Mildura 4WD. February This issue: The Pyrenees Trip Little Desert National Park Trip Mallee Cliffs Day Trip

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1 PO Box 2067, MILDURA 3502 Mildura 4WD February 2014 Web Address: This issue: The Pyrenees Trip Little Desert National Park Trip Mallee Cliffs Day Trip Proudly printed at the offices of

2 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 2 Office Bearers for President: David Fetherston Vice-President: Geoff Hume ( ) Secretary: Maureen Saunders ( ) Treasurer: Anne Benson Membership & PR Officer: Lisa Wakeman Magazine Editor: Leo Saunders Trip Co-ordinator: Terry Benson Property Officer: Terry Benson Driver Training Officer: Colin Dyke 4WD Victoria Representative: Leo Saunders Trip & Social Committee: Peter Rickard, Carlo Vadori, Terry Benson, Linda Curran, Terry Curran, David Fetherston, Lisa Wakeman, Joe Wakeman, Des Meredith and Jo Lloyd. Website Developer: David Fetherston SHANE SAMMUT Painter For all your painting needs Trade qualified Working locally since 1994 Do you want a professional job? Call Shane! Mobile: Michael Solomon Manager 728B Fifteenth Street, PO Box 5020 Mildura 3502 (03) (03) E: info@austrek.com.au

3 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 3 President s Report 2014 Happy New Year! and I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year and have recovered from the festivities. We had a fantastic 2013, and 2014 is shaping up to be another cracker year for the club, with trips already being proposed for the first half of the year including the Coorong, Vic High Country and Murray River. We are also looking at our annual Come and Try Day as well as our ongoing work with Parks Victoria at Mopoke Hut, possibly expanding to cover the Rocket Lake camp ground as well. It will be important to keep our relationship with Parks Victoria positive as Government Policies continue to look at track closures and high camping fees as a result of vandalism and irresponsible driving in other parts of the state by Park visitors. Looking ahead for 2014 I hope that the club will continue to grow as it has in 2013, and that members with differing views and ideas will come forward to make the club work even better. I feel it timely to also put in a word for the CFA staff and volunteers, as well as the DEPI staff who have been extremely busy over the past weeks, protecting property and life. Without their work, fire situations would be a lot worse. Hopefully the weather becomes more favourable for crews fighting the fires. My thoughts go out to those who are directly affected and involved. We need to keep in mind the risk involved in travelling in remote areas during the summer months. I am looking forward to a great 2014 for the club, and as always any suggestions or ideas from members both new and old are more than welcome. David Fetherston Club President. TECHNICAL SALES DEAN HALL CNR. 10TH STREET and LEMON AVENUE MILDURA, 3500 PHONE: (03) FAX: (03) MOBILE: AH dean@malleebearings.com.au

4 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 4 Pyrenees Trip - Melbourne Cup Day Weekend - 2/11/13 to 5/11/13 First Day: Red Cliffs to Glenpatrick Reserve. A subdued, but sizable band of intrepid club members quietly slipped out of Red Cliffs on the morning of the Melbourne Cup long (unofficial) weekend, after mustering at the usual spot. Instructions were kept to minimum and it was up to each individual to conjure up images of the weekend ahead. Certainly enough information was distributed prior to the trip by Linda and Terry to build a very exciting expectation for the days to come. So it was that the sizable convoy settled in for a transport stage down the Calder to Ouyen and the Sunraysia Highway turnoff beyond. But what is this, no stop for our beloved coffee in Ouyen? Oh dear! I thought the natives will be restless. Nothing worse that caffeine deprived club members. But our trip leaders quelled all unrest with a promise of stopping at Lascelles for morning tea. Imagine the chagrin and great gnashing of teeth that resulted when the Minapre Hotel was discovered to have closed for business. However a guitar playing resident serenaded us while we made our own coffee. Little did we know that the Lascelles Minapre Hotel Coffex sign actually meant ex-coffee The transport stage continued with St Arnaud in our sights for lunch. There being no excitement experienced other the distraction of a Benno s shortcut out of Birchip; which bypassed a great swath of the car eating pot holes, so prevalent along this part of the Highway. It was also interesting to see another sizable convoy of 4 wd s heading for whence we came; in for a Sunset Country trip, no doubt. Following a leisurely lunch and fuel up our convoy headed towards Avoca with a plan to checkout a possible camp site at the twin Teddington Reservoirs, which are nestled in behind the sleepy hamlet of Stuart Mill. This area is the gateway to the Northern section of the Pyrenees Ranges. Teddington proved to be holding water (unusual) and also many likeminded campers, there to enjoy an extended break. After enjoying the beautiful meadows of wildflowers around the reservoir we headed south towards Avoca via the State Forrest tracks, which was our plan B in case Teddington was full. A leisurely and picturesque drive ensued to Avoca, but not before Mark phones Jim Cassidy and family with instructions to secure camping space at the Glenpatrick recreation reserve. [Cont.] (03) (03) Cash Tyre Service Tyrepower Tim Mills (B.B.S.) Manager 86 Madden Avenue Mildura VIC 3500 tim@cashtyreservice.com.au ~

