TRAX 4WD Fellowship

Mt. Ovens Trip –  Saturday 24^th June. Trip Leader Training Day

Attending and vehicles:
Neil Flower (Trip leader) and passenger Matt Smith (Navigator) – LR. Disco 2
Phillip and Linda Favaloro – Asst. trip leader – Nissan Patrol.
Shane and Kylie Beatson with children Olivia, Joel and Isabel – Mitsubishi Pajero.
Hugh and Dagmar Rees – LR Defender.
Greg Paterson – Mitsubishi Pajero.
Eric, Diane and Laura Liney – Holden Rodeo.

We met at Gt Western Hwy at Lithgow. (No, not ‘Macca’s’ – across the road and down wind a little!).
The first stop was at the Caltex servo. At Williamsons Springs (Yetholme) where we regrouped, we met up with the Liney family from Mudgee, prayed and made our official start.
Next stop was our morning Tea break at Mt. Ovens South, which not only gives great views over the Macquarie Valley and the city of Bathurst, but is also the highest point in that part of the Gt. Dividing Range (I,276 metres).  You could see for miles (kilometers for the young) and there was great interest in picking out landmarks like the Mt. Panorama motor racing circuit. From there we followed the tracks that we had surveyed on the ‘Recce’ a couple of weeks earlier, but this time we were ready with Neil’s and Phillip’s motorized scrub clippers and a couple of pairs of secateurs. Result? No more ‘pin striping’ that day! A few stops were made throughout the morning run to give some practical tips for future trip leaders as well as some training in how to assess trip gradients for both downhill as well as uphill runs so as to be able to  give some confidence to new members.
It was a good day, not too cold (not as cold as we thought that it would be), fine and relatively cloud free. We explored a couple of new tracks that hadn’t been done on the ‘Recce’ and noted on the maps some other new tracks into the Eucalyptus forest that will be worth ‘having a trip on’ in some future visit to the area.

 Lowes Mount Trip –  Saturday 6^th May.   – trip leader. (Karate Kid).

We met at Sutton Park Blackheath. Matt prayed and eight vehicles took off. Our next meeting spot was Diamond Vale Rd (at the place where the actual trip was to begin).
So, after morning tea we headed down the hill and turned left for the climb up the other side. Looking to the right the views were magnificent. The forest had been harvested and the new trees were only a metre in height. You could see for miles (kilometers for the young). We reached the spot where we had gone for lunch on the Recce trip and found it to be too small with the number of vehicles that we had on the day. So, instead of going down into it we turned left and went into a new and unsurveyed track. Up the hill we went and found three tracks. The Beatson kids challenged and encouraged Karate Kid (author of this article) to take the steep track . In low first Karate kid crawled the Patrol up the hill. More magnificent views waited for us at the top and more pictures were snapped. It was starting to get crowded so we started to go down the other side. There at the bottom of the track was a log but on investigation there was plenty of room to get through. We turned left and headed back around to the start. Alex wanted to do it in reverse (really? I hope he had good mirrors! – Ed.) The last couple of vehicles still needed to go down when we returned. While we were waiting Ben’s friend Simon arrived. He had seen us traveling the tracks.
Everyone was now back and there was still more exploring to do. Still a bit early for lunch, so turned right. This was another unexplored track. It traveled along a native tree line on the left and reaped ground to the right. The track veered off to the right and down. There were large boulders on the slopes. The track now veered to the left and the fearless trip leader came to a pile of dirt on the track – walked past it and found the track petered out. The call was put out to turn around and go back. The track was soft especially on the edges and a couple of drivers were slipping their clutches. (Bad practice!!! – Ed.) I even had an unconfirmed report that someone got out their recovery tracks.
I was able to get past everyone and lead the convey to the lunch spot. The area was nice and flat not far from the creek. There were a few poplar trees and the autumn colours were beautiful. Everyone enjoyed their lunch and good fellowship.
After lunch it was time for the big challenge. I asked everyone to get out and walk the steep rutted section of track. Simon and Alex were up with me checking out the path that they would take their vehicles. Issues were identified but at the end of the day no one drove up the hill. (Mob of chickens!!! – Ed.)
Everyone returned to their vehicles and we were going into unexplored territory. It was easier to go forward than to try to go back. The track had a lot of blackberries on it and there was continual stopping to clear it. (No one seems to like getting their vehicles ‘pin striped’ these days!) The track went along and then went down to a creek. Up the other side was Diamond Vale Rd. where we turned right. We headed back and passed the lunch spot, then turned left and followed the trail. The track took us past the rutted track and it was amazing the number of kangaroos who crossed our path. We even had a fox run towards us before going off into the bushes.
Our travels took us to a gate with the usual private property sign and we veered left and followed the fence line.
We soon came back on to the surveyed track and looking for the short cut to Faugha Ballaugha Rd. I stopped to clear some ‘scratchies’ at the beginning before getting onto Faugha Ballaugha Rd. From here we turned on to O’Connell Rd and right into Mutton Falls Rd at O’Connell. We stopped at Flat Rock Reserve about 7km down the road for afternoon tea and then to say our goodbyes.

