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1 Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring TRACK March 2010 Newsletter Torque The President s Report Inside this issue: Member s Page Minutes from February General Meeting Trip Report: Ulupna Island Victorian High Country Club trips Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 1

2 WANGARATTA 4X4 CLUB Track Torque Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Committee Members President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Committee Property: David Robinson (Robbo) Rob Holden Anne Buchan Rob Buchan Noel Ham Jim Bramich David Blore David Suffield Bruce Gooday Craig Cheetham 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. Where we live: Members live all over the North East and beyond, including from Benalla, Beechworth, Glenrowan, Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Goorambat, Tatong and Melbourne. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club is a member of the Victorian Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs. Merchandise Sergeant at Arms 4WD Victoria Representative Editor Trip Coordinator Web Master Bruce Gooday Craig Cheetham Maria Lucas Stan Williams Terry Dillon 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.. WEBSITE: Membership: Single or family $80 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. Track Torque: Newsletter Contributions may be forwarded to Editor : Maria Lucas : 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: $65.00/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: Wombat range Track Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 2

3 The President s Page After a long deliberation and talking to both my committee and 4x4Vic, I have decided to come into line with most of the other 4x4 clubs that operate under the umbrella of 4x4Vic regarding the insurance cover. What this means is we all must be covered by the public liability scheme that operates at the moment, this will include guests as well. So in essence anyone who comes driving with us and is not a paid up club member, must pay a fee for the privilege of coming out with us on a 4x4 driving trip. This fee has been set by 4x4Vic as $10 of which $8 must go directly to 4x4Vic with the names of those involved as soon as possible, either before the trip or soon after. This is a trip leader responsibility to make sure all members of the trip are covered i.e. paid up members or their guests. Also all members and their guests must fill out details of their current medical history what medications they are on and more importantly which telephone numbers can be used to contact next of kin in an emergency. These details may be kept in an envelope and sealed, but placed in the glove compartment of each vehicle. They (the letters) are only to be opened in the event of an accident happening to that member or their guest and they are too opened by the trip leader or his deputy only. Another thing we have been rather lax about in the club as a whole is training. It has been brought to my attention that some of us through no fault of their own, have no formal training in certified basic 4x4 skills. 4x4Vic run courses which are advertised on their web site and these are considered the minimum standard for drivers to have before going out into the bush. We as a club have two qualified driving instructors and we will endeavor from now on to hold bi-annual driving courses to teach old and new members the basic skills we need to operate safely whilst driving in the bush. Most clubs in Victoria will not allow new members to drive with them until they have satisfied the club instructor that they can carry out basic techniques. In the near future we may adopt this requirement, but at present new members will be restricted to easy drives and if it rains the drives will only be held at the discretion of the trip leader. These measures are designed to protect both our members and guests whilst enjoying 4x4 driving with our club. They will also help trip leaders coordinate adventures into the bush with appropriately skilled members and well prepared vehicles. However everyone who participates in the sport we call 4x4 off-road driving must realize that in taking part, they are increasing the risk of accidents and must take precautions to prepare both their vehicles and themselves for the unforeseen events that may befall them. It is not the responsibility of Wangaratta 4x4 club to tell you what to do in the bush we can only give advice and guidance. Each member must be responsible for their own actions. See you all at the AGM. Robbo Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 3

4 Member s Page FOR SALE WINCH BAR to suit GU Patrol Removed from 2005 GU Cab Chassis Grey powder coat Complete with: Aerial bracket Driving light brackets All bolts and washers under guard Has minor dent in RHS wrap around Front and LHS are straight and happy Cost $1600 new sell for around $300 For more info contact Stan Can deliver Benalla, Shepparton and Wodonga area Track Torque 1996 (NK) Mitsubishi Pajero GLX 7 seater dark green 3.5 litre manual, air conditioned, power windows, cruise control, etc. 234,000 kms, mostly commuting between Wangaratta and Melbourne. One owner, full service history. Extras include bull bar, HR tow bar and IPF driving lights. Near new All Terrain tyres. Registered till November. Very good condition $7,500 with roadworthy. Greg Quinn Campfire Apples Recipes This tastes like apple pie! Apples Butter Cinnamon/sugar mix Foil Sultanas Core an apple leaving the bottom intact. Cut the center of the core apart from the top of the core, creating a "lid" that fits on your apple. Fill the apple half full of butter (Ok it should be less, 1/3 full). Fill the rest of the apple with sultanas and cinnamon/sugar mix. Put the "lid" back on the apple. Wrap in foil. Throw it into the coals until soft and cooked. Make sure coals are not too hot. In March Edward Bramich 4th Pete Carlyon 22nd Craig Cheetham 29th Rachel Ham 24th Irene Ham 28th Rob Holden 26th Kevin McClellan 9th Jenny Michelli 24th Carol Robinson 20th Stephany VanBerlo 2nd Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 4

