2009_05

May 2009

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

SUBARU 4WD CLUB of WESTERN AUSTRALIA INC

P.O. BOX 434, SOUTH PERTH, W.A. 6951

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SUBARU 4WD CLUB NEWS

2009 COMMITTEE

(Home Phone)

PRESIDENT: John Cahill 0439 922 338

[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: Josan Moss 9341-1446

EDITOR: Jim Wilcox 9306-8222 [email protected]

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: David Peck 9275-5617

Keith Low 9459-3358

Wendy Griffiths 9250-6270

Tom Minto 9382-4678

Ian Johnson 9448-5419

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: Geoff Hayden 9447-5698

Club member of the year 2008: David Peck

LIFE MEMBERS

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

Ian Johnson, Peter Andruszkiw and Ron Caunce.

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SUBARU 4WD CLUB of W.A. INC

It’s halfway through the year already! and as is fitting as a club we have started planning for the annual dinner which the committee thought should be in the vicinity of York, not having been held out there for some time. Keith Wilcox is checking potential venues and will advise the club this month.

We have had a good range of activities this month , pre-eminent being the D’Entrecasteaux Easter trip which was very well attended – 14 cars peak and 25 people. We also had three new couples and their cars along as well trying their hand at the sand. All had a great time and enjoyed the good times and bonhomie that the club so reliably brings forth.

At the club meeting last month we had a very informative presentation on High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting solutions for our cars presented by Greg Read of Britax. As a result many in attendance will be never be quite satisfied with the normal quartz halogens fitted to our cars at present. For those interested, Greg has arranged discounts on suitable products from a couple of the Britax distributors around town. There are brochure packs and addresses of suppliers that I will bring along to the next meeting.

A couple of members commented that it is good to have additional speakers to the General Meeting and that they make them more interesting and worth attending - which is a good point for us all to consider. If you have a topic you would like to present or know of somebody who does, (even one of the suppliers advertising in the magazine) please let me know so we can make arrangements. This month we have a presentation by Keith and Jo Low on their travels across the top last year but nothing listed for the June meeting. Now’s your chance! To support such presentations the club is considering purchase of a projector rather than continuing the ad hoc borrowing of projectors from Peter Andruszkiw.

I will also be attending the WA4WDA presidents meeting next week and hope to encourage the association to more actively represent the needs or desires of the clubs to government. I will

Presidents Report, May 2009

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TRIP CO-ORDINATOR’S REPORT May

provide feedback at the next General meeting.

Don’t forget the Lochada weekend at the end of September which we are planning to use as a base for our entry for the A4WDA environmental or community service award. We need your support to provide that service and to finish off our 5 year period of support for the site. Reg Woods is off this month to check out a potentially new site!

Regards, John Cahill

Hi Folks, hope you all had a good Easter. My car and I had a wonderful time down at D’Entrecasteaux NP; it was one of those epic trips. I like to bring back a memento from places, and this time bought back some of the NP itself, an unintentional pile of fine sand. Houdini type twisting action and a vacuum cleaner helped a bit, but much is still there to stay forever. Much fun was had by all and no doubt our endeavours that weekend will be talked about for a long time to come.

Here is the current list of activities, so come along and support the Trip Leaders who put much effort in to planning and enjoy:

Sunday May 10th – Julimar Conservation Park – Trip Leader, Tony Richards -see promo for details

Sunday May 17th – Simon’s Swanney Sojourn – (already full, see promo for meeting point and time etc)

LWE, Saturday May 30th – Monday June 1st – Simpson’s Farewell – Trip Leader, John Cahill. Come and give the Simpson Desert group a supportive farewell before they disappear beyond the black stump! See trip promo for details.

Saturday evening social 20th June – Indian Restaurant. Test your taste buds! – See promo for details

Sunday 12th July – Fremantle Gaol social day – Trip Leader, Keith Wil-cox – see promo for details

Sunday 19th July – Mundaring Powerlines – Trip Leader, Peter Andruszkiw

Sunday 2nd August – Dwellingup/Nanga 4WD Heritage Trail – Trip Leader, Tom Minto

Friday 21st- - Sunday 23rd August – Western Flora Wildflowers – Trip

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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;

Subaru 4WD Club WA Website: http://www.subaru4wdclubwa.asn.au

Tropical Tour May General Meeting Guest Speaker – Keith Low

After one false alarm, it is really on this time! Come along to the May General Meeting on Tuesday 12 May and take a ‘proxy’ tour of Austra-lia’s fabulous tropical north. Keith will present a slide show summary of his and Jo’s 6 months travelling through the Kimberley, Top End, Gulf Country and Cape York during 2008.

Whether you’ve been there and want to reminisce, are thinking about it and want ideas and inspiration, or simply enjoy looking at great pho-tos, this is not to be missed. See you there.