See you on the TRAX

Comments by TRAX Fax editor

Meryla  State Forest
25th March 2017

On Saturday 25^th March TRAX 4WD Fellowship went to  Meryla  State Forest.

After meeting at Pheasants Nest Service Centre we set off.

Karate Kid led the way. Following were  BT50 Paul  and Mitsy Blue . Dusty 1 was Tail End Charlie.

Shane at quarry

A short way into the forest, just off the road, we came to a hilly quarry which was a good spot to do some 4WD challenges.

Mitsy Blue was keen to give it a go. The hill was very rocky, slippery and muddy. Coming back down the car slipped a little and at the bottom the car nearly got bogged as the wheels were deep in the thick mud. Dusty 1 also went up the hill and along the side track.

Further along we found a neat spot for morning tea. We took the opportunity to walk to the dam. It was a great sight to see the dam overflowing and the water gushing over the edge.

Bundanoon Creek dam wall

After that we continued along the wet track and through some large puddles. Karate Kid went ahead to check out the track but got stuck between two trees. With umbrellas the men, including Olivia, Joel and Isabel,  got out of their cars and guided Karate Kid out of the tight spot. It was successful. Karate kid came out of the trees without a scratch!

Continuing along another track we came to a steep incline that looked very rough and rocky. In the rain the men got out of their cars and went to check out the track. The right hand side of the track looked drivable so we went up that way. Up the top was reasonably flat so we set up the car awnings and had lunch there. In the drizzling rain we cooked and ate our sausages!

Our aim was to drive through to Fitzroy Falls so after lunch we continued along the track. By now with all the rain the tracks were very muddy and sloshy and the puddles were becoming deeper and wider. This was making the trip slower as we needed to assess each puddle. We measured each puddle with a long stick. The stick was a great tool as we could test the depth of the puddle and then decide if it was safe enough to go through. We were able to go through lots of water pools doing this.

However as we went along the puddles got bigger and deeper so we decided that it would be best to head back. It was all going well and the cars all returned safely but unfortunately Karate Kid got bogged at the side track. Being the last car through he had to tackle the mushy mess that the other cars had made.

Misty Blue pulling Karate Kid out of the mud.

It was exciting doing the recovery.  First we tried the winch. Then we gave the maxx tracks a go. And then finally Mitsy Blue came to the rescue and using a short sling, Karate Kid was tugged out of the slush backwards . While all this was happening Megan from Dusty 1 put on her water boots to test the depth of the water. Interestingly while the water looked very wide and deep, it was driveable so we could have all drove through it easily.

The late afternoon was closing in so it was time to finish the 4WD part of the trip as everyone had a long drive home. Due to the weather some alterations to the days plans had to be made.  However the rain certainly added some challenges and excitement to our day on the tracks.

We didn’t end up getting to Fitzroy Falls this time but we are very thankful that the Lord gave us this opportunity to explore and enjoy His wonderful creation.

