2008-05

May 2008

SUBARU 4WD NEWS

Meetings of

THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB of WESTERN AUSTRALIA INC. are normally held at

7.30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at the Wembley Community Centre (Joan Watters Building)

40 Alexander Street, WEMBLEY W.A.

Subaru 4WD Web Site: http://www.subaru4wdclubwa.asn.au

WA 4WD Association (Inc): http://www.wa4wda.com.au

SUBARU 4WD CLUB NEWS

SUBARU 4WD CLUB of WESTERN AUSTRALIA INC P.O. BOX 434, SOUTH PERTH, W.A. 6951

2008 COMMITTEE (Home Phone) PRESIDENT: Simon Newton 9450-5953 [email protected]

SECRETARY: Robert Griffiths 9250-6270 [email protected]

TREASURER: Tony Richards 9386-7705 [email protected]

SOCIAL ORGANISER: Keith Wilcox 9344-6830

TRIPS CO-ORDINATOR: David Peck 9275-5617

EDITOR: Jim Wilcox 9306-8222 [email protected]

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Peter Andruszkiw 9440-4075 Geoff Hayden 9447-5698 Martin Southwood 9349-0182 Keith Low 9459-3358 Wendy Griffiths 9250-6270

MERCHANDISE: Tony Richards 9386-7705

WEB MASTER: Karl Boeing 9341-5087 [email protected]

4WD ASSOC DELEGATE: Tony Richards 9386-7705

M’SHIP CO-ORDINATOR: Keith Low 9459-3358 [email protected] PROPERTY OFFICER: Peter Joensson 9447-3658

LIFE MEMBERS Fred Offer, Keith Anderson, Jonel Householder, Ray Stewart,

Ian Johnson, Peter Andruszkiw and Ron Caunce.

SUBARU 4WD CLUB of W.A. INC

Presidents Report May 08 Well Folks, we have just returned from a successful trip to Lochada. The weather was great and, after last month’s rains, everything is green and pleasant. The lake is full of water , which has not been seen for a long time up there.

Work was completed in line with our commitment to DEC, to maintain the campsite and remove fencing and, apart from a couple of things to repair sometime all is in good condition.

We had a challenging day trip finding tracks that are not on the map, but are now, and we somehow managed to get back to camp in one piece before needing the aid of the Southern Cross. No thanks to GPS co-ordinates, perhaps we need a GPS tune up day! Meanwhile, I may stick to the trusty compass.

Our social dinner at the Rose and Crown in Guildford was successful, with more than 20 members enjoying good food, wine and company.

Membership is now almost 50, thanks to the generous membership offer from Subaru and the efforts of Karl, our Webmaster, the site being easy to navigate and informative.

Trips and Socials are organized for the next 3 months, check the calendar in the mag and join in, it’s your Club!

Your President,

Simon Newton.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE HELD BY

THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB OF W.A. INC. Please send articles to the Editor by the Thursday before the end of the month (earlier is better). Email: [email protected] in Word format or plain text; Soft copy articles preferred by email, diskette or CD. Subaru 4WD Club WA Website: http://www.subaru4wdclubwa.asn.au


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The Easter trip to Lochada was postponed due to the large amount of rain in the area in March, which flooded a number of roads in the area and turned the rest to mud. So it was swapped at the last minute with the trip to the Hidden Breakaway. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise because three days would not have been long enough to go to the Hidden Breakaway without some long days driving, which would have spoiled the idea of a relaxing trip in the bush.

The surprising thing was that when the trip was changed nearly all the same people went, which was the topic of some discussion around the camp fire. It seems that these people just want to get away when they can and the destination is a secondary consideration. The beauty of heading out in this direction at Easter is that you don’t have to deal with the crowds and traffic associated with heading to the more popular spots, especially down South.

The ANZAC day long weekend trip was therefore to Lochada, with some people going up a day or two early and others deciding to come home a day later. There was a good turn out of members and visitors Craig, Di & Rebecca in a highly modified L series.

The trip on Saturday was interesting with discrepancies between those with GPS and maps, resulting in some exploration down dead end roads. Thanks to all involved who carried out the maintenance work that needed doing, the usual fence removal, fault finding why the lights and power weren’t working in the ablutions block, and trying to fix one of the toilets.

Jim would be happy to see a few people take their mums on a day trip around Gnangara Pines on May 11. Even though its mothers day, why not invite her for a picnic in the country and come along.

The next long weekend bush camp is to the Helena and Aurora ranges and Simon promises there will be less mud this time. It’s been a while since the club has been out this way so get the details from the promo and put your name on the trip sheet, or contact Simon or myself.

See you out there,

David Peck


Gnangara Pines - 11th May

This will be a leisurely drive along the sand tracks amongst the pine

trees.

