March 2008 Newsletter

Transcription

1 Responsible Four Wheel Driving & Family Touring March 2008 Newsletter Inside this issue: ANFWDC: Emergency Beacons Recovery Gear Trip Report: Mine tour Exciting new calendar including our 25 th Anniversary Dinner.

2 WANGARATTA 4X4 CLUB 2007/2008 COMMITTEE President Rob Buchan Vice President David Suffield Secretary Marilyn McClellan Treasurer Kristin Suffield Committee Noel Ham Dock Hair Stan Williams Kevin McClellan Ron Beurs Property Craig Cheetham Merchandise Ron Beurs Sergeant at Arms David Robinson WD Victoria Representative Craig Cheetham Editor Irene Ham POSTAL ADDRESS: Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc P.O. Box 494, Wangaratta, VIC, 3676 WEBSITE: The Wangaratta 4WD Club has evolved from a few members in 1983, to a membership of over 40. 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. Members live all over the North East and beyond, including from Benalla, Beechworth, Glenrowan, Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Goorambat, Tatong and Melbourne. 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. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club members 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. Membership: Single or family $65 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 most welcome. Newsletter Contributions may be forwarded by mail, fax or niham@bigpond.com Mail: 693 Tocumwal Rd, Goorambat, 3725 Phone: Fax: Editorial Deadline for our next magazine is the First of the month 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: Remnants of Mine - by Craig Cheetham.

3 March already, the year is going quick. A lot of country out there to see whilst the cost of fuel is still low. Fuelled up in Wangaratta and paid $1-48 litre for diesel I was paying this price in the outback not so many years ago. You would have picked up on the news the proposed 10 cents per litres carbon tax level. If anyone can explain how paying more tax to any government (wise money spenders of your hard earned at all times) will reduce carbon emissions please explain (as one former politician would say). If the government is going to plant more trees they need water, another resource going up in price. (check your water bill in July if you don t believe) Once again us country dwellers are hit as we don t get the public transport alternative. I had better go out back whilst I can afford it. That will do for the politics & hip pocket nerve. On a more down to earth note we have a problem with a shortage of trip leaders. Not a hard job. Just need the time and let a few vehicles follow you up a track. If anyone wants to lead a trip into their favourite place, and get us home again of course, please step forward. If you need to upgrade your skills then like the tax man the committee members are here to help. With the approaching winter it is time for desert travel. I always look forward to this time of the year. You read the books in summer then go when it s tolerable heat wise. Anne and I plan to head to the gulf late May and come back via Atherton Tablelands and Townsville. Will prepare a trip plan for this shortly. Noel & Irene have a trip north via the Simpson Desert planned which I believe may also turn into a club trip. That will take care of the outback but have a go and lead a trip. What is a 4WD Club trip with vehicles and no destination. Time to stop raving. See you out there Rob Stephany VanBerlo 2 Mar Turns 10 years old Kevin McClellan 9 Mar Carol Robinson 20 Mar Pete Carlyon 22 Mar Rachel Ham 24 Mar Jenny Michelli 24 Mar Another big 0! Irene Ham 28 Mar Craig Cheetham 29 Mar Please let the Editor know if you wish to include a birthday or other special event in the newsletter.

4 Minutes of the General Meeting Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club 12th February, 2008 Present: Dave and Kris Suffield, Sue and Graham Abotomey, Murray and Judy McEachern, Gaynor Matthew ( Visitor), Stan Williams, Craig Cheetham, Rob Buchan, Noel and Irene Ham, Adrian Williams, Ron Beurs. Apologies: Anne Buchan, Marilyn and Kevin McClellan Minutes of Previous Meeting Moved as a true and correct record by Sue Abotomey seconded Stan Williams Business Arising: Nil Correspondence In: Newsletters Cross Country Jeep, G.V 4WD, Nissan News, Albury-Wodonga 4WD Australian Alp National Park magazine. Correspondence Out: (NONE) Treasurer s Report: A verbal report was provided, with a full report being held over until next month Trip Reports: Buckland Valley: - Craig All members gave a quick report on what they have been doing over the Christmas break. Trip Calendar: Mine Trip A vacancy still available Limestone Creek trip leader still needed: Rob will assist with planning Caledonia/Butcher Country 24 th 27 th April to be led by Stan Black Ranges: Possible day trip shortly Sergeant at Arms: David took the fines tin in the absence of Robbo who is convalescing after an operation. Rob: On holidays after his op. Craig: Flat tyres/ trip into town to replace a regulator/ new radio not working Jos: Setting up a toilet on an ants nest Adrian and Barbara: New Grandson John and Sal: new Camper Note: Visitors cannot be fined, but a new camper was noted on the Buckland trip, as was a tent that was found on the side of the road and used overnight! General Business Members agreed to purchase Raffle Books from the Association proceeds to RFDS 25 th Anniversary: Plans need to get underway. Anyone interested in helping out please contact a committee member or come along to the next committee meeting. Association News: Craig gave a report on happenings in the Association, including new membership cards and upgrade of website planned, involvement in VEAC opposition, Track Classification. Meeting Closed 9.10pm, followed by a cuppa and chat. Next Meeting: Tuesday March 11th Tarrawingee, 8pm