By Olivia, Joel and Isabel Beatson

Meryla State Forest – Looking for the WW2 plane wreck
25^th March 2017

TRAX Fax version
The occupants of four vehicles met at Pheasants Nest 7eleven and proceeded to Meryla Road. Turned into Meryla Road and stopped at the Quarry where Neil and Shane had a play. The flow at Gunrock Creek was reduced. Morning tea was at the clearing and the group checked out the water views. The next stop, Bundanoon Dam Wall. Liked the creek, there was less water flowing over the spillway. It was only early so we decided to go to the plane wreck but had to turn around as the weather had changed and it was lunchtime. Tried to get from Meryla Road to Fitzroy Falls via the bush. Link Road was a dead end and then proceeded to Gunrock Creek Fire Trail. Had lunch under awnings at top of the rock steps. Turned around at deep bog hole to try another trail, recovered the Nissan and it was time to go home. Looks like we find the plane another day.

Full Report
Weather was fine and partly cloudy no rain as yet.

I received a few late calls saying we need to pull out. So there were four vehicles left and we met at Pheasants Nest 7eleven. Shane prayed and we headed back onto the Hume Hwy. We turned off at Medway and drove through Moss Vale then onto Meryla Rd.

Started to proceed through the State Forest came across a damaged discovery vehicle which had rocks thrown onto the windscreen. Our first stop was the quarry, where Shane and Neil drove around the circuit. Shane on leaving the area went through some soft mud nearly buried the front wheel. Play time was over and onto see the dam wall.

On the way, we stopped at the second bridge over Gunrock Creek to check the water flow. There was less water flowing now than on the recce. Back in the vehicles and on our way again. We crossed the wooden causeway and turned right onto the track, through the puddle and passed the bee hives on the left. We travelled to the clearing and stopped for morning tea. After morning tea I took everyone for a walk down to the water’s edge. We took in the scenery and discussed what would happen if you drove in. Matt had sent around a picture of a vehicle in a puddle only showing the roof rack and the top of the snorkel.

After taking in the scenery we returned to our vehicles and travelled to the end of the trail. On the way, I showed them where Francois got stuck. At the end of the track we parked and walked to the Bundanoon Creek dam wall. The water was still flowing over the spill way. The volume of water was less than seen on the recce. The water near the wall was bubbling and looks like it was being air rated.

The day was half over and we had done all that was on the recce. What to do next? Well we did come to see a plane wreck. So back to Meryla Road and turned right and a few kilometres down the road turned right into Patons Road to find the airplane wreck. Our fine day had changed and it started to rain at 12.55pm. We were just into the track and in front was a large water hole. To the left was a few chicken tracks. We were checking out the tracks because there were a lot of puddles and ruts. The hole on the main track was deep but to the left it was shallower. Problem. There was a mound of dirt in front and we found some star pickets in the ground. Neil checked out the chicken tracks and determined a safe one, the left most track. The other was rutted and there was a deepish puddle.

Karate Kid started through and came to two tree stumps that were a tight squeeze. Glad the vehicle wasn’t any wider. The vehicle started sliding into one and needed guidance and  a bit of manoeuvring to get through. The rain was coming down and it was lunch time. Fitzroy Falls had shelter. Our convoy of vehicles turned around and come back as heavy rain was setting in. We were heading to Fitzroy Falls for lunch. The question was asked; dirt or tar? The consensus was dirt.

Upon  checking the maps the Link Fire Trail looked like it would get us through. We turned left back onto Meryla Road and then right onto the Link Fire Trail. The road had a letter box at the start and was in good condition. Came across more  beehives on the side of the track. We turned around. In front of us was a locked gate The property owner had plenty of signs, electric fencing and security cameras. We all thought it looked like he didn’t want any visitors. The tracks to the sides along the fence line were barricaded with tree stumps. So we proceeded back to Meryla Road and onto Gunrock Fire Trail track. Travelled over the wooden causeway and turned right onto Gunrock Fire Trail Track. We soon stopped to check track ahead as there was a lot of rock steps and proceeded up the hill using the track to the right.