Meet at: 218 Lakelands Drive, Gnangara (corner of Sydney Road)

Time: 9.15 for a 9.30am start

Bring: Food, water, tyre pump and gauge.

Please get your name down on the trip sheet or contact trip co-ordinator Jim Wilcox 93068222 or E-mail

[email protected]

Please note: I am away until 4th May

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JOHN FORREST BIKE RIDE - SUNDAY MAY 25 2008 Time to dust off the bicycle, pump up tyres, check brakes and get the legs working. On this ride we will do a section of the Railway Reserve Mountain Bike Trail into John Forrest National Park. For additional information on the trail; Google "Railway Reserve Trail" (Information from Australia).

The trail is the original railway formation, which went up Greenmount Hill; as a result the gradient is only very slight.

The intention is to do an "out and back" i.e. follow the trail for a while; turn around and come back. I hope to cover about 10 to 15km. Do not be concerned about the distance; the return section is all downhill!

The trail is wide and well maintained and is suitable for all levels of riding ability. However, if you are planning on coming along, please ensure your bike is fitted with "fat" tyres; road bikes with skinny tyres may be difficult to handle.

Toilet facilities and a Kiosk are located at the Park.

Date: Sunday 25 May, 2008

Time: Meet at 8.45am for a 9am departure


Helena and Aurora Ranges - June LWE. This is a wonderful area for bush camping and exploring just north of Southern Cross. Peaceful, remote and quiet, it is unlikely we will see anyone else out there.

There’s a report and photos of our last trip out that way on the club website, hopefully it will not be as muddy this time! We will camp at the base of the ranges and spend the next day exploring, returning to our camp. Return to Perth on Monday perhaps via Beacon and some interesting isolated bushland reserves.

Trip subject to weather conditions as this area turns to chewing gum after rain. An alternative trip will run if this happens, same type of camping trip, just different direction.

Meet: Midland Shopping Centre, on the right just before Midland, near the bus and train stations.

When: Saturday, May 31st to June 2nd.

Time: 7.45 for 8am prompt departure.

Fuel: Full tank, refuel at The Cross.

Bring: Camping gear for the bush and water, no facilities nearby at all. CB Radio essential, can be hired for $5 from the club.

Contact: Trip Leader - Simon Newton, 94505953, Presidents email in mag, or name on list at meeting.

Meeting place: Carpark at the corner of Pechey and Morrison Roads, Greenmount.

Bring: Bicycle with "fat" tyres, bicycle helmet (recommended; just in case), water, torch (if you want to walk through the tunnel), money for refreshments at Kiosk or bring your own.

Trip leader: Martin Southwood (Ph 9349 0182)

Casserole in the Shed with Xmas pud. Saturday June 14th This year instead of going bush for Xmas the committee has decided on a less labour intensive activity for the small band of workers and


Karijini to Coast:- (Newman from 16th July): “Despite the apparent harshness, the feeling of space and stark openness is one of the most compelling attractions of this region. Horizons are wide, and the possibilities endless” 1.

The vast Pilbara beckons you to luxuriate in cool pools in secret valleys – oasis in an endless landscape of rusty raw colours. Beautiful scenery, gnarled gums, spinifex plains and rugged vistas with space for all.

Join this trip at Newman on the 16th July, or travel in a convoy from Perth. An itinerary has been done, but it may change to suit the majority as we travel. You can join or leave according to your available time. Eventually we will emerge on the coast near Coral Bay on 26th July and travel back to Perth. You may connect after Ian Johnson’s Pierre Repairre trip leaving Perth on 5th -15th July via the Carnarvon Ranges (conditions apply).

This is a casual trip, so no rush with time to relax. It’s camping all the way, sometimes in the bush, and we have been able to reserve some tent sites in the exclusive Karijini Eco Retreat [thanks Simon] – excellent!

Karijini NP is vast, rugged and beautiful with deep pools and waterfalls where the Fortescue River has carved its way down through layers of ancient colourful rocks – a slice through geological

everybody bring a plate of soup, casserole or dessert to share as we have done on previous progressive dinners, only we will stationary in my new shed. So if it is raining we will hopefully all be snug and dry

See Keith and put down your favourite dish on the trip sheet so that we don’t end up with 15 of one dish and nothing else.

Please also bring a small plate of pre dinner nibblies to share and if we have a large group a few extra chairs may be required.

BYO drinks, knifes, forks, spoons and plates.

See you in the shed starting around 5.30pm for nibbles.

Address: 218 Lakelands Drive, Gnangara (corner of Sydney Road)

Phone Jim; 93068222


Pierre Repairre and/or Carnarvon Ranges (July 2008 school holidays.)

