lrn may 2016 - land rover club of the act ·...
TRANSCRIPT
Land Roving News is the Official Magazine of the Land Rover Club of the ACT Incorporated
PO Box 419, Civic Square, ACT, 2608, www.lrc.org.au
In this Issue
Page Page
May 2016
Reports
From the President 3
Editorial
Obituary - John Bayliss
3
Forthcoming Club Meetings 3 19
Brindabellas for BeginnersMinutes Ordinary Meeting - April
Trip Reports:
Committee Members - 2015/16
Club Membership 3
2
4
9
6
7
17Important Information regarding trips
19
18Club Notice Board:
LRC Library
Driver Education Unit
Short Notice Trips
18
18
18
Out of the Shed
11Easter Trip to Lake Mungo & Bidura
Other News
9
Committee Meeting - April 5
Series Splutterings
8Breakfast, Lies and Coffee
Other News
Trip Coordinator Ramblings
Land Rover Club of the ACT Inc
2
President Bob Zeitlhofer
Secretary Carolyn Jamieson
Vice President Andrew Lockley
Treasurer Peter Gibb
Public Officer David Wade
Trip Coordinator Ian Toten
Ordinary members Sue Alexander
Andrew Glennie
Editor Bob and Zydre Pember
Membership
Secretary
Gemma Zeitlhofer
Purchasing Officer Michael Thomson
Merchandising Vacant
Web Master Grant Sebastian
Social Secretary Russell Speldewinde
Librarian Judy Wilson
4WD NSW & ACT Rep.
Kevin Phillips
KHA Representative Mike Paterson
Council of ACT Motor Clubs
representative
Grant Sebastian
Series Coordinator Peter Mercer
Historic Vehicles
Registrar
Rick Robins
Driver training
coordinator
Ian Bragg
Committee Members 2015-2016
Auxillary Positions 2015-2016
Driver Education Sub-committee 2015-2016
Editorial
Dear all,
We are getting continued beautiful Autumnal weather - sunny, cool
and calm. Perfect for camping or picnics. We hope that you are
having fun.
The deadline for the June 2016 LRN is Friday 27 May. As usual, it is
preferred that you send photos separately from textual contributions.
Thank you,
Bob and Zydre Pember
Editors
3
From the President
First up, some sad news with the passing of John Bayliss, long-time member of
the LRC. John lost his long battle with cancer on 16 April 2016. John was an
active contributor to the club, and even in the late stages of his illness, he still led
a few trips so that he could pass on his passion for art to trip participants. John’s
funeral was held on 21 April 2016 and it was pleasing to see more than 30 club
members make the time to farewell John. On behalf of the club, I offered our
condolences to Margaret and John’s family.
At the April committee meeting, the committee began talking about succession
and who may be considering leaving their positions at the AGM in October. Peter Gibb has advised he
will be unable to continue as Treasurer after October, Russell Speldewinde could be persuaded to give
up his role as Social Secretary and on a personal level, I would certainly appreciate it someone with web
skills could assist the Webmaster in finishing off the website (sooner than the AGM would be even
better). I remain undecided about whether I will nominate again. Early days yet.
As I’ve mentioned previously, the Southern Tablelands 4WD Club has invited members of the LRC and
ACT 4WD Club to its property Talooge over the weekend 4-6 June 2016. A few members have
nominated for the trip and I encourage others to do so. This will be great opportunity for the three
biggest local clubs to participate in an activity other than the Spectacular and improve further what is
already a very good relationship.
On the subject of trips, I direct your attention to the magazine and Ian Toten’s comments on trip
participation (see page 19).
Finally, at the May meeting, Kevin Phillips with his campertrailers.org hat on will give a presentation on
towing and relation considerations. Kevin recently delivered this presentation to members of the
ST4WDC at their recent meeting where it was very well received. I encourage LRC members to come
along to the May meeting and hear what Kevin has to say.
Cheers,
Bob Zeitlhofer
President, LRC ACT
Forthcoming Club MeetingsClub Membership - New Applications
Applications for club membership will be voted on
at the following Ordinary Meeting.
Alex WARBURTON and Kylie BARTHELSOW
Errol ZAHNOW
Oskar AND Robyn JANCZEWSKI
New members are requested to pay the due fees tothe Membership Secretary([email protected]) as soon as possibleafter being voted into the Club.
New member packs will be available from theMembership Secretary.
Ordinary Meeting Commitee Meeting
2 May 2016 16 May 2016
4 July 2016 18 July 2016
6 June 2016 20 June 2016
4
Land Rover Club of the ACT Inc
Minutes, Ordinary Meeting - Monday 4 April 2016
Location: Eastlake Football Club
Start: 8:00 pm
Visitors: Oscar & Robyn Janczewski, Eric Zahnow.
Apologies: Andrew Glenning, Allan Dixon, Kevin Phillips.
New Members: Kevin Soch, Michael and Patricia Antrum, Ross and Monica Waples, Nicole and WayneMinney, Neal Size, Jason Dunn - All Carried.