Leader, Keith Wilcox

LWE, Saturday 26th September – Monday 28th September – Lochada

If you do intend to go on a trip please make sure you let the Trip Leader know, so trip leaders can organise, and also if you have your name down and can’t make it, please also let the leader know to avoid unnec-essary waiting on the day.

Finally, the magazine is for information and also entertainment, so Jim, our gracious Editor has kindly offered to start a silly/funny photo cor-ner to highlight the funny side of our trips. If you have any suitable photos, please forward to [email protected]. Screening for quality and appropriateness will be exercised, and the Editor re-serves the right not to publish! Look forward to seeing some fun pho-tos, so roll’ em in.

See you out there. Josan

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TRIP PROMOTIONS/INFORMATION

Swan Valley – Sunday 17 May

This event has proved very popular and unfortunately all the seats have been taken.

The planning of the itinerary is underway and will undoubtedly include a few wineries plus a few eateries. The lunch venue is still to be looked into and a decision will be made at the next committee meeting. All participants will be sent details of menu’s and costs.

If anyone wants to put their name down as reserve in case of a with-drawal please let me know.

Date: Sunday 17 May

Time: 10.00 am

Where to meet: Lake Monger Reserve car park, Powis St, Wembley

Cost: $12 for bus, plus lunch etc.

Contact: Keith Wilcox 9344 6830

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Fremantle Prison Tunnels Tour - Sunday 12 July

“Do you need a prison adventure?

Get into your hardhat, slip into your overalls, pull on your boots and charge your headlamps before locking into the ladder system and de-scending 20 metres into the depths below.

Trek through sections of the labyrinth of tunnels by foot, then board the replica convict punts to explore the submerged passageways ac-cessible only by boat.

Discover original blast holes, bores, oil lamp recesses and artefacts from the days when working in the tunnels was hard labour for prison-ers. Dodge tree roots and find the plaque as you journey through this underground maze of tunnels on your extreme heritage adventure.”

The above is their promo for the Tun-nel Tour, you can see why they say you must be physically able, OK with heights, confined spaces and they give you an alcohol breath test.

I have booked for the 9.45 am tour which lasts for 2-1/2 hours. The cost is not cheap but it certainly sounds like an adventure.

All equipment is supplied except BYO socks. They suggest shorts or jeans and long hair tied back. Get your name down quick as there are only 12 people per tour.

Date: Sunday 12 July

Time: 9.30 am for the 9.45 am tour

Where to meet: Fremantle Prison Entrance

Cost: $59 Adult, $49 Concession, $39 Children (over 12 only)

Contact: Keith Wilcox 9344 6830, 0413 266 245

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Mundaring Day trip July 19th

Our regular Power line trip is on again. A chance to learn or hone up our skills in some hilly /rocky country. This area close to Perth gives us a chance to practice in terrain that you may come across when venturing up north or down south and you have to make a decision as to whether you can successfully and safely get in and out or just get through. As they say, do it often enough and it becomes easy.

Meeting spot : Corner Great Eastern Hwy and Flynn Rd. turn into Flynn Rd and there is an area on the right that makes a nice meeting spot. If you miss the turn off the next signage will be Lakes turnoff to YORK.

Meeting Time : 9.15 for a 9.30 am start. As a guide around 45-60 mins from Perth centre.

What to bring: Picnic lunch, morning/afternoon nibbles, good foot-ware camera hats etc. We may let our tyres down, so tyre pump and gauge. If you are new to the Club just bring yourself, we will have gauge and pump for you.

Finishing time: Opportunity for those that need to leave after lunch to do so. For the rest I would expect that we would be heading back to Perth around 3.30-4.00pm . There is a further option for those who have no time constraint at the end of day.

Difficulty : We have had first timers on this run and they have en-joyed the day. Likewise the experienced driver can also be chal-lenged. We have also done this run at night.

CONTACT: For more info contact me on 9440 4075.

PETER ANDRUSZKIW

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Western Flora Caravan & Tourist Park

Western Flora is situated 22 km north of Eneabba, 300km north of Perth on the Brand Highway. It is a 160 acre park and is famous for its diversity of flowering plants which should be at their best at this time of year. They have a daily guided wildflower discovery walk at 4.30 – 7.00pm which I suggest we take on Saturday. The option is to have a meal prepared by them after the walk.

They also have two room self contained mud brick chalets, onsite caravans & standard twin rooms if you wish to upgrade but these would have to be booked well in advance.

To make the most of the weekend I will be leaving Friday afternoon others are welcome to join me. If you wish to stay longer please make your own bookings, mention the Subaru Club booking and advise me of your intentions. Visit the Western Flora website for more info:

http://members.westnet.com.au/westernflora.tinker/

Date: Friday night 21 to Sunday 23 August

Time: TBA

Where to meet: TBA

Cost: $21 Unpowered, $24 Powered per night,

Guided walk free with nights stay,

Dinner $32.50 per person (optional but must be booked in advance)

Contact: Keith Wilcox 9344 6830, 0413 266 245

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RESTAURANT MEAL SATURDAY 20/6/09 I have made a booking at Mela Indian restaurant for 7 pm.

