Page 1 of 25So, if you have young kids, and are finding it hard to make time to become a trip leader, or run a trip having completed the trip leader training, all I can say is find

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December 2009 December 2009

WE GET ‘EM DIRTY – The Official MJOC Club Magazine – December 2009

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Contents

PRESIDENT’S REPORT .................................................................................................................................................... 3

JEEP JAMBOREE VICTORIA 2010 UPDATE ................................................................................................................. 3

MEMBER’S NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

DUNNACHIE IN THE NEWS.................................................................................................................................................... 4

JUSTIN HURLEY GETS PUBLISHED ........................................................................................................................................ 4

BECOMING AN MJOC TRIP LEADER ........................................................................................................................... 4

UNEXPECTED SURPRISE ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

MJOC ANNUAL AWARDS ................................................................................................................................................ 5

CHRISTMAS PARTY PICS ............................................................................................................................................... 5

TRIP REPORTS .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

NEERIM NASTY .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

PINK LAMB & RED WINE – WONNANGATTA CUP WEEKEND ................................................................................................. 7

WONNANGATTA VALLEY WHAT AN ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS PLACE TO VISIT .......................................................................11

HIGH COUNTRY TOUR........................................................................................................................................................13

COBAW STATE FOREST TRIP ..............................................................................................................................................15

A GRADE WEEKEND ..........................................................................................................................................................16

TRADING POST ................................................................................................................................................................17

FUTURE TRIPS AND EVENTS ........................................................................................................................................19

HIGH COUNTRY TOUR FOR THE WATTLE RANGERS .............................................................................................................19

AUSTRALIA DAY WEEKEND BASE CAMP. (BUCKLAND VALLEY) .........................................................................................19

VICTORIAN 4WD SHOW SETUP TEAM ..................................................................................................................................19

VICTORIAN 4WD SHOW ......................................................................................................................................................19

SA BEACHES 2010 .............................................................................................................................................................19

SA BEACHES B GRADE SUNDAY .........................................................................................................................................20

2010 MJOC JEEP MUSTER .................................................................................................................................................20

NATIONAL JEEP JAMBOREE VICTORIA 2010 ........................................................................................................................20

WONNANGATTA WONDER .................................................................................................................................................20

PINK LAMB & RED WINE WITH THE LROCV ......................................................................................................................20

VIC HIGH COUNTRY REVISITED (JJ STYLE) .........................................................................................................................21

INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS .............................................................................................................................................21

CLUB MERCHANDISE.....................................................................................................................................................22

THE MJOC COMMITTEE.....................................................................................................................................................24

MJOC MEMBER’S MEETINGS .............................................................................................................................................24


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President’s Report

Dan Martin

Welcome to the final magazine of the year. It may have been a long time coming but it is certainly a bumper edition. Included are some great reports from the last couple of months, with trips ranging from recent High Country Weekends away to day trip cruises and A grade mudding.

But first, I would like to thank all the members that have contributed towards keeping the club alive and well over the past year. With the GEC having a wide impact across the community over the past twelve months, we have seen a flow on effect into our 4wding and leisure activities. Though the number of MJOC trips may have been down this year, the quality of trips and events have been as good as ever.

I look forward to even more trips next year, with more trip leaders and members getting involved and continuing to make MJOC one of the most active Jeep clubs in Australia.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the companies that have supported us over the last year, particularly those that provided the raffle prizes at the recent Christmas Party. This includes the gear from Alan at ProComp and Jim at Poly4x4, as well as powdercoating from Phil at JMC Powdercoating, castings from Dave at Elite Castings and a consultation from Michael at Rosanna Chiropractic.

Enjoy the read, have a Merry Christmas and safe New Year. Make the most of the time with your family and friends and try to get ‘em dirty.

See you all in 2010 in what will be a fantastic year.

Cheers

Dan Martin President

Jeep Jamboree Victoria 2010 Update

Brett Dashwood

Just thought I'd do a bit of an update.

We did our big final presentation to Chrysler Australia General Management...and it was awesome!!

We can now confirm our Key Partner for the event is Jeep (well technically Chrysler Australia).

Date and venue as advertised is now confirmed – 30th September to 3rd October based at Lardner Park, Warragul – and we are in great shape for the biggest Jeep owners event ever in Australia.

We won't be in a position to finalise registration dollars until early next year, however based on current plans, budgets, and the commitments given by Chrysler Australia, next year's Jambo will be the most cost effective since the last time we ran it in 2004!!

Over the next month or so we should have the new website up at www.jeepjamboree.com.au and we will also then start a couple of mailing lists for Jeep owners and prospective sponsors.

In addition, we plan on having pre-Jambo merchandise including things like t-shirts and stickers. This will allow everyone to help with the promotion of our collective Jambo to help make it the biggest and best ever!!

If you can't wait until the new site is up, you can submit your expression of interest to attend the Jambo next year now by firing an email through to [email protected].

For those who are prospective sponsors, please send through to [email protected].

Special thanks must also go to our already pledged sponsors, whose linked logos can be seen on the web at www.jeepjamboree.com.au.