5 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 5 Pyrenees Trip Second Day: Sunday 3/11/13 - "Alternative Gourmet " 4 WDrivers group After bidding farewell to the Extreme 4wdrivers, the Alternative Gourmet 4wd group got off to an early start at about The three Toyotas headed off with Hyundai (Terry) and Linda as trip leaders, Glen and Di as tail end Charlie and Jann and myself in the middle. Past farmhouses and into the hills we ventured, travelling along mountainous tracks like Nowhere Ck Rd and Black Range Tk, which proved to be a great challenge to all. But with commitment and persistence,all vehicles traversed the tracks safely. We passed the Wallaby Dam. After some quick thinking by Glen, we are now not sure if it was a ROCK wallaby or a JAZZ wallaby dam. Here a few a ducks were surveyed enjoying the dam, thoughts of duck a l'orange crossed the mind. Morning tea was taken en-route with a short stop on a grassed mountain ridge surrounded by towering Blackbutts and Ironbarks. Di, being our elected gourmet entertainer, produced plunger coffee served with delicious homemade slice, thanks Di. Glen spotted some rutting marks on trees made by unwelcome deer in the area. Thoughts of slow cooked venison marinated in red wine,yum yum. We continued on our way over Glenlofty and the Barkly tracks. 4wd, 1st gear and low range was engaged for crossing numerous waterways, steep and rocky inclines and declines. These vehicles were tested to their limits. Past fire damage of the forest was evident,but regrowth of our native bush was observed through the light rain. Afternoon lunch was at the very windy Cameron's Track hut, with lovely views from the top of the mountain. We could have stayed there longer but it was VERY windy and surprisingly cold. Heading back to the eastern side of the Pyrenees, we came across a tower lookout where we parked the vehicles and walked the 100 mts to the tower. A loud noise was heard and then we saw a group of 4wds driving up the walking path; a cry was heard YOU BOUGHT A JEEP? Some city folks will drive their JEEP instead of enjoying what nature has to offer! We left the tower and after many minutes of 4wdriving, disaster... a big storm blew up and blew all the paper maps out the windows of all the vehicles and a power failure rendered all the digital maps useless - we were LOST?? With our combined knowledge of bush craft and navigation, but more importantly Linda leading the way off the mountain, we managed to find a secluded and occupied premises to ask for directions. The host within offered wine and a lovely leather seat to ease our troubles away. We had stumbled upon the Blue Pyrenees Winery. After purchases were made, we bid farewell to our host and headed back to camp for some gourmet nibbles chilli con -carne, marinated wild mushroom and other delicious tit-bits were on offer ending our day in the Pyrenees State Forrest. An absolute great trip thanks to Linda and Terry as team leaders, and I think more explorers will venture on our Alternative Gourmet 4wd in the future. Geoff (you bought a JEEP! ) Girardi Toyota Hilux owner (and proud to be) Jann & Geoff in their secluded premises Rob Whitworth Proprietor Ph: (03) Seventh Street East, Mildura ~ Victoria 3500 Fax: (03) Mob:

