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TOOLANGI,
OR NOT TOOLANGI?
That
was never
the
question!
Trip Report by Robert
(Bullet) Lake (#039)
We were
ready for the Toolangi trip which Richard Low had been organising
for his trip leader training assessment; the recce had been done
the weekend before and everything was right. The week following the
recce was one full of rain, storms and wind. Wind strong enough to
blow big trees over tracks we wanted to drive down never let up.
Richard had been on the phone and email organising a chainsaw as he
knew we would be needing it to clear tracks as we went. We really
didn’t know what to expect, but we needed to be ready
anyway.
We met at
the Whittlesea Lions Park in the roaring sun at 8am on the Saturday
morning for our briefing and to meet the others participating in
the trip. It was interesting for me as there were people I hadn’t
been on a trip with before. The convoy included …
•
Richard and Sandy Low (Trip Leader)
•
Chris and Natalia Klenkowski and family
•
Chris Knight
•
Tony Buttigieg and his son, Tom
•
Ivan Busljeta
•
Robert Lake and Mark Andrews (who was wanting an upgrade to a
Nissan)
•
Richard and Robyn Northway
•
Mike and Wendy Tamlyn
•
Geoff Lake and friend Kevin
Richard
gave a very in depth talk which left none of us wondering what was
going to happen during the day, he had every base covered which is
what we want in a trip leader, don’t we?
After the
formalities were concluded we hit the road and were on our way to
the Toolangi Forest, excited about the days adventure ahead, so
excited that the first fine for the day was 30 seconds into the
trip with Richard leaving the map on the roof of the car which went
flying once he got some speed up. We aired down at Spraggs Road and
the truck talk started with everyone looking at each others trucks
and looking for some new ideas—always fun!
After
airing down we proceeded down Spraggs Road and onto Kata Track
where we came to our first obstacle, a tree blocking the road where
they had been logging. The first chainsaw demonstration was
delivered by Chris Knight (there would be many more of these demos
during the day). We had to negotiate a log which we built up with
smaller logs around it which made it easier to get over, most
having little trouble apart from a few side steps scratches. We
continued after this along Downies Road Track which led to a sudden
morning tea stop—a huge tree was laying across the track, and it
needed to be cut and winched out of the way. This took quite a bit
of work by many hands and a well-carried out winching
demonstration.
After
morning tea and some chocolate balls from Natalia (she’s fast
becoming a CITYWEST legend!) we turned into Klondyke Road which had
a few small bog holes but these were negotiated well by all. Then
it was along Katys Creek Track, Lukes Creed Road and Marginal Road
which now has a new water hole after Chris announced that he had to
do a stop to answer the call of nature. This track led us to our
first hill climb. Richard led by Sandy who drove well for the first
part of the trip (the hard part) attempted the hill first and it
was a nice 45 degree plus climb that went further than the eye
could see. About half way up the hill there was yet another tree
blocking the track which was just too big to cut, so it was time
for Sandy to key start and back the ‘Cruiser all the way back to
the bottom of the hill, which she proceeded to do like a consummate
professional. We turned the cars around and continued along
Marginal Road and along a very rutted and slippery Camp Site Track
down to the river and across that for lunch.
Everyone
did well negotiating this track which was for some their first
attempt at a track like this. Mark talked everyone down the track
which gave everyone confidence in themselves and their trucks to
get down there. We got some very good photos and video footage from
this section of our trek. With a creek-side lunch everyone was
ready to hit the bog holes that Toolangi had to offer.
We had to
come back up Camp Site Track and through those rut’s again with
some (myself) getting a little stuck with tyres not wanting to
grip—probably not the best decision to be in such a deep rut
anyway, but a quick back up and straddle with good wheel placement
got the job done.
We came
to a small creek crossing which had some varied routes to get
through. Some took the challenge down a longer tight bog hole which
required some careful negotiation and wheel placement. Everyone
made it through fine with some directing from Chris.
The rest
of the trip involved bog holes which everyone was keen to attempt
and one that turned into the big splash challenge. Everyone made it
through easily with some great pictures and video footage taken.
Most people drove through with great care and precision making them
look like professionals.
After a
few track blockages with trees we finally found our way out with a
small rock climb that got some good wheel-in-the-air
action—especially from Ivan’s truck. This track led us out to our
air-up spot and our final instructions from our trip
leader.
We all
had a great trip, our leader providing clear instructions, various
types of driving and included everyone in the group in a great way.
This was a great start to being a trip leader for Richard. It was
also great to see some of the newer members getting out on a trip
and having the confidence to give everything a go as part of a
really good team. I think some surprised themselves and their
vehicles with what they could do with some wisdom and
encouragement. Can't wait to see you on the next
mission.
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