Acceptance of previous minutes:Moved: David Wade, Seconded: Michael Thompson.
President’s Report: (Bob Zeitlhofer)
• Please see the magazine for the full report.
• More trips are needed for the calendar.
Guest Presentation: NiI.
Treasurer’s Report: (Peter Gibb)
• Account balances were presented.
Secretary’s Report: (Carolyn Jamieson).
• Nil Report.
Trip Coordinator: (Ian Toten)
Trip reports this month:
• Brindabella trip – Ross.
• Mungo trip – Matt.
• Breakfast, Lies and Coffee at Adaminaby - Russell.
Upcoming trips:
• Check the club calendar as there are a few things
coming up.
• Trip to Sunshine Coast with Grant Sebastian.
• Trip to Deua National park with Kevin Phillips.
• Trip to Chatsville with Kaylene Koppe.
• Trip to Narrandera with Geoff Hill in June.
Librarian Report: (Judy Wilson).
• Have a think about the future of the Library and what
form you might like it to take given the internet age.
Please let Judy know so it can be discussed at the next
committee meeting in May.
Membership Secretary: (Gemma Zeitlhofer)
• Come and see Gemma for your new member kits.
Social Secretary: (Russell Speldewinde)
• Keep an eye out for the next Breakfast, Lies and
Coffee trip for May.
Editors: (Bob & Zydre Pember).
• Apologies for the incorrect version of the tripcalendar appearing in the magazine.
• Bob explained about pixilation of photos and theissues of size and the difference between use for themagazine and website.
• Bob Z will approach Grant to have a high and a lowresolution version of the magazine on the website.
Merchandising: (Kevin Phillips)
• Nil report.
Purchasing: (Michael Thomson).
• Committee is looking at purchasing sand flags for usein desert situations. Michael would like to know whowould be interested in purchasing said flags so adiscount can be arranged.
4WD Association: (Kevin Phillips)
• Bendethera trip coming up for a meeting with parks'people, police and Association to explore options forbetter behaviour from users.
Kosciuszko Huts: (Mike Paterson)
• Nil report.
Website: (Grant Sebastian).
• Nil report.
Council of ACT motor clubs: (Grant Sebastian)
• Nil Report.
4 x 4 Spectacular: (David Wilson/Michael Thomson)
• Nil report.
Outback Heritage Drive (Peter Mercer)
• Nil Report.
Other Business:
• Is there a hairdresser in the House?
• Nice to see the Tomlins again.
Meeting Closed: 8.53 pm.
5
Land Rover Club of the ACT Inc
Minutes, Committee Meeting - Monday 18 April 2016
Location: Eastlake Football Club
Start: 7:30 pm
Attendance: Bob and Gemma Zeitlhofer, Carolyn Jamieson, Kevin Phillips, Peter Gibb, Ian Toten, Andrew Glennie,
Russell Speldewinde, Andrew Lockley, Sue Alexander, Judy Wilson.
Apologies: Mike Paterson, Grant Sebastian, Bob & Zydre Pember, Michael Thomson, Peter Mercer.
Acceptance of minutes of previous meeting:Moved: Kevin Phillips, Seconded: Ian Toten.
Review Open Actions:
• Website (GS) – still having issues with the website –
people registering for a trip, getting acknowledgements
from website but not getting on the mailing or contact list.
Some membership page issues appear to be broken.
Further, while the website has enough functionality for its
intended purpose, it needs to be prettied up to make it an
attractive site to visit.
President’s Report: (Bob Zeitlhofer)
• Bob noted the state of the website and it was reiterated that
this committee has already agreed to spend money on the
website and maybe this work should still be outsourced in
the short term. Bob is liaising with Michael Thomson in
this regard.
• Bob, on behalf of the LRC, expressed condolences on the
passing of John Bayliss.
Treasurer’s Report: (Peter Gibb)
• Account balances were tabled.
Secretary’s Report: (Carolyn Jamieson).
• Nil report.
Trip Coordinator: (Ian Toten)
• Roger’s trips have been very successful.
• More trips are coming up.
• Ian will be writing for the magazine soon particularly in
relation to member participation in trips.
Librarian Report: (Judy Wilson)
• Access to the library is problematic due to its location in a
secure area of the Eastlakes Club. Additionally, it seems
usage of library assets is on the wane. The committee is
considering the future of the library.
• Judy will talk about this at the next meeting, with a view to
proposing that the library be wound up. If the members
agree, the committee will discuss disposal of library assets.
• Bob publically thanked Judy for all her work as librarian.
Membership Secretary: (Gemma Zeitlhofer)
• Membership cards – what is the purpose of the cards. Do
we really need them? Gemma advised most members
didn’t collect their cards from the last membership year.
Should a member need a letter verifying membership they
can ask Gemma to supply.
• Consider getting club name badge made up – Kevin to
chase up and liaise with Gemma.
Social Secretary: (Russell Speldewinde)
• Russell will explore the potential for the Gunning
showground to hold the club Christmas party.
Editors: (Bob & Zydre Pember)
• Nil report.