Price range for mains is typically around $15 to $20 per person. The cuisine is (unsurprisingly) Indian.

Mela is located at 428 William St Northbridge opposite the Perth mosque.

Fully licensed and B.Y.O. wine only though corkage is $6.50 per bottle

I will need to confirm final numbers with the restaurant by the date of the June Club meeting (9/6/09). If you wish to at-tend please put your details on the book-ing sheet.

Tom Minto (9382 4678)

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Sunday 10 May 2009

The plan is to wander through Julimar Conservation Park. Depending on the time taken to do this, we may also wander through the north side of Avon Valley National Park. Julimar Conservation Park, which lies be-tween Toodyay and Bindoon, comprises a 28,317 hectare tract of bush-land. It is managed by DEC. It is a hot spot for reintroduced native fauna. Species reintroduced in the last decade and now breeding prolifi-cally include chuditch, woylies, quendas and brush-tailed possums. The 4WD’ing is expected to be easy.

Meet: Gingers Roadhouse (Gull Service Station), Great Northern Highway, Upper Swan.

Time: 9.15 for 9.30am start.

Bring: a full tank of petrol, food for lunch, water etc.

Contact: Tony Rich-ards- Ph: 9386 7705(H)

The Julimar 'Anthill', a small lat-erite butte west of Julimar

Brook, May 2004.

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Simpsons farewell tour 30-1 UPDATE

Come join those of us who would like to go on the Simpson Desert run with Simon but have to stay at home. The plan is to travel out with the Simpson Desert trekkers and join them at their first bush camp at Wheel Camp, near Coolgardie. There will be a large open fire BBQ planned for the night so bring foods to cook and share with fellow travellers. On Sun-day we will break camp and go into Kalgoorlie to look over the side of the Super Pit Look Out and take morning tea at one of the other attractions in Kalgoorlie.

Thereafter head north to Menzies for lunch and wander around the old buildings at Menzies. After that we head west to Lake Ballard for a mid afternoon stroll around the 51 Antony Gormley statues commissioned for the 2003 Perth International Arts Festival.

The sculptures stand scattered over 10 square kilometres of the salt lake.

After the sculptures the plan is to head down to Ullaring Rock and camp at the site where Sir Earnest Giles fought off a band of aborigines in 1875.

On the Monday we make our way back down to Coolgardie via the back road stopping at Wallaroo Rock 64 Kms west of Coolgardie for late Brunch and then home, arriving in Perth possibly about 7pm.

It will be cold bush camping for two nights so bring everything and allow for cold early morning starts. Don’t forget your camera.

The meeting time is 8:00AM for 8:30AM departure sharp with the Simpson desert travellers at the Mundaring Shopping Centre Car Park, (at the lights) cnr Great Eastern Highway and Stoneville Road, Mundaring. If you are interested please send me an email and/or put your names down on the trip sheet at the meetings.

John Cahill – 0439 922 338 [email protected]

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Nanga 4 WD Heritage Track

Alternatively, this day trip could be titled “Almost spring time in the Jar-rah”. The core of this trip comes from: “Western Australia 4 WD Top 50” by M. and J. Pelusey.

The route goes through very attractive forest. Some elements from past logging activities are also present. Early wildflowers should hope-fully be emerging by this stage

The Peluseys state “this is no Canning Stock Route, but is prone to eroded gullies from heavy winter rains.” Having done a recce run the day after heavy rain, I’d say this is fair comment.

The level of difficulty is sufficient to be interesting without being overly challenging so is well suited for beginners.

Approximate return distance ex Perth is around 280 km.

Meet at: Coventry’s car park-2888 Albany Hwy, Kelmscott (corner of Davis St & Albany Hwy)

On: Sunday 2nd August

Time: 9 am for 9.15 start

Bring: Morning tea, lunch, CB radio

Put your name down on the trip sheet if you are taking part. Phone Tom Minto on 9382 4678 if you have any questions.

Recall Subaru Aust have a recall out for all 09 Foresters fitted with a genuine Subaru tow bar.

If your vehicle falls into this category and you have not had it checked you should do so A.S.A.P.