6 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 6 Plan B worked a treat and resulted in the convoy arriving at the camping area with plenty of time to set up camp for the next two nights. So it was that most of the group departed for a foray into the wilds of the Pyrenees ranges, while others made a cosy camp and enjoyed drinks and company and talked of the coming weekend activities. The more intrepid members returned all in good time with tales of scaling near sheer cliffs and more daring exploits, all of which promised high adventure for the days to come. Report written by Glen Sutherland Pyrenees Trip Saturday Afternoon - by Terry Benson After lunching at St Arnaud we set off to Teddington Camp ground. The reservoir looked more than half full which was far higher than I had ever seen before. We travelled south by the creek on the Teddington track then onto the Centre Road. The forest floor was covered with grass and wild flowers. When we got to the Redbank Rd, we turned left toward the town where we rejoined the Sunraysia Highway. At Avoca we turned right toward Elmhurst. Before reaching Elmhurst, we turned off the Pyrenees Highway and took a shortcut to Glen Patrick Camp Ground. The campground, with its two hectares of grass to camp on, looked splendid bathed in the afternoon sun, with about five remaining large pine trees forming a terrific wind break on the south western side. We just finished setting up when Andrew and Russell arrived from Ararat 4WD Club. The Pyrenees is the home play ground (lucky buggers!) for Andrew and the Grampians 4wd clubs. For the second time, they have come to join us in exploring these rugged, but scenic tracks in the Pyrenees. As Andrew knows his way around these tracks so well, he was asked to lead the way for a quick drive before tea time. President Dave was only here for the weekend, so when Andrew said who s ready to go for a drive? he was the first to put his hand up. Des had set his camp up, so he hopped in the Patrol with Dave. The Liddles in their 200 series,as well as their visitors from Melbourne - Jim, Angela and Hamish in a 76 series Toyota wagon, along with Brad and his three children in a Rodeo dual cab, and Anne and I with Andrew and Russell leading, headed for the beckoning hills. The first track we came to was most challenging. It was a first gear, low range climb with boulders and ruts to conquer. We all succeeded except for Brad in the borrowed stock standard Rodeo, who decided to abstain. The rest of the drive was spent touring around up and down tracks around the neighbouring hills. Dave managed to hook the back LHS flair and hub trim on his Patrol on a jutting out log on an uphill bend. We managed to hook it as well, but only bent up a gas bottle holder under the tray. The time went quickly and the sun was sinking low, so it was good to get back to camp to enjoy a roaring fire set up by the remainder of the group. After our dinner we all sat around the fire and chatted for ages before hitting the sack. [Cont.] allen & zita heil autobarn mildura cnr 15th street & etiwanda avenue mildura victoria sales@mildura.autobarn.com.au

7 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 7 Pyrenees Trip Second Day: Sunday 3/11/13 - "Extreme 4 WDrivers Group " After the sunny, warm weather yesterday, we were confronted with much cooler weather for our meanderings through the mountains. Terry and Linda offered to lead a sedate trip with compelling scenery, some tracks of medium challenge and maybe a stop off at a winery. In hindsight, what a good choice, but I found myself accompanying Leo on the other trip led by Andrew Smith from the Ararat Club, at the invitation of Terry Benson. Being a local, Andrew is quite familiar with the area, but he admitted he had not been on some of the tracks for quite some time, so we were to expect the unexpected, as time and weather can take their toll on unused tracks. By 9.25 am, seven vehicles were away down the Glen Patrick Rd to Elmhurst, where another of Andrew s friends, Syrus, joined us to travel through majestic gums, green pastures and crops, heading into the north western section of the Mt. Cole State Forest, between the Pyrenees and Western Highways. This Forest is managed by DSE for a wide range of uses, including catchment protection, timber production, recreation and conservation. Over the years since Major Mitchell s expedition in 1836, settlers moved in and much timber was harvested from the area. By 1889, demand from the goldfields towns for building materials, firewood and railway sleepers led to thirty mills operating within the region till Around 1918, when the Forests Commission was established, the area was closed for timber harvesting, although opened again in 1947 in a managed structure. Now timber harvesting is significantly scaled back and is largely a by- product of land management activities. Our drive up Hickman Creek Rd and Mc Gee Rd exposed us to the sights of these beautiful trees and bushland, as well as provided some challenging driving before morning tea at Ben Nevis camp where we found a welcoming fire burning in the hut, presumably lit DSE rangers. Either way, it was a superb warm interlude for us from the cold blustery conditions outside. Dear Jo produced her brandy fruitcake for all to have with our cuppa s, before heading back to our vehicles. The next couple of hours were spent negotiating Cowan Track, Branding Yards Track and Eversley Sugarloaf Track which challenged everyone with its rocky terrain, jump-ups and washouts. However, once Andrew and Dave had reached the top, they were able to offer expert advice on placement of wheels, gear selection and speed to subsequent drivers. Initially, Andrew s advice had been to sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride. As it turned out, the drivers could not afford to be so relaxed, but I was privileged to be able to do just that as Leo responded to the advisers sprinkled along the ascent at strategic challenges. Whether watching or driving, I m sure everyone learnt some new skills as well as gained appreciation of the capabilities of their vehicles. The views along the way, plus the panoramas down to the plains below from the top were just superb. All were well and truly ready for a late Ute canopies Caravan annexes and modifications Tents Swags Canvas awnings Shade sails Terry & Anne Benson 3 Industrial Court, Irymple