Merchandising: (Kevin Phillips)
• The previously damaged stock has been sold.
Purchasing: (Michael Thomson)
• Flags have been ordered and will let people know when
they have arrived.
4WD Association: (Kevin Phillips)
• Next meeting is in May. Kevin is looking for a volunteer
to attend this meeting. Probably won’t know details until
the week or two before the meeting.
• Planned meeting at Bendethra with Police, National Parks
and Association was postponed.
Kosciuszko Huts: (Mike Paterson)
• Nil report.
Website: (Grant Sebastian)
• See open review items.
Council of ACT Motor Clubs: (Grant Sebastian)
• Nil report.
Outback Heritage Drive (Peter Mercer)
• Appears to have 60 starters for this year.
Other Business:
• Record management and decision making. Sharepoint/
Onedrive to be the repository for all the Club’s history.
Aim to complete the task by the September committee
meeting. Carolyn and Kevin to work on this. Open action.
• Planning for the AGM – Bob asks that current committee
members consider if they will be continuing on and notify
him of your intentions.
• Peter Gibb advised that he is not staying on as treasurer
and Russ advises that he is happy to be challenged for the
position of Social Secretary should anyone want to give it
a try.
• Bob Z to email the funeral details for John Bayliss. Sue &
Andrew will write an obituary for the magazine. Sue also
proposed that we send a donation of $100 to cancer fund.
Seconded Ian Toten. Carried
• Issue of paid advertising in the magazine – the committee
agreed that we were not interested pursuing this for the
magazine. Paid advertising is not to be considered.
• Marketing emails received by committee members – it
was decided that they would only be sent if it is thought
the membership would genuinely be interested in it.
• Kevin Phillips to present at the upcoming May meeting
with his Camper trailer hat on.
• Kevin proposed that we get the club trailer serviced prior
to the Outback Heritage Trip. Seconded Andrew Glennie.
Motion carried. Kevin to contact Rick to arrange a time to
pickup the trailer, and also liaise with Carolyn to have the
annual registration inspection done at the same time.
Meeting Closed: 9.10 pm.
6
Advisory Sign/
Symbol
Overview
Description
Dry Conditions
Easy
Easy
All-wheel drive and High
Range 4WD. Novice
Drivers
Green Circle
Dry Conditions
Medium
4WD
Medium
Mainly High Range
4WD but Low Range
required. Some 4WD
experience or training
required.
Blue Square
Dry Conditions
Difficult
4WD
Difficult
Significant Low Range
4WD with standard
4WD ground clearance.
Should have 4WD driver
training.
Black Diamond
Dry Conditions
Very Difficult
4WD
Very Difficult
Low Range 4WD with
high ground clearance.
Experienced drivers.
Double Black
Diamond
Grading of trips:
A Grade: Very difficult trip. Winching probably required
B Grade: Moderate to difficult trip. Winching may be required.
C Grade: Moderate with some sections requiring caution.
D Grade: Relatively easy trip.
E Grade: Very easy, usually on sealed or formed roads.
Weather conditions on the day may require the trip categories to be upgraded.
Distances indicated are approximately the total distance, ie the return trip
Essential Equipment
• Your own snatch strap and two “D” or bow shackles
(rated).
• Strong towing points on the front and rear of your
vehicle.
• Extra food, water and warm clothing in case badweather traps you unexpectedly.
Radios
UHF channel 10 is used by the club on trips. A UHF
radio is not essential for new members, but advisable
for your comfort and enjoyment of trips.
The Club has a number of portable radios for use by
members – new members are given priority.
If you need to borrow a radio for a Club trip, contact
the Trip Coordinator.
!
Unless otherwise indicated, booking should be made with the Trip Coordinator who can be
contacted at [email protected]. Trip Bookings
Please note that booking does NOT automatically mean confirmation. You will be contacted prior to the trip to confirm your place. If you need to cancel, please advise the trip coordinator
in the first instance as soon as possible, or the Trip Leader for that trip.
Important Please note that persons participating in Club trips cannot hold the Club or any of its members, trip leaders, or office bearers responsible or liable for the safety or well-being of a member or
any other participant on a trip, including children and/or family members.
Friendly
Reminder
Members are reminded that, for the enjoyment and comfort of other members and in observance of National Parks laws, dogs (or other pets) should not be taken on Club trips,
unless otherwise advised.
AWD
&
AWD
Important Information regarding Trips
7
Obituary - John Bayliss
‘Bail-out Bayliss” has bailed out for the last time. Sadly, John
passed away in the early hours of 16th April from complications of
multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer he battled for nearly
seven years. John earned his LRC nickname of ‘bail-out’ Bayliss
for starting many LRC trips over the years but often leaving
before they were finished.