5 VALE Track Torque ALAN CUNNINGHAM 18 February 2010 Member May 1988 to June 2003 We first met Alan and Dorothy when we moved to Milawa in With both families having an interest in camping and Four Wheel Driving together over the years, we decided to attend a meeting of the Wangaratta 4x4 Club in March Both families joined the Wang Club over the next few months. Monthly weekend trips into the high country became the norm as well as regular attendance at the clubs monthly meetings. Our vehicles in those days - Alan s a Toyota Shorty and then a 60 Series were no way as refined as today s and many comments were made as to their amazing ability to negotiate the much rougher tracks of yesteryear. Alan was elected onto the committee in July At our AGM in July 1991 Alan became President saw Alan take on the position of Vice President/Treasurer. He remained on the committee until June May 1993 was our 10 th Birthday celebration and as usual Alan helped to make the night a success. At our 1998 May meeting Alan was issued with his 10 Year Club membership certificate. Alan was a sponsor and business advertiser of our newsletter and allowed the Club s Editors to print the newsletter on his photocopier free of charge to the club for about 10 years. During his time Alan made a great contribution to our Club. We will remember you. RIP Mate. Graham and Sue Abotomey. The committee, members and friends of the Wangaratta 4x4 club wish to extend our sympathy to Alan s family and friends. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 5

6 Minutes of General Meeting Wangaratta 4x4 Club 9/2/2010 Track Torque Meeting opened: 8:05pm VISITORS: Kerry Watt, Frank Stevens, Mark Beasley, Justin APOLOGIES: David & Kristen, Rob & Anne, Rob Holden, Irene Ham, Craig, Maria. Acceptance of previous minutes A: Stan Williams S: Ron Boers CORRESPONDENCE: IN:.NIL OUT:.NIL DSE recept for chain saw equipment /Log shifter TREASURER S REPORT: Held over till next meeting GENERAL BUSINESS: Robbo put motion forward that Jim is to stand in as secretary for Anne till AGM Motion Carried: unanimous David Jackson has purchased 4 hand held UHF portable radios end and EPURB from Grant Quick shade, Sat phone TBA David Jackson has portable gun safes for sale see David for details Floor asked for any ideas on tracking of club property? 4WD Vic is running photo comp for next year s calendar (Fridge prize up for grabs) 4WD Vic for details 4WD Vic are running 1 st aid course details are on the 4WD Vic web site 4WD Vic now have 4WD accessory shop on line with competitive pricing 4WD Vic insurance company is affinity and special pricing is available to club members via 4WD vic Robbo to advise who is the best contact at 4WD Vic Graham has issue with the volume of information the affinity require to be sent (via mail) not over phone as per other insurance companies 4WD Vic are looking at and association member ship card positive feed back from floor Chainsaw training certificate for Robbo and Ron are still on the way Further chainsaw training has been postponed till end of Fire season David Jackson- Was first aid training to be subsidised? Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 6

7 Bruce G- Suggested that at an earlier meeting it was decided that funds granted would be use for chainsaw training only Noel Ham- Verbal report on Advances training with 4WD Vic- recommended by Noel Bruce G- Report on joint club trip with ACT clubs David J- Report on Joint trip with Jeep club Thanks to Allan T for getting Wood gear! Fines: David J- New Van David J- For teaching Ian to spit every time Toyota was mentioned David J- For not knowing how to drive GPS Ian- For changing tyre on new car and all the tools that go with it Notice of AGM given (All not in attendance at meeting will get notification via mail) COMING TRIPS: As per magazine MEETING CLOSED: 9.10 pm. NEXT MEETING: AGM 9 th March Please note that nominations for committee members will be taken on the night. Please use the form on page 19 or download one from the Wangaratta 4x4 Club web site. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 7

8 Something different OFF THE NET Simpson opening 15/3/2010 might be a bit muddy and no diesel at Innamincka Track Torque Water laps at the Birdsville pub. (ABC News: David Brook) Coopers Creek Record rain fills heart of Australia ABC website Updated Mon Mar 1, 2010 In the 24 hours to 9.00am, 168 millimetres fell in Birdsville - the average annual rainfall delivered in one day. Since the 28 th Feb the town has registered more than 225 millimetres - nearly nine inches on the old scale.150 millimetres of rain has been recorded all around Birdsville Who needs words? Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 8