Blue Hills & Red Ridges 1

In July 1991 many people repaired Well 6 (Pierre Spring) on the Can-ning Stock Route (CSR). Maintenance is again required entailing a variety of jobs with or without tools. We have been invited back to lend a hand – a great opportunity to assist in the preservation of a truly beautiful and historic place on the CSR. Ian Stockbridge and the Geraldton 4WD club are supervising this worthwhile project which should take 3 - 4 days on site. Leave Perth 5th July, Wiluna to Granite Peak station then a short section on the famous CSR from Well 5 to Well 6 arriving at the idyllic camp spot on 7th July.

After the well project, return home the same way, or enhance the ad-venture to the scenic Carnarvon Ranges on 11th July.

For all of the above, you will only need I jerry can of extra fuel from Wiluna to Kumarina.

“looming blue out of the sandplain, changing to bril-liant red – a huge mass of crazily tilted sandstone” 2

The Carnarvon Ranges are connected by a track winding through

time.

In Millstream/Chichester NP there are freshwater pools, including the pretty Chinderwarriner Pool, Crossing Pool, Deep Reach Pool and Python Pool. Both Crossing Pool and Deep Reach Pool offer basic camping facilities along with Snake Creek The park also has fantastic walk trails as well as a number of scenic drives around the park.

We may have a meeting of participants (or those interested) to discuss tactics, tyres, spares, equipment and whatever can be shared. Suggestions and assistance welcome.

Cheers, David Peck.

For details please contact David Peck. 9275 5617 [email protected] 1 From Ancient Mountains and Desert Sands, David Wagland 1996


sand dunes and spinifex plains with many places of tranquil beauty, endless walks, hidden waterholes and a panel of Aboriginal paintings arguably the best in WA outside Kakadu. Exit +- 15th July via Neds Creek or Beyondie Station to the G.N. Hwy at Kumarina. Home; or adventure on with David Peck’s Karijini to Coast trip! [departs New-man 17th July].

You could also join up just for the Carnarvon Ranges section.

Have a look at your diary now. You may do so with your Subaru or other make of 4WD. You will love it!

This promo is deliberately short on info – please ask for more details.

Contact Ian Johnson 9448 5419 [email protected]

Please note Ian will be away 22nd April to 25th June – but meanwhile Jim Wilcox and David Peck have all the details.

Cheers, Ian Johnson 1 Title of Peter Muir’s book about his days between the RPF and CSR.

2 The Late Alex Harris [environmental journalist] about the Carnarvon Ranges.


CAMP OVEN COOKOUT 16th August - Dwellingup Chalet & Caravan Park

Picture this: A huge cooking fire, and the smell of smoke in the cri sp, bush air. Tarps and tents in the forest mist. Fifteen camp ovens, containing everything from cheesecake to curry, baking under watchful eyes. Starters, mains, side dishes and desserts, all served out of the white-hot ashes. Thirty-two absolutely satisfied Subaru club members!

That was our last Camp Oven Cookout, and it is time to do it again. Get ready for the best meal you’ll ever have – and the best instruction you’ll ever receive in how to use your camp oven. Work with experts as we all pitch in to make damper, bread, roasts, stews, dumplings, cakes, pies – anything is possible in a camp oven!

Our location is Dwellingup, at the Dwellingup Chalet and Caravan Park, with good camping facilities and chalets for the faint-hearted.

One unique feature of previous cookouts was experimenting with wood. We tried Illyarie, Banksia, Banksia Nuts, Snappy Gum, Mallee Root and also used charcoal briquettes and the usual jarrah off cuts. The fuel used can make a huge difference to the way you use your oven. So bring all the wood you can lay your hands on, and we’ll repeat the experiment.


We also had an assortment of camp ovens: the usual cast iron, a fabulous and fanciful African camp pot with legs, a spun steel camp oven, and a tin bedourie. This year we hope to see some Cobb cookers, too! Again, the type of oven you use will make a difference. Camp oven cookery is an art, not a science!

Over the years we’ve proven that ANYTHING can be cooked in a camp oven – breads, soups, stews, roasted meats, hot cross buns, quandong pies, cheesecakes, even a soufflé! So come along and help us stretch the boundaries.

Location: Dwellingup Chalet and Caravan Park. If you are going to camp, please let me know and I will reserve a camp site for you – the cost is $20 per unpowered tent site for two people. For chalets, please book direct on 9538 1157 (ring for rates and accommodation info – from $30 to $150 per night).

Time: Arrive any time you like (no convoy). We will start the cooking fires at 12.00 on Saturday. Make sure you arrive well ahead of the time needed to prepare your dish. Where possible, desserts are cooked first then set aside so the camp ovens can be re-used to cook mains. Damper for afternoon tea, drinks at 5.30, and dinner when it is ready - hopefully 7.00.

Food: Sign up to bring something for dinner. Not everything will require a camp oven (salads, etc). Ring to discuss or sign up at the meeting.

Bring: Normal camping gear. There are showers, toilet, water, etc. Bring wet weather gear and pole/tarps if you have them – just in case.

