Gordons Country 22/23 Jan 2011

[Psimpson7]

Thanks to everyone who came to the 1st club trip of the year :)

Bit of an early start, meeting at Beaudeserts premier food emporium (Mcdonalds) at 630 am we met up with early arrivals, Dennis and Susan, Harry, Trav, Rod, and ourselves, along with Sams sister as an interloper!

We then headed out to Aratula where we met up with JohnR, Dave and John Hampson, and Andrew.

We then started to head over to the campsite, but had an issue with Rods car in the traffic chaos that is Cunninghams gap. We managed to nurse it down the otherside of the range and to the turn off from the main road.

At this point though we thought that we were fighting a losing battle, and Rod decided to head back which was a real shame. Hope you got home ok Rod. We met Rat and GuyG whenw e were waiting here.

So we finally got to camp:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/404.jpg

After setting up camp we went out for a drive around, some tracks were very eroded due to the serious rains.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/405.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/406.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/407.jpg

We had a bit of a mess about in the 'play' area:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/408.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/409.jpg

Bit of a creek corssing:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/410.jpg

And exit bank:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/411.jpg

We then thought about heading up the range behind the 'play' area so tried to get back up there via a different track. This got fairly sketchy so we ended up turning around and calling it a day, heading back to camp for a few beers and dinner.

So, Sunday morning, we decided to reattempt the ridge behind the house. We had been talking to the owners and they had got their 70s eries cruiser ute stuck about 1/2 way up when checking the conditions.

About 250m past the toyota swalllowing bog hole (which we all drove easily :D ) we encountered this:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/412.jpg

So that ended that plan!

We then headed back down, and decided to go up the other side, as that was thought to be open still.

Few holes at the bottom:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/413.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/414.jpg

Trav stuck :D:D:D: (I wont laugh too much as pretty sure there are some pics of us in an equally embarassing situation!)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/415.jpg

About another 500m or so up, on what are now very loose rocky tracks, we encountered a massive tree fall.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/416.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/417.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/418.jpg

We cleared all this, thanks to Navron's chainsaw and handy skills, and about 10 people!

We then got to the top and ended up following the ridge along to a dead end. We then headed back to camp, for a bit of lunch, swim in the creek and relax.

We ended up leaving about 4.30pm this afternoon.

Thanks to all for coming, and also to Harry for leading the group.

Rgds
Pete+Sam

[harry]

a couple more pics,
a good trip, thanks to all who came along.
and a shot of the mess at cunninghams gap.

[Rat]

Thanks all for making it a great day trip for me and my mate James. Elmo went great home except the fuel economy is a long way off the Defender ;)

[Big Dog]

Looks like a good weekend
sent the car home on a tilt tray $550 later
greg came over and confirmed what I thought that it was a failed thermostat blocking the flow and sending it back up
will replace sender and oil and that should be it
so much for some nice 5.7 ltr motors I found on ebay!:mad:

[Psimpson7]

Hey Rod, Thats good news re the car. shame it happened though :(

Rgds
Pete

[Presto]

Looks like we missed out on a good weekend! :( ...still gutted!

There did seem to be a theme though, Trav getting stuck and Rod not making it there - what were they both driving again?? :wasntme:

[GuyG]

Trav may have got stuck but I believe he managed to get out himself plus he did no damage, not that you would be able to tell with that car. On the other hand there was shiny disco that failed to make a short climb out of a creek and ended up sliding back into a rock damaging its rear bar. It was towed out by a Defender. The next car had a few attempts and nearly got up unassisted but didn't opting for the creek track option. In its defence it was on smaller tyres that were essentially slick road tyres.

Pete thanks for organising and Harry thanks for leading the runs for a great weekend, was great to finally get out again.

[Psimpson7]

lol thanks Guy, The next car didnt get up however, it diverted back into the water. (I think if it had tried the right hand line, which we should have taken aswell, it would have made it up)

[NOZ]

Thanks all for making it a great day trip for me and my mate James. Elmo went great home except the fuel economy is a long way off the Defender ;)

Yes but the sound makes up for it :twisted:

[JohnR]

lol thanks Guy, The next car didnt get up however, it diverted back into the water. (I think if it had tried the right hand line, which we should have taken aswell, it would have made it up)

I think the biggest problem was you tried to follow the car infronts line. You should have realised and just taken the easier line, it would have been way less embarrassing for everyone. Remember you are driving a soccer mums car now :D :wasntme: (it was Alison) :cool::nazilock:

Cheers,

[Psimpson7]

:p Lol, I wasn't driving remember! (so for once the damage wasn't totaly my fault!) Thanks again for the recovery by the way!

off to look for new bumpers....

ps, where are your pictures! sure you have some!