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TRIP & SOCIAL REPORTS

Day 1 Report : D’Entrecasteaux National Park

It was a beautiful start to the Easter Long weekend with nice bright weather but not too hot for our meet at the Gateway shopping centre in Beeliar Drive which was fortunate. Pushing time to the limit I jumped on the freeway a bit late and was heading all the way to the normal meet at Baldivis, (not having read the mag before going). Whilst Travelling I flashed up the radio and put out a call to see who else was on the road only to find Tony R on air giving instructions on where to meet which again was very fortunate because another 15 seconds later I would have gone past! The reason for the different meet became evident shortly thereafter as we head off cross-country on a path less travelled along Mundijong Road and then south through the back blocks to Patterson Road in Pinjarra. It is a path that Keith and Jo Low had used many times before when living in Dwellingup and very pleasant with not too much traffic (or traffic lights!) and able to keep up a good speed which was a complete contrast to the usual stop start through Mandurah! Definitely added to the catalogue of ways to go! Along the way we picked up Phil and Sook, who had managed to get to Baldivis before hearing the radio chatter!

We went through Pinjarra, after getting across South Western Highway one by one and reformed into convoy again which, with all the traffic, was difficult and carried on down to Harvey where we confidently pulled off to have Morning tea and pee stop, first at one venue, then the next, and then finally the petrol station as it became evident all the public loos were closed for the public holiday. Returning to the highway we made our way down through Donnybrook, and again cross-country through Dardalup for our lunch stop at Manjimup in the shade of many trees in a cool park. Final fill up before the weekend and then off to Yeagarup through Pemberton picking up some bait along the way (ever hopeful!).

We get to Yeagarup all ready to rock up to the newly built camp hut and set up camp – but where is it?! After much searching around the camp grounds nothing becomes apparent- then let’s have a look at the map. On the map was this hut symbol which indicates “built accommodation” approximately 8km away, in the middle of the dunes. Much head

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scratching ensues and then we head off to have a look, after letting tyres down, not having expected to have to mount the dunes at that time of the afternoon (4pm). Along the way we hear a call from Jim Wilcox who is waiting on top of the dunes for us to appear and confirms that the hut is in the dunes. We get to the dune entry amid many other heavies com-ing and going and make space by moving the convoy off the track as much as possible. Keith goes on and climbs the hill to the top without too much difficulty and then starts to call individuals up as the way becomes clear. Then the fun starts.

As the sand starts to get churned up more it becomes softer and more difficult to get through especially if the tyres are up a bit and there is any re-straint on the right foot! Various trip members try their hand and by taking a couple of bites at the hill by first get-ting up to the bend and

then by backing into a small take off track get up on top.

For some it is their first time on a heavy sandy hill and are still a bit timid on the throttle but after much encouragement with cries of “foot flat! . . foot flat!” get to the top. .The 2 litre Foresters find it a bit more difficult with the tyres still about 12 psi and get stuck on the hill. Dawn’s car gets stuck halfway up and will not go either way, so I drove back down and snatched Dawn out backwards downhill , christening Dawn’s “oft carried but never used” snatch strap.

Finally we all get to the top just as the sun is setting and follow Jim and Keith to “Camp Yeagarup” where we all pile in quietly and immediately set up the tents in the dark. Most people elect to sleep in tents around the grounds surrounding the hut, and after having eaten, everybody heads across to the cheese and bickies, plus the odd toasted marshmal-lows courtesy of Sean and Liam Gleeson, around the camp fire to finish a great start to a great trip. Thank you Keith for all your preparation and efforts, it was well worth it.

John Cahill

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CLUB CALENDAR

May 2009

S M T W T F S Tues 5: Committee Meeting

Tues 12: General Meeting

Speaker: Keith Low: see page 5

Sun 10th: Julimar conservation park

See Page 11

Sun 17th: Swan valley: see page 6

Sat 30th: Depart Simpson desert and wellwishers LWE trip: see page 12

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

June 2009

S M T W T F S June 1st: continuing L.W.E. trip

Tues 2nd: Committee Meeting

Tue 9th: General Meeting

Sat 20th: Restaurant meal Page 10

Sat 27th: Return from Simpson trip

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

July2009

S M T W T F S Tue 7th: Committee Meeting

Sun 12th: Fremantle Gaol: see page 7

Tue 14: General Meeting

Sun 19th : Mundaring Powerlines

See page 8

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 31

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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, as 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: July3-20 Sept 25-Oct 12th Dec 17-Feb 1st