It was 1:50 pm and everyone was hungry. The children had already eaten half a loaf bread. We stopped at the top of the hill. Not expecting any traffic, Karate Kid  had blocked the road, keeping his vehicle to the left while the others had parked on the right.  Neil and Shane set up their awning and I had to move the Patrol. A little white Suzuki with head lights blazing wanted to come through. He was not the only one; we had a Delicia and a bike with his Hilux Mate. It was like Pitt Street. The thing was they all said we could get through. This all happened while it was still raining and three families cooked sausages on their one burner stoves.  Linda had pre-made rolls for us. What a fun way to have lunch. We started moving on about 2.45pm.

Our travels took us through puddles or via chicken tracks (after checking water depth). The rain was still constant, when we came across a huge puddle of water. Paul volunteered to check the depth and found that the crossing had a large rut and a few smaller ones on the sides.  The problem was you could slip into the large rut. Paul went to get his shovel to try to dig trenches as the water was flowing in from three sides.  While doing this he slipped in.  It was then we all decided to turn back, as it was a safer option. We decided to try the track we passed on the left which also went to Red Hill Road.

This meant Karate Kid was Tail end Charlie.  Before we arrived at that track, Karate Kid was in trouble on the chicken track at a bog hole. He could not continue to proceed as he was bogged. First, we tried moving the vehicle back and forth, then digging and even the new electric winch with no success. The winch cable had not been pre-tensioned and there was a chance of damaging the cable. Tried rocking the vehicle and driving backwards and forwards still no luck. Placing track recovery tracks under the front wheels and the right back wheel. While this was going on it was found that you could pass through the puddle to one side. Just watch out for that over hanging limb.  Shane drove through the puddle and successfully pulled the Patrol out.  While this was happening, Megan decided to check out the depth of the puddle and slipped in (twice). Don’t worry, the kids were also playing in the water with their gum boots and jackets on. Once I was freed, we proceeded through the puddle with no problems. Using our CB radios, instructions were communicated so we wouldn’t crash into the overhanging tree branch as we were guided through the puddle.

The consensus were, it was getting too late to try the other track and time to go home.  We back tracked to Meryla Road and regrouped at Gunrock Creek bridge. Neil aired up his tyres and we said our goodbyes. Everyone followed Karate Kid as we travelled back through Bowral.

Looks like we find the WW2 plane wreck another day.

Meryla State Forest Recce – Looking for the WW2 plane wreck
18th March 2017

TRAX Fax version
We met at Pheasants Nest 7eleven and proceeded to Meryla SF. Turned into Meryla Road and stopped at the quarry and Gunrock Creek bridge. The creek was running fast and white. Crossed wooden causeway and right into track on the other side. Checked puddles for depth and kept out of ditches. Morning tea at clearing and walked to the water’s edge. Francois tested out his winch in rutted muddy section. One and half hours later we were on our way. At the end of the track, we viewed the dam wall and ate lunch. Water was pouring over the spill way. Took the black top to Fitzroy Falls. The valley was full of mist but you could still see the falls. Walked on the wet and muddy track to Twin Falls look out. You could see vehicles turning around near the falls. Ended trip at Bowral with a coffee.

Full Report
Weather forecast – Sun trying to get through a little blue sky, some fine patches, a little drizzle and of course RAIN.

We met Francois and Jack at Pheasants Nest 7eleven Service Station where Linda and I refreshed ourselves for the big day ahead. The two vehicle convoy departed and travelled along the Hume Highway to the Medway turnoff. In Moss Vale at Waite Street we were in the wrong lane and should have been in the left lane. Someone listening to our conversation said we could turn right and then left at the Holden dealer. This would take us under the railway line and put us back on track. We changed to the left lane and stayed on our nominated route. The second wrong turn was at Yarrawa Road and Mount Broughton Road. We did a U turn in Bibbys Lane and back onto Yarrawa Road where we turned right onto Meryla Road. Down the road, we passed a quarry on the left and went back to check it out. Then our route went over a one lane wooden bridge at Gunrock Creek and we stopped to check, as the water was flowing very fast. Passed Gunrock Creek Fire Trail on left which I had this marked as a track on Oz Explorer.