John joined the club in August 1997 with a Nissan Terrano. He
was very involved with the club and attended meetings and
functions regularly and joined many trips, some with one or two
of his four sons and some with his wife, Margaret, but many on
his own. He loved to drive, loved a chat and was at his happiest
sitting around the campfire engaging in deep and meaningful
conversations. John had many cars over his years in the club,
changing them as often as he bought a new tent, trailer, caravan,
roof rack, swag or the latest camping gadget. He was a
compulsive hoarder of camping gear, much of which didn’t quite
work. John’s campsite would be a DYI affair of ockie straps,
poles, various tie-downs, giant clips, solar panels, lights and
plastic bags full of ....? Famously, his many radios were not
particularly effective and it was never a wise decision to let John
be tail-end-Charlie.
After the Terrano, John had 6 or 7 four wheel drives including a Nissan patrol, Ford Courier, Hyundai Terrican,
Nissan Patrol, Kia Sorrento, Holden Colorado and another Nissan Patrol (not necessarily in that order). The last
Patrol, black in colour, he joked, was purchased to double as a hearse when the time came. He had favourite
destinations and over his nearly twenty years as a member did numerous trips to Stockton Beach, the High
Country, Oxley Wilds, Mungo/Bidura, Central Australia and Cape York. More recently he enjoyed hitching up
the caravan and fossicking for gems in Queensland and Inverell.
John was an accomplished artist, particularly of the Australian bush,
and led two trips is 2014/2015 to Charleyong and Dalton to instruct
LRC members in the art of sketching and painting. It was very fitting
that a painting John did of the shearer’s quarters at Bidura Station
was presented to Greg and Lorraine Ayson on the most recent Easter
trip to Bidura. John was unwell, but determined to go to Bidura for
one last time.
He fought his disease with dignity and determination, even camping
in the caravan in Melbourne for 9 months to receive specialised
chemotherapy. In the last few years of his life, he was determined to do as much travelling and camping with his
club member friends as he was able, turning up (usually unannounced), for
most trips that were on the calendar and escaping for overnight and weekend
drives and camps.
John is survived by his wife Margaret and step daughter Katherine, four sons
and his many brothers and sisters. He will be much missed by his friends in the
Landrover Club.
8
This trip, led by Russell, met at Hall at 8-ish and
seeing as we were last to arrive in our ‘fore’ wheel
drive we ‘volunteered’ (oops was that the first lie)
to do the trip report.
Ten cars headed out from Hall via black top, some
freshly graded dirt road, and some not so smooth
roads (but we were attempting to at least look like
we were four wheel driving).
We made our way in convoy to Gunning where we
picked up the remaining two members or our trip.
We arrived at the Crossroads Café, which is not
quite on the cross roads, in Crookwell about 9.30am.
Thanks to Russell’s planning the café was mostly
prepared for us and we didn’t have to wait long for
our drinks and breakfast. Good food was had, a great chai latte, good coffees and great conversations all
round.
After breakfast some made their way
independently via Taralga, some
went from Crookwell to Goulburn to
head home while others made their
way back via Gunning or Yass.
Thank you to Russell for leading
another enjoyable breakfast
excursion (and honestly, the
salesman told us our Hyundai Elantra
was a ‘fore’ wheel drive).
Breakfast, Lies and Coffee - Crookwell, Sunday 17 April
Kaylene Koppe
9
Brindabellas for Beginners - Sunday 10 April 2016Paul McLeod
Who came:
Leaders
Roger & Ann Quarterman Discovery Tdi
Alex Warburton Defender
Errol Zahnow Discovery
Paul McLeod Pajero
Oskar Janczewski Freelander
Ian Huttley Defender
Mary Bergstrom Pajero
Russell Speldewinde Discovery
9.00 am Sunday morning. Eight sturdy vehicles and twelve willing souls gather beside the picturesque
Murrumbidgee River at Uriarra Crossing. The air is mild and still; skies are clear and untroubled in all directions.
All agree the morning holds excellent prospects for a relaxing day exploring the Brindabellas, including some
low-stress 4WD’ing.
Roger and Ann Quarterman were our fearless leaders for the day. After welcoming the group and outlining the
day’s plan, Roger offered the newcomers some handy tips on tyre pressures. Finally, Roger discussed convoy and
R/T procedures.
The convoy rolled out from the Crossing in good order at 9.25 am, heading south-west. Fifteen minutes later we
pulled up at the base of Uriarra Hill, selected low range, and took turns to tackle the short but fairly steep ascent.
Wheel placement around some deep ruts at the base of the track was the only tricky part to this one. Our reward
at the summit was an expansive vista of the ranges and a leg stretch. There is plenty of parking at the top of the
822 m hill.
But what goes up must come
down, and after an
uneventful descent we made
our way on good dry dirt to
Blue Range Hut for morning
tea. The camping ground
was being put to good use by
a group of young people
enjoying what looked like an
organised Scouting or other
youth group activity.
Back on the road, the highlight came later with an ascent of Mt Coree
(1421 m). The drive up was not particularly tough, but some steep and
badly washed out
sections just before the
peak called for careful
line selection. We were
all quite impressed at
how Oskar’s Freelander
performed. There has
got to be mountain goat
DNA in that vehicle
somewhere.