Wood: Bring your own if you are able – ring to discuss. It doesn’t need to be special wood; off cuts will be appreciated for the campfire.

Need Help? If you are a first timer, ring to discuss the types of dishes that can be easily cooked in a camp oven. If you would like to learn, but do not yet have a camp oven, you can borrow one! Ring for information. If you need some basic info or ideas for new recipes, check out a new site that has appeared since our last cookout: http://www.aussiecampovencook.com/index.htm

Info: Nina McLaren 0427936566 or 9448-5419 or [email protected] or speak to Ian or Simon at the next meeting.


ESPERANCE ESCAPADE - DAY 3 10.am on a bright Saturday morning saw seven Subarus heading out of town for the

white beaches and turquoise waters of Cape le Grand National Park.

Jon was feeling less than great due to a flu virus so we gratefully accepted Dawn’s kind offer to double-up in her Forester. Our first stop was Hellfire bay, picture-perfect with sunlight dancing on the sparkling ocean, inviting some of our group to brave the cool water. Most of us were just content to admire the views, take photographs and breathe in the fresh air.

As we drove to the next beach, Frenchman’s Peak rose majestically in the background and although it looked inviting we all resisted the urge to stop. (The climb to the peak is said to be about one and a half hours for the fit no doubt).

Thistle cove was another interesting stop with Whistling Rock reminiscent in size and shape to Dog Rock in Albany. Noticing the club logo on David’s shirt a passer-by mentioned that she had nursed someone in Perth recently whose mother was on the same Club trip. She only knew the patient’s name so, as I was out of range, I missed the chance to renew my acquaintance with one of the hard working, dedicated team that cared for Tracy recently.

Lucky Bay is a beautiful place and we drove onto the beach for a picnic lunch. While some took a leisurely walk along the beach afterwards, I chose to take advantage of a stiff breeze to fly the colourful kite that we had purchased on a previous trip to Esperance. There was no shortage of volunteers, eager to give my aching arms a rest so I had a quick paddle before we headed off to Le Grand beach for a spectacular 22 kilometre drive to Wylie Bay. The convoy stayed between the ruts left by earlier adventurers but in some parts the sand was really churned up. I take my hat off to Dawn who kept the car under control without even raising a sweat. There was only one nasty moment, when the driver of a Land- cruiser bore down upon us with no intention of slowing down or giving way. I hope our disgust at his rudeness was evident. I doubt that he would have cared either way. Moments later we observed contrasting behaviour when the driver of a Jeep moved over and waited patiently while we all trundled past. I guess not everyone is a beach-hog.

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Hyden – Breakaway – Easter 08 Good Friday 21 March

Good Friday saw 5 Forester's leave Coventry's at 8.30 to join up with Nina and Ian who had gone on ahead to Emu Rock, off the Hyden-Norseman road. Tony, Simon, David, Carl and Roz, Jenny and Tom made good time on the very quiet roads and had morning tea just before Corrigin, It was a beautiful day after a chilly start and the countryside although picturesque at times was very dry. Hyden was our petrol and lunch stop, The service station was very busy and somehow Tony paid for Carl's petrol, which was sorted in the end and Carl had to pay for his own. We set off again and reached Emu Rock about 2.30.

Nina and Ian were set up and didn't have any trouble saving places as there was no one else there, except for hundreds of flies that appeared out of know where. We picked our spots and had a drink and chat. Some of the group decided to walk up the rock to view the sunset and moon rising-quite spectacular. After dinner we sat around the fire talking and drinking, It had been a lovely day and most of us turned in after 9 with Tony, who never stays up past 9.30 usually!!!!! Simon was left to put out the fire with cries of "don't break any sticks at 5am to start the b..... fire again"

Roz and Carl Carey

Hyden - Breakaway - Day 2 - Saturday 22 March We headed out of Emu Rocks on schedule at 9 am but stopped within a kilometre to check out 2 water holes on the far side of the rocks from where we had been camping. The results were highly divergent- the first had masses of beautiful frogs which were easily viewed. The second had the last stages of 2 dead kangaroos. Unsurprisingly, the former were the subject of more photographs than the latter.

We resumed travel on the Hyden-Norseman Road, heading in a

Our last stop was Bandy creek to see the damage caused by the big storm when thousands of tons of sand were blown into the creek. Although the dock area has since been dredged there is no sign of water in the creek bed. I guess these things take time and money.

Back at camp we relaxed after a refreshing shower with nibbles and drinks before cooking dinner. I think we all agreed that the day had been exhilarating and we eagerly looked forward to the next outing.

Val Hunter


generally North Easterly direction before diverging towards the Frank Hann National Park.

Many of the tracks we were following seemed to have been used infrequently with considerable regrowth having taken place. The countryside had sections of very attractive forest with a large range of eucalypt species.