Public holidays: June 1st Sept 28th

August 2009

S M T W T F S Sun 2nd: Nanga 4WD heritage trail

See page 13

Tue 4th: Committee Meeting

Tues 11: General Meeting

Fri 21st –Sun 23rd: Wildflower trip

See page 9

30 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

September 2009

S M T W T F S Tues 1 Committee Meeting

Tue 8 General Meeting

Sat 6th Day trip

Sun 12th Movie and dinner

Sat 26th-28th Lochada

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

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Day 1 D’Entrecasteaux National Park. 11 Subaru's met at Gateway Shopping centre on Good Friday for our trip to D'Entrecasteaux National Park. We had a quick catch up before we left at 9 for Mundijong to pick up Souk and Phil who had gone past the pick up place. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed the scenery. Roads were pretty quiet and we made good time stopping at Harvey for mornos and a wee break! Not an open toilet in sight!! Luckily some of the service stations were open. After a short break we headed off again for our lunch stop at Manjimup. Keith found a nice pic-nic spot and some took the opportunity to fill up (cars as well as them-selves) Soon on the road again heading to Pemberton to pick up Ann and Simon who has driven down on Thursday. We drove to the Bicentenial tree where some of our brave folk climbed to the top where the view was fantastic. Back into the cars and off to Yea-garup Lake. This part of the trip became quite challenging. We found the Ranger's hut but no one there for us to register, so after some dis-cussion Keith decided we should pay here which we did. Tyres were let down here and Keith managed to contact Jim who was waiting for us on top of the sand dunes. As we came round a corner we saw where we has to go!!! A huge sand dune stretched out in front of us One by one we started the climb. Some had no trouble but Carl and I has several failed attempts and I walked up. Carl and the others finally made it and Jim lead us to the camp. By this time it was getting dark. We were pleasantly surprised by the fantastic set up. As it was now dark the tent people set up and Carl and I, Garry and his 2 boys put our beds up in 2 of the rooms. We had tea and then sat around the fire set up by Christine and discussed what to do tomorrow.

A wonderful first day. Over to you Jenni. Carl and Roz

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DAY 2: Saturday 11 April – A Run to the Beach – and Back!

Overnight at Yeagarup there was either light rain or very heavy dew. In the morning John wandered round the camp clutching the inner lin-ing of a Subaru wheel arch calling out to find out who owned it. Josan replied “it’s yours”. John made it clear he was only trying to reunite the item with the owner and did not want to keep it himself. We then had a replay of the same discussion from both participants. On the third cy-cle Josan explained John was in fact holding his own wheel arch lining which he must have broken off without his realising it. Another of the group must have collected this from the side of the track.

After battening down the hatches at camp in case of a deluge, we left with on-board thermometers registering 17C and an overcast sky. After a dramatic, if tiring, arrival to camp the night before we had ex-pected Keith to cut us a bit of slack with a not-so-early departure the following day. But no, it was 9am and amazingly we were all ready, raring to go. Oh, how naïve were we, imagining that the next day would be a more relaxing one. If only we knew what was in store!

Keith had planned a day at the beach for us! We headed south on the Yeagarup Beach Track, passing the signpost to our campsite which we’d not noticed the night before - Oilwell Track. The track was hard-packed sand with beautiful bush right up to the single lane - coastal heath land with tall banksia, flowering kangaroo paws, native cedar, hakea, dryandra, hibbertia and the tallest peppermints (Agonis flexu-ousa) you’ve ever seen. Forester Keith said this must be because in this particular spot there had never been a fire to limit their growth. In places the track spread out to permit vehicles to pass or overtake. This proved extremely handy as increasing numbers of heavies pulled over allowing our 14 vehicle convoy to pass. Some not so willingly un-til Keith had completed negotiations. Finally we came to some sand hills, not nearly as challenging as the night before, and at the peak of one of them we were thrilled to see the sea!

There was still more track to pass along until we actually reached it and there was heavy traffic building up in both directions. Bored heavy drivers, sneering heavy drivers, impatient heavy drivers. We had them all. One pulled out his 10am can of beer to self-medicate his way through a tantrum at having to wait for us to pass.

By the time we reached the long and wide beach we realised it was like Hay Street mall but stretching much further. As we drove first

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south east along the beach and then north-west, between the mouth of the Warren River to the mouth of the Donnelly, there were regular clus-ters of heavies, their drivers and passengers spaced out along the beach, and rows of surf fishing rods. Some had made camp on the beach using large tarps and swags, while others had more elaborate set-ups. As we were to discover later, still others, like us, were camped elsewhere and had to make their way back over the dunes at the end of the fishing day.

Lunch stop was just before the mouth of the Donnelly, at a windy and

rocky headland which prevented our further travel in that direction. In addition to the rows of surf fisherpersons, there were gulls, plovers and terns of every persuasion, triggering a spate of turn-like puns over the CB radio. Meanwhile the temperature had climbed to 25C as the sky cleared to become the kind of blue sky day we Western Australians have come to take for granted. The wind whipped up the white caps, which rolled in continuously. Phil Tiang pulled out his fishing line but failed to capture a salmon dinner and despite the chilly wind, Gary Gleeson’s boys frolicked in the surf.

As we drove back along the beach towards our entry point to the beach we decided to check out the tide level at Warren River mouth and saw a couple of heavies padding through, though we declined.