Climbing Uriarra Hill
Cresting Uriarra Hill
Morning tea at Blue Range Hut Mt Coree
10
Our luncheon venue was a free camping area at the base of Mt Coree.
Then came some more relaxed driving on good dirt, and before long it
was time for afternoon tea back at Blue Range Hut, followed by an
uneventful drive back to the blacktop and a short home trip to
Canberra.
This was most definitely a
very pleasant day in the
bush. According to the
GPS logger, we covered a
total of 61.6 km in 7
hours 6 minutes from
Uriarra Crossing to the dispersal point at the end of the day. We spent
3 hours 27 minutes actually moving, and our average speed for the
day was 17.9 km/h.
I’m sure I echo the sentiments of the whole group when I say that we
owe an enormous vote of thanks to Roger and Ann for their patient
and considerate leadership on this trip. Well done Roger and Ann.
Take a bow.
Finally, for those who are interested, here are the locations of the key points of interest on this trip, and a track
showing our route on the map:
Brindabellas for Beginners - Sunday 10 April 2016 (Cont'd)
Mt Coree
Afternoon tea at Blue Range Hut
UriarraCrossing 35o14.708’S,148o57.078’E
BlueRangeHut 35o17.368’S,148o52.546’E
UriarraHill 35o18.155’S,148o53.075’E
MtCoree 35o18.402’S,148o48.630’E
MtCoreecampingground 35o17.818’S,148o48.438’E
GPS Track
11
Day 1 - Good Friday (Sue Alexander)
There were 19 club members in 12 vehicles on this outing, the last of its kind as Greg and Lorraine, our hosts for
the previous 20-odd trips to Lake Mungo, have sold Bidura Station. Our club expert on Lake Mungo, Sue
Alexander, led us in exemplary fashion, mixing truly ancient history, high tea with scones and jam, and camp
cooking.
Considering the relatively few days available to us over Easter, the first day’s objective was to put kilometres
behind us in order to make the most of our time further west.
Some of us departed from Hall early on Good Friday morning:
Sue Alexander (leader)
Judy and David Wilson
Ray Atkin
John Bayliss
Michael and Rohan Thomson.
We managed to fit in a relaxed morning tea at Jugiong and lunch at Darlington Point, en route to Yanga National
Park via Wagga Wagga, Narrandera and Hay.
Others joined us on Friday afternoon near Darlington Point or at Yanga:
Matt Bolton
Bill and Rita Murray
Barbara and Brian Cather
Russell Speldewinde
Paul and Kaylene Koppe
Alan and Soraya Ryrie
Since we’d made good time (no Series vehicles in the group), we
explored Yanga Homestead in the late afternoon, before camping for
the night in Yanga National Park on the banks of the Murrumbidgee
River. The homestead (of Murray pine ‘drop log’ design) was built in
the 1870s alongside Yanga Lake, with outbuildings (stables, a
gardener’s shed and station store) and rose gardens, now restored and
looked after by 'Friends of Yanga'. There’s also abundant bird life
now that the lake is full again.
Joy and Ian Woonton joined us at Balranald on Saturday morning.
Easter Trip to Lake Mungo and Bidura - 25-28, March 2016
Easter Trip to Lake Mungo and Bidura - 25-28, March 2016 (Cont'd)
Day 2 - Easter Saturday (Kaylene and Paul Koppe)
It was a beautiful dawn at Yanga as we started the second day of our Easter adventure. After breakfast and
packing up we moved off in convoy with Sue as lead and Russell as ‘tail-end Charlie’. We were the last to be
ready to roll so we volunteered to do the day’s trip report. We were 12 cars in all.
First stop was the Yanga woolshed and having visited the homestead on Friday it was interesting to see another
part of what was a huge property. The woolshed is a long low
wooden structure that saw up to 3,000 sheep shorn in a day. There are
some tally sheets displayed and also requests for information from
anyone who may have worked there to fill in the gaps in its history.
I was particularly fascinated by the ‘blade tree’. Shearers on their
smoko would throw the blades of their broken shears at the tree to see
who could get it to stick in the highest. Or so the story goes.
We moved on to
Balranald where most of
us fuelled up. It would be
2 days and 350 kms
before we would see a servo again so it was prudent to have a full
tank.
Lake Paika Station was our morning tea stop. Sue has been coming
this way for many years and her
relationship with Lorraine at Bidura Station lead her to try Paika and meet the
owner, Dianne Williams. We had home-made scones with jam and cream and
tea and coffee and were treated to the story and fight behind the environmental
regeneration of Lake Paika.
Government irrigation schemes meant that the lake dried up soon after 1906 and
it was not until 2011, with a lot of hard negotiation, that water again flowed into
the lake. Dianne and the other lake side landowners deserve much credit for
what they have achieved. Paika is no longer a functioning cattle station but
Dianne is making a going concern of the restored workman’s quarters as guest
accommodation. She also hosts weddings and other gatherings and we wish her
all the best in her future business endeavours. Paika has camping facilities too
and would be a good destination for future LRC trips.
Our ultimate destination today, Bidura Station, is adjacent to Piaka and Dianne gave Sue a package to pass on to
Lorraine at Bidura.
