TRAX Trip Report – Capertee to Capertee – via Sofala
2 March 2024
Toyota Prado Dianne and Eric Liney – Trip Leader
Landrover Defender Sally and Jane Parfitt
Nissan Patrol Phillip and Linda Favaloro
Mitsubishi Pajero Matt Smith with Adrian Treuren
Landrover Discovery Will Smith with Bek Mudford
Toyota Landcruiser Neil Bootes with Natalie and Elly
Nissan Patrol Daniel and Janine Lee – Tail End Charlie
Start time:
9:45 am at Capertee Rest Area (Regent
Honeyeater Public Toilet Area)
Finish time:
4:45 pm at Capertee Rest Area (Regent
Honeyeater Public Toilet Area)
Weather:
Overcast and humid, light rain on trip after
about 1 hour slightly increasing periods
during the day, then reducing the sunny
periods and steamy.
Report by:
Daniel Lee
Preamble:
The editor has decreed that a Trip Report must be provided by Monday for the Tuesday TRAXION deadline!!
Trip Summary:
• A relaxing easy trip.
• Jokes on the radios included the subjects of cows, road formations, cattle grids, horses and wally subjects, and photography!
• Difficulty D- grade – suitable for soft roaders e.g.: Subaru.
• Single day timeframe was adequate.
Trip Map:
Notes:
Start time was schedules at 9:15 from the designated Honeyeater Toilet area at Capertee…. Due to a late get away from home near Hornsby, I managed to delay proceedings by 30 minutes – though I did at least make contract with Phillip Favaloro to pass on ahead that I was 30 minutes behind him (He was at Lithgow whilst I was still at Blackheath). As a conciliatory contribution I offered to provide some report content.
We aired down from the start and headed along the Castlereagh Highway in convoy formation for about 10 km before turning onto the Turon Gates Road and ventured through Turon Gates
Eco Retreat. We wonders what the costs were for accommodation whilst driving through so on the internet I found this:
Turon Gates – Mountain Retreat is a tranquil bush property spread out over 6000 acres located just west of the Blue Mountains. The property offers guests a choice of private rustic log cabins, glamping tents situated along 15km of clear streams and luxury cottages with mountain views. Each cottage features open-plan living areas, cosy fireplaces, eco-friendly solar powered, private outdoor BBQ and eating areas. Rooms include views of the mountain or river. Every cottage is fitted with at least one private bathroom. Superior rooms feature a spa bath. Guests can enjoy the magazines, games and hammocks offered and are welcome to build a campfire outside their cottage. You can engage in various activities, such as horse riding, canoeing, bushwalking and cycling. Bathurst is 48 km from Turon Gates – Mountain Retreat, while Lithgow is 42 km away. A glamping tent in May is about $792/night for two adults!
Great photo vantage points
Beyond Turon Gates were other rustic views
Easy water crossings with formed causeways.
We travelled into Sofala and here are some pics from town:
We met a few characters including a famous motorcycle rider Chris Keeble (64yo) on an Indian who travels the globe – check out interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqn3QJQBBPw:
And of course, some mud spray!
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It was a great day and Janine also enjoyed everyone’s company – such a great wholesome group of people!
Daniel Lee
Trip Convenor
p.s. Keep an eye on our calendar for more trip dates.