WAGGA WAGGA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB INC - TrackChat - Wagga Wagga Four Wheel Drive Club ...
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WAGGA WAGGA TrackChat
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUB INC January 2021 Volume 1
"Living the Adventure!" ISSN 0726-9234
Established in
January 1978
Club Trips
More than 4WD driving
If you think a club trip needs
to be an off-road 4WD
adventure - think again!
Our club trips provide opportunities for fun and
interesting social activities for members. They can be
on or off-road and include anything from a morning tea
get together, sight-seeing trips or trips to places of
interest. They can range in length from a couple of
hours to a week long trip. The only limitation is your
imagination.
Some of the club trips that have been organised by
members include:
Altina Wildlife Park
Autobarn Members Night
Bush Fire Support (BlazeAid, Local Charity Support,
Fencing)
Quarry Training Area Working Bee
State Forest and National Park Track Clearing
Clean Up Australia Day
Livingstone National Park Night Driving
Brindabella National Park
So when you are planning a club trip do not be
concerned if it is not an off-road adventure. We enjoy
all activities that provide opportunities for members to
get together and have fun.
December 2020
TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
EXECUTIVE
Position Name Phone Email
President Alan Pottie 0414 492 055 president.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
Vice President Greg Ogden 0419 494 451
Secretary Ian Davidson 0427 262 091 secretary.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
Treasurer Scott Sainsbury 0402 943 331 treasurer.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
Public Officer Paul Kingdom 0427 719 933
Training Coordinator John Kent 0419 691 218 training.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
Activity Coordinator Jason Hussey 0421 634 676 activities.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
Media Coordinator Jason Hussey 0421 634 676 media.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
Equipment Officers John Moore 02 6926 6224
Brenda Moore 02 6926 6224
Association Delegates Alan Pottie 0414 492 055 president.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
John Kent 0419 691 218
Publicity Officer Graham McKenzie 0413 837 684
QTA Chair Jim Simpson 0427 213 047
QTA Coordinator Scott Sainsbury 0402 943 331 qta.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
TrackChat Editor Kelli Edwards 0428 223 283 trackchateditor.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
Archivist Greg Ogden 0419 494 451 archives.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
MEETINGS
The WW4WDC meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at
Wagga RSL Club Upcoming meetings:
Corner Kincaid & Dobbs Streets
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Tuesday 19 January 2021
Tuesday 16 February 2021
Commencing 7:30pm Tuesday 16 March 2021
Members can also join online via Zoom
CONTACT US LIFE MEMBERS
Gil & Margaret MATHEW
secretary.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
George (dec) & Marilyn COCHRANE
www.facebook.com/WaggaWagga4WDClub
www.wagga4wdclub.org
PO Box 5842, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
Email us for more information
treasurer.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
3
TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
THIS MONTH IN TRACK CHAT PAGE
Feature Article: Club Trips - More than 4WD Driving 2
Presidents Update 5
Editors Note 6
Announcements 7
Trip Reports 14
- Bago State Forest Track Clearing 14
- Woomargama National Park Track Clearing 16
- Advanced Driver Training Course 18
- Eskdale Trip 22
Tidbits 28
4WD Break Down 29
Activity Information Sheets 30
- Boating Camping Fishing 4WD Weekend 30
- Bushrangers and Beyond 31
- Accredited Remote Area First Aid Course 32
- Advanced Basic 4WD Driver Training Course 33
Membership Form 34
Events Calendar 35
The Wagga Wagga Four Wheel Drive Club
(WW4WDC) was established in January 1978 CLUB SUPPORTERS
and is one of the longest running 4WD clubcs in
Australia.
Thanks to the following organisations for their
Our club is affiliated with Four Wheel Drive support of our club during the past year
NSW & ACT (the Association of Four Wheel Drive
Clubs) and promotes Tread Lightly and the
Code of Ethics of Four Wheel Drive Australia.
Anaconda
Our clubs Code of Conduct ensures we promote
safe and responsible four wheel driving and a
positive approach to conservation at all times.
Autobarn
Our members have the opportunity to
appreciate and enjoy the outdoors through our
many coordinated 4WD touring adventures,
both locally and throughout Australia, and our
regular social activities. BBQ's Galore
South West Trailers
Cover Photo: To clear or not to clear, that is the question! Club
members Alan Pottie, Paul Kingdom, Scott Sainsbury, Brendon
Kingdom and Chris Parr chose to clear this large tree during the
Bago State Forest Track Clearing trip on 8 November 2020.
Tyreworld
Back Cover: Nearly 2 hours later the team had cleared a space
wide enough for vehicles to pass. Photo Credit: Kelli Edwards.
4
TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
PRESIDENTS UPDATE
Hi Folks,
Welcome to the First Edition of Trackchat for 2020, and best wishes to all for the
new year!
The mood across the country is one of exploring our own backyard…which will
suit us all. Talking to 4WD/caravanning/boating businesses around town tells a
story of very busy demand from people buying or upgrading their recreational
vehicles/vessels/vans, etc.