J M C Po wd er Co a t i ng


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Member’s News

Dunnachie in the news

Their punt really came off!

THE AFL finals may be about to start but despite two Melbourne footy fans having been brought up on a sporting diet of Australian football, those big four matches this weekend could not be further from their minds. And with good reason, because having moved to the United States to try their luck as punters in American football, this weekend it all comes to fruition. Like 18-year-old former Marcellin College student Alex Dunnachie, from Heidelberg, who only a year ago was playing school footy on Friday afternoons and with the Banyule club on weekends, but who this weekend plays his first college football game for the University of Hawaii at its spectacular Aloha Stadium in front of an expected crowd of 60,000.

Read More http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/why-rocket-gave-pie-fan-the-rocket/2009/09/02/1251570754020.html

Justin Hurley gets published

Celebrities in Jeeps

The other day I noted that, “when it comes to new open-air trucks there is really only one way to head to the beach and that’s in a Jeep Wrangler.” David Beckham knows what’s up and just bought one himself. He gave it the Beckham treatment (blacking out everything, something he does to most all of his cars) and has been seen rolling through SoCal in it over the past couple days. For someone raised in Britain he has always shown a strange affinity for American trucks (Ford F-150, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, and Hummer H2 to name a few).

See article here: http://celebritycarparade.wordpress.com/2008/06/05/david-beckham-in-his-new-jeep-wrangler/

Becoming an MJOC trip leader

Unexpected Surprise

Like many new Jeep owners, when we decided to buy our Jeep, we wanted more than just a forbie, we wanted all the fun and adventure that should come with having a Jeep. Just like it says in the ads, “Have fun out there”.

And give or take a few little moments of getting stuck and slightly stressed, myself and the family have been having fun out there in the Victorian wilderness since getting our Jeep. When the opportunity came up to become an MJOC trip leader, I asked what experience was required, and the answer was a simple, “The standard MJOC training course, and the desire to run trips”. Although still somewhat of a newbie, I meet the two criteria for attending the trip leader training and signed up.

It took us a couple of months to plan our first trip, and to help make sure it went well, I even brought a friend with me that knew the area well from riding around it on trail bikes and who could be a spotter for the other drivers in the tricky parts. The Wrangler was full with 4 passengers and myself, and I’m happy to report all went well; I even introduced a number of people to geocaching during the trip.

At the time of the trip, my son was only just 3 years old. Nearly a year later, he still remembers much of the trip, but most importantly, he remembers his dad (me) being the trip leader and driving at the front of the Jeep convoy. When he plays “4 wheel drives” at home, he appoints a trip leader and tail end Charlie before running the hummers through their course (sorry about the hummer reference folks, but if there is any spare budget in your Christmas gift giving, feel free to send medium to large sized Jeep Wrangler toys to my son to replace the Hummers currently in his toy collection).

In my day to day corporate life, there is not much activity for my son to understand or appreciate or incorporate into his games at home. (If I come home and tell my son that after 6 months of work, our tender has been successful, there isn’t too much excitement coming back from my little boy – its all too far from his world.) Becoming an MJOC trip leader has given me the biggest surprise of all – my son’s pride in telling people that his dad is sometimes the Jeep trip leader.

So, if you have young kids, and are finding it hard to make time to become a trip leader, or run a trip having completed the trip leader training, all I can say is find a way to make the time to run your own MJOC trip. I can’t describe how great it is running a trip and seeing your kids be proud of you leading a Jeep convoy.

Have fun out there!

Justin


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MJOC Annual Awards

The following awards were given out at the recent AGM

JJ Memorial Trip Leader of the Year

Criteria: Trips, trips, and more trips – the trip leader that leads the most trips in the membership year

2005/2006 John Jefferies 2006/2007 Graham Miller 2007/2008 Rob Sharp 2008/2009 Rohan Dodd

MJOC Jeeper of the Year

Criteria: Committee decided position. Committee members are asked to nominate and vote for the MJOC Member they thought gave above and beyond for the club over the year.

2006/2007 Glenn Hayse 2007/2008 Rob Sharp 2008/2009 Rohan Dodd

MJOC Busted Jeep

Criteria: Most damage done to a vehicle on a club trip

2008/2009 Marc Hillman

Christmas Party Pics

Thanks to all those who helped out and attended the Christmas Party. Especially Michael Haworth who organized the catering and trials events, with the assistance of Neil Welti. Justin Hurley, his father and Ian Fletcher who cooked up the BBQ. Julie Jones and Vicki Dailey for the bucket of onions and Phil Croft who organized raffle prizes.

A few more photos taken by Andrew Wale on the day

http://www.4shared.com/dir/24987585/2ccad23/MJOC_Christmas_2009.html


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Trip Reports

Neerim Nasty

Rob Sharp - Saturday AM - B grade

Gunns track trip

Arriving Early Sat morning to find a few weary campers and lots of happy faces and another year of the Nasty was about to start.

With all the trip leaders – we split up into groups - I was taking the Short wheel based B grade cars 4 TJ's and a 2 door JK Rubicon.