8 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 8 lunch and a chance to share stories, when all vehicles gathered at the summit. Our next stop after driving down through the red box and string bark gums was to Red Rock to visit the site of a hang glider s jump off- an expanse of flat rock with guiding flags at the sides and a look out of kilometres to farmland below. The wind was blowing hard, but all were happy to retreat to cars, back to our own particular recreation! But not before photographing some of the pretty wild flowers and listening to the many and varied bird songs. Andrew had one more area to take us to, via the Telegraph Track, but after negotiating tight tracks overgrown by bracken, he found a washed out track not suitable for us to traverse. Brad had already started down, but was able to back up to the top. He, Leo and Dave then walked down to help the vehicles stranded on rocks, while the rest of us waited. There ensued some confusion as we had very little radio and phone coverage, but eventually, the cars were extricated, and walkers were ferried back to their cars, so we could all make our way back to the Beaufort Elmhurst Rd, then Pyrenees H way and home to Glenn Patrick to share tales around the camp fire with the other group over our well- earned drinks and nibbles. Maureen Saunders KULKYNE KAMPERS brett@kampers.com.au Showroom Camper Hire (03) Calder Highway Fax: (03) Red Cliffs Vic Mobile: * Camper Trailers * Fishing tackle * Camper Trailer Hire * Outback Clothing * Camper Parts & Accessories * Camping Equipment * Used & Budget Campers * 4WD Fit-outs & Accessories

9 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014page 9 Pyrenees Trip 3rd Day: Monday 4/11/13 We left Glenpatrick Reserve campsite around 9.30am and travelled to Horsham where we stopped for morning tea where minor repairs were carried out to Terry & Linda s Tvan as a drawer wasn t closing properly. The country side was very green with the earlier rain they had received and it looks like they will get some good crops in the area. Lunch was at Nhill, then we headed to Westprint for an interesting talk and slide presentation about Scottie Boord, Len Beadell s grader driver in the early days. He graded roads/tracks in some of the most remote places in Australia. We had a cuppa and a look around the showroom of books and maps a very worthwhile stop indeed. We said our goodbyes to Jeff & Jan and headed to the Little Desert Lodge to set up camp for the night. Upon arrival, we were told we were sharing the lodge camp site Astronomers waiting for darkness with a very large group of astronomers who were taking advantage of the full moon. We were told it was a total black out (no torches or lights). This was looking like someone would need to travel back into Nhill and buy some red cellophane to cover our white lights, but one of the very keen astronomers said we would be fine if we kept our lighting to a minimum. Just on dusk we were taken on a night walk through the Mallee Fowl enclosure. Although we did see a Mallee Fowl on a perch in the enclosure, it was very difficult to see any detail in the semi light. Of more interest was the feeding of the little macropods - Bandicoots and Bettongs. In other enclosures we saw Sugar Gliders and Bush Stone Curlews. After this, we all took advantage of having our showers and having an early night ready for our drive through the Little Desert the next day. Report by Jo Lloyd gpreco@ncable.com.au 32 Eighth Street, Mildura Vic (03) (03)