Morning Tea time had us hunting for Digger’s Rock which was supposedly a short walk through the bush from the track. A certain amount of random milling about eventually had David spotting a one metre rock which hardly seemed to justify a waypoint. Ian also pointed out that there was a Digger’s Rock mine in a completely different location. A combination of perseverance and luck eventually located the real rock which was still on the smaller scale of granite outcrops.

The weather was clouding up by this stage which led to much discussion on the 2 way about options in response to rain. Tony had to work his laptop hard as a number of mining roads were not on his map at all. At one point we ended up going back over a section we had previously turned around

at. However, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, any errors were soon corrected.

Lunch was at a former mine site. This did not sound a particularly appealing prospect but was in fact a magnificent spot amongst tall, strikingly coloured eucalypts.


Further driving took us to the vicinity of Mount Gibb. The track to Mount Gibb itself was a diversion which was hemmed in by dense foliage as well as having loose rocky sections. Those with roo bars led the way on the basis of what Tony referred to on

the radio as their “frontal appendages”. Appendages notwithstanding, the external mirrors took something of a beating as did my aerial mounting bracket. However, the view from the rock itself was worth the effort.

Rain started falling steadily from this point. This was somewhat ironic given this trip was a substitute for Lochada as the latter had experienced significant rainfall.

We eventually emerged on the Lake King – Norseman Road at which point we considered our options. Ian suggested stopping at a water catchment tank further towards Norseman. We agreed to check this out and headed off. Most of the journey was through rain but eventually we outran the progress of the front at which point we hit dusty roads and the temperature rose by around 10 degrees. This was clearly not a long term solution to the rain issue as we did not have enough fuel to keep going to Sydney.

The tank and catchment area were built in 1940 if one can believe the writing in some of the footings before the cement set. The large roofed area had many sheets of iron missing or holed as well as sagging timbers. The tank itself bore much graffiti from the cosmic to the profane - including the alleged sexual habits of the Fremantle Dockers. However, it looked good to us compared with camping in the rain.

Accordingly, we pitched our tents under the better parts of the roof and were also able to bring the vehicles under cover. Whilst we were setting


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May 2008

S M T W T F S Wed 7 Committee Meeting Tue 13 General Meeting Sun 11 Day trip Gnangara Pines (see page 5) Sun 25 Social bike ride John Forrest (see page 5) Sat 31-2 Helena and Aurora ranges (see page 6)

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 28 30 31

June 2008

S M T W T F S 1 to 2 Helena and Aurora ranges (see page 6) Wed 4 Committee Meeting Tue 10 General Meeting Sat 14th Casserole and pud in the shed (see page 6) Sun 22nd Mundaring power line track

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30

July 2008

S M T W T F S Wed 2 Committee Meeting Tue 8 General Meeting Sat 5 onwards Pierre and Karijini trips (see pages 7 and 8) Sun 13 Day trip for those not lucky enough to be away Sat 26 Movie and meal evening

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6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31


Potential members are most welcome to come along on any Club activities before joining. Please phone the Trip Leader for further information.

Register with the trip leader if you are wanting to join a trip or social. Also contact the trip leader if you have to cancel, we don’t want to wait for someone who does not turn up!

Some trips are ideas only and may be subject to change. Some of the later trips need trip leaders – volunteers please.

SCHOOL AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS School Holidays: 5th to 21st July and 27th Sept to 3rd October. Public Holidays: 2nd June and 29th September.

August 2008

S M T W T F S Wed 6 Committee Meeting Tues 12 General Meeting Sat 16 Camp oven cookout Sun 24 East of Armadale

31 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

September 2008

S M T W T F S Wed 3 Committee Meeting Sat 6 TBA Tues 9 General Meeting Sun 14 Day Trip - TBA Sat 27 to Mon 29 LWE Barrabup Sanctuary (see page 10)

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30


up camp, it appeared we were going to have company from a couple who pulled in with a Land Cruiser. However, they just wanted to have a chat before continuing on their journey to Norseman.

The rain duly arrived and continued through much of the night. Whilst there were plenty of puddles around the tents, we considered ourselves fortunate to have the benefit of Ian’s suggestion.

Tom Minto.

Lochada Lament ?! - Day 3 - Sunday 23 March Pick a trip title: - Lochada Not; Rain and Hide, or The Breakaways. Whatever the name, whatever the place, it was great to get out of town and into the bush.

The rain from yesterday that had us sheltering under the roof on Ninety Mile Tank abated during the night with a morning minimum temperature of 14°. We toasted hot-cross buns on the coals from last nights fire, and were packed and away by 9.00am. David Peck headed back home on Frank Hann Road as he had commitments on Monday. The rest of us were then in the wilds of somewhere, the radio playing appropriate lyrics:

And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack And you may find yourself in another part of the world And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife And you may ask yourself-Well...How did I get here?*

We turned north not knowing if we were going to “push me in the water, drop me in the river” * but we had no trouble with rain or mud.