To that end, one of our activities is a BCFFing weekend (Boating, Camping, Fishing,
Four Wheel driving) at the Great Aussie Resort at Holbrook on the weekend of
26/27/28th February. Activity sheet in this issue.
Some great news in December was from Riverina Water Community Grants, with the advice that our Club was
successful in its application for funding a toilet at the Quarry Training Area at Alfredtown. The Quarry
Committee, headed up by Chairman Jim Simpson and Project Supervisor Scott Sainsbury, will commence
planning and construction immediately. Many thanks to John Kent for preparing the submission, and Scott
Sainsbury for product research and support.
Trip Lotto is re-launched this year with an article in this issue. I encourage all those “drawn out” to contact
myself or Jason Hussey (Activity Coordinator) to discuss an activity of interest to them.
On that note I encourage all members to think about activities that they would like to attend, and set a goal
to lead a trip. There are many experienced Club members who are willing to discuss and co-lead a trip that
you are interested in running. Help is there.
The committee has agreed to set the annual cook out date once again, with the hope of pulling it off this year.
It will be Saturday May 22nd, with a fancy dress theme commencing with the letter “V”.
Training is planned once again, with Basic Driver Training and First Aid being among them. Check out the Club
calendar.
Have a great year Folks!
Yours in 4WDing,
Alan Pottie
5
TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
EDITORS NOTE
Welcome to our first edition of TrackChat for 2021 and what a bumper issue we
have for you.
I hope everyone had a fun, safe and relaxing Christmas and New Year break and are
ready for some awesome adventures this year. Speaking of adventures, you'll notice
our feature article this month reminds us that club trips don't always have to be
off-road. If you would like to organise a trip but are unsure what to do, speak to
our Activity Coordinator who will be able to assist.
Our Christmas Party and Awards Night on 18 December 2020 was a great night and
congratulations goes to Ian Davidson on winning the Club Member of the Year
Award. Very well deserved despite the number of times his Brindabellas Trips were
postponed due to poor weather! Trip Lotto for 2021 was drawn and we also had
some Fun Awards presented on the night which you can read about in
Announcements.
Our General Meeting is being held on 19 January 2021 and will be attended by guest speaker Kalen Ziflian,
General Manager of Club 4X4 Pty Ltd. Our NSW & ACT Association member gifts will also be available for
collection from the meeting.
We received an early Christmas gift in December with confirmation the club was successful in its Riverina
Water Grant Application to build an eco-friendly self composting toilet for the Quarry Training Area.
Congratulations to John "Dunny Money Man" Kent for preparing the successful submission on behalf of the
club.
We finished 2020 with quite a few trips and you can read about these in our Trip Reports. Thanks to yours
truly for the Bago State Forest Track Clearing article, John Kent for the Woomargama Track Clearing article,
Sue Kulhavy for the Advanced Driver Training article, and Kaye Hoogland for the Eskdale Trip article. The
photo's and videos of these recent trips/activities are great.
Thanks to Sam Millie for showcasing yet another Toyota (I think we should hit Toyota up for sponsorship!). In
our first 4WD Break Down for the year Sam tells us about his trusty Toyota HiLux and reminds us of the
importance of paying attention when 4WD driving.
We already have a few activities planned for 2021 so fingers crossed they are all able to proceed. There is a
Boating Camping Fishing & 4WD (BCFF) trip on 26-28 February, The Bushrangers & Beyond VIC High Country
trip planned for 12-14 March, the Remote First Aid Course on 20-21 March, and our Basic Driver Training
Course on 29-30 May.
We had some great information in our 2020 editions of TrackChat and I'd like to thank everyone who
contributed to make it a successful newsletter during a challenging year. To keep TrackChat fun and
informative I'd again like to call on all members to share any stories, photos, funnies or other information
and/or suggestions to help make our 2021 TrackChat's bigger and better than last year!
Until next month stay cool, remember to Slip, Slop, Slap... and keep the articles coming.
Regards
Kelli Edwards
FUN FACT: The first pedal-driven 4WD was created by Frank
Fraune from Germany and is known as the Trailcart.
6
TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christmas Party and Awards Night
18 December 2020
A fun night was had by the 29 members who attended the annual Christmas Party and Awards Night at the
Wagga RSL Club on 18 December 2020. The room looked fantastic with plenty of Christmas tinsel, bon-bons
and presents for everyone. Thanks to Brenda Moore for organising the decorations and to all the members
who came dressed in their best Christmas attire.
Congratulations to all members who received awards and recognition of achievement for your contribution to
the club. A special mention to Jeff & Kim Brunt for clocking up 15 years membership, and to Jeff & Helen Brill
and Les & Maureen White for your long and dedicated contribution to the club.
Club Member of the Year Award
Congratulations to Ian Davidson for being voted the
Club Member of the Year for 2020. Ian was
presented his award at the Christmas Party and
Awards Night on 18 December 2020 by club
President Alan Pottie.
Ian received the award in recognition of his
contribution to the club throughout 2020, which
included:
Club Member of the Year Nominees L to R: John Kent, Winner Ian
Davidson, Alan Pottie and Greg Ogden.