We had:

Rob Sharp Green TJ

Tyson Blacker Sliver TJ

Paul March Black TJ

Andrew Wale Green JK

Michael Floyd Green TJ

After trying to go to a favourite rock face track to find all 3 entry and exits closed for reforestation I decided we need to find some B grade tracks off Gunns road, this didn't take long.

The entry into this track is heavily rutted and even with my truck fully locked kept getting stuck on the track crowns so the first 50m out came the winch and a few minutes later we had my truck over the obstacle and the crown attached to my solid diff cover.

With the crown gone the rest of the crew all made it up fine, I think at this point Michael Floyd understood the power of the TJ off road.

The next obstacle was a bog hole which both Tyson and I had to get snatched out of – with the cars with a little more clearance making the bog hole and spraying water and creating a creek along the track.

The next Obstacle was a very heavily rutted track with high side walls and the sticks strategically placed in the track indicated its difficulty – I was able to get up this with help from my lockers and a bit of momentum and right foot.

The final Obstacle as a 30 meter long Boghole – not very deep 15-40cm but proved to be very wet and a great opportunity for a few videos and photos.

After this great track which took us approx 2 hours in the pouring rain to complete we were all feeling a bit hungry and headed off to the Neerim South bakery to get some lunch and back to the Caravan park to meet up with Bill and Neal's group.

Thanks for all crew for helping with recoveries and such great driving, well done to all.

Yours in jeep’n

Rob and Remy Sharp

Justin Hurley’s Links

http://www.4shared.com/dir/16406198/4f2d61b3/MJOC_Trips.html


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Pink Lamb & Red Wine – Wonnangatta Cup weekend

Rob Sharp

After being in Sydney since August – my green TJ hadn’t been driven much at all since the Nasty, so some good preparation was vital for our first big High Country trip and the gang at USA4x4 to look over her a bit.

TW and Trav gave her a new set of federal 31in all terrains to handle the long drive ahead a new set of rear shocks (the old ones fell victim at the nasty) and some new radiator hoses plus a good check over. It ran like a charm all weekend didn’t miss a beat thanks guys.

My off road trailer got my old all terrain tyres, and was filled with camping gear and food and Halloween trick or treat gear. Remy and I headed off to meet Michael, Tyler and Adam Haworth to go in Convoy up the Hume Hwy to Myrtleford. With the long weekend and a bit of traffic we didn’t get to Myrtleford Caravan Park till dusk.

We meet the Lewellin family and Levron’s already at the park and after setting up we settled down early ready for the track into Wonnangatta the next morning.

We all meet at the Myrtleford food works car park at 9am the next morning - Michael introduced us to the land rover crew and Gerald and Roger gave a wonderful briefing. Roger Sievwright distributed a wonderful write-up on LROCV involvement with Riley’s Hut and the history of Myrtleford and Wonnangatta. Roger gave a wonderful run down all the way to our camp site on the long history and chequered history of the area– thanks to Roger for sharing his knowledge.

We were also introduced to Stuart who was sent by 4x4 Australia Magazine to take almost 1000 photographs and write a story on our trip, look out for this article in the near future.

The MJOC crew that attended the weekend included:

Michael, Tyler and Adam Haworth with a JK unlimited and camper trailer

Ian Fletcher with MJOC1 JK

Justin, Leanne, Elissa and Thomas Hurley in the black JK unlimited

Alex and Judy Levron in WH v8 rand with Kimberley camper behind

Paul Cage in his Black XJ

Alan and Vara Turner in the silver XJ

Geoff, Jeanette, Jessie and Tyler Lewellin with Green JK and viscount off road caravan

Rob and Remy Sharp in green TJ with off road trailer

Together with 8 other LROCV members – made for a great group with lots of personality’s and fun to be had all weekend.


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The trip – day 1 Saturday 30th Oct

We headed up the Buffalo River valley and the 70km into Wonnangatta, passing the Buffalo River dam, Mt Buffalo, then airing down at the dirt we headed into the high country getting to the Abbeyard picnic yard for lunch.

We then headed now into the real high country passing Riley’s Hut and then to the Van Dammes heli pad at the top of east riley road. The views from this point are amazing with 360 degree views across to Mt Hotham one way and Mt Buller the other. At this point we had to engage 4wd and head into the Wonnangatta valley. All of us with trailers had take care at this stage and the convoy took its time in heading down the step tracks into the valley.

At the first river crossing we were warned about foxes over the radio – but really!

We were now in the Wonnangatta valley and what a sight it was, a beautiful stretch of grassy fields for km’s surrounded by 1500m-1800m mountains with the river running along the north side.

We meandered along the river until we got to the old homestead site then headed down to the river where we meet the LROCV group who had headed into the valley a difference route to the mjoc’ers.

We setup camp and all the kids got rid of their energy by playing cricket or riding their bikes through the mud (I wonder where they get this instinct from)

After dinner we all got the kids ready for Halloween and guess what there where mainly treats with very little tricks! All the kids had a great time visiting all 16 sites in our group.

Day 2: 1st of Nov – Pink Lamb and Red Wine day

After an easy morning – Michael, Fletch and I got together to work out a trip – we decided that we needed some river crossings and some steep hills – so about 10.30 we headed towards Herne’s spur.