9 FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VICTORIA Driving In A Sustainable Environment For more information visit the website: The following information has 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 PROPOSED BURNING - TRACK CLOSURES 2/3/2010 Tuesday, 2 March 2010 The recent weather conditions across the Otways have been favourable and as a result Parks Victoria, together with Department of Sustainability and Environment, will be commencing their Autumn Prescribed Burn program this week. As a result of these burns a number of roads, tracks and visitor sites will be closed from 0800hrs on the date of the burn until the area can be declared safe. Staff will be working to achieve a safe condition as fast as possible so that visitation is not disrupted for too long. At this stage it is proposed to commence the East Otways program with a burn at Kennett River on Tuesday 2 March This burn will involve the closure of the following: Vehicle Tracks Kennett Road Ridge Road from Ridge Drive to Kennett Road Also today, it is proposed to conduct a burn outside the East Otways at Marengo near Apollo Bay. The second East Otways burn is proposed for Sharps Road on Wednesday 3 March 2010 and will involve the closure of the following: Vehicle Tracks Garvey Track Sharps Track Visitor Sites Sheoak Picnic Area Sharps Camping Area Walking Tracks Kalimna Falls walking track and link tracks Henderson Falls walking Track Won Wondah Falls walking Track The Canyon walking track Cumberland walking track Sheoak walking track above Swallow Cave Castle Rock walking track Note: The above closures for the Sharps Road burn will depend on weather conditions and may be for several days for some sites such as Sheoak Picnic Area, Sharps Camping Area and tracks outside burn area to several weeks for the likes of the Kalimna walking tracks We will endeavour to keep you all informed and up to date as the program is rolled out, however I would encourage you all to monitor the DSE web site each morning and follow the links bushfire information links to the "Planned Burns Today" web page. Gibbs Access Track Reopened We have been advised that the Gibbs Access Track, which was closed due to an unlawful major chemical dump of Arsenic contaminants on the Gibbs Access Track in the Wombat State Forest has been reopened. The contaminants are now not considered life threatening according to the tests, which have been conducted to date. Please note that there is still an area taped off, which is undergoing further testing. If you have any information in relation to this unlawful act, please contact us at Four Wheel Drive Victoria Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 9

10 UPDATE 2 TAMBORITHA ROAD Friday, 12 February 2010 Track Torque Tamboritha Road in the Alpine National Park to partially open this weekend 12 February 2010 The Tamboritha Road in the Alpine National Park north of Licola will be partially re-opened after 7.00pm this evening. The road was blocked by debris as a result of severe local storms on Wednesday 10 February. Roadworks will however continue into next week. Access will be down to single lane and the surface rough in places in the affected area. Visitors are advised to drive cautiously and be aware of oncoming traffic. Anyone planning to visit the Alpine National Park via the Tamboritha Road is advised to take care on the road, observe advisory signs and check local weather warnings before entering the area. Visitors in sturdy four wheel drives may use alternative access in or out of the Wonnangatta and Moroka area of the Alpine National Park via Marathon Road, north of Briagolong. For further information please contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on or visit Victorian High Country Huts Association VHCHA The following information has been taken from 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 Graeme Abotomey our representative. Parks Victoria invites all members of the Victoria High Country Huts Association to participate in the management planning process through " PARKS VICTORIA The following info was accessed from a Link to Parks Vics website: Check out this site for more information Do you enjoy camping and being outdoors? 11 Feb 2010 Parks Victoria's campground hosting is a fantastic way to see our magnificent park system while at the same time providing a contact point for both the public and our staff. Applications are now open to join Parks Victoria's Campground Host program for the Easter 2010 period (27 March - 10 April) at a number of exciting park locations around the state. Duties vary from site to site but generally include: Providing information and advice to park visitors to ensure their stay is memorable and enjoyable. Maintaining camping areas to ensure a safe place for all people to enjoy. Regular communication with rangers to advise of any identified hazards or issues. Assisting with campsite allocation, check-in and recording of visitor numbers. Assisting rangers with interpretation activities. For more information visit the Campground Host Program page. The closing date for applications is March Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 10