Excellent and professional execution of his
duties as club Secretary
Keeping detailed, accurate, informative and
timely minutes
Applying his technical skills to keep meetings functional - the club did not miss a meeting during
COVID-19 as a result
Displaying strong leadership including being honest, dependable, reliable and trustworthy
Planning and leading well researched, safe and enjoyable activities
Leadership in drafting the members Glovebox Guide
Congratulations also to John Kent, Alan Pottie and Greg Ogden for their nominations and ongoing
contribution to the club.
Left: The Three Stooges entertain the guests (aka Paul Kingdom, Scott Sainsbury and Ian Davidson), Centre: Brenda Moore presents the Best Dressed prize to Grant and
Jo Gablonski, Right: Members enjoying the evening.
7
TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2020 Fun Awards
Lead by the guiding principle of "never let the truth get in the way of a good story" our Fun Awards, presented
at the Christmas Party and Awards Night, provided much entertainment to everyone in attendance.
Based on true events, the awards this year were presented to:
TREE HUGGER WAYWARD GARDENER
Jason Hussey Macca McKenzie
Outstanding ability to give When leaving the Moore's for
trees close shaves with the the BlazeAid BBQ weekend
left side of his ute and he moved pot plants with his
ringbark trees with his bull bull bar and got lost getting
bar. out of the driveway.
FAILED WEATHER MASTERCHEF
FORECASTER Scott Sainsbury
Ian Davidson Always showing off his
campfire cooking, hot curries,
Always planning trips when beef jerky, the pie oven in his
there is bad weather and ute, and for sharing his
having to postpone them. favourite pie with James
Tobin from Better Homes and
Gardens.
MEDIA TART MR FIXIT
Alan Pottie Paul Kingdom
Always being in the media, Always fixing other people's
and the star of the Better rigs on trips.
Homes and Gardens filming
day including deliberately
getting the film crew
bogged... twice!
BROKEN CAR AWARD THE MOUSE MASTER
John Kent David Ohlsen
Consistent ability to break his Breeding pet mice to keep
car. the mighty Suzuki going
through think and thin.
8
TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trip Lotto 2021
We enjoy our club trips and to help promote regular activities we draw Trip Lotto each year at the Christmas
Party and Awards Night.
All members are included and if your name is drawn you are encouraged to lead a club trip for your
designated month. It's a great way to enjoy new experiences and share in the planning of club trips.
The 2021 winners of Trip Lotto are:
February Garry Fairbank
March Kevin Riordan
April Ross Mohr
May Joachim Berger
June Chris Parr
July Aaron Gilmour
August Macca & Jan McKenzie
September Jeff Blunt
October Joe Galloway
November Nigel McMullen
If you are unable to lead a trip on your designated month please make arrangements to swap months with
one of your Trip Lotto comrades or find a replacement trip leader.
Dunny Money
The club received an early Christmas gift with confirmation it's
application for an Eco Friendly Self Composting Toilet Block for the
QTA, through the Riverina Water Community Grants program, was
successful.
In total the club has been awarded $4,025.00. This will cover the
cost of materials and club members will donate their time and skills
to construct and assemble the toilet block.
The Quarry Committee, chaired by Jim Simpson, will oversee The
Dunny Project with Scott Sainsbury coordinating the project on the
ground.
A very special thank you to John "Dunny Money Man" Kent for
preparing the successful application. Without this we would be
upgrading our shovel instead of installing a new state of the art eco-
friendly self composting dunny.
9
TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Basic 4WD Driver Training Expression of Interest
When: 29 & 30 May 2021
Where: Quarry Training Area
Cost: TBC
Commencing lunch time Saturday and finishing lunch time
Sunday this accredited training is highly suitable for those new
to 4WDriving or who would like to enhance their skills. A
formal Statement of Attainment is awarded to those who
undertake the associated assessment. The training is delivered
by qualified Club trainers working under the auspices of the
Driver Training unit of the NSW ACT 4WD Association and
Getabout Training Services.
Please send your expression of interest to:
John Kent, Training Coordinator
Mobile: 0419 691 218
Email: training.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
19 January 2021 General Meeting - Guest Speaker and Member Gifts
The General Manager of Club 4X4 Pty Ltd, Kalen Ziflian, will be attending
our January 2021 general meeting to speak about their Insurance and
benefits of club affiliation. Thanks to Jason Hussey for coordinating this on
behalf of the club.
Each year the 4WD NSW & ACT Association Inc gives all affiliated club
members a small gift as a token of their appreciation. These will be
distributed to our club members at the January 2021 general meeting. If you
are unable to attend the meeting, please contact John Kent
(training.wagga4wdc@gmail.com) to arrange a suitable time to pick up your
gifts.
Better Homes and Gardens 4WD Segment
If you missed the Better Homes and Garden episode that featured
our club on 20 November 2020, or even if you did and want to see
it again, you can watch it on the BHG website.
(www.bhg.com.au/james-tobin-4wd-hints-tips)
10TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We Need Your Articles
For a club newsletter to be successful it needs input from members... and this is where you can help.