On the way we headed down the Wonnangatta track and we crossed the river 6 times – varying in depth from 300mm to over a metre on 1 crossing. These all proved great tuna opportunities!

At Hernes Spur track we had lunch – then got ready to go up a very very long steep track – all cars were able to get up ok with a few overheating and Richard Grooms in his old D1 needing a few goes at some of the slopes.

Most of the radio chatter was “man this is steep” and most passengers had white knuckles at the top – the view from wombat spur was at about 1300m and was spectacular in all directions, with wild flowers coming out in front of our eyes made for a unique high country experience.

After sorting all the car troubles out, we headed back down to wombat spur. This was about 3km down from to 1300m to less than 800m mostly in low 1st or 2nd gear.


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We then headed back along the valley till about 4km from camp when we noticed some great firewood needed for our camp fire – so with 2 chainsaws and roof racks and all hands on deck we loaded our Jeeps and Landies with wood ready for a big fire.

Remy and I were very lucky to see a dingo come almost up to our car when we where waiting at a river crossing – Remy then howled all the way back to camp calling other dingoes.

Pink Lamb and Red Wine night

After getting a good fire we had lots of coals and were able to cook 6 lamb meals in our camp ovens.

Our recipe was:

Red wine

1 kg of lamb

3 cut up potatoes

1 cut up onion

Qtr of a pumpkin

A tin of veggie soup

Fresh rosemary

All cooked on coals for approx 1 hour

Served with peas and a glass of red this was a beautiful meal – and we had lamb sandwiches for the next 2 days. All the other lamb meals proved to be a great success – well done to all who gave it a go

Day 3: Relaxation and Wonnangatta wandering

Most of LROCV left us for an early exit and headed home via Zeka spur and Mansfield.

MJOCer’s all took a walk around Wonnangatta – the hut, the homestead and cemetery – then Remy and I relaxed, swam and had fun around the camp. All the boys decided catching frogs, lizards was great fun – whilst their dads and mums had a sleep or read magazines or enjoyed a few ale’s etc.

Justin and Leanne took 4 other cars out and went to the Heli pad up Harts and had a great trip.

That night we where treated to huge thunderstorm – the lightening and thunder in the valley seems twice as loud as anywhere else.

Day 4 Packup

We woke to threatening skies and all decided that getting packed before the rain came was essential – so we were all packed up in less than 1 hour just in time before the rain.

With the wet weather we decided to head back the way we came in as Zeka spur in the wet was too risky with Caravans and trailers.

It took us all day to get to Mansfield and we finished the day with a meal at Bonnie Doon resort hotel.

Thanks to Gerald and Michael for trip leading.

I would recommend this to be annual event – Wonnangatta is an amazingly special place our club should go to at least annually.

Yours in jeep’n

Rob and Remy Sharp


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Other great Wonnangatta photos taken by Justin or Rob


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Wonnangatta Valley what an absolutely fabulous place to visit

Jeanette Lewellin

We had a little hiccup on the way, the engine warning light came on (again) and stalled the car, just before Bonnie Doon. Geoff disconnected the battery to reset the computer and it went off before we left Myrtleford Saturday morning and the car is running fine.

17 vehicles left Myrtleford Saturday morning. We also had Stuart a photographer from 4X4 Australia along with us covering the trip (keep an eye out should be in January’s issue). The trip in was hot and dusty. The commentary about the area from Roger Seabright on the way in was amazing, we all had lunch at Abbeyard. Not long after lunch we split into 2 groups, we took the East Buffalo Rd which was easier for those that were towing. All of the LROVC except for Roger (Rusty) took West Buffalo Track.

We had to squeeze through a few fallen trees on the track, crossed a river. We only had one diversion off the track due to a big tree being across it, which was a bit of a challenge for us with the Caravan, but I think Geoff did a great job getting through it (and everyone else towing). We just caught the step on the embankment where we had to get back onto the track.

Got to the camp about 2pm where we all set up and had a restful afternoon (time for a drink) and the kids got a chance to play and ride their bikes through all the muddy puddles. After tea all the kids dressed up and I put on my witch’s hat for Halloween. I did some face painting and then the kids went trick or treating. The kids had a ball, lots of lollies.

Sunday 10 vehicles (including Stuart the photographer) made a trip to Hearn’s spur and wombat track (one of the steepest tracks in Victoria they tell me after we had left) 9 river crossings in total, some very steep tracks up and down, but the 360 degrees views at the top were just magnificent and really worth the trip. Richard in the old series 2 Landrover I think did an amazing job only had to try one of the tracks twice all the other times he made it up first go, I loved his aircon (opened vents under the windscreen) it reminded me of when we had the F100. Only 3 bonnets up when we got to the top of Hearn’s Spur, Justin in the JK overheating (have to remember to turn off the Aircon on those uphill climb’s) Paul in the XJ and one of the Discovery’s.

We all collected firewood on the way back so we could have the fire going for our camp ovens for the Pink Lamb and Red Wine dinner. Well I haven’t seen so many camp ovens around the one fire and boy was it hot, what a feast we all had and there is so many ways to have lamb they all looked great. After dinner we all sat around the camp fire looking at photos from the trip so far and lots of stories while the kids played hide and seek.