After a short drive we stopped for a break at the Homebush Hotel.
We had to negotiate the chickens on the driveway but everyone drove
responsibly and no chooks were hurt on our arrival (or departure).
The manager Troy gave us a typical friendly country welcome and
was happy to chat while
serving a dozen or so
4x4ers.
The final kms to our
destination were
uneventful and saw us
arrive at Bidura Station about 2. We were greeted by the owner
Lorraine and told to camp anywhere. There was a toilet block (with
flush toilet) and a shower in the shearers quarters so we didn’t move
far. (Continued on the next page)
12
Easter Trip to Lake Mungo and Bidura - 25-28, March 2016 (Cont'd)
After set up and a late lunch we went on a drive around Bidura. Very dry and dusty but also very beautiful. The
owner Greg gave us some history and showed us fossilised coral and their opal field. Honey opal is still to be
found on the ground but it has been pretty well picked at over the years and nothing truly valuable has been dug
up.
Greg and Lorraine have sold up and will be leaving in August. 38 years of accumulated farm ‘stuff’ will be sold in
a clearance sale in a few weeks. The most unusual items were perhaps the two gyrocopters that had been used for
mustering in the past. While ‘no longer airworthy’ they elicited great interest. Greg said he would throw in a box
trailer if we wanted to buy one on the spot. Hmmm, tempting.
After our return to camp it was time for cheese and bickies and a sit and chat around the camp fire. We dispersed
for dinner and then reconvened at the fire. Sue’s camp oven baked apple and rhubarb dessert went down a treat.
About 8:30 the just-past full moon rose to the call of “who parked their tent in the way?”.
Rohan, a professional photographer, disappeared into the dark to take advantage of the clear skies and absence of
light pollution to take some night photos.
After a few drinks and some “lies” it was time for a well-earned sleep with anticipation of tomorrow’s visit to
Mungo National Park.
************************************************************************************
Day 3 - Easter Sunday (Michael Thomson)
Lake Mungo is part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area. The lake has been dry for the last
15,000 (15k) years. Scientists have discovered artefacts confirming Aboriginal habitation going back 50k years.
The sand dunes consist of soil layers confirmed at 120k – 100k years, 60k-37k, and the recent 37k to 18k periods.
Within the next few years Mungo Man and Mungo Lady both found in the 60k-37k layer, will be returned to this
place.
The area is home to three Aboriginal tribal groups: Paakantji/Barkindji, Ngyiampaa and Mutthi Mutthi.
Surprise for everyone this morning, the Easter Bunny had managed to get chocolate Easter Eggs all this way from
Canberra, and they were not melted.
Sue set a reasonable starting time for today, so we were able to sleep in till 9 am.
Sue, John, Russell, Ray, Bill and Rita, Kaylene & Paul, Alan and Soraya, David and Judy, Michael and Rohan,
left Bidura Station in convoy, headed for Lake Mungo National Park, via 80km of pretty good unsealed road.
The first casualty of the trip when John discovers a very flat tyre as we swing into Mungo NP. Sharp rock had
split the tyre and again it
was a Land Rover to the
rescue, this time with
supply of the jack!
We proceeded past the
Visitors Centre/ 1869
Cypress Pine shearing shed
and modern
accommodation, and
headed out on the self
guided tour of the loop
road.
The road/track took us
across the saltbush lake bed
to the south eastern end of
the Walls of China lunettes.
(Continued on next page)
13
Easter Trip to Lake Mungo and Bidura - 25-28, March 2016 (Cont'd)
The track,very sandy in places, wanders through the Mallee.We
stopped for morning tea at Beulah Camp, taking advantage of the
shade offered by the Mallee.
Following morning tea we drove on past the goat trap and round tank
to Vigars Well, where we stopped to play/walk/slide on the eastern
side of the dunes. Ray had been there some years ago, and the sand
dune had covered the road and parking area where he had been. (The
dunes are moving east about a metre a year) Following parking rules,
we parked with a French registered RHD Defender (110 with custom
camper). Michael and Marie were 6 weeks into their 12 month
Aussie holiday. They joined us later for our ranger guided tour of the Walls of China.
We continued on along the sand tracks and investigated the Zanci homestead ruins and the dugout they had built
to escape the searing daytime heat.
We reassembled at the Visitors Centre for lunch. Our tour was at 3pm, so we had a chance to take in the
woolshed and centre displays.
Russell and John headed back to Bidura after effecting temporary 4 plug repair to John’s stabbed tyre.
We were met by our tour guide, Ranger Ivan, a Barkindji man, for a quick
introduction, then formed a vehicle convoy and followed him to The Walls tour
area. This area is restricted to guided access only.
We were shown evidence of ancient
cooking activity, with the remains of
some very large animals (kangaroo,
wombat & murray cod) evident on the
surface. A number of animal skeletons
have confirmed marsupials had lived
here too. This material has been found
in all three layers.
The stone chips and remains of tools
discovered, also reinforced the
understanding that the tribal groups had
been undertaking trading activities.
