JENOLAN STATE FOREST - 12 May 2006.

Along for the ride we have an official photographer - Dale; Mr "Where is.com" John B; an official flora and fauna commentator - Nicolet; and a trip mascot - Holly.

We headed off from The Farmhouse turning onto the Cox's River road, for a very scenic and dusty drive. Driving along Marsden Swamp Road gave us an indication of just how little rainfall there has been in this area. There was no swamp to be seen, in fact nothing but dry creek beds. Joseph got escorted a part of the way by a mob of friendly Kangaroos. Luckily they were not so friendly as to try and join him in his car.

Morning tea stop at the Jenolan State Forest picnic area gave every one a chance to prepare for a fun day off road. Air down, morning tea over and straight into action and onto the 6 foot Track. John B gave us some details on why it was called the 6footr track (it is 6feet wide), and why it was made, (to give early tourists access to the Jenolan Caves).

The first opportunity to put the vehicles in low range came with the decent to Beefsteak Creek. On the down to the creek I picked up a good looking hitchhiker. John C claimed to not know who I was talking about, but seemed pleased when the hitchhiker (Dale) decided to continue the trip in the Troopy.

On the other side of the creek were some serious ruts. A walk up to check out the track was required. This would turn out to be the tone for the day. No incidents to report on that section. Everyone passed the wheel placement test.

Not long after, Gavin decided that even though his brother in law was not around he could do anything that Matt could do. He proved it by getting well and truly stuck in a deep dry bog hole. If it contained water we would have called it a "Matt Hole". From now on dry ones will be called "Gavin Holes". An inspection of Gavin's predicament showed that less damage would occur if we pulled him out from the rear, after digging away some of the clay. The mighty Patrol came to the rescue. After a few adjustments Gavin was pulled free.

In freeing the Pajero a noise came from the front of the Patrol, which could not be identified and kept coming back throughout the rest of the day. A stop at a 5 way intersection with the bonnet up to check out where the noise was coming from attracted 6 blokes, plus most of the females. It is amazing how an open bonnet does that!

Next - the lunch stop where we all sat around an extinct campfire. Tim decided that a pile of ashes was a perfect place to be. Holly did a god job of helping Nicollet finish her tuna salad, and looked on longingly at the other lunches. Nicolet lived up to her reputation when a tree moved a few inches to hit her rear bumper. It was a freshly repaired new bumper at that!

Next on the agenda: Gibraltar Rocks lookout. This is one of my favorite views. Cameras and binoculars got a thorough workout. It was such a clear day the Hydro Majestic could be easily seen on the other side of the Megalong Valley. Further on from the lookout we inspected the track down to Little River. It was not to be on the trip today, as during the recce it was deemed too dangerous for a club trip. It needs quite a bit of repair, and careful guidance to make it down the tricky steps. It is in the memory banks for a later, more advanced return trip.

Next off we inspected "Wal's Folly" on foot. The ruts that caught our webmaster out are now Troopy swallowing in dimension. This area will remain off limits unless we can arrange for a number of clubs to assist, and serious equipment to be made available.

Only one more challenge before we get back to the main road and head home: A set of very nasty ruts to traverse. This required guidance to ensure that the wheel placement was spot on. Unfortunately, as Gavin found out, it is only a matter of inches between making it across incident free or providing another opportunity for us to practice our recovery skills. Some creative thinking was required to free Gavin. He could not move forward as his diff was tight up against a boulder. If he moved back he would become stuck on the transmission cross member. Winching or snatching would have resulted in under body damage. We ended up using several fallen branches to "build a bridge" to lift his front wheels out of the ruts and provide clearance over the boulder. Once clear Gavin was able to move forward again with his wheels positioned on the right track and we were off and moving. That rock claimed Joseph's sill, Gavin's transfer case bash plate, and my side step bracket. All this is minor damage, but a reminder that 4 wheel driving can be dangerous and you need to take extreme care when negotiating a hazard.

I was nearly 5.00pm when we hit the main road, where it was time to air up, unlock, unwind and hit the bitumen. A full moon over the valley on the way back to the Great Western Highway was in evidence as all said thanks to Joseph for a perfect day.

Colin Hunt