Monday most of the Landrover Owners club packed up and headed out via Zeka Spur track to Licola, Gerald and Steve decided to stay the extra day with us. Alan and Vera headed off for their walk up the Widow Maker and the rest of us went for a walk to the old homestead and Cemetery, by this stage it was getting quite hot, time to have lunch and relax while the kids swam, played and caught lizards for the afternoon. A few decided to go for a drive up Harts track but it was nice doing nothing for the afternoon (well not quite nothing had a drink in hand, a few had a nap). Another great night around the camp fire and watching the lightening all around the valley, what a sight.


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We only had a couple of showers of rain through the night hardly enough to wet the ground, but Tuesday morning was looking very grey I think we all got packed up (very quickly) just before the rain started. We were all in the cars ready to go by 9am.

Well the only part of the track Geoff was concerned about was the diversion off the track around the tree. Gerald led us out followed by Michael who had a little trouble on the diversion, Justin went next without any problems then everyone got out to work out the plan of attack for us to get through. The main concern was the Caravan tipping over on the way in off the track and then getting back on the track we all thought we would have to be winched up. But Geoff did an amazing job on getting us through I was feeling very sick going into it and I know Geoff was a bit nervous. We all got through without any problems and the rest seemed easier than the way in no dust until early afternoon. We stopped at Riley’s hut for lunch which was a great break for the kids.

Once we got back on the main road all of us except Alex and Judy decided to take Rose River Rd to Whitfield, when Gerald found out we were heading to Whitfield where his favourite winery is, well I think he drove faster as a lot of the time we couldn’t hear him properly on the UHF and all he seemed to talk about was wine. We were nearly at Whitfield when Michael asked about an awful smell like sulphur, Geoff told him that he may have a problem with his battery which we had experienced last year. Sure enough when we stopped to air up he discovered that the battery was bulging rather badly.

We stopped at the Whitfield pub for a well earned drink then headed over the mountain to Mansfield, where we said good bye to Justin, Leanne and the Kids and the rest of us headed to the Lakeview pub for tea.

I would like to thank everyone for a fantastic weekend one of the best I have ever had and for someone that doesn’t like 4 wheel driving very much that saying something. We all got home safely and the caravan made it home in one piece, it did very well for its first 4x4 trip I was very surprised to see everything still in its right place.


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High Country Tour

Craig C & Kristen. JK (Trip leader) Andrew W. JK Norm T. TJ James E & Daniel. TJ Will B & Drew. TJ

Our meeting point was at Edi Cutting Friday night on the King River, a couple pulling out at the last minute due to car ‘problems’. James & co rolled in just before midnight while Will & Drew’s absence at camp was explained next morning when it was found they were held up at the Glenrowan Pub for the night.

After a last minute refuel at Whitfield we headed across to Catherine Station & up the East Buffalo. Following a month long dry spell the Humffray crossings were down on what would normally be expected for that time of year, even the Wonnangatta river just splashed on the grill. After lunch we headed up through the valley stopping off for a look at the old homested & cemetery sites. Light rain had been falling on & off all day which made the climb up Zeka spur a little slippery. From the Howitt Plains we continued across the Butcher Country

Track unfortunately the low cloud obscuring what would have been great views. A couple of small bog holes, a few steep climbs & a series of rock ledges had James declaring he’d discovered his new ‘favourite’ track. Unfortunately once you start it there are few sheltered camping opportunities & with the weather closing in it was decided to push on to a late camp down on the Macalister River.

Steady rain fell for much of the night meaning a wet camp for most & a very wet night for one tent in particular. The river too came up overnight & with 3 crossings first up, none were too deep as to cause any problems. The track out of the valley had been bulldozed taking out what had been up until recently several very steep rock ledges although the decent into Grimmes Creek was still pretty steep.

With 4 petrol cars in the group their attention was focused on how far out it was with a couple running a bit low. We wound our way out past Mt Sunday on logging access roads, one washed out bridge requiring a detour otherwise an easy run to Jamieson for a well deserved counter lunch. A huge downpour while refueling finished off what was a pretty wet weekend.

Humffray River

Grimmes Creek

Andrew on the Humffray Track

Wonnangatta Cemetery


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Butcher Country Track

Macalister River

Grimmes Creek Track

James at Grimmes Creek


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Cobaw State Forest Trip

We all met at the Gisborne Bakery at around 09:00. There were a large number of cars so we decided to split up in to 2 convoys. I was in Convoy A.

The complete group aired down at a local park in the Cobaw Forest.

MJOC Members who attend the trip.

Dan Martin Glenn Hayse Michael Floyd Colin Chan Phil Pavey Stephen Thornton Dave Mathews Terry Vu Tamara Thomson David Dailey

Neal Welti

Once the group aired down the 2 convoys headed in the opposite directions.

Group A were going to drive Muir Track first up.

This was a rather rocky track which caused some concern for the lower cars. As you can see in the photos there was some track building for some cars.

Once all the cars had negotiated Muir Track, we then headed for a track call Pole Track. This one had a really low tree that had fallen. I was a bit worried so I let the other JK’s go first. As you can see by the photos the tree trunk was rather low.