We are in need of 4WD Break Down profiles, Tidbits, Camp Cooking Recipes, Blasts from the Past and any
other stories, personal trips, photos, funnies or other information that you would like to share. We can scan
photographs or negatives so don't be afraid to sift through your photo albums and send us a yarn. You can
email your articles or bring them along to the next General Meeting.
We value your feedback so if you would like to see a new topic included in TrackChat or would like to provide
general feedback please don't hesitate to send it through.
Email all articles and feedback to trackchateditor.wagga4wdc@gmail.com.
Thanks for Your Donation
A special thank you to Peter Van Wel, from Peter Van Wel Automotive and All Things Off Road (Pearson St,
Wagga Wagga), for donating the Tyre Puncture Repair Kit for the Advanced Driver Training Course held in
November 2020.
Club Merchandise
Club merchandise is available at Hunters Clothing:
Short and long sleeve polo shirts
Short and long sleeve Hi Viz polo shirts
Long sleeve pilbara shirts
Fleece hoodies and jackets
Bumper stickers
Orders can be placed online or in person at Hunters Clothing:
68 Fitzmaurice Street
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
T: 02 6921 2121
F: 02 6921 6527
E: clothing@hunters1866.com.au
The full range of available merchandise can be viewed online at Hunters
Clothing.
(www.hunters1866.com.au/collections/wagga-four-wheel-drive-club)
11TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
12TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
13TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
TRIP REPORT
Bago State Forest Track Clearing
7 & 8 November 2020
By Kelli Edwards
This was originally planned as the NPWS Tumut area track clearing trip, but for reasons beyond our control it
didn't eventuate. In true club spirit we didn't let that stop us! So with our chainsaws sharpened, oiled and full
of fuel we left Wagga at 8.30am for the Bago State Forest. The convoy consisted of myself and Scott
Sainsbury, Catherine and Claire McCracken, Paul Kingdom, Alan Pottie, Grant Gablonski and Sam Millie.
First stop, Tumbarumba bakery for the obligatory belly fill. As always we were not disappointed.
We made our way to Paddys River Dam for a quick sticky beak and photo opportunity before heading into the
forest in search of our first log to clear. I was feeling pretty excited because it was my first 4WD drive since
completing the Basic 4WD Driver Training Course in June (highly recommended for anyone thinking of doing it).
It didn't take long for us to find our first log on Bull and Damper Track and our fresh, enthusiastic members
had out their chainsaws quicker than you could crack a whip! It didn't take too long to clear the first obstacle
and we moseyed on our way.
Our second clearing for the day was a little more challenging with a slightly larger log that took a bit longer
to clear. With chainsaws revving and the smell of two-stroke thick in the air the weekend was shaping up to
have more serenity than a trip to Bonnie Doon.
After a fun day driving and clearing tracks we headed to our camp ground at Little Plain for the evening where
we met up with John Kent, Susan Schraenkler, and Kay and Rob Hoogland. The fire was stoked and we enjoyed
a nice dinner, good company and a good natter around the fire.
On day 2 we said goodbye to John, Susan, Kay, Rob, Catherine and Claire... and said G'day to Chris Parr and
his youngster Logan, Brendon Kingdom and Jenny Kingdom.
Our track for day 2 was a little too advanced for me so I got reacquainted with my comfy passenger seat. The
fallen trees over the tracks were becoming more and more challenging and it was obvious there hadn't been
vehicles along the track in some time.
We had a couple of challenging spots on the track to overcome. The first a small but sandy washout which
we reinforced with logs and bark, and the second a fairly slippery track into our lunch location by the creek.
We stopped for lunch by the creek which was refreshing after a fairly challenging morning. Whilst the trees we
were clearing were not huge, there was plenty of them with one every 100m or so.
14TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
After lunch we headed back the way we had come and admired our
track clearing skills along the way (a much faster trip on the way back).
We decided to meander back along Browns Trail which Chris mentioned
had been previously cleared. We could trim up any newly fallen logs
and keep the track clear for others and we all agreed this was a bonza
idea...
... until we came across the biggest fallen tree in all the land.
After deciding that maybe this wasn't such a bonza idea after all, the
chainsaws were once again brought out from the back of the rigs, albeit
a little less enthusiastically this time.
It was a mammoth effort with anywhere from 3 to 5 chainsaws chipping
away at what could have been General Sherman's great grandad. I'll be
honest, there were quite a few times when I thought great grandad
Sherman was going to win, but the WW4WDC team did a fantastic job
cheered on by those of us who could only watch and take videos and
photos of their progress.
Nearly 2 hours after the first chainsaw broke bark we had cleared
enough of the tree for vehicles to pass. High five's and a few swear
words were shared before we made a beeline to the Tumbarumba pub
for dinner and a beer before heading back to Wagga (arriving home
around 9:30pm).
Thanks to everyone who came along for making it a fun, productive and
exhausting weekend.