10 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 10 Pyrenees Trip 4th Day: Tuesday 5/11/13 We said goodbye to Linda and Terry who were heading back to Mildura as Terry had hurt his back and they had decided to go straight home. A quick meeting was held, and we were volunteered to be trip leaders for our very first time. We had a quick look at the maps before heading south to the Little Desert National Park with Glen & Di, Jim, Angela & Jack, Des and Jo, Terry & Anne and Maureen & Leo. We drove along part of the northern boundary of the central block of the park. It was a leisurely drive along mostly sandy tracks. There had obviously been rain in this area recently as everything was lush and green. There were lots of wildflowers and we stopped a number of times for photos and once to move a shingleback lizard out of harm s way. Stephanie and Jack were pretty pleased to get a close up look at the shingleback. Once underway, and after a short, unplanned detour (ie. we missed the turnoff) we turned back to Stan's Camp for morning tea. As we were getting ready to leave, we found our Rodeo had a flat battery and needed a jump start to get going again (Thanks Glen). We were a little concerned it was a sign of something more major, as the ute had a new battery recently and it should not have failed. Once underway, Glen spotted some Twining Fringe Lily, so we stopped again at Crater Track turnoff to have a look at these unusual and rare purple flowers. The small blooms were stunning with a lace like fringe on the three delicate purple petals. Glen told us he had not seen them flowering before as they only flower on sunny days between August and November and then the blooms only last for one day. We started to make our way back to the highway via Red Gum Track, along which was quite a number of nice specimens of Grass Trees, when the Rodeo started showing signs of a fault with the electrics. We were worried about a possible fire as we could smell that very distinctive smell of hot electrical components. As breaking down here would have been very problematic due mainly to the track being only one car wide, we decided to continue back to the campground without stopping again. This part of the park was really pretty and we were disappointed not to have been able to enjoy it at a more relaxed pace. We let the group know the way out (stay on this track and don t turn off) and Jim took over as he was the next in line. We said our goodbyes to Jim and Angela who were returning to Melbourne and the rest of us headed onto the Little Desert Lodge for lunch and Rodeo repairs. We fitted a battery off the camper and the Rodeo started so we breathed a sigh of relief. Mark pulled the fuse for the radio as we suspected this may have caused SALES AND HIRE OF QUALITY CAMPER TRAILERS Home of Mahindra 4x4 Turbo Diesel DAVE CURRAN MANAGER MOBILE Cnr 15th Street & Deakin Avenue TELEPHONE MILDURA (03) 5023

11 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 11 [ Cont ] the issue. Shell and Steph had to make do with listening to Steph s ipod on the way home in lieu of the radio. As the Jeparit hotel was closed, we stopped at the Robert Menzie s shelter in town to listen to the Melbourne Cup, as we had organised a Cup sweep the previous day. Michelle s horse came first, Di got Second, Jo came in third and Anne won the consolation draw for last place. Women! We continued on home from here, taking the back way from Hopetoun to Patchewollock and on to Ouyen just for a change of scenery. We stopped at Ouyen for a break and fuel and officially ended what had been a great trip here. We headed off chatting to each other on the radio and planning for our next adventure. Post script: We found on returning home that the radio had shorted out in the Rodeo and burnt out the alternator as a result. These have been replaced and the little truck will live to fight another day. Report By Mark Liddle 1/79 LANGTREE MALL, MILDURA, VIC 3500 Phone & fax: (03) mildura@aussiedisposals.com.au Proprietors: Jason Cook