11 4WD MUD DRIVING TIPS As we are getting a little rain at the moment I thought that a few tips on mud driving would be appropriate. The information is gathered from the net and I have mashed up and summarised the basic points, hope it makes sense. Remember not all mud is the same and nothing can replace experience, an approved driver training course from Four Wheel Drive Victoria and a good mate to help dig you out. 1. It is recommended that when driving through mud, deflate your tires slightly to increase the tire s footprint and provide better traction. Deflated tires will decrease your ground clearance so you will need to be aware that mud holes Albury Wodonga s Complete 4WD Equipment Centre DISCOUNT FOR CLUB MEMBERS pleasmith@arb.com.au See Peter, Nathan, Damian or Mick 476 Hume Street Albury (Next to Hungry Jack s) have tree stumps etc in them and can cause damage to the sidewall of the tire. Remember to re-inflate your tires before going on-road again. Since the drawbacks to deflating tires primarily affect sidewall damage, a better mud tire with a stronger sidewall helps so start saving. 2. Use a steady momentum to carry you through the mud. Keep your speed up and use higher gears. Don't spin your tires, and don't stop till you're out of the deep stuff (I don t think being stuck in the mud is much fun but it will give you a chance to use your recovery gear). If your wheels start to spin, ease off the throttle just a bit and allow the tires to slow down and regain traction. Don't dig holes. 3. If you lose traction and the vehicle is barely moving, turn the steering wheel quickly from side to side in short strokes to allow the front tire walls to find extra grip but not too far as to lose momentum. Your goal is to get through the mud so maintaining momentum is a good thing. 4. When in the mud try and choose a line that follows the high spots but if you are forced to drive in the ruts, know where your front wheels are pointed at all times. Your vehicle will follow the ruts, even with the wheels turned to the right or left. If you encounter a dry spot with the wheels turned, then the front wheels can regain traction and suddenly throw the vehicle out of the ruts, resulting in a loss of control, likely damage and more than a little embarrassment. After you have had your fun in the mud I know that this doesn t technically pass as a driving tip but cleaning your vehicle is not just so you can see out of the windscreen. Mud, especially fine particle mud like clay, will stick to everything and anything above and below your vehicle and the driver as well. Mud can build up under the wheel wells, on the frame and it can pack around the radiator, the brake drums, on all the underside components, on the body in places where you didn t know existed. It's important to remove the mud before it turns into a permanent part of your vehicle and causes damage. Mud on the rims can act as a counter balance causing your vehicle to handle worse and it can cause vibration at the steering wheel and can lead to uneven tire wear. Mud also retains moisture which causes rust. The underside of a vehicle is either unprotected or loses its protection over time and mud accelerates the rusting process. Mud is also very hard on paint, causing it to deteriorate due to its moisture content and can cause scratching and wear over time. So it is best to remove as much as possible after each encounter with the sticky stuff. So I hope these few pointers help and may your tires always find traction. Maria Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 11

12 ULUPNA ISLAND The Davis's were the first to arrive at Carter's Beach on the Friday. They had camp set up by 4pm hoping they were at the right spot. A BBQ tea under the gum trees, watching and listening to the Koala's growling and the cockatoos screeching. Saturday started to hear Stan on the CB looking for us, the riff raff had arrived and our peace was gone. Stan organized this trip but he went to the wrong spot looking for us, we knew where we were. Stan was first to get the fishing lines wet, but Bethne caught the first fish. Everyone went for a swim except the two Pommies "John & Dave" we all know Pommies don't like water. We went for a twilight walk looking for Koala's and spotted a lot high up in the trees. Sunday morning Allan said that he didn't get much sleep with Vicki snoring on one side and a Koala growling on the other. John left first then Dave and Doreen after lunch. They had their Grandson Ben with them who had a great time swimming, fishing and riding his bike around the tracks. The Davis's stayed until the Monday and worried all night when the thunder clouds rolled in. Vicki Davis Canvas Creations of all types Retail saddlery Full repair service 2/165 Mount Buller Rd. Mansfield Vic 3722 Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 12