[GuyG]

where are your pictures! sure you have some!

You want pictures of your disco resting on a rock beside a creek. You may not have been driving but you were Navi weren't you:p

[Presto]

I recon the D2 got distracted by the white thing parked on the other bank.....

[GuyG]

Some more pics

[GuyG]

I recon the D2 got distracted by the white thing parked on the other bank.....

The white thing followed them almost everywhere, rumour has it they are related - well the drivers are anyway

[Presto]

what happened at cunninghams gap? Was it a land slide?

[GuyG]

There were landslides before New Years that closed the road for several days. Its now open but is only one lane in certain parts which can make the trip quite slow. There are shipping containers stacked 2 high to stop the rocks from landing on the road in one part. The road has also slipped down the side in another section. We weren't held up for too long on the way home which was good, but I imagine the delays could be quite long in heavy traffic.

[ramblingboy42]

had a good weekend and best of all Sue enjoyed herself (her first time camping and 4wd'ing with me in 27 yrs) and she enjoyed the company....so take a bow guys. And Harry, you better learn the words to "A Pub With No Beer" before the next campfire.
Dennis.....and Sue

[stevo68]

You want pictures of your disco resting on a rock beside a creek. You may not have been driving but you were Navi weren't you:pCripes Pete....give us D2a drivers a bad name.....might have to give you some lessons on driving a D2 properly.......wouldn't have happened in Smokey :p,

Regards

Stevo

[Scallops]

Did you guys get to check out the other area Sue had asked about, the other side of Cunninghams Gap?

[dungarover]

Okay, my turn to recount the weekend, bit knackered even at work today. Will try and keep it short and sweet but I have a habit of rambling on (like my CB banter much to Harry's dislike :angel:)

Anyway, got up at around 5:30AM, I had a bit of a sleep since our meeting point is only 20 mins from home, left home at around 6:05 and met up with the crew at McDonald's. Pete, Sam, Rod, Harry, Dennis and Sue plus Sam's sister Cassie and Rick (I hope I got that right Pete and Sam).

Anyway, on the road after we fueled ourselves and off to Aratula to meet up with the other crew, the Hampsens, John R, Allison, etc.. The majority of the group were at the BP whereas Harry, Dennis, myself were at the Shell as we would be waiting a while (the Shell is always quieter than the BP). Harry and myself were getting a bit impatient waiting for all and sundry to get themselves organized so the three of us decided to head off which was probably a good thing judging by the mess up at the gap we would encounter. Wilts we were in traffic Rod had a overheating issue with benda, I couldn't really assist as I was stuck in traffic but Pete was there to see what the issue is. Judging by the amount of steam coming out of the bonnet out wasn't a good thing but just found out from Rod's post that Greg has diagnosed it as a dodgy thermostat, hopefully this will be the end of the issue nothing else :(

Over the range, Rod limping benda to the turnoff on the Cunningham Hwy to Goomburra I understand (I was out of radio range so not too sure what the story was) but decided to call it a day before he did even more damage (although the towing bill isn't cheap from there, been there before).

We arrived at the campsite, great spot to spend a few days. Sam's parents had arrived earlier (I think) in there Vitara and I should mention Cassie and Rick had the old Toyota Hi-Lux. I won't be too harsh, just it's not the mighty green oval that's all :o Added bonus of the location is Janowen Hills is up the road if your off-road taste is for something challenging. :twisted: Anyway, setting up camp and Dennis had found some timber to burn off knowing this will come in handy especially if I'm around :firedevil: but still not enough so that was on the cards for the arvo.

Anyway, back on track, Harry the fearless TL rallied us to go out for a run, as usual I was keen and nominated as TEC (this was Rod's job but after Bendas mishap we were one vehlcie short, bloody hell couldn't it been a Disco :mad:). I knew that the tracks were not going to be overly challenging but it was good to get the cobwebs out of the bullet as it's been sitting idle for two months since Coffs Harbour. During out exploration, Navron had arrived and caught up with us and joined in the convoy. At this point, Harry had discovered a bit of an issue with the track, with the recent rains and flooding it has washed out the opposite bank so it made it harder but harry decided to use some 'persuasion' to get to the other side. This made getting through the track much easier and by the time I got there it was it had been there for years :D

Some more creek crossing, onto the opposite side of the road and through a couple of creeks, nothing too difficult but it was here that Pete and Sam had a slight issue with to D2. After trying to drive out of the creek, the D2 got itself in a spot of bother claiming the rear bumper on the LHS as well as the brake/indicator light :( Anyway, a bit of a recovery job by Guy (I think it was) and it was all back on firmer ground. Everyone else did it without too many issue may I add :)

A bit more exploring and back and forth then onto another hill. The track started out as a doddle but progressively got worse to the point it was too much of a risk to take the stock vehicles up there (in saying that, 6 of the vehicles on the trip were locked both ends) but regardless we had no idea where we were going or were it lead to so best retreat back to camp, beer o'clock was well and truly on.