The wonderful thing about the Goldfields woodlands is the ever changing habitat, the beautiful gum trees, their understorey, ground cover and different soil types. The main attractions are the ‘gum trees’ with about 80 species, 34 endemic. The biggest are the Salmon gum Eucalyptus salmonophloia , Red Morrel E. Longicornis and Goldfields blackbutt E. lesoueffi plus the many mallees and red barked gimlets. I particularly like the pale ‘streamers’ hanging from some of the small species of gums such as Ribbon-barked Gum E. sheathiana which Nina calls ‘Party Trees’. The Bluebush Cratystylis conocephala is in striking contrast to the red dirt and other green shrubs.

Lake Johnston had a little water, and we had morning tea at a splendid spot overlooking it, then scrambled to a part of Honman Ridge – a jumble of lichen covered rock slabs which divide Lake Johnston from Lake Hope.

We had lunch on the track then a mini nature lesson in a ½ square metre of scrub, and though drought effected it contained several spiders and a number of 12mm bright green grasshoppers. For dessert we sampled some kernels of quandong seeds. Further down the track we collected


firewood – Simon wanting to take the whole 20 metres of a fallen giant! More gum trees, winding tracks and endless campsites.

The vegetation on the ranges going north appeared very brown, which is due to the shrubs ‘turning off’ most of the metabolic processes (aestivation) until better times. Later we saw a striking example with what at first appeared to be golden orange rocks, but on close examination were found to be plant colonies of Cushion sedge Schoenus calcatus which turn green after rain – a true resurrection plant.

We came out on the Hyden-Norseman road, here in excellent condition due to the mining. I wonder if the pretty little ranges and knolls we had driven though will soon be ground down to powder and shipped off to another part of the world.

And you may ask yourself Where does that highway go?*

We arrived at what we named Hidden Breakaway in the 80’s, now with a circuitous gravel road, campsites and a self-whatsitting toilet! A rather windy spot this time, but we set up camp and got a good fire going with

the wood we had gathered during the day. Simon conjured up a curry which generated fire from all orifices for he and Tony! Compulsory chocolate eggs whilst watching the big full moon lumber above the horizon which soon

lulled us off to bed with all clouds gone.

At 3.00am we were alarmed into action by the sound of rain! Where did it come from?

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down


Letting the days go by/water flowing underground *

Simon and Tony really had to scramble as neither had put the fly on their tents! Simon graphically described (as only Simon can) the figure of a large white ‘termite’ scuttling around Tony’s tent banging in fly pegs!

Anyway, enough from me. Thank you Tony for the trip, and for the congenial company of all. It has been too long since being on a club camping trip, and Nina and I really enjoying getting to know Karl and Ros, and Tom and Jenny. Here’s to Anzac weekend at Lochada. May I also put in a plug for the July Pierre Repairre club trip.

And you may find yourself in another part of the world And you may ask yourself-Well...How did I get here?*

* Once in a Lifetime: The Best of Talking Heads (One of my favourite bands).

Ian Johnson

Hyden – Breakaway – Day 4 – Monday 24 March The day started for me when it began to rain at about 3.00 in the morning. As the evening before was clear and the stars were all about, I had decided that I didn’t need a fly! Needless to say, when I heard the rain I got up in a hurry, threw the fly over my tent, whacked in a few pegs to hold it in place and then climbed back into the tent as quickly as I could. Thankfully, it wasn’t raining heavily and there was plenty of moonlight for me to see what I was doing.

I got up a 7.00, not having slept much since my encounter with rain. I then proceeded to have breakfast, wash dishes and pack up my gear, including a wet fly. By the way, the dishes washed arose from a fine repast of curried lamb and rice cooked to perfection in a camp oven by Club President Simon and shared with yours truly. Thank you very much Simon for a great meal.

The group was ready to go just after 9.00. We left the campsite, took a left on the Hyden-Norseman Road and arrived in Hyden, some 135kms away, just on 11.00. At the local Liberty servo, we refuelled and stopped for morning tea. My stats for the Hyden to Hyden round trip were 58.5 litres for 529.3kms = 11.05 litres per 100kms, which I thought was pretty reasonable.

From Hyden, our next stop was at Gorge Rock, 29kms west of Kondinin. We arrived there at about 1.00, had some lunch and then had a look at the granite “gorge”, which had been dammed. Worth the visit. We left there at about 1.30 all headed for home.


On the way we passed the Dog Cemetery, 7kms west of Corrigin, which is also famous for its annual “Dog in a Ute” event. It was at this point that Simon’s poetic inclinations came to the fore, as he recited over the CB – “there was a dog named Fido, and he was a beaut, until he fell off the back of the ute”! Apologies to Simon if I didn’t get that right.