5 SWAGS AND TENTS CAMPER TOPS SHADE SAILS UTE CANOPYS AND TONNEAU COVERS SEAT REPAIRS BAGS AND COVERS FOR ANYTHING ALL MOTOR TRIMMING, CANVAS AND MARINE WORK LARGE RANGE OF MATERIALS AND FITTINGS FOR SALE 27 Hay Avenue Wangaratta Ph Fax Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard? Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat? Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough? Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"? Hi all, ANNIVERSARY DINNER: The date has been set for Saturday 3 rd May. As we had a very successful 20 th Anniversary Celebration at the Venue which is now called Oasis Bar and Grill, we have checked it out and will be heading there again. PLEASE consider putting your hand up to help us with this event. You don t need to have been in the club for an X number of years to help out. Many of the oldies did their bit in putting together a great 20 th Celebration. It s now our turn. If you can just be there on the night to put up some displays it would be a wonderful help. Or go through some old mags for some interesting articles. If you think you would like to help in just one small way, please come along to the next meeting a bit earlier than usual and speak to Kristin Suffield who has offered to co-ordinate the event or give her a call.

6 Winter s Coming! Great new range of winter clothing in stock now. Come and see our large range of sleeping bags and self inflating mats to keep you warm. We also stock Terrain Tamer 4wd accessories. Want hot drinks in a hurry? Come and see the new award winning Jetboil in stock now. Plus, our huge range of quality camping and fishing gear. 14 Rowan Street Wangaratta 3677 (03) acff@bigpond.net.au We would love to see some of our sponsors on our trips. Please checkout the trips on the calendar and see if any might suit you. All you need to do is to give the contact person a call.

7 DISCOUNT FOR CLUB MEMBERS See John, Dale, Damian or Mick 476 Hume Street Albury (Next to Hungry Jack s)!

8 FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA Driving In A Sustainable Environment' The following reports have been taken from E-news and the FWD Victoria website. If you would like to receive a free copy of E-news, the Fwd Vic office and ask to be placed on the list. office@fwdvictoria.org.au 7th Australian 4x4 Gathering Where: Mitta Mitta, the doorstep of the High Country, North East Victoria When: Easter Long Weekend (21st-24th March 2008) Easy to Hard trips available. Four Wheel Drive Victoria will host the 7th Australian 4x4 Gathering. This event is open to all four wheel drivers and their families. The weekend will include guided tours, demonstrations on all things four wheel driving, fishing, canoeing, live entertainment and much more. Most meals are provided (three breakfasts, three dinners). Plus a raffle with $10,000 total prize pool and $1,500 worth of give a ways! All proceeds go to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Cost is $150 per person, $75 per child under 12 years old, Children under 5 years old free but must be registered. For more information or to book your site please visit or phone the office on Activities on offer at the Gathering Fly fishing demo and lessons Tours to Dartmouth Dam, Pioneers Museum and Ostrich farm GPS Workshop with Robert Pepper Ozi Explorer workshop with Roger Morgan Didgeridoo workshop Guest Speaker: Ernie Coles bushfires Trips : Wreckage of Beaufort bomber o Around Mitta - local mines o Quart pot Flat o Mt Benambra o Mt Emu

9 Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council Inc. GPO Box 79 Canberra ACT 2601 Website: ABN rd March 2008 NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CLUBS Many club members are owners of emergency radio beacons operating on the MHz frequency. An update presented at the AusSAR Forum held in Canberra recently, indicated that there will be a late rush for the new 406 MHz units which will be very difficult to satisfy. The phasing out of MHz radio beacons will be complete by 1 February Signals are received by four satellites which are operated by France & Canada. The latest news is that one of these four will be decommissioned four or five months earlier than the scheduled shut down. The new units operating at 406MHz are in high demand and current waiting times for delivery is around six weeks from date of purchase. This is not going to improve in the short term, as demand must increase as the shutdown date gets closer because registered MHz units number around 121,000. About 29, MHz units have been supplied so far, and are in the process of being registered by the owners with AMSA. Those who intend carrying a beacon on their outback travels during 2009 would be wise to order their 406 units now and complete their registration immediately upon receipt of the unit. For more information about registration go to Please note that because of the large amount of contained lithium, these beacons should never be tossed out in the garbage but should be handed in for recycling MHz beacon owners are strongly urged to dispose of the units responsibly and most good retailers will accept them for proper disposal at point of purchase of the new beacons. Yours sincerely President EXERCISE FOR SENIOR CLUB MEMBERS (with missing lines included) Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side, with a 5 lb. potato sack in each hand. Extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to a 10 lb. potato sack. Then try a 50 lb. potato sack and then eventually, try to lift a 100lb. potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight out for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level) After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks.