Okay, campfire time. I lead the charge with the help of Pete who had spotted some good timber on our travels so it was off to collect. A couple of big logs and a ****-load of bullants to toast and we were all set for a ripper campfire. Time for fire starting 101 (heaps of small stuff, bark, firelighters, newspaper and yours truly and a packet of matches) and we were able to get it going. It was a bit hard to get a decent fire as the moisture in the timber from recent rain was not helping. Few more beers were had, Dennis providing some music for all and sundry as light entertainment :cool:. More beer again, the fire got bigger and I had it prefect but all the slack buggers ****ed off to bed, Guy and I were the only ones up (one of us was sober, no guess who that is :angel:). But a little while longer, off to bed on the ground for me because i forgot the throw the sleeping mat into the bullet (it was sitting next to the shelf in the garage, just didn't make it into the Rangie :mad::mad:

The next day arrived, had broken sleep (the ground is bloody hard, will remember it now) and a tad hungover (not quite to the point I felt like recovering from an autopsy :D:D:D:twisted::twisted:) but got up, had a cuppa and breakfast was on the go in no time. the breakkie sort of went to help with the recovery but 2 panadine was needed to get rid of the thump, thump, thump upstairs :) Anyway enough about me, the rest of the crew awoken once again the clear skies. I will mention that it was chilly and had to put my jumper on when I woke up although Pete mentioned I needed to get a GCLRO one (I was wearing the Bris LROC one :o) which surprised me being January.

About 8:30 everyone was ready although Harry had been ready for over an hour at this point as he took off on one of his 'early sojourns' into the bush wilts we were sorting ourselves out. It was a pretty tame morning exploring the tracks, a visit to the play area again on the way through and we had driven about three quarters up this hill to find a bit of a landslide. from the pics, it looked ugly and it was a turn around and go back down job, bit too much for us to shift at this point in time.

Harry then lead us astray up another hill on the opposite side of the property. This is where my mishap had occurred I had been in auto pilot as the driving is pretty simple not too terrifying when i decided to make the section of track a bit harder to attempt and I felt in the fat landing on the big mound in the middle to the joy of all (always seems to be on something simple). the maxis had to be used to try and dig my way out but harry and Pete just shoved the bullet back about half a meter and I was free. now concentrating it was all good. Unfortunately that's about as challenging the track got but still enjoyable all the same.

This track once again lead to a dead end we found out. Navron was the only one who had a chainsaw and it was put to good use to move the trees out off the track. They weren't exactly small either needing some 'Harry force' to have them pushed off the track (should nickname your Disco the 'bulldozer' :D:D:D) but Navron was pretty good with the chainsaw actually :cool:. Anyway, a u-turn and back down the hill again. It was heating up a fair bit so back to camp,pack the bullet and into the creek for some cooling off. Pete and Navron tried the 'slow' approach to get over the chill factor of the water, I went for the all in approach almost knocking out Pete in the process IICR :eek: It was great to cool off after driving around all morning. About an hour or so later I had to hit the road and get ready for work the next day.

Great weekend, good company to go along with it but the campfire was a bit of a disappointment as it took ages to get the big logs to take due to the moisture. As I said, good place to test out a new or stock vehicle but if you want something a bit more challenging go to Janowen. This isn't a knock on the property just being honest. The camping site beats Janowen hands down so make a good base camp forplaying at Janowen :D

Trav

[inside]

This was a great trip thanks all. I must say this part of the country is really stunning and although the rain created so much disaster elsewhere, seeing the country side full of life after all the rain was very rewarding.

We all enjoyed the company, camp fire, driving and pretty much all the GCLRO has to offer on one of these trips. It's great to head out in a vehicle you're not too familiar with and get to know it over a few days with plenty of advice and help on hand should it be needed. The only thing I regret is forgetting my camera. :(

[JohnR]

Yep another great trip :D The kiddies and the dogs had a ball. Bob and Kate appologies to Reg if they came on a little strong they just wanted to be friends :cool:

Did some one ask for photo's?