It was a most enjoyable trip.

Tony Richards.

Hill River Trip - Day 1 - Saturday 1 March We met up for a long weekend trip at 9.15am at the Light Horse Heritage Trial car park north of Perth. Four Subaru cars, with 10 people in total left for the Hill River trip.

Our friend Karl said to us "Great that we are such a small group with experienced drivers. The trip leader Martin could choose more ambitious treks".

Our Perth visit was organized and arranged months in advance between Reinhard and his friend Karl from university in the sixties. We were lucky to be at the right place at the right time to participate in a Subaru 4WD trip. We drove on the bitumen to Lancelin and stop at a bakery where we got delicious cake fresh out of the oven.

Half an hour later we drove towards the dunes. Around 11am we stopped and to my astonishment they all lowered the tyre pressure from 35 to 18psi. So far I had only seen this at petrol stations and never somewhere else. In addition I was surprised how small the measuring tools and air pumps are. We then drove into a huge area with dunes and wandering dunes. Amazing! This landscape really impressed me and it reminded me of a lunar landscape. In Germany


area with dunes are mostly fenced in and entry is usually forbidden.

Young people were speeding up and down the dunes with motorbikes and beach buggies. We followed a defined route that Martin

had organized. The trip meandered parallel along to the coastline. Very often Martin and Dale jumped out of their car, and looked around to test the routes.

Karl explained to us the purposes of the long pole with a little flag on the top which are fixed on roofs or bumper bars. I thought that it might be just for not loosing sight of the other team members but the real reason behind it is to avoid collision of two cars who a driving towards a dune crest. Drivers can see the flag will notice the other car in time to brake. This makes sense!

Sometimes a second attempt was needed to get over a dune crest. We had to speed up to get over the dune, it felt like white river rafting in the sand to me. Karl said that driving in the dunes especially driving turns is not easy and sometimes cars of beginners will overturn. Thank God we were not sitting in the car of a beginner. Later we went along the beach the Indian Ocean on the left and the sand dunes on the right. What an impression! In Germany you won't find a beach of such size and emptiness. For Reinhard and myself it was our very first 4wheel-drive along a beach. We had a nice picnic on the beach around 1pm. Keith found a dead seahorse which was unusual big in size. We had to leave the beach just before Wedge Island and drove uphill and downhill through the dunes sometimes slowly, sometimes very fast. Some paths were so small that branches and twigs of the trees scratched along the side of the car. Sacrifices have to be made.


In Germany something like this would be hardly imaginable. Oh my god a scratch! At one point all cars stopped at the top of a dune and all got out of their cars. We enjoyed a view as wide as you could see and down at our feet a steep slope. Unforgettable!

At about 6.30pm we camped for the night north of the Hill River. All tents were pitched and we sat all together for a snack with the Subaru Crew before every group made their dinner. In this situation I came to the decision to brush up my English intensely when we are back in Germany. I didn't understand that much from the conversation even though everyone tried to speak slowly and clearly. It was a nice and cheerful group and we laughed a lot. Afterwards Karl and Reinhard sizzled some sausages. It tasted great. The only wish which didn't come true was that no kangaroo skipped past us. Instead Teleah showed me the stars form the Southern Cross which cannot be seen in Europe. Thanks very much for that, Teleah! Sleeping in the tens was really comfortable. The last time I did some camping was 42 years ago at the Baltic Coast in Germany. Then and now I heard the sound that the waves made.

Karl already had a swim in the sea when we woke up the next morning. Hats off! His swimming trunks might be still drying on the bush next to our camp ground if it hasn't found a new owner by now. We had a nice leisurely breakfast before taking down the tents. At around 9.10am we drove towards Marine


Brookton Old Time Motor Show Report - 29 March Quite a cool morning at the Coventrys car park, our meeting place, not a huge turnout for a pleasant social day out, but meeting more members there. Passed several old cars on the way arriving about 10am as the day started to warm up. About 20 stationary engines were also warming up to run all day as they were designed to do, working machinery or pumping water. Old tractors were running, most restored to their former glory.

The show grounds were packed with cars, trucks, tanks including a WW2 German one complete with uniformed soldiers. The show was celebrating 100 years of the Model T Ford and a number of them drove around the grounds escorted by a very slow police car that seemed at any moment it would be run down by the Model Ts.

An interesting day attended by only 8 members.

Simon Newton.

Drive/Ocean Drive. There we departed from the group who went north to Green because we had to catch a plane to Borneo the next day, our last destination. On the way back to Perth, Karl took us to the Pinnacles National Park which we like very much. We thank Karl and the rest of trip participants for these two amazing days.