We had vaguely registered that the journey to the beach involved a se-ries of descents. Somehow these did not seem too significant when heading downwards. It soon became apparent that getting back up was going to be a significant challenge. The combination of steep climbs, a generally single lane track, loose sand and large numbers of vehicles made things very tricky indeed. Various boggings meant our convoy got

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mixed in with a number of heavy 4WDs. The overall ascent was in a number of stages. The congestion and waiting time at one of these was such that that Daniel was able to leave their vehicle in the gridlock and go sandboarding on a nearby dune whilst waiting for things to clear.

The final ascent was the most challenging of all with various non-Subarus getting bogged in the badly chopped-up sand. Most of the group were running around 12 psi in the tyres by this stage. Tony made it up in the turbo but radioed back that he had needed to wring every last ounce of power from the car to get to the top and that the whole ascent had to be taken with the accelerator pedal flat to the floor.

Hearing that a 2.5 litre turbo had such difficulties did not raise my confi-dence level as the driver of a 2 litre naturally aspirated vehicle. How-ever, I was heartened to see Josan nearly made it to the top in her 2 litre. She would have got there but for the fact she aimed for what looked like the exit point when this was actually a solid sand dune. As vehicles fell short they either reversed back to a point three quarters of the way up the hill, but off to the side or - in some cases –debogged, then reversed back to this gathering point. This staging point was accu-mulating a steadily growing number of vehicles and spectators. One such group had sent one of their buddies back to camp for emergency supplies - as they were running out of beer.

Souk was driving Phil’s turbo by this stage of the day. This vehicle is definitely more hairy chested than a standard turbo Forester. As they took off up the hill, the sound was amazing as the turbo cut in. Whilst I have never heard a sack of cats being tortured, I suspect the sound is similar. Observers further up the hill reported a look of elation on

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EASTER SUNDAY

Despite the rain, the Easter Bunny had been busy overnight and Sean and Liam directed their energy towards collecting a large tally of eggs each. Most of us had more standard breakfast fare and 10 cars were ready to leave camp at 0900. Others decided to stay around camp and relax for the day.

The overnight moisture made for some easier driving conditions and we were soon down the BIG dune and putting more air in our tyres at Lean-ing Marri Campsite. Josan decided to leave her car there and became a passenger in John’s car. The sky was blue and Keith’s chat with the lo-cal ranger confirmed a warm dry day was forecast.

Souk’s face and one of terror on Phil’s as the blue beast shot over the hill with the revs bouncing on the rev limiter.

Simon’s first attempt in the MY series ended up with him joining the masses on the side of the hill. At this point he radioed that tyre pres-sures needed to be dropped down even further - to 8 psi to have any chance of making the climb successfully.

Around half our group did make the climb at the first attempt. This in-cluded Jim in the Outback who radioed that he had accidentally left the handbrake on during the whole exercise.

All of the Subarus did eventually make it over the hill without the need to resort to snatch straps.

The primarily single track with limited spots to pull aside meant we ar-rived back at camp in 2 main groups. Dawn suffered the misfortune of a tyre rolling off the rim as she turned into the campsite entry.

The day had certainly been varied. Somehow it was enjoyable despite long periods of waiting in traffic jams interspersed with high levels of adrenaline. The beach driving had also provided a pleasant and much “lower key” experience within the day. After dinner and a few stiff drinks we had a great time round the camp fire exchanging stories. Keith did a fabulous job reciting “The Geebung Polo Club” and “The Man from Snowy River”. What better place and context could one have to listen?

Tom Minto and Jenni Ibrahim

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We made our way down Ritter Road and turned left onto Vasse Highway for a short time before turning left again onto Lake Jasper Road. Some lovely pinky orange bottle brush provided some colour in amongst the scrubby bush. We let our tyres down again near the Donnelly River where the gravel road became a sandy track. The terrain proved to be only a minimal challenge compared with our exploits of the previous two days and we were soon at the shores of Lake Jasper.

The Lake was beautiful with a large bank of reeds to the left and a white sandy beach curving off to the right. It wasn’t long before more than half our party had donned swimming apparel and were frolicking in the fresh water. It was a lovely feeling to wash off many layers of sunscreen and dirt. Feeling refreshed we found shady spots and had a leisurely lunch. Josan walked and watched birds. Sean and Liam tried their luck with rods in the lake and entertained us with a slightly tall story of “the one that got away”! Some of us tried each others’ camping chairs out, look-ing for that perfect fit.

After another wade in the lake we headed off. The sand had dried out which made for a bumpier return journey - or perhaps it was just that I was having a turn driving. We had a quick peek at Lake Wilson, pumped up our tyres again, drove back out to the Highway and then turned right into Carey Brook Road to have a look at Snottygobble Camp site. We all decided it would be a good prospect for a club trip.

It was easy driving down the now familiar road to Marri Camp where most of us let our tyres down to 10. A good percentage of cars made it up the BIG dune first pop, but I ran out of puff half way up and had some reversing to do to get another run up. Another car got stuck on the cor-ner and Daniel made an impressive entry to the rescue site on his sand board, which he then used to dig away the offending white grains! Josan roared up the dune from a standing start – one of the more impressive feats of the weekend.