Our next track was Soil Pit track. This one had a very Gnarly corner. This one had 2 choices.

- Wheel in the air

- Steep incline.

I think most people went for the steep incline option.

Myself , I went with the incline option but was a little worried about rolling (It looked worse that it actually was).

Both convoy’s agreed to meet up at 12:30 for lunch at a park near the end of Camp Track. Group B had already arrived while Group A were a tad late due to some navigation issues. Anyway we finally made it.

After lunch, we drove some easier tracks and occasionally came across other 4WD groups. The Day ended at a local road side café.

Thanks Dan for a great Day (even though it was hot & dusty)

Andrew Wale (JK Wrangler)


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A Grade Weekend

Frank M – Red TJ on 33s (Trip Leader) Doug and balls – Red TJ on 33s Dan I – Green XJ on 33s Frank H – White TJ on 34s

Saturday Report 14/11/09. Both Frank H and I haven’t been on a trip for ages, like nearly 2 years for me so we were excited as hell! The day marked Die Hard XJ with Vengeance.

The main aim was to tackle two A grade tracks: Ellis and Cumming Spur Tracks. The dry conditions may have lent themselves to being a little easier than in the wet but this by all means did not equal no challenge. Ellis was mad to start the morning with a lunch break near the top – and Cummings got the arvo adrenalin surging through our arteries man!

All Jeeps conquered (no winching required) the steep uphill insano off camber obstacles made up of massive boulders, raging rutted steps and ball breaking walls of rock rash death that we kissed on the way! Rock sliders and bar work took a pounding here and there with no major breakages but some body abrasions and flare damage was inevitable.

We topped off the awesome day with a nice cold beer and Log Cabin pizza around the campfire at Doon Reserve.

Cheers to Frank for organising! – Dan I


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Trading Post

Advertising is available FREE, just complete the form on the MJOC website.

Non Members can advertise your goods on this page, but submissions will be accepted at the discretion of the Communications Officer. Adverts stay in Magazine and on Website for maximum 2 months or until sold notification received. Refer to our regular advertising rates for larger magazine adverts.

WANTED (15th December 2009)

Full size jeep 258 6 cylinder, 5 speed preferred, 4 speed ok. Prefer good condition, but will consider any condition. Mike Maynard - Email: [email protected]

FOR SALE (1st December 2009)

1994 Jeep Cherokee Limited. 272000 kms, ARB air-locker & disc brakes fitted to rear, TJM alloy bullbar, Kaymar rear step wheel carrier/towbar, Kingsley side steps, rola roof bars, 27MHz/UHF radio, BFG AT tyres, engine performance chip, Spare set of Alloy wheels. Waterproof roofbag. 2" lift and Rancho adjustable Shocks. Graham Cahill - Email: [email protected] - Phone: 0428553535

FOR SALE (29th November 2009)

XJ Parts. Most parts available including panels ( doors, bonnet,boot and front gaurds), suspension (stock), rims, motor, gearbox and all interior with electrics. White body so easy to re-spray, grey interior. Most parts in excellent condition. Call for details and pricing. Jake - Email: [email protected] - Phone: 0448637774


2005 MY04 Grand Cherokee Overland.96,xxx kms. Immaculate Condition. Fully optioned. Tom - Email: [email protected] - Phone: 0402512451


CJ7 Renegade, 1983. holden 308, turbo 400 gearbox, hard top, soft top 180,000 kms (approx 15,000 on new motor) Karen Porteous - Email: [email protected] - Phone: 0413024447


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Future Trips and Events

High Country Tour for the Wattle Rangers 31/12/2009 - 04/01/2010 Very Difficult - B (Double Black) Event Leader : Ken Dunnachie

This is a camping trip to give our Beachport guides Jack and Cheryl and Bob and Lyn a taste of the High Country. First day Woods Point area. Next crossing the Goulburn at Burnt Camp where we were stopped on the Snow Trip by a washed out track and on to Licola. Third day up Butcher Country track and on to Horseyard Flat. Fourth day Billy Goat Bluff track to Wonnangatta Station. Monday up Zeka Spur to Bluff Hut, Mansfield , Strathbogie. The pace of this trip will be quite relaxed with time to check out interesting tracks and 'special tests'. Also opportunity to join us at Woods Point or Licola. This trip will run even if not many MJOCers able to come. Call me re any queries or ideas.

Australia Day Weekend Base Camp. (Buckland Valley) 22/01/2010 - 26/01/2010 Moderate - D (Blue) Event Leader : Craig Cheetham

This will be a casual base camp easily accessible to caravans & campers (Dirt Road) where members can join the day trips or do your own thing. Saturday afternoon will be an easy trip to local lookouts. Sunday will be an intermediate tour out to the spectacular Blue Rag Range returning via Mt Murray. Monday will be a day loop through the Humffray River & back via Mt Selwyn. Tuesday may have a trip heading towards home for those not towing. The option will be available to stay in camp, go fishing or follow the Missus into Bright to the local market. There should be plenty of opportunity to fire up the camp ovens. (Weather permitting) This will be a child friendly gathering (End of School Holidays) with a safe river adjacent for swimming & tubing.