We investigated (looked, took pictures,
discussed) the landscape prior to returning
to our vehicles at about 5:30pm.
The tour certainly puts human habitation of
our country in better perspective.
Sue led us on an uneventful trip back to our
campsite at Bidura.
Michael and Rohan investigated the Mungo
NP campsite on the way back, with all its bollards and small park areas; I am sorry but for a typical LRC-ACT
group, this area would not provide ideal camping (unlike Bidura).
Russell and John had been back at camp for a couple of hours, so a campsite fire had been prepared ready for our
cooking pleasure with ample red hot coals. Sue prepared her almost famous camp oven apple crumble, and most
importantly, she kept some for Michael and Rohan who had been off taking photos in the near darkness. To see
some of Rohan’s pics: https://rohanthomson.client-gallery.com/ - /mungo-easter-2016.
(More photos from Day 3 next page)
14
Easter Trip to Lake Mungo and Bidura - 25-28, March 2016 (Cont'd)
********************************************************************************************
Day 4 - Easter Monday (Sue Alexander)
We woke up early at Bidura Station to the sounds of dogs barking, sheep bleating and a big truck arriving and
general commotion. The last truck load of 350 Bidura fat lambs was being loaded to go to market in Victoria.
The sheep had been mustered the day before when we were at Mungo, and were being held in the pens adjacent
to the shearing shed where we camped. We packed up the tents and trailers and watched Greg, Lorraine,
numerous onlookers and the truck driver and sheep dogs gently coax the sheep through the races and onto the
double storey B double semi.
The convoy heading back toward Canberra consisted of Sue, John, Russell, Matt, Ray, Michael and Rohan, and
Paul and Kaylene. The remainder took a more leisurely approach to the morning as they were extending their
Easter trip to have more stops on the way home. (Continued on next page)
15
16
Easter Trip to Lake Mungo and Bidura - 25-28, March 2016 (Cont'd)
We were ready at 9am but had the all important task of saying farewell to Greg and Lorraine who have been
hosting the LRC to camp at Bidura for nearly 20 years. Now at retirement age and having been on the land at
Bidura for 31 years and seen many years of drought and tough times, Greg and Lorraine have sold up to Iluka, a
mineral sand mining company and are ‘going bush’ from October with a new off road caravan and house in
Mildura. Iluka will be using the property for road access to the nearby mines and returning water to the aquifer.
We gathered to say our thanks and
farewells for the last time and in honour of
the occasion presented Greg and Lorraine
with a painting of the Bidura shearer’s
quarters done by LRC resident artist John
Bayliss. They were very touched. It was a
sad occasion, but as Bidura is being leased
back to a neighbouring property to still run
sheep, we were invited to ‘free camp’ on
the property at any time in the future.
We had intended taking the route home via
the northern side of the Murrumbidgee
through Oxley and Maude but given it was
gravel road and John B. only had a spare
tyre with 5 plugs in it thanks to his flat tyre
the previous day, we stuck to the bitumen.
We had morning tea at Hay, and said
farewell to Ray, Paul and Kaylene at
Darlington Point as they were heading home via Griffith. Lunch was a picnic in the park at Narrandera with
leftovers, as being Easter Monday there were no cafes open. The trip was uneventful with reasonable traffic flow
for a public holiday although we had an interesting and protracted conversation over the radio about the
differences in cruise control speeds between cars. Michael called the argument to a finish by suggesting that we
should re-set the satellites or some such useful suggestion.
We stopped for a final caffeine fix at The Dog on the Tucker Box with a million other people and arrived home
after a great weekend at 7pm.
17
Series Splutterings
Peter Mercer
Gday Folks for one reason or another I have missed the last couple of editions of the club magazine and
I haven’t had a chance to sort any trips of a series nature since the Canberra Show in February.
I am suggesting a pre heritage drive run out to Collector for the Pumpkin Festival on Sunday 1 May.
It is full steam ahead with preparations for the Outback Land Rover Heritage Drive 2016 and we are all
very much looking forward to it. The numbers will level out at 60 ish in 35 vehicles.
The OLRHD committee has worked well and is now just looking at what activities can be included to
value add to the experience.
There are folk joining us from ACT, Victoria, NSW and QLD, which is great. There are:
Vehicle Number
Series 1 2
Series 2 5
Series 3 3
Ninety 1
County 1
200 TDI 1
SVX 1
Defender 8
Perentie 1
D3 2
D4 2
Misc 4
Well I will see you in Bourke as we head off on 20 June.
Other than that we have the invitation from the AMEC to join them on 4 and 5 June for a trip to
Adaminaby, overnighting at Currango Homestead and returning via Boundary Rd.
I am also in the throes of sorting about 40-ish series vehicles and Land Rovers, generally to
Cootamundra on the Fathers Day weekend. I have made contact with the Cootamundra Caravan Park
and camping there is fine. This weekend will appeal to a fair number and I suggest we slip over on
Friday afternoon from 3.00 pm.