An extended video of the trip highlights is available on the WW4WDC
YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/gfp-v_13ocM)
15TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
TRIP REPORT
Woomargama National Park Track Clearing
14 & 15 November 2020
By John Kent
In response to a request for assistance from National Parks, we originally had scheduled a weekend in October
for clearing fire trails in Woomargama National Park just south of Holbrook. However, heavy rain forced us to
postpone that event, and after driving the tracks on the weekend of 14/15 November, we were thankful the
weather had allowed the tracks to dry out and the bog holes were now dry enough to be passable.
Bright and early Saturday 14 November, four of us (Brendon Kingdom, Paul Kingdom and Scott Sainsbury and
I) met up at Jubilee Park for the quick run down to Woomargama where we met up with NPWS Ranger Dave
Pearce for a briefing and the obligatory paperwork before we tackled clearing the tracks.
Quite a bit of the park had been burnt out in the big fire that roared up from Vic through Jingellic although we
mostly cleared tracks in areas that had not been burnt. After the rain the bush was looking lovely and green –
even the areas that had been burnt.
First off, Dave took us to the start of the trails in the south west corner of the park where there were some
trees down that were too large for him to clear on his own. With a bit of cutting and winching it did not take
our well practised team long. These tracks were very nice to drive with great scenery, and included a lunch
stop on the top of Wagra Mountain and easy creek crossings. Most trails end at locked gates and private
property. From there we made our way to Tin Mines Camp area although Tin Mines Road was slow going with
erosion gullies, rock ledges and bog holes to negotiate, along with a few more fallen trees to clear.
We were very pleased to be in camp at 5.30pm for a well earned rest. This is a lovely camp site and was
starting to recover after having been trashed by yobbos - a constant problem according to Dave. During the
night those sleeping in swags were a little unnerved by a mob of feral pigs down around the creek.
Day 2 we were expecting to meet up with Dave again mid morning so we cleared Phillis fire trail to the locked
gate and then headed along Cockatoo Creek Trail until Dave called us on the radio. It was back to Tin Mines
camp for a coffee and chat. Dave asked us to check the loop of tracks to Mount Narra Narra area, clear
Ridge Tr, and have a look at another large stringybark tree across South Creek Tr. This took us until mid
afternoon by when it was time to air up and call in to the Woomargama pub for a cold beverage to wash
away the dust on the way home – actually we wanted to check it out for a future club lunch venue. It has new
managers and apparently they put on a good feed.
There were a few lessons for us over the weekend. The main one was: “Why have we not had many club trips
to Woomargama?” It is so close to Wagga, and the tracks are generally easy with a few challenging creek
crossings and steep climbs, and some terrific views over the valleys and the top end of Hume Dam. Now that
we have learnt some of the tracks, it is ideal for some day trips or an overnighter, and there are other tracks
and loops that we did not get a chance to experience. Just remember to take a chainsaw (now allowed for
those who have undertaken the training and are registered with NPWS Volunteer Information Portal) and check
with Ranger Dave first. Speaking of which, registering on the VIP is fairly straight forward. It is important to
record all volunteer work (for example the 4 of us put in 14 hours each for a total of 56 man-hours of trail
clearing for the weekend) because this helps document the very significant 4WD club member contribution to
NPWS and the community. We thought it was a good weekend’s work and got the impression from Ranger
Dave that we would be welcome back any time.
16TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
17TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
TRIP REPORT
Advanced Driver Training Course
21 & 22 November 2020
By Sue Kulhavy
The day started out cool and pleasant. At approximately 0730hrs Sharna and I arrived at the Quarry camp
site area to set up our tent for the overnight stay to find other people had arrived and set up already. The
campsite had been cleared prior to the weekend by the Wagga Wagga 4 Wheel Drive Club good Samaritans.
0830hrs we all gathered as a group of seven trainees; Sharna, James, Grant, Alex, Andrew, Peter and myself.
All with different makes, models, ages and mod cons (Hill Ascent/Descent, Crawl Control, Locking Hubs,
Locking Diffs Rear/Front etc) on the vehicles. Two trainers, John Kent and Paul Fisher (head trainer from
Getabout Training) and the DAFFYS (Peter, Paul, Graham, Scott, Jason and Brendan - sorry if I missed anyone)
at the Quarry site to complete the necessary paper work e.g., our presence, covid etc to commence the course.
We then progressed on to revise the Basic 4WD course we had previously completed with theory, power point
presentation + question and answers by John and Paul.
1030hrs. A big thank you to Brenda and John Moore who joined us for morning tea and presented us with
some delicious home-made Brownies and Apple Slice that didn’t stay in the containers for very long I must
say.
Then onto vehicle checks and lowering of tyre pressures.
We started with some confidence and skill building driving exercises to get a better understanding of our
vehicles, what they are capable of and our own capability. We also learnt important and necessary processes
of how to traverse different terrains, considering the best options of where to drive the terrain while respecting
the environment, using standard hand signals when guiding vehicles through obstacles, how to drive through
mud puddles and water crossings, what you should look for and do prior to entering and exiting, and doing
hill stops/stalls and driving side slopes.
1230hrs Lunch time. Weather became really warm. After lunch we learnt about winches and winching. The
different types of winches: - Hand and Power. What winching ropes are made of: Wire cable and synthetic.
