Thread: Gordons Country 22/23 Jan 2011

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 )

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 Added bonus of the location is Janowen Hills is up the road if your off-road taste is for something challenging. Anyway, setting up camp and Dennis had found some timber to burn off knowing this will come in handy especially if I'm around 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 ). 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

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 . 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 ). 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

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 ) 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 ) 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' ) but Navron was pretty good with the chainsaw actually . 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 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

Trav

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 .

So I have missed out on another great weekend