There’s a historic ! mile run for old vehicles on the Saturday along with our static Land Rover display
and a swap meet on the Sunday at the show ground. Details of the camp ground -
www.cootamundracaravanpark.com.au.
Sounds like a different way to spend Fathers Day to me. See you there.
18
Club Notice Board
Driver Education UnitThe DEU (Driver Education Unit) is for the benefit of all club members to assist and share our knowledge and
experience in safe, responsible and practical off road driving techniques.
Regardless of whether you are a new or existing member, if you feel that you would benefit from a 2 hour theory
night followed by a practical day, you should register your interest with the Driver Training Coodinator at
If there is sufficient interest, the DEU may organise specific training events for club members such as Winching,
Snatch Strap Recovery, Water crossing etc.
Short Notice TripsThis feature is for all club members who find themselves with spare time on their hands at short notice and what to
go for a day drive or a weekend away at a favourite spot.
Please send brief details and a direct contact email address and phone number to the Webmaster
([email protected]) for posting onto the Web page, and then follow up with all interested parties.
You are requested to let the Trip Coordinator ([email protected]) know of the trip and who is attending
prior to the trip itself, but you need to coordinate all aspects of the short notice trip yourself.
This feature is for short notice trips only and does not replace the trip calendar for more complex trips.
Your LRC Library
Your Club library holds material relevant to four wheel driving and related
activities. For a listing of the material held in the club library, or if you would like
to borrow any of the library items, contact me at either the monthly meeting or by
email to [email protected]. An up-to-date list of library assets should also be
available on the Club web site. However, at this stage I don’t think it has quite
made it that far.
If, on your rounds of bookshops, outdoor or National Parks shops or any other outlets, you discover
resources relevant to the interests of LRC members, please feel welcome to provide me with their details.
Such items may be technical or non-technical.
Technical information is probably self evident - vehicle maintenance & repair, driving techniques,
navigation. Does our Club possess its own up-to-date guidelines for the packing of a vehicle and/or trailer
for remote/ not-so-remote 4WD expeditions into a variety of terrains - e.g. how to securely pack and store
a range of food items, which spare equipment is essential / desirable? If not, would it be useful to develop
or update guidelines as a Club / Library resource?
Much of this would be specifically addressed by leaders prior to trips but a written reference source
available to all members would be useful.
Non-technical materials might address areas of of particular interest to 4WD travellers. Suggestions
include Australian wildlife, botany, photography, geography, geology, weather
systems, tourist information, customs and history (of Aboriginal people or of
those of us who arrived later); perhaps fishing, drawing or painting skills?
Others?
Judy Wilson
Librarian
19
'Out of the Shed' is a free service for club members where you canadvertise anything you wish to buy, sell, rent, swap or give to a goodhome.
Ads will run for one issue unless otherwise requested (nocommercials, please).
Send details to [email protected]
Out of the Shed
Club Notice Board
Trip Coordinator Ramblings
As we have a large influx of new members it is probably worth going through the process to sign up and
participate in a trip. The trip coordinator’s role is to make life easier for the members who generously volunteer
their time and knowledge to run trips.
When a member submits a trip either via email or on the web site it is added to the calendar for the following
month and the webmaster uploads it to the website so that people can electronically register for the trip. If a
member wishes to nominate for a trip they can either email [email protected] , sign up on the website at
lrc.org.au by clicking on the register button on the trip page or sign up on the sheets that the trip coordinator
brings to every club meeting. Every registration will receive a confirmation from the trip coordinator to confirm
that they are added to the trip. If registered via the website an automated response is also sent.
As a trip nears the participant details are collated and sent to the trip leader who manages communication
regarding the trip from that point on. As a trip leader you will receive a full contact list from the trip coordinator
that allows you to plan and contact participating members.
If you have signed up for a trip and cannot attend please let the trip leader or trip coordinator know. It is
common courtesy and as some trips have limited spaces and a reserve list you may be preventing another
member from joining the trip.
Regarding the trips that members would like the club to run, unfortunately the trip coordinator is not an all
seeing oracle who can conjure up exciting places to go as part of his role. Speaking personally I grew up in the
central west of NSW and do not know where those special spots are that the locals consider passé. Many others
in the club also are not from the Canberra region and would enjoy a day trip to many of these places with a little
four wheel driving thrown in.
As winter draws closer the club usually heads off to the desert or stays indoors. It would be great to see a few
day trips run over the winter that don’t necessarily require camping, or maybe even getting out of the car . There
are few better places to be when its 5 degrees and drizzling than inside a nice warm 4wd on a drive in the
country.
It’s important to remember that the club doesn’t put on trips, the members do. There are many people on the
committee who are happy to assist new members to run a trip and are willing to give their time to help to
organise and advise. If you would like to run a trip and need some help don’t hesitate to contact me.
Keep Exploring,
Ian Toten
LRC Trip Coordinator.
Land Roving News
Land Roving News is the Official Magazine of the Land Rover Club of the ACT Incorporated
PO Box 419, Civic Square, ACT, 2608, www.lrc.org.au