What equipment is required for a recovery and checking that it is safe for use. Knowing how to calculate the
gradient slope, vehicle weight, anchor point load and what the grounds like e.g., mud, sand.
Next was a hands-on practical exercise with brainstorming on how to winch and recover a vehicle following
the general principles of winching and all safety precautions for a safe recovery.
18TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
We were divided into two groups and under the guidance and support
from the trainers and DAFFYS we were given a couple of scenarios to
complete. Working as a team we helped each other prepare and setup
the equipment and vehicle for a single line pull and using UHF and
following the club standard hand signals to guide during the recovery
operation.
We completed the first recovery relatively easy but when it come to the
second scenario of using a vehicle and a tree for an angle pull things
started to go pear shaped and we were unable to complete the exercise.
Unexpected things happen sometimes, and they did e.g., the winch cable
came off the drum, problems with the other group’s vehicle, all extending
the exercises longer than anticipated. It all added to the learning
experience and a good time for it to happen. Having knowledgeable,
experienced people around to assist and provide us with information on
how to amend some of the problems we were experiencing on the day
would be a great benefit to us if we are ever in a similar situation when
we are on our own journeys.
About 1600hrs the weather was very hot and being out in the sun (even
though we were trying to stay hydrated) some of us were starting to
feel the effects of the heat so the decision was made to call it a day. The
equipment was packed into the vehicles and we headed back to the camp
site where there was shade and it was a few degrees cooler.
After a few cool refreshing drinks, we went and freshened up, some used
the portable shower and some even went to the river for a dip. Jason had
a lesson on how to splice a rope by Paul Fisher while others watched.
Peter, Paul and Graham started up the BBQ for anybody who wanted
something cooked.
It was then time for the Trainee group to mark the question sheets we
had received from the Getabout theory package prior to the weekend
practical side of the course. Just when we thought we were finished Paul
Fisher gave us another sheet with a further 10 questions on winching
calculations (vehicle weight, gradient slope and anchor load etc). Thank
god we were allowed to do these in teams and to look at our books plus
the calculation sheet that we had been given earlier in the day because
my brain was drained.
Time for dinner, more drinks and chat then bed.
Day 2 we awoke early to a cool overcast morning and the chorus of
various types of birds singing. We had breakfast and then packed away
our tents and made ready for the day.
Paul Fisher gave another demonstration on how to splice a rope for those
people who didn’t see it the evening before.
At about 0830hrs all of us had regrouped and headed out in convey for
the Shanty Reserve on the Murrumbidgee River. On the way somebody
was ask to volunteer to bog their vehicle in the sand when we reached
our destination. Andrew was the man and did a good job of it.
19TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
On arrival there was a group discussion and brainstorming on how to recover the vehicle. Following the
Hierarchy of Recovery Steps (drive out the safest and snatch strap most dangerous) it was decided that driving
out was the way to go and shovelling away some of the sand from around the wheels and using recovery
boards (MAXTRAX) to assist.
Alex was the next person to volunteer bogging his vehicle to try out the Crawl Control. He also had a little
help from friends to bog his car a little deeper by digging more sand from around the tyres. Unfortunately,
his first attempt with the Crawl Control wasn’t successful and dug the vehicle in deeper. Another group
discussion was had and it was decided to use the Snatch Strap to pull him out along with removing sand from
around the wheels and chassis and using recovery boards. James volunteered to use his car to pull. After the
second attempt there was a successful recovery.
When collecting the equipment (ropes, snatch straps, dampers, shackles etc) for the snatch tow it was
discovered that some of the ropes and straps people were offering for use were found to be incorrectly
labelled and did not have the required information written on the tag (what the rope /straps were made of,
the towing weight capacity and what the rope/strap was actually used for e.g., snatch strap, tree trunk
protector) for safe usage. Another good lesson was learnt and to be aware of. Always check the product
before you buy it and make sure it’s labelled correctly.
The sand holes were filled in leaving the area as little disturbed as possible.
At morning tea, there was a discussion about the insufficient and incorrect information on the tags.
We then moved on to another location not far away with difficult terrain of partly washed away gully banks,
ruts, rocks and exposed tree roots to practice some track building with recovery boards. Grant, Alex and James
(all with newer model vehicle with new technology e.g., hill assent, decent and crawl control etc) was guided
and drove up the difficult terrain with relative ease without needing to use the boards. Sharna drove up a less
difficult bank and I drove up the bank that the recovery boards were used for building the track to make it
easier to drive.
Alan Pottie arrived and joined the group as we were about to head back to the Quarry for lunch under the
tarp.
After lunch there was instruction and practice on how to use a High Lift Jack also how to break the bead on a
tyre. Paul Fisher had made a board and shaped it to break a tyre bead. After showing us how he used it and
20TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
before he left to return to Gosford, he said he enjoyed coming to Wagga Wagga for the training sessions
because it was a club with great team spirit and he liked the way everyone was ready and willing to pitch in
and help if and when needed. He wished more clubs would follow the Wagga Wagga club example.