12 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 12 NSW Mallee Cliffs Day Trip 24 November 2013 Five vehicles left Gol Gol just after 9.00am and travelled towards Euston turning off at the Tapaulin Mail road. From here we turned onto the big tree road and into Kemendoc National Park. Due to no recent rain, the tracks were very dusty and the bush was very dry. As we made our way along the tracks, there were mobs of sheep, which although had only salt bush to eat, were in not bad condition. Ted took us on some tracks leading to some very nice sandbars for future camping idea s. We went onto the Big Gum Tree which the sign said could be around 400/500 years old and were amazed at the size of it. We had our lunch on a sandbar opposite Buxton Bend and then travelled onto Adelaide Bend. We were then on a mission to get to the Mulberries. It was here we went for a walk to the mulberry tree and then we all went in different direction to try and find the grave. Terry let out Coo Wee and whistled as he had found Donald Mc Kenzie s grave about 150 meters from the mulberry tree on the very top of a sandy rise. Donald was born in Scotland in 1872 and died when he was 56 years old. We could only imagine how tough time would have been living out there all those years ago but I guess there wouldn t have been any neighbourly disputes. From here we made our way out of the National Park and headed home. I would like to thank Ted, our trip leader, and Terry and Anne for a wonderful trip through the NSW Mallee Cliffs. Report by Jo Lloyd R & L AUTO ELECTRICS & AIR CONDITIONING (03) (03) E: rlautos@ncable.com.au Unit 3 / 46 Tenth Street, MILDURA. Ronnie Clark

13 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 13 A few pics Of Xmas Breakup Discounted new parts Guaranteed used parts Reconditioned units Manager 4WDs & JAP COMMERCIALS WANTED FOR WRECKING 6 Industrial Court, Irymple Phone: (03) PO Box 230, Irymple, Vic Fax: (03)

14 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 14 Coorong Capers 4WD Trip When: Sat 8 th Sunday 9 th & Monday 10th, March 2014 Leaving from: Big Lizzie, Calder Hwy Red Cliffs. Time: 8.00am Sat 8 th March 2014 Travelling details: Travelling via Ouyen to Pinnaroo (short break) to Keith then onto the Younghusband Peninsular north of Kingston SE What to Bring!!! BYO Accommodation Tents, Swags Camper Trailers? No access to fuel food drinks etc after travelling through Keith once on the Younghusband Peninsular you need to be totally self sufficient Recovery gear, snatch strap, long handled shovel, max trax, fishing gear and bait. Total distance: 1100 Kms (approx.) Further Details: 1. The objective is to travel up the Peninsular and select a campsite by 4pm Sat afternoon. 2. Sunday ready to kick off by 10am travel up the peninsular as far as possible exploring and returning to camp somewhere south of where we camped the first night. 3. Monday kick off by 9am to leave the Peninsular and return home by 6.00 pm at the latest. Contact: Trip leader Terry Benson on iterry@irymplecanvas.com.au Grace Crescent, Buronga NSW 2739 Nigel Sylvia Tel Fax: Account Manager Mobile Nigel.Sylvia@bluescopesteel.com

15 MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 15 TRIP & MEETING CALENDER February 2014 Saturday 1st Tuesday 4th March 2014 Tuesday 1st Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th & Monday 10th Tuesday 18th April 2014 Tuesday 1st Saturday 5th to Sunday 12th Friday 25th to Sunday 27th 6.00pm BYO Picnic Tea at Jaycee Park To be followed by Ten Pin Bowling at 7pm6.00pm BYO Picnic Tea at Jaycee Park To be followed by Ten Pin Bowling at 7pm 8pm General Meeting - Business Agenda Guide Hall Henshilwood Oval Irymple 8.00 pm General Meeting Social Agenda Guide Hall Henshilwood Oval Irymple Trip to the Coorong SA Leaders, Anne & Terry Benson Tel: See Flyer on Page pm Trip committee meeting Venue to be arranged 8.00 pm General Meeting Business Agenda Guide Hall Henshilwood Oval Irymple High Country Trip (School holidays) Trip Leaders: Glen Sutherland, Mark Liddle, Leo Saunders. Tel: Glen (Flyer will be forth coming) Anzac Long Weekend Trip Possibilities: Yanga National Park. Coloured Gums May 2014 Tuesday 6th 8pm General Meeting Social Agenda Guide Hall Henshilwood Oval Irymple?? Day Trip & Trip Leader Required KARL GROSS Tel Morpung Avenue, Irymple. ruralfix@bigpond.com

16 Sender: Mildura 4WD Club, Victoria PO Box 2067 Mildura. Vic To: MILDURA 4WD CLUB Newsletter February 2014 page 16