Brunswick Junction 30th April 2022

Participants
Joel (trip leader) Suzuki Serra
Simon Defender
Rob Suzuki Vitera
Shane & Marty