We arrived back in camp to find the others had been inadvertently locked in for some of the day. They had spent the time reading, chatting, walking and planning their escape route should the need have arisen! Nibbles and drinks were soon being imbibed and after dinner we all gathered around the camp fire where Souk made an Easter egg soup in lieu of Milo which had run out. The recipe for those with a (very) sweet tooth goes something like: 1 litre of long life full cream milk, 2 large Easter eggs, 3 medium Easter eggs and 8 small Easter Eggs, all stirred together in a billy on the BBQ Plate over the fire.

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Easter Monday Talk about precision timing! Being our last day, the 9am departure was arranged the night before. (Some did try and negotiate a 9 for 9.30 departure to be on the safe side). But when Keith looked around and saw everyone ready, chatting and waiting to go, he called a “let’s go”, and on starting up my car, the clock said exactly 9.00 am!

So after a beautiful sunny start to the morning we left on the dot, 9am. The heavy dew over night saw most of us leave tent packing right up to the last minute, so it really was amazing that we left on time.

I, for one, went to bed (Oh, how heavenly 2cms of thermarest can seem) incredibly early -tired, full and very happy after another great day. Thanks everyone. Jane Hall

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We made our way from camp along the sandy track without any drama as the damp kept the track firm. Driving along the top of the dune we were able to enjoy picturesque daylight views of the sur-rounding sand dunes, lakes and trees, as well as the remnant sticks which used to be trees before they became swallowed up by the rising sand. (As opposed to seeing it all at dusk on Friday’s arrival!)

As we hadn’t actually had a look at the lake and Leaning Marri camp-ing area, our first stop was to take a walk to the lake’s edge by way of a board walk. This scenic stop prompted a couple of group photos with Tony entertaining us with his attempts to position the camera!

With tyre pressures now back to normal we farewelled Michael and Jane and hit the bitumen.

Morning tea was enjoyed, but not until we had meandered around Beedelup Falls. Complete with steps, swing bridge and water still flow-ing, it was a great place to stop and refresh ourselves.

With traffic reasonably light and flowing, we had lunch at Nannup next to the caravan park and by then the temperature had hit 30 degrees which was unusually warm, and as I found out later, warmer than Perth that day.

Soon after lunch the tooth fairy had to make an emergency daylight landing to Gary’s car. After that the journey was fairly undramatic. As we headed north some made their own way to different destinations including Daniel and Tanya who were visiting a friend in Busselton. So from 13 cars at the beginning, we were down to seven cars as we ap-proached Pinjarra, which saw us come to a grinding halt about 8kms south of Pinjarra thanks to the traffic build up before the infamous Pin-jarra traffic lights.

An hour or so later, and down to six cars we all crawled past the lights and were homeward bound. We were then down to six cars as our President tested an alternative road by turning right on Coolup Road, which proved much quicker (worth remembering next time).

It was a fun and challenging weekend in a wonderful and dramatic

part of the south coast. Thanks to Keith and Jo for making the trip

possible and everyone for their warm and friendly company.

Josan

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THE SUBARU 4WD CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA INC.

Minutes Of the Meeting Held On Tuesday 14 April 2009

at the Joan Watters Centre, Wembley.

Meeting Opened: 8:45 - Following on from presentation by Greg Reed from Britax.

In Attendance: As per attendance book

Apologies: Simon Newton, Roz Carey

Visitors: Karel Poole, Colin

Previous Minutes: Approved as per mag copy. (Dave Peck, Tony Richards)

Business arising: Nil.

A thank you on behalf of club to Greg Reed for presentation, Greg presented club with powerful hand held led work lamp.

Correspondence in:

1 Mag - Drive Torque Subaru & Recreational 4wd club - April May

2 Mag - Suba News - Subaru 4wd Qld - March

3 Mag - Subaru 4wd club Victoria - March

4 Mag - twin Diffs - Toyota / Land Cruiser WA - March

5 Flying Doctor Leaflets and Donation form

6 Westpac Statement - $5370.83

7 Cheque Subaru (Janetto Holdings) - $300

8 Cheque Off Road Equipment - $150

9 Invoice - Town of Vincent - Room Hire - $48

10 Invoice - Expo - Mag print Feb - $154 11 Invoice - Expo - Mag print Mar - $143

12 Mag - Bull Sheet Subaru 4wd club SA - April

13 Receipt - Australian Red Cross - Thank you for donation to Bush fire appeal

Correspondence out:

1. Letter (Reg Woods) to WA 4wd association - confirming correct contact de-tails for club.

Business arising: Nil.

