympic Blvd, Melbourne Vic 3000 SHOW TIMES: 2PM OR 7PM there is pit access before the 2pm show (10am-1pm) will be extra $15 to enter the pits. TICKET PRICES: A RESERVE $80 ADULT $65 KIDS B RESERVE $60 ADULT $45 KIDS IF WE GET TEN OR MORE PEOPLE AS A GROUP BOOKING IT MAYBE CHEAPER C RESERVE $40 ADULT $25 KIDS PIT PARTY PASS $15 Tickets go on sale to public from 9am 7th July from Ticketek, if we all want to sit together we will have to book our tickets as a block booking. Depending on how many want to come, we may see how much a bus will cost. if you are interested in going let me know by 25th July Damo damnkez@people.net.au P.S. We will need some decent numbers to run a bus Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 19

20 Kate s Corner: The Wangaratta Chronicle ran this article that Kate wrote and sent in the week after our Birthday Bash Monica was on the ball and cut it out for us all to read thanks to you both, Andrew Ed. David Suffield Licensed Plumber 41 Suffield Lane, Moyhu Lic. No: Roofing Maintenance & Repairs Gasfitting New Buildings Stormwater Renovations Water Supply Air Conditioning General Welding Sewers also available Irrigation Servicing Wangaratta, Benalla, Myrtleford and surrounding areas. Tel: (03) Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 20

21 The future of paper maps Article extracted from WestPrint Maps monthly Newsletter (Friday Five) Nhill Victoria It is always frustrating to be told that no one needs paper maps because everything s on-line. Many things ARE on-line, and electronic maps are increasingly important when looking for specific addresses or in finding the shortest route between two towns. However, this applies only to those parts of the world fortunate enough to be called developed. Most of the world still awaits Google s attention, way points, and electronic mapping. Just try to find waypoints in Malawi, Fiji, or Grenada they don t exist (or if they do, they don t appear on any GPS device I ve ever seen). The same can be said for many remote areas of Australia. More to the point, the question isn t between paper or electronic both are fundamentally important. People don t want to go hiking on a Sunday afternoon lugging around a laptop, or even an IPad. No one in their right mind would wander through the souks and alleys of Istanbul flashing an expensive I-phone or GPS device to find their way there is far too high a risk of being robbed or worse. Most importantly, paper maps do what electronic maps can t do. They never malfunction, run out of power, lose satellite connectivity, or stop working. They don t break when dropped and can function after being dropped in a lake accidentally. They are foldable, often are waterproof so can double as umbrellas, and most importantly to me, can portray distance information in an easy-to-understand manner that electronic maps can never duplicate. Just try and use a GPS to find the best way from Lima to Machu Picchu via Arequipa. In the case of ITMB (International Travel Maps and Books) where we specialize in exotic destinations that are only going to be visited briefly, paper maps offer pertinent information economically priced and conveniently packaged. If one is planning a visit to Antarctica, for example, it is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Why go to the expense or the effort of down-loading information from the internet when it is readily available from ITMB? There s no internet access in Antarctica in any case (I wonder why?). More practically, for most people, a trip to Bali, or to Alaska, or to Peru, is probably also a once in a lifetime experience. Why go to Garmin and download an expensive alteration to your GPS device for a two-week trip, when a perfectly adequate map is readily available in the $/E10 range? Paper maps sell because they make sense. One will never convince Google product developers of this, or most companies currently members of IMIA (International Map Industry Association), but paper maps sell constantly because they are inexpensive, easy to use, practical, and a souvenir of the trip. Makes sense. The electronic revolution has been with us now for a decade or more, and the demand for paper maps is as strong as ever. Just ask anyone in the trade publishers like Ordnance Survey, Rand McNally or ITMB, and retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, MapFox, or specialist travel retailers. Sure, maps are changing to meet new market needs, and those publishers that don t change to meet these new market realities are going to find themselves going out of business. My point is that paper maps are doing quite all right, thank you very much, and will be here for the same reasons as paperback novels. People like them. Demand is strong and steady. I am always surprised at the number of ITMB titles that complete a print run each month, often running out of copies before the end of the month. The following article is from a newsletter distributed by our (WestPrint Maps) mapping counterparts in Canada - ITMB Publishing (International Travel Maps and Books). Thanks Paul L Huillier for seeing this article and sending it in to be reprinted Ed. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 21

22 Advertiser s Section Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 22

23 Squires Sports & Mowers Sales & Repairs Mowers, Brushcutters, Chainsaws, Wood Heaters & Bicycles Trevor & Terese Squires 53 Nunn Street, Benalla 3672 Phone/Fax: Photos: Birthday Bash prep-talk from Tom led to this second photo below so many unanswered questions Burky just so many questions! (Ed). Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 23

24 TRACk Torque July 2015 Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club A D PO Box 494 Wangaratta Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc July 2015 Page 24