Tina Rupprecht


� � � ��

The Subaru 4WD Club of Western Australia Inc Minutes of General Meeting held on Tuesday 8 April 2008 at the

Joan Watters Centre Wembley at 7.30pm Meeting Opened: 7:40pm Apologies: Tony Richards, Ursula Joensson and Ros Carey Visitors: Nil Previous Minutes: Accepted taken as read (Karl Boeing, Geoff Hayden) Business Arising: Nil Correspondence in: 1. Magazine - Subaru 4WD Club Queensland Feb-March 2. Magazine - Subaru 4WD Club Queensland April 3. Magazine - Subaru 4WD Club Victoria March


4. Magazine - Subaru 4WD Club of SA (Bull Sheet) - April 5. Magazine - Subaru & Recreational 4WD club - Drive Torque -

April-May 6. Magazine - Toyota Land Cruiser (Twin Diffs) - March 7. Environment and Conservation News 8. Cheque - Subaru Osborne Park $300 9. Cheque - Subaru Aust Pty $1000 (ref B1021) 10. Cheque - Central 4WD Accessories ($60) 11. Cheque - Off Road Equipment ($150) 12. Cheque - Ensign Holdings PTY (Challenge Batteries) ($60) 13. Statement - Westpac (29Feb - 28Mar $6293.55) 14. Invoice - Expo Copy Centre (mag print March) ($149.60) 15. Oz Design Spot - Advertisement literature (printed office supplies) 16. Town of Vincent - Room hire February $46 17. Town of Vincent - Room hire March $46 18. Westpac Statement -> 29Feb ($6498.95) Correspondence out: 1. Magazine to Neil Saxton 2. Tony has sent out two invoices for new memberships under the

new Subaru scheme. Business Arising: Nil Treasurer’s report:

Treasurers report: Accepted Business Arising: Nil Editor’s Report: Tony will be doing the May mag, while Jim is away. Membership Report:

Balance: $6,303.60

Petty Cash: $32.00 Total: $6,335.60


Total 41 (plus 7 life). Martin Southwood is looking after memberships whilst Keith is away. Trips (Trip & Social): ♦ Lochada trip was swapped with Hidden Breakaway due to

flooding. Six cars attended and the trip was deemed better for having the full four days (originally scheduled for three). Staying at Emu Rock and under a large shed at 90 mile tank (100km East of Lake King) - finally back to Breakaway for the last night.

♦ Lochada trip thus now running on 25 April LWE. List of suggested requirements in Mag. Simon will be going up early to prepare the site. Others may be staying on longer than the planned 3 days.

♦ LWE May/June - Helena/Aurora Ranges ♦ 22 June - Powerline (see mag) ♦ 13 July - Day Trip tba ♦ 24 Aug - Day trip from the 4wd day trips out booklet. 'East of

Armadale ♦ 29 Sep - LWE Barrabup (Near Nannup) - arrangements have

been made to drive here over private property. Social: ♦ 3 Cars attended the Brookton old time motor show. Great time

had by all - large Model T presence. All very interesting. ♦ This weekend - 20 places have been booked for the Rose &

Crown in Guildford. ♦ 25 May – Social bike ride. Bike with wider tyre rims is strongly

recommended (none ‘racing’ types). ♦ 14 June – Social, Xmas in June – This has been re-titled

Casserole in June at Jim’s shed (or some variation on that theme) (Nina’s cook-out at Dwellingup to be held at a later date).

Web: Problems with web email being full have been addressed. Site hits stats - 20% from US, 80% from Australia. Property: Keith to return stencils which won't be required for this year’s


Lochada trip. Merchandise: all polo shirts = $23.00 and jackets = $35.00 and beanies = $11.00, caps, hats, transfers also available. 4WD Association: ♦ Tony and Simon attended last month’s meeting. There is a

general lack of volunteers at the Association. If anyone is interested, please let Tony know.

♦ The Association has asked for any articles we have for them to publish on their association web-site.

♦ The night navigation course is being run again this year. ♦ Adventure Activity standards are to be introduced in May this

year. ♦ They are investigating a member’s deal with Beaurepaires. ♦ Next meeting is on Monday. Tony is always happy to take along

any members interested. Merchandise: all polo shirts = $23.00 and jackets = $35.00 and beanies = $11.00, caps, hats, transfers also available. General Business: DEC: Agreement between us and DEC has been sorted out. They are now looking for a formal signing of the arrangement. Reg is looking after this. Badges: ♦ Motion for spending money - Moved Peter, 2nded Geoff. ♦ Badges were used on last trip to determine viability - white badge

recommended. ♦ Vote held on which badge to accept, with Committee

recommendation of the thinner white badge - motion carried. ♦ Committee executive badges are to be purchased (un-named to

allow passing on as Committee changes) Insurance quotes are being investigated by the Committee to see if better deals are possible. Meeting Closed: 8.25pm Robert GRIFFITHS Secretary

2008-05

Documents

Transcript of 2008-05