Next was fixing a punctured tyre (tyre and puncture kit was donated by Peter Van Wel), even with help from
team members and the latest equipment a lot of muscle power was needed. Last but not least we observed
how an Exhaust Inflation Jack was inflated and could be used.
By about 1500hrs and due to a storm coming we completed the day and once again the DAFFYS came to the
rescue and took down the tarp and packed away the 4WD club trailer and other portables e.g., toilet, shower
and any other thing that needed to be packed away.
I’m sure we have all learned something from the course and have benefited from the experience. Knowing the
basic foundations and brainstorming situations, these have built our knowledge base and on future journeys
and adventures even though each experience might have different problems we are now better informed and
more prepared to be able to deal with unexpected events that may happen.
21TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
TRIP REPORT
Eskdale Trip
28 & 29 November 2020
By Kaye Hoogland
Trip Leaders: Tony Driscoll and Rob Hoogland.
A great trip was enjoyed by all as we made our escape into Victoria! Tony and Rob did the recce back in Nov
2019 but bush fires and COVID prevented the trip going ahead for over 12mths. What a year it had been!
It was great to see the borders open on Nov 21st and off we went the very next weekend.
Many thanks to Tony for planning the trip and showing us this beautiful section of the Victorian alpine forest.
Our group consisted of 6 vehicles with Alan, Ian, Susan, Mark, Tony & Carolyn, and Rob & Kaye. We left
Jubilee Park at 8:00am on Saturday and taking the Holbrook Rd we met Mark at Cookardinia.
After taking the Coach Rd (now all sealed) through Morven we joined the Olympic Way at Gerogery and
followed the Hume Highway to Albury. After crossing the Murray River we wanted to turn left onto B410 but it
is worth noting that number was not on the sign, and it is the first ‘Beechworth ‘ exit you need to take, to later
join the Murray Valley Highway (consequently Rob led us on a merry diversion through Wodonga and
thankfully no one got too lost!).
Still on bitumen we drove through the beautiful Kiewa Valley to Eskdale where we fuelled up and turned onto
Little Snowy Creek Rd where we aired down after hitting the dirt at about 11:40am. We then followed Dorchap
Tk and stopped for lunch along Scrubby Spur track at about 1:15pm.
22TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
Many beautiful views were had along the way: lovely tall white gums through which we could see the
surrounding mountains and valleys. After lunch we followed Disappointment Tk; the name sounded ominous
but that was not to be the case. It provided many very steep ascents and steep descents which were a fun
challenge and the stunning views continued.
Next, we followed the Omeo Highway for about 8km before turning onto Holloways Log Rd and stopped at
Snowy Creek camping area for a look and toilet break at 3:00pm. This spot was jam packed with Victorians
camping out for the first time in many months, enjoying this deep, cool swimming area as temperatures
reached the high thirties.
Razor Spur Tk was next with continuous narrow bends up to the ridge. Fantastic views of mountain ranges and
valleys could be seen through a forest of very tall, straight gums, and there was a tropical feel with many
ferns and grassy tufts throughout the bush. However, the tree scape changed suddenly to the shorter
wind beaten gums when we neared the top.
Wombat Creek Track was our last track of the day. It was very much ‘a track less travelled’ being quite closed
in and overgrow in parts. It was also a very steep rocky, rugged descent and I was glad we did not have to go
back up it the next day. However, it did take us to the floor of the valley to a beautiful running creek and a
huge open clearing which was our campsite, encircled by heavily treed mountains. Wombat post office hut was
nearby along with a memorial to pioneers of the area.
A nice evening was spent chatting around the campfire in short sleeves, enjoying the pleasant temperature,
knowing it was a scorcher that evening back in Wagga - so nice to have the mountains to escape to at our
doorstep. We also had a delicious chocolate cake cooked in the camp oven by Susan – perfect!
Overnight the weather changed and we had several downpours of rain. I was a little worried during the night
that we would have trouble climbing out of the valley in the morning, but the tracks were firm and rocky
enough to not be too much of a problem.
23TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
We left camp at 9:15am via Four Mile Creek Track which had huge ruts and quite a few mud holes. Mark was
driving a little Suzuki and was unfortunate enough to belly out in one of the deeper ruts. Thanks to some quick
thinking by Alan, who thought to put the strap around the axle, the Suzuki was quickly winched out and Mark
was soon on his way again.
Next on our agenda was Kennedy’s Hut via JP track. JP track appeared open, however, Tony knew the Parks
website said JP track was closed, so we took Four Mile loop track to the hut instead. Thankfully Tony had
looked up the website, because upon arrival at the hut we found that JP track, at the hut end, was washed out
and the hut would have been inaccessible to us. We arrived at the hut at 10:20am – a very pretty location
beside the Mitta Mitta River; well worth the visit.
Morning tea was had at Taylor’s Crossing half an hour later, also on the Mitta Mitta River – another beautiful
spot with a foot suspension bridge across this wider section of the river which was running quite deep and fast.
Always keen to play – Rob, Susan and Ian happily practiced ‘water crossings’ at this spot.