The playground was a bit of fun
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/352.jpg
Harry looking for the planes in the sky :angel:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/353.jpg
Rat playing with Elmo :eek:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/354.jpg
Trav taking the plunge
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/355.jpg
Andrew dropping in
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/356.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/357.jpg
Our kiddies hate the steep bits, but they love it when Pete gets bogged!!!
The infamous D2 creek crossing
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/358.jpg
Harry swinging to port to as there were a couple of damsals in distress :angel:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/359.jpg
No worries Bob & Kate knew how to get them out !
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/360.jpg
Pete, graping for something solid :oops2:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/361.jpg
She's hooked up and safe now :ohyes:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/362.jpg
The big 4wd can pull out the "little" D2 :wasntme:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/363.jpg
All safe now :wub:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/364.jpg
Now to watch little sister in-law to see how it's done :tease:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/365.jpg
Everyone else strollng up the bank......:bangin:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/366.jpg
:burnrubber:
The up another track on the other side of the road:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/367.jpg
Guy flex his might :spudniklifter:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/368.jpg
Cocking a wheel
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/947.jpg
Perinties can dance :spudnikdiscoball::spudnikbackflip:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/369.jpg
Trav left a Belly Skid mark :eek2:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/370.jpg
Up the hill
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/371.jpg
But alas the track was blocked [bigsad]
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/372.jpg
Mud and trees, we had to turn around
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/373.jpg
Great scenery
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/374.jpg
Scottish Thistle
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/375.jpg
Jess even found the skull of a Preditor :alien:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/376.jpg
And a swim with the Doggies :clap2::thumbsup:

A great weekend thanks for everyone who put it together Pete, Harry, Trav etc..

Sorry about the Ribbing Pete but you do deserve it :eek::wasntme:
Bring on the next one!

Cheers,

[djhampson]

Another great trip (except for Pete's bumper and my ruined tyre).


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/327.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/328.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/329.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/330.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/331.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/332.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/333.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/334.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/335.jpg

More pics - Flickr: david.hampson's stuff tagged with 20110122gordonscountry (http://www.flickr.com/photos/djhampson/tags/20110122gordonscountry/)

[Rat]

Yes but the sound makes up for it :twisted:

Sure as hell does. The sound is awesome.

[Rat]

I remember suggesting the thermostat Rod!!! Oh well, at least it's not a head gasket $$$!!!

[NOZ]

Sure as hell does. The sound is awesome.


I dont think there is a better sounding standard V8 than I Rover. 3.5 or 4.6 it doesnt matter

[dungarover]

Mine sounds good but it doesn't go all that well :(

Trav

[Presto]

Mine sounds good but it doesn't go all that well :(

Trav

Same! :(

I'm actually considering starving my little boy and saving up for a 4.6 transplant! :twisted:
..although I did recently find my vac-advance pipe floating around unconnected, and re-connecting that has made a difference, but I'm hoping the 4.12's will make more of a difference! :)

[Grimace]

Excellent trip reporting by all. Looks like you enjoyed a fabulous weekend away.

I must appologise for my non attendance, I guess leaving EVERYTHING to the last minute and not even having a 4wd kinda put me off in the end.
Not to mentioned that I put in an 11 hour fishin session on friday night (not including the two hours spent collecting live bait).
I was still keen for a midday departure on saturday but I slept well past that :mad:.

So I have missed out on another great weekend :(

[Presto]

Excellent trip reporting by all. Looks like you enjoyed a fabulous weekend away.

I must appologise for my non attendance, I guess leaving EVERYTHING to the last minute and not even having a 4wd kinda put me off in the end.
Not to mentioned that I put in an 11 hour fishin session on friday night (not including the two hours spent collecting live bait).
I was still keen for a midday departure on saturday but I slept well past that :mad:.

So I have missed out on another great weekend :(

Did you catch anything? :) ... I would hope so after 2 hour for bait then 11 hours... :o

[Grimace]

Did you catch anything? :) ... I would hope so after 2 hour for bait then 11 hours... :o

NO! Got one well under sized bream...
don't fn talk to me about it!

I will have some rather expensive fishing gear up for sale soon... or I might just throw it out cause it obviously doesnt work.

:D

[Presto]

NO! Got one well under sized bream...
don't fn talk to me about it!

I will have some rather expensive fishing gear up for sale soon... or I might just throw it out cause it obviously doesnt work.

:D

I blame the operator, not the equipment!! :p
Random fact you might not have known is that I'm massively into fishing, but rarely get a chance to get out these days! :( ...even considering selling the boat....:eek:

ooops, totally hijacked the thread!!:angel:

[Grimace]

ooops, totally hijacked the thread!!:angel:

That you did.

I had two decent sized boats that never got used enough, hence I am back to full time tinny operator :)

I was going to upgrade my rod and reels to more expensive gear but thankfully after friday night I changed my mind and will save myself a bit of coin!

Back on track. I need to get a club registerable vehicle so i can enjoy relaxing trips like this!