13 Victorian High Country Mansfield to Harrietville Mon, Tues, Wed, November 2009 Terry & Meg Dillon Bruce Gooday Nissan Navara Toyota LC Early in the club year, when Stan was canvassing options for club trips, I said that I wouldn t mind doing some short mid-week trips into the nearby High Country a picnic with a view was the general idea. Then I stumbled across the ExplorOz website and a made-to-measure trip described as a great trek through the Victorian High Country where you ll experience some of our most spectacular mountain areas. See high country huts, spectacular views and participate in challenging four-wheel driving. I can report that we did indeed travel through some spectacular mountain areas, visited high country huts, experienced breathtaking views, and engaged low range 4x4 many times. The driving wasn t challenging so much as interesting. Many tracks follow ridge lines with steep drops on both sides. The driver holds on to the steering wheel and the passengers hold on to their breakfast as the tracks wind up and down through the mountains. We were fortunate in that driving conditions were ideal. All tracks were firm and dry and on some there had been extensive fallen-tree clearing in preparation for their opening earlier in the month. We travelled through some areas which had been burnt in the 2003 bush fires. Regrowth has been slow with most starting at ground level rather than from the trunks and limbs of standing timber. This provided for great views of wave after wave of giant mountains covered in bleached, standing, dead timber. It reminded me of the white stubble on the face of an old man who hasn t shaved for a week. It also provided good views of the tracks we had travelled and of the tracks ahead. From time to time I found myself asking did we really come down that track? and we re not going up there are we? Our pace was leisurely, with many photo opportunity stops so many in fact that Terry filled up the card in his camera. Terry and I photographed the scenery while Meg snapped the wildflowers and sign-posts. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 13

14 The route: Day 1: Mansfield to Howitt Plains via Sheepyard Flat, Brocks Rd, Refrigerator Gap Track, Bluff Link Rd, King Billy Track. Day 2: Howitt Plains to Talbotville via Zeka Spur Track, Wonnangatta, Wombat Range Track, Cynthia Range Track. Day 3: Talbotville to Harrietville via Grant, Dargo High Plains Rd, Blue Rag Trig. for the best part of three days. The highlights: A feature of the trip was the almost complete absence of traffic. After we left Sheepyard Flat, where we were advised by a Parks Victoria crew that the weather would be perfect, we encountered a convoy of four vehicles with trailers making their way up the Zeka Spur Track (day 2) and a lone traveller on the Blue Rag Range Track (day 3). That was it. No other traffic On day 1 we had morning tea and lunch by the Howqua River a very picturesque fast flowing mountain stream. The Refrigerator Gap Track was an unintended but very scenic detour (trip leaders don t miss turns) and the views from the ridge lines we travelled gave us a taste for what lay ahead on day 2. We didn t quite make our intended camp site (Wonnangatta) and instead camped up on the Howitt Plain. It was a great camp site (complete with toilet) but we froze at night. Terry and Meg had packed summer sleeping bags and didn t get much sleep. On day 2, after lunch at Wonnangatta, we travelled along the Wombat Range Track. What a drive and what magnificent views. We stopped off at Little Baldy to stretch our legs and take in the scenery. There is a memorial plaque on Little Baldy which simply says In memory of Ray Pye who loved this country. The this country referred to is a magnificent 360 degree vista. Then it was on to Talbotville for camp on night 2. After a leisurely start on day 3 we had a brief look around the Grant township sight then headed for Harrietville via the Dargo High Plains Road. Day 3 highlight was the drive up to the Blue Rag Range trig site and the views along the way and from the top. This trip was my first real venture into the high country. There will be many more. Bruce Gooday Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 14

15 Club Trips Track Torque Please let a committee member know if you are interested in leading a trip. There are many experienced club members who are more than willing to assist you with some planning, and to assist you on the day, if you would like. A new club calendar has been prepared for 2010 and trip leaders are required so give it a go. Mitchell Station, Mt Sunday and Beyond 19 th 21st March Destination: Quite a few years ago the Club ran a trip into this area and it was probably the most challenging trip I d done, through some superb terrain. It s possible that the tracks have been dozed into submission by now and the scenery may be a little black around the edges, but it s a trip that needs to be done! The distance that we need to cover and the type of country that we are travelling through necessitate an early start and a hard trip rating. Any rain before or during the trip will validate the requirement for a winch. Vehicles will need to be well prepared prior to departure. Trip leader: Noel and Irene Ham Noel: Emergency contact: Start Date: 19 th Friday night: 6.30pm at Benalla Safeway Carpark Or 20 th Saturday morning: 8.00am at Sheepyard Flat (near the bridge) Finishing: Late Sunday evening (21 st ) Trip rating: Medium to Hard. Tyres: Mud Terrain in good condition Fuel: Full Tank at Mansfield Recovery Gear: Winch and the ability to use it, Tree trunk protector, Gloves, Rated shackles, Snatch block, Snatch strap, Shovel and anything else you have. Clothing: Variable weather conditions at this time of year can produce unexpected temperatures. Clothing will need to be suitable for this type of trip. Maximum number of vehicles: 5 INVITATION TO SPONSORS 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. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 15