Come for the weekend or stay & celebrate through to Australia Day. Could all participants please call the trip leader the week prior to confirm their expected arrival.

Victorian 4wd Show Setup team 20/02/2010 - 20/02/2010 Easy - E (Green) Event Leader : Robert Sharp

Need a Saturday setup team for the Victorian 4WD Show 2010. Will setup Jeep tent - with all our great displays. We have sites 24, 25 and 26 supported by Nunawading Chrysler Jeep. Refer to www.victorian4wdshow.com.au for details on the show.

$10 spit roast will be available for dinner for those who help. Also need 4 members cars on display - so if you want to show of your Jeep setup to the 4wd world please email me [email protected] .

Victorian 4wd Show 21/02/2010 - 21/02/2010 Easy - E (Green) Event Leader : Robert Sharp

Need a team of enthusiast MJOC members to promote our great club at the Victorian 4wd Show. Members can drive their jeep on the Outdoor course (need driver training certificate) plus enjoy all the show has to offer.

SA Beaches 2010 06/03/2010 - 08/03/2010 Difficult - C (Black) Event Leaders : Craig Jansen / Marc Hillman / Michael Haworth

Our annual sand driving expedition to the SA Beaches. On the Saturday we will head down to Carpenters Rocks for a run through the dunes to Beachport followed by tea at Bompas. On the Sunday we will head along the beach to Robe with a play in the dunes along the way before heading back to the pub for tea. Monday will be a run back along the beach to Southport and then turning homewards through Mt Gambier once again. This is a fun filled weekend and always very popular. Accomodation can be booked at the Beachport Motor Inn (08) 8735-8070 or Southern Ocean Caravan Park. Please indicate you are with MJOC.


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SA Beaches B grade Sunday 07/03/2010 - 07/03/2010 Very Difficult - B (Double Black) Event Leaders : Craig Jansen / Ken Dunnachie

Following the Mighty Kenny on his extreme adventure through the dunes. Steep dunes and soft beach diving. This trip not for the faint hearted !

2010 MJOC Jeep Muster 23/04/2010 - 26/04/2010 Various Trips Multiple Trip Leaders

4th Annual MJOC JEEP Muster will be held at Caringal Scout Camp Erica from 23rd April 2010 - 26th April 2010. The MJOC JEEP Muster will be smaller than previous years but certainly the wheelin, stories and socialising will be just as fun. The event is going to be used to scout and test the tracks as a Lead up event to the 2010 National JEEP Jamboree

Caringal Scout Camp Facilities are excellent and can be viewed at www.mtbawbawdistrict.org.au/carinal.php. If members would like to help or support this event please email Rob Sharp [email protected]

National Jeep Jamboree Victoria 2010 30/09/2010 - 03/10/2010 Various Trips Multiple Trip Leaders

The Melbourne Jeep Owners Club is proud to announce that we will be hosting the National Jeep Jamboree Victoria 2010.

When MJOC ran the National Jeep Jamboree Victoria 2004, we set the bar for Jeep events in Australia, with over 600 people and nearly 300 Jeep vehicles in attendance across the four days. In 2010, we hope to create an event that will exceed our efforts in 2004 and attract over 1000 visitors. Make sure you mark the dates in your calander and diary for next year.

You can get more information from www.jeepjamboree.com.au. If you would like to help your fellow club members organise and run this event please contact Brett Dashwood [email protected] .

Wonnangatta Wonder 30/10/2010 - 02/11/2010 Difficult - C (Black) Event Leader : Ian Fletcher

This trip is being run in conjunction with Michael Haworth's Pink Lamb and Red Wine MJOC/Land Rover Club of Victoria trip. This trip is designed to be the harder of the two and is NOT SUITABLE FOR TRAILERS OR CAMPER/VANS.

Wonnangatta and the surrounding High Country - truly one of Victorias' legendary 4WD destinations.

We will be travelling into Wonnangatta via Mansfield, Sheepyard Flat, Mount Howitt, Snowy Plains and see Cattlemans Huts and Spectacular views and will use more difficult and narrower tracks and enter the valley via Zeka Track. Base camp in the Wonnangatta and various short day trips will be included. Petrol Jeeps will need to carry min 20 Litres additional fuel.

Pink Lamb & Red Wine with the LROCV 30/10/2010 - 02/11/2010 Difficult - C (Black) Event Leader : Michael Haworth

Red Wine and Pink Lamb (take 2).

This will be our second year joining the Land Rover Club on the annual trip. It was a success last time and this year should be better yet. I will be leading a group down from Myrtleford and camper trailers will be allowed and encouraged. Ian Fletcher will be leading a group from Mansfield to the Valley so look for his trip if you want to try something a little more challenging if you are not towing.

There will be lots to do from every level of four wheel driving to hiking and fishing. We also check out local huts. The kids usually do a lot of bike riding, playing in the mud, fish for tadpoles and hunt lizards. We also have a Halloween “Trick-or-Treat” session as well. Don’t forget to bring your best lamb recipe as well. You will see a variety of ways to cook lamb in the bush.


