20 November, 2011
We all met up at the Hika weighbridge – a good turn out, 10 vehicles. After arriving at Mike’s and unloading the vehicles we decided to head to the quarry and peg some hazards. The new track was a hazard in itself. I took the Lada down first, it was rough, but it carved a trail. Not everyone was keen, but
Rodney, Daniel and Mark soon followed. The others hunted out the alternative way down, not quite as rough but still a challenge. This only got us into the clearing; the track beyond was humps, lumps, and cattle-ruts, a bit of a bone-shaker (especially if you’re in a Lada, and have no power-steering). Then we got onto the quarry track, but the gorse had taken over the track again – too much to crash through (we need to clear these tracks and then come out and use them a bit more often) - we turned around and decided we’d just do a bit of exploring with the new fellas who’d come out for the day. We all had a bit of trouble getting out of the new track as it’s still a bit steep. Once out of there we went out to the dam, which actually had water in it, a novelty celebrated with much spinning of wheels and sliding sideways. It was also a good spot for lunch. After lunch, Rodney went for a hoon into the dam in 2-wheel-drive, gave it heaps, only for his engine to start making funky noises – oops..! Rodney and Kay walked out to get their tow-vehicle and the rest of us went exploring. The ground was so bloody hard and with all the cattle tracks it was hell driving the Lada. On the way back we stopped at the culvert and had a play in the creek. Ian, in his little red Suzuki, was the only one to drive it without getting towed out; and maybe Eugene too, but he had extra clearance being a cruiser with 35” tyres. We went for a nosey up the other track; there was a bit more mud and some hill climbs, some bridge-building, plenty of if-only ideas, and lots of fun had by all.
Rodney, Daniel and Mark soon followed. The others hunted out the alternative way down, not quite as rough but still a challenge. This only got us into the clearing; the track beyond was humps, lumps, and cattle-ruts, a bit of a bone-shaker (especially if you’re in a Lada, and have no power-steering). Then we got onto the quarry track, but the gorse had taken over the track again – too much to crash through (we need to clear these tracks and then come out and use them a bit more often) - we turned around and decided we’d just do a bit of exploring with the new fellas who’d come out for the day. We all had a bit of trouble getting out of the new track as it’s still a bit steep. Once out of there we went out to the dam, which actually had water in it, a novelty celebrated with much spinning of wheels and sliding sideways. It was also a good spot for lunch. After lunch, Rodney went for a hoon into the dam in 2-wheel-drive, gave it heaps, only for his engine to start making funky noises – oops..! Rodney and Kay walked out to get their tow-vehicle and the rest of us went exploring. The ground was so bloody hard and with all the cattle tracks it was hell driving the Lada. On the way back we stopped at the culvert and had a play in the creek. Ian, in his little red Suzuki, was the only one to drive it without getting towed out; and maybe Eugene too, but he had extra clearance being a cruiser with 35” tyres. We went for a nosey up the other track; there was a bit more mud and some hill climbs, some bridge-building, plenty of if-only ideas, and lots of fun had by all.
Thanks all for coming out and making the day enjoyable; it was a great turnout and a good day, different than we planned, but sometimes with 4-wheeling, you just don’t know until you get there. Eugene drove all the way up from Auckland that morning, then had to drive home that night, that’s dedication for you.
- Colin
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.