16 Victorian High Country Corryong to Omeo March 6, 7, 8 Trip Outline: The purpose of the trip is to travel through, and get a feel for, some of the mountain cattle country and to enjoy the scenery. In order to do so it is necessary to travel up and down some steep tracks and along some ridge lines. The remains of some old gold mines are near the Omeo end of the trip. Track Torque This is Banjo Patterson and Man from Snowy River Country so if you want to get into the mood but don t like reading history, have a look at some of Patterson s poetry. The plan is to travel to Wheelers Creek Hut via Nariel, through Paddy Joy area, over Mt Gibbo (great views), on to Mt Pinnibar, then down to Tom Groggin on the Murray for a camp on night one (if we get that far after all of the photo opportunity stops). Day two will end about Davies Plain Hut (down Davies Plain Track). There will be time to go up to Geehi in the morning to see the fishermen s stone huts if there is interest. On day three we will travel to Benambra and Omeo, then back to Wangaratta on the Great Alpine Road. Approximate distances are: Wang to Corryong 200k Corryong to Omeo 240k Omeo to Wang 185k Trip Standard: Easy/medium on dry tracks. Trip will be postponed in the event of wet weather. No trailers. Equipment: Good A/T tyres, standard recovery gear, UHF radio. Fuel: Refuel at Corryong and Omeo if necessary. Maps: Hema Vic High Country East Sheet; Rooftops Adventure Map Corryong, Omeo, Thredbo. Interest and acceptances: Bruce Gooday A maximum of 6 vehicles, unless an extra trip leader volunteers, so the convoy can be split. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 16

17 Destination CLUB CALENDAR 2010 Dates 2010 Type of trip Wheelers hut, Tom Grogan area 6-8 Mar Easy-Medium Tent (on the move) Proposed leader Confirmed Bruce G Mitchell Stn, Mt Sunday and beyond possibly the Butcher country area possibly late March or early April Wyperfeld Nat Park st March Medium hard Tent (on the move) 2-6 Apr Medium on the move No caravans EASTER Confirmed Noel and Irene Ham Confirmed Terry & Meg Buckland valley May Easy medium Vans Ok Confirmed Stan Yack/Beechworth forests, Birthday Dinner Eldorado Hotel Tentatively booked 23 May Easy to hard Hotel (Kevin) Bruce Doughty Sub Committee Wonnangatta Valley Jun Easy-medium Tent base camp Kris & David Observation Day Jul Surprise Pyramid hill & Terricks Hill 15 Aug Day picnic Bethne Williams Wyperfeld Nat Park Vic (subject to change) Sep Vans Ok May leave Friday Ron B night Lake Moodemere / Murray River Area Oct Vans Ok Allan Trott Snowy River Buchan Caves 30 Oct-2 Medium Tent (on the move) Confirmed Nov CUP Weekend Barry & Bea Pineapple flats Area Nov Base camp Off Rd campers Robbo ok Christmas party EDI Cutting 4-5 Dec Vans OK Sub committee Hard & Extreme trips by arrangement Have a go and make a proposal Week day trips by arrangement - Have a go and make a proposal Help is readily available to trip leader with pre-trip planning, maps, directions and pre-trip news letter reports See the trip Coordinator or any experienced member for help. Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 17

18 TRACk Torque March 2010 Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club A D PO Box 494 Wangaratta Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 18

19 Wangaratta 4X4 Club Inc. Notice of Annual General Meeting 2010 Track Torque The AGM has come around again and will be held at the 9th March General meeting in the car club rooms in Tarrawingee. Please try to attend this meeting as we are holding it earlier, as agreed at last years AGM, to line up with reporting requirements of 4WD Vic and because many members are absent at the old month. Nominations may be made for the all the positions below. If you want to take a position download a form & write your name on the sheet next to the position. A box will be provided at the door for your slips at the beginning of the meeting. People will be elected for positions by a show of hands on the night of the AGM. The incoming President will call for nominations for the committee Nomination Form Position President Current: David Robinson Vice President Current: Rob Holden Secretary Current: Anne Buchan Treasurer Current: Rob Buchan Sergeant at Arms Current: Bruce Gooday 4WD Vic Rep Current: Craig Cheetham Editor Current: Maria Lucas Social Coordinator Current: No position Trip Coordinator Current: Stan Williams Webmaster Current: Terry Dillon Nominations Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc March 2010 Page 19