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Vic High Country Revisited (JJ Style) 02/01/2011 - 15/01/2011 Difficult - C (Black) Event Leader : Grant Jones

This will be a remote area trip encompassing the Victorian High country, we will be starting off at Buckland Valley via Porpunkah towards Blue Rag, and all of the favourites like the Populars, and Tom Groggin whilst crossing the Murray several times. This is a camping trip so you will need to be self sufficient with regards to food and water (pleny of oportunities to replenish supplies along the way). It would also pay to carry an extra 20 litres of fuel, camp trailers are allowed on this trip (No caravans or offroad vans) as the tracks will not be suitable for these types of vehicle. More information will follow along with details of maps.

Information for Members

NEW MEMBERS

All drivers must meet MJOC Driver Training requirements prior to participating on any MJOC trip other than E grade trips. Or if you have completed other training, show documentary proof that you have previously completed a similar standard of training such as Four Wheel Drive Victoria courses. If you have not completed training yet, go to our training page at www.mjoc.org.au to make a booking.

DRIVER AND VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

You should consider that you have adequate driver skills and training as well as the condition and suitability of your vehicle set up to suit the conditions likely to be encountered when selecting a trip and making a booking. You should also consider medical requirements for you and your passengers and ensure that ample food and clothing are taken to suit the likely weather conditions. All vehicles should be in roadworthy condition and have ample tyre tread to suit the conditions. All vehicles must have suitable recovery points front and rear.

BOOKINGS

Please consider other members if after making a booking, you need to cancel. Most of our trips have waiting lists and it would be great to enable another member to go in your place if you cannot attend. Bookings are considered to be firm and a confirmation email will be sent to you a week prior to the trip or event. Please be considerate and advise the bookings officer or operations officer if you cannot attend a trip you have booked on.


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Available in 2 colours these

premium quality T-Shirts reflect

a fresh and modern look in

contemporary design. Marcus

Lee has once again excelled in

the new look graphics and

colours that portray our Jeep

adventure li festyle.

They are available for

purchase at meetings and can

be ordered onl ine at

www.Mjoc.org.au.

Expect to see some other great

club merchandise items

become avai lable soon.

Marcus lee and his creative team have excelled yet again with

the design of the new club gear. MJOC really appreciates the

fantastic design, effort and achievement that Marcus has given the

club over the years.

Many Thanks Marcus.

MJOC CLUB STICKERS ARE NOW

AVAILABLE

Club Merchandise


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The MJOC Committee

President Dan Martin

Phone 0411 442 220 Email [email protected]

Secretary Neal Welti


Operations Manager Rohan Dodd

Email [email protected]

Vice President Craig Jansen


Treasurer Phil Pavey


Communications Officer Marc Hillman

Phone 0432 686808 Email [email protected]

Membership Officer Ian Fletcher


Events Officer Rob Sharp


Driver Training Manager Mike Haworth


PR Officer Brett Dashwood


4WD Victoria Delegate Mike Haworth


Bookings Ken Dunnachie

Email [email protected]

MJOC Member’s Meetings

Member’s meetings are held on the last Tuesday of every month. (Except Jan 2010). Current venue is FWDV, RSL Hall, Greythorn Shopping Centre, Balwyn

2010 Meeting Dates

Tuesday 2nd February Tuesday 23rd February Tuesday 30th March Tuesday 27th April Tuesday 25th May Tuesday 29th June

Tuesday 27th July Tuesday 31st August Tuesday 28th September Tuesday 26th October Tuesday 30th November Christmas BBQ replaces Dec Meeting

Australia’s No. 1 Jeep CLUB Website

www.mjoc.org.au

The MJOC website achieves a huge number of hits each month. It contains a range of information about the club including details of club trips, events and activities. A full colour pdf version of this magazine is available for download.

Melbourne Jeep® Owners Club is the assumed name of the MJOC Four Wheel Drive Club Inc and is a non-profit organization.

The Jeep® & Jeep Jamboree trademark is used with the conditional permission of Chrysler Australia Pty. Ltd and Chrysler LLC.

All advertising proceeds in this magazine is for club fundraising purposes only. All proceeds go to covering the cost of producing this magazine and the general operation of the club. Neither the Melbourne Jeep® Owners Club nor Chrysler LLC warrant or make any expression of recommendation to any of the advertisers or items advertised unless those items carry the Jeep® trademark and are advertised by Chrysler Australia Pty. Ltd. Or Chrysler LLC. or its licensed agent.

All comments and articles are the express views of the individual writer and are not the views of The Melbourne Jeep Owners Club, Chrysler Australia Pty. Ltd or Chrysler LLC.

Mailing Address

Melbourne Jeep Owners Club P O Box 432

Mulgrave Vic 3170

ADVERTISING RATES

The Melbourne Jeep Owners Club accepts advertising for both this magazine and the club Website. For best results the advertisements should offer discounts, special offers or services to club members. Please contact the Editor for advertising rates.


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Documents

Page 1 of 25So, if you have young kids, and are finding it hard to make time to become a trip leader, or run a trip having completed the trip leader training, all I can say is find