We then took Tom’s Link Tk to Eight Mile Loop Tk which gave stunning views over Glen Valley State Forest. Later
we found ourselves on Lanman Tk (a new substantial looking logging track) which then joined Knocker Tk where
we had lunch at 1:30pm. From there we once again joined the Omeo Highway stopping at Lightning Creek camp
site (very nice) at 3pm and then Mitta Mitta Pub at 3:45pm for afternoon tea.
From there we took the bitumen all the way home via Murray Valley Way ,Hume Hwy and Holbrook Rd, arriving
back in Wagga Wagga about 6pm.
What I learned from the weekend :
An axle can be used instead of recovery points if need be.
Always check the Parks / Forest websites just prior to your trip re warnings/road closures.
Alan is a man of many sayings – one for any and every occasion!
Many thanks Tony and Rob for leading such a good trip and for once again taking us through the beautiful
Victorian alpine bush. Many thanks too to the whole group for your good company.
Above: Alternate views of members crossing the Mitta Mitta River. An extended
Tony
video
andof
Rob
thefor
Eskdale Trip can be viewed on the clubs YouTube channel
(https://youtu.be/ASP6LoMz91s). Right: Rob Hoogland walking across the suspension bridge at Taylors Crossing.
24TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
26TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
27TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
TIDBITS
Mathematics 101
Teacher: “If I gave you 2 tents and another 2 tents
and another 2, how many would you have?”
Johnny: “Seven.”
Teacher: “No, listen carefully… If I gave you two
tents, and another two tents and another two, how
many would you have?”
Johnny: “Seven.”
Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently. If I gave
you two apples, and another two apples and
another two, how many would you have?”
Johnny: “Six.”
Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two tents, and
another two tents and another two, how many
would you have?”
Johnny: “Seven!”
Teacher: “Johnny, where in the heck do you get
seven from?!”
Johnny: “Because I already own a tent!”
28TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
4WD BREAK DOWN
Trailbreaker
Owner Sam Millie Most memorable trip in your 4WD
Brushy Lagoon in Tasmania (near Devonport) was
Make Toyota
one of my first true 4WD trips and it was very
Model Hilux rough, very wet, very muddy and very fun.
Year 2016
Colour Grey What is the best thing about your 4WD?
Transmission 6 speed manual It takes me to some out of the way spots to go
kayaking on the Murrumbidgee. And it now has a
Modifications Piak bull bar winch!
Runva synthetic rope winch
Safari snorkel
GME hide away UHF
Most important thing you've learned about
Front recovery points
4WDriving?
Bash plates
50mm outback armour suspension lift Pay attention at all times, and water can be
Big tyres deceptively deep. I've been bogged four times (in
snow, sand, a water hole and mud) all because I
wasn't paying attention. When you do pay
attention, your 4WD can probably do more than
you think it can, so have faith that it can tough
If you could change one thing about your 4WD
out situations where you have doubts.
what would it be?
Scratch resistant paint would be nice.
Worst break down
Luckily the worst break down so far has been a
dead battery (easily replaced). Hopefully can
avoid anything more serious.
Hairiest moment in your 4WD
I'd planned a trip through Croajingolong
National Park in Gippsland in Victoria, researched
detailed maps, told the local National Parks office
where I was going, and when we'd gotten 3/4 of
the way through, one of the planned tracks was
closed. So I had to quickly plan a new route on the
run. It ended up taking a lot longer, and we were
getting low on fuel, and the new track we'd taken
was a lot harder than originally planned. To make
it to Mallacoota we just had to keep going along
this Miners Track and couldn't turn around, and
then we came to a nearly impossible creek
crossing. Big uneven rocks with shallow but fast
flowing water. We just made it across with some
big dints, and ended up safely in Mallacoota just
on dusk.
Tell us about your 4WD! Using the above information as a guide please email your
4WD information and photo/video to trackchateditor.wagga4wdc@gmail.com
29TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
30TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
31TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
32TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
33Please email your completed form to treasurer.wagga4wdc@gmail.com or deliver at our monthly general meeting
34TrackChat, January 2021, Volume 1
EVENTS CALENDAR
Club Meetings Coordinated Club Activity General Interest
January 2021
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1 2 3
New Years Eve Trip (Little Plain)
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
TrackChat
Submissions Due
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
General
QTA Morning (TBC)
Meeting
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
February 2021
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
TrackChat
Submissions Due
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
General
Meeting QTA Morning (TBC)
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
BCFF Weekend (Great Aussie Resort, Holbrook)
March 2021
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
TrackChat Bushrangers & Beyond VIC High Country Trip
Submissions Due (Pending Border Closures/Covid-19 Restrictions)
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
General
Remote Area First Aid Course
Meeting
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
April 2021 May 2021 June 2021
6 Committee Meeting 4 Committee Meeting 1 Committee Meeting
13 TrackChat Submissions Due 11 TrackChat Submissions Due 8 TrackChat Submissions Due
20 General Meeting 18 General Meeting 15 General Meeting
25 Quarry Morning (TBC) 22 Club Cookout 20 Quarry Morning (TBC)
23 Quarry Morning (TBC)
29-30 Basic Driver Training Course
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