Treasurer’s Report –

Reconciled Bank Balance (@31/3/09): $5,425.74

Add Petty Cash: $ 26.00

TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $5,451.74

Accounts paid since month end: Nil

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Accounts payable: Nil

Received/Receivable: Nil

Merchandise – Merchandise – polo shirts without pocket = $23.00; with pocket = $27.00 (medium and large only). Jackets = $35.00 and beanies = $11.00. Long sleeve shirts – not in our colour; not yet.

4WD Association – Tony attended the March meeting:

a) On the previous Saturday (14 March 2009), attended Kaarakin (322 Mills Road East, Gosnells) MOU signing with John. The venue looked good. 40 acres. Phone number is 9390 7895. Looking to have Club Open Day in April.

b) I have Association membership cards (20 only) to give out. John will need to get more at President’s meeting.

c) Mark Skeels (Public relations Officer) is looking for some direction/recommendations from Clubs in relation to PR activities. What do Clubs want him to do? Discuss at Committee. Thoughts? Charity events – promos – whatever?

d) VSB 14 – National Code of Practice – Vehicle Modifications – big issue. Dis-cussed at length. See other material – all members need to complete the online survey.

e) TrackCare – Durba Springs dunny next month – happening. Mundaring to Col-lie 4WD Track?

f) Do we want Greg Bremner to present on TCIS insurance – have we considered already?

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Membership:

48 + 7 life members - 2 prospectives from trips this month.

Magazine: All is well, please keep sending in the trip reports. Lodgement to be by the Friday prior to the First Tuesday of the month.

Trips and Social:

- Easter trip - went great, lots of sand dunes - long day, 3 new members! A difficult trip to lead - lots of heavies, and thus traffic jams. Plenty of bogging, but all got through in the end. Lesson learned - use low tyre pressure - it really helps. Many thanks to Keith for this one. 14 cars in total.

- D'Entrecasteaux trip - not too hard, should be a good trip

- Simpson Desert send off - John to Lean

- Coolgardie - same camp site (wheel camp) out to Kalgoorlie, to Memzies, Lake Ballard to look at statues, Camp 150k North of Coolgardie.

- Powerline trip - July - Peter to lead

- BBQ - Beaton Park - See mag, bring bike.

- Swan Valley trip - now fully booked

- July's Freo Jail trip will be detailed in Mag, as will Wildflower trip.

Property

Geoff has had a job change which has caused problems for him in this roll - Peter has offered to take over the reigns.

General Business:

Reg attended the A4WDA environmental meeting (Presidents meeting for 4WD assn) DEC have requested that if we are travelling to any parts of DEC controlled areas, then we notify them. This will have advantages for us that we can be made aware of relevant information for the area (road closures, new roads opened, possible access to other areas) Keith offered to assist in contacting DEC if Reg is not available. Jamie Riddle is the DEC contact for Perth area, but not for areas outside of Perth.

Reg: DEC midwest have offered another smaller property - do we want to do an exploratory trip? - This is to be discussed at committee to see how it looks.

A4WDA presidents meeting - looking for areas for association to actively push. This was discussed at committee - following ideas:

- Good website needed - willingness to spend $'s needed to produce it?

- Actively lobbying the state government to promote 4wd activities, tracks etc.

- Push 4WD opportunities - possible club track adoption.

- Key point - keep 4wd tracks opens

- Promoting 4wding as a 'club' activity, to limit number of people driving non-responsibly.

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- Organise track maintenance (some examples given)

Discussion on the VSB14 letter - Design standard for 4wd vehicles

- This is lining up to become legislation.

- We were made aware by the 4WD Assn writing asking us to write letters to vari-ous related people / departments to ask for a slow down of the processing.

- Items raised at committee, and asked of 4WD assn:

· Can you please advise how this issue came to light?

· Who in the wa4wda has responsibility for looking at this issue?

· What steps have actually been taken to try and contact the relevant body to become involved. The way the template letter is written it speaks in the first person saying “I believe …” and “my serious con-cerns ..”. As a club the only information we have about the problems experienced and the way the VSB 14 is being drafted is through the information in the template letter itself.

· Why is it necessary to send a letter rather than an email? One member of our club who has/does work within the State Govt assured us that an email sent to the minister will receive as much attention and process as a letter.

· Is the association, as representative of all the clubs, planning to write to the ministers itself? The committee believed the association should first have written and had some response before mobilising the whole of the 4WD club community.

- Request to members to send email, John will send details to membership along with links to related information.

- Impression is that sending more letters does make a difference to the impact they make.

- Gary offered to redraft the template letter for the club.

Reg: A new track has been proposed - ''Hills to S.W." a steering committee has been formed and are looking into the viability - Committee made up of DEC,

Offroad Motorcycles, Track Care, Water Authority and 4WD Assn.

Next month - presentation by Keith 'Around the top'

Gary raised a question about membership card, he likes the idea. If anyone wants one, please let Keith know.

Meeting Closed: pm

Documents

2009_05