10 Our club trips often have a requirement of Standard Recovery Gear or greater. What is standard recovery gear? Page 7 of your club handbook has these details. Vehicles: Vehicles must have a UHF radio (preferably vehicle mounted) tuned to Ch. 14, and carry the following basic recovery equipment: suitable recovery points both front and rear snatch strap and rated bow shackle shovel or spade Axe or bowsaw First Aid Kit and Personal medical information and any other equipment as specified by the trip leader. We also recommend the following as being highly desirable Spare parts and Tool Kit suitable to the vehicle and type of trip Fire extinguisher within reach of the driver Air Compressor Tyre Pressure Gauge Jacking Plate Vehicle Manual We have endeavoured to get a club handbook out to everyone, however it is possible that we have missed you inadvertently, especially as we have been updating this book and it has been out of production for some time. Please contact a Committee member if you do not have a Club Handbook Saturday AM JOIN OUR TEAM OF EXPERIENCED FOUR WHEEL DRIVERS. Tune into fm 97.4 in your car in Melbourne

11 Guided Mine Tour Leader: Rudi Paoletti Participants: Graham and sue Abotomey Bob and Dianne Aulsebrook Doc Hair and Greg Noel and Irene Ham Shane, Maria, Lauren and Jessica Lucas Adrian Williams Craig, Kristen Maddy, Lauren and Serena Cheetham Campbell and Zeb Griffen David, Krisin, Hayden and Lachlan Suffield. I guess as this was a new type of trip for the club, being a paid trip, I was a little anxious that all would go well, so after quite a few s back and forward to interested members we finally had a date and agenda set. We all arrived on the Friday night at different times. Those who arrived early enjoyed a nice pub meal at Woods Point, just a little way up from the camping area. Those who arrived later missed some of the rain. We gathered together on Friday morning at Woods Point, where we waited for Noel to retrieve some of his gear (fine: left the back of the tray top open!), and then we headed to the meeting spot at Matlock. This sure is a cold hole. I was a bit worried that I may not have taken enough woollies at this point. However, after meeting Rudi, and our companions from the Essendon Bushwalking club (oops, Rudi double booked!!) we all headed down the valley, where the temperature was a little more pleasant. The weather in fact treated us quite well for the rest of the weekend. Woods Point Servo Rudi took us to some spots where we certainly would have found difficult to find ourselves. He knows the history of this area so well that he was able to give us some very interesting information about the gold mining communities that lived in this area, including some of the characters that lived there. Stores at Woods Point

12 We visited several cemeteries, most suffering neglect and damage from time/ fires etc. but some in surprising good order. the school yard, and an unwed mother s lone grave near a big shady tree. The tunnel here was quite amazing, and more so when we heard that the townspeople dug it by hand to divert the river around their town. Tunnel at Jericho hand built to divert water from flowing through the middle of town. From his extensive research, Rudi has spoken to elderly people who remember their parents or grandparents lives in these days, and he shared some of these stories with us. After lunch we all visited the Harbinger Mine. This mine is part of an amazing network in the Dry Creek area, which once again was a thriving gold mining town. It goes right through the mountain. We weren t able to go all the way, as to do so we would have need breathing gear, but with hard hat donned and torches in hand we travelled quite a distance in. We even found a few stalagmites. Those with boots on managed to keep their feet dry. Jericho It was quite amazing to have morning tea in the lovely peaceful picnic area at Jericho and imagine the bustling gold town that was once there. This was brought alive by the photos Rudi and his assistant Andrew shared, and the specific details such as the pine tree still standing which was planted in It was a bit disappointing that Peter Jackson, a very experienced geologist who also has extensive knowledge in this area, was not here at this point. Rudi however quite capably show us around and gave us a great deal of information about this mine so that we all still had a very worthwhile experience. Our evening was spent in luxury. We had hot showers and flushing toilets!

13 It was great to see the two clubs gathering together to share pre-dinner drinks and snacks. Everyone enjoyed cooking tea together on the fires and BBQ plate. Some also took advantage of the stove top and oven. Evening Gathering at Lo Boiler at Toombon mine Next day saw us visiting some more graves and mine sites including those in the district of Toombon. Relics at Toombon mine We had lunch for the day, where we said goodbye to Doc and Campbell, who needed to get home a little earlier. Parking at Toombon mine! At times it was a squeeze to get the 16 vehicles parked!but it was always worth it! The relics at the Toombon mine were quite fascinating. The rest of the group were not far behind. We continued onto the final cemetery site for the day. If we had gone without Rudi I would have driven in and out in 2 mins. flat, but his stories and passion for these areas once again brought the place to life, and without this, I m am positive that a lot of our history would have been lost. This was highlighted at this spot where he showed us the graded road that went right through the cemetery, because they did not know. In other areas Rudi pointed out the sluicing that has taken place through old townships and even in cemeteries.

14 Now Rudi is fighting to clean up these areas, and have them protected from further damage. I m sure all in the group would join with me to wish him well in these endeavours. Lone Grave. Cast iron on top was for flowers. A four wheel drive club in the area have assisted in the past to clean up the cemetery at Red Jacket. There is a lot of work still to be done. If anyone is interested in assisting Rudi to clean up some of the cemeteries in this area, please let me know. I m sure Rudi would be pleased to hear of any offers of assistance. From this point it was time to say goodbye to our friends from Essendon Bushwalking Club and head for home. As our attempt for the obligatory icecream was foiled as the shop was closed by the time we got to Jamieson. We continued to Mansfield where some of us stopped for tea before heading home. Many of us are looking forward to another cub trip here next year. We want to go back to the waterwheel, which we unfortunately ran out of time to visit, and there are certainly a few good tracks that members of all abilities would enjoy. Old chimney of a cottage built in a river valley. Now overgrown by weeds. Weeds, particularly blackberries are a real problem in this area. They have covered many relics. Hot of the press. I have just spoken to Rudi and he has offered that if it fits, he and Peter may be able show us a few more mines in the area when we go next year, including the Holy Terror

15 Limestone Creek & Davies Plain March 8 th 10 th Medium No Camper Trailers!"!#$%&''( )* +), #$%-''(, ))). ) " / / $5( )#1 / # //678 +)1 9,1 : / ;-&&<&""-$( ;-&"%8=" $4( ) >

16 Butcher Country Base camp April 24 to 27 (Thursday to Sunday) Trip Leaders: Stan and Beth Meet Benalla Safeway 0900hrs Thursday 24 April 2008 Medium/Hard No Camper Trailers Waypoints If you wish to meet along the way: Benalla, Swanpool, Mansfield, Howqua River, Mitchell s Station, Wren Flat, Mt Sunday, East Creek track, Macalister Track, Camp will be at the junction of the Macalister River and Caledonia Rivers Day trips Will be arranged from the base camp. My thoughts for day trips at this point in time are: 1. Up Butcher Track, along the high road and down the Caledonia track back to camp 2. Up dingo track into Licola for a pie refreshments back to camp 3. Home via east branch and brocks road maybe via king hut Tyres Fuel Camp Good all terrain tyres at a minimum. If you need more tread see Andrew and the boys at Bridgestone Benalla, our good sponsors. You will need full tank when leaving home, fuel is available in Licola. Junction of Macalister and Caledonia Rivers. Camper trailers Recovery gear No campers or caravans Standard stuff if you have more please bring it Rating - Medium with lots of low range driving up and down steepish hills and several river crossings Hard if the tracks are wet RequirementsFire bans should be over by late April, it could be cold, you will need to be self sufficient for the weekend, basic supplies are available in Licola. Sorry - no pets on this trip Numbers No limits Don t stay locked up at home. ESCAPE and joins us in the Butcher Country Contact Stan Williams: : or Beth Goudie : AH

17 CLUB CALENDAR Date Where Ratings/Comments Trip Leader/Contact 8 th 10th Limestone Creek Medium Contact: Irene Ham Tues 11th General Meeting Slide Show of Canning Stock Route Tarrawingee Reserve 8pm Easter 21 st 24 th Australian 4x4 Gathering Mitta Mitta Rating Options from easy to hard Book at FWDV website or Contact: Irene Ham Wednesday 26th Committee Meeting Tues 8th General Meeting Adventure Camping GPS Sun 13th 24 th 27th Butcher Country/ Caledonia River Wed 28th Sat 3rd Committee Meeting Glenrowan Hotel 7.30pm Medium/Hard Stan Bethne Glenrowan Hotel 7.30pm Kristin Suffield \ Sun 18 th Training Day Stan Future trips/meetings planned: June 7 th 9 th Queen s Birthday: Wyperfield /Little Dessert July 8 th Meeting Guest Speaker: David Jackson Hideaway Safe July ARB Factory, Kilsyth (and a hill nearby) August: 16 th August: Observation Day September 9th Family Snow Day Mt. Buffalo/Dinner Plains September: Black Spur - Med/Hard November: Wonnangatta

18 March 2008 Newsletter Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc PO Box 494 Wangaratta 3646 Affix Stamp Here 25 th Anniversary Dinner 3 rd May Oasis Bar and Grill Wangaratta