We then went over a wooden causeway and saw track on right with open gate and I backed up and turned onto the track. Stopped at a puddle to make sure it was safe before proceeding. This happened all the way along the track. Just wanted to stay safe. One section of the track had a deep rut that eventually came to a big hole (gouged out track). We were able to crossover onto a chicken track and go around.

We stopped about 11.00am for morning tea (fine weather) at a clearing. Just past the clearing was a fork in the road. After morning tea, we went to explore on foot. We took the track to the right (as per direction of travel). This took us down to the water’s edge and going straight ahead that is where you would end up. Straight in the water. No idea where it came out the other side. There was a track off to the left but looked a bit over grown so we decided against it. We went back to the vehicles and to the left fork near the clearing.

Just down the track was a badly rutted section and the soil was black in nature. There was also a track off to the left. We checked out the rutted section and knew it would be difficult to get through. Francois checked out the other track and found it was a chicken track. The track had scrub growing along it. I took the chicken track and waited at the end. Francois wanted to try out the rutted section. I walked back to watch. He proceeded about 5 metres and then started spinning the wheel with no forward movement. Used the old back and forward movement with no success. Ended up, having the back of the vehicle pointing into the bushes. It was time to find a big tree and get out the winch.

During the recovery it was mainly fine weather but we did have a little rain. The winching was done in four stages. The first pull removed him from his stuck position. The vehicle left gouge marks on top of the mounds. The next pull was used in an attempt to get out of the rut and onto high ground. No success but we were further along the track. The 3^rd pull would have dragged the vehicle along the side of the bank. Winching 101- vehicle goes in a straight line – tracks curves. Solution find another tree and use a block. For the last pull we used my vehicle so we could get a straight line, This was a double line with the block attached to my new yellow recovery point. One and half hours later we were back on track.

The track ended at a tree and a small clearing. You could hear the water running. Francois found a walking track and we followed it down to the dam wall. The water was gushing over the spill way. Like in those extreme sports and SOLO ads, I could see KAYAKER going over the edge and paddling off into the distance. We stayed a while to take pictures and take in the view.

We went back to the vehicles for lunch and after lunch we proceeded back on the same track. The weather had changed again. Francois did not take the rutted section but I tried to rip out the back light. I was keeping away from the big hole and misjudged the departure angle on the driver’s side. Our next stop was Fitzroy Falls and before turning left onto Meryla Road I reversed to release the auto hubs.At the Quarry were a heap of vehicles and a flat top tow vehicle. You can only guess what they were loading or unloading.

We turned right onto Yarrawa Road and on our way to the falls. I think that was the entrance to the visitor centre. Oh well, U turn at the service station. Turned in and found a parking spot. I was surprised to see so many cars on such a wet day. $4 later and we were on our way to see the falls. Spray jackets on and umbrellas in hand.

We spent a few moments going through the Visitor Centre before going to the falls. Down under the road bridge, the track over the water was closed and they had removed the two hand rails. Looks like they were expecting a lot more water. The water was already roaring. At the viewing platform, you could not see into the valley. What a mist! What you could see of the falls was truly amazing.

We decided to take a walk along the track and go to Jersy Lookout. The track was covered with water and plenty of mud. At the lookout you could see, well not much. What to do next; go to the twin falls or the visitor centre. Twin Falls was only 600m return, so on we went. At the Twin Falls Lookout, we could see one fall clearly and glimpses of the other one. We even saw glimpses of vehicles near the fall. Red Hill Fire trail goes over (through) the water that feeds the fall and I went up the road to inspect.

It was only a short stroll to the creek. The water was pumping over the road but I noticed a foot bridge and ducked through the bush to the path and crossed for a view from the other side. All the vehicles had turned around and gone as the water was running too fast over the causeway to cross safely.

I went back to met the others and show off my pictures. We returned to the visitor centre. Francois knew of a good coffee cafe at Bowral, The Elephant Cafe and led the way. We only just made it before closing at 5.00pm and had to get take away. This was consumed at the door before we said our goodbyes and what a great day we had had. When I was at home, Linda noticed blood on my right knee but the blood was coming from my left ankle. Looks like I had a free loader of a leech.

See you on the 25^th March for the real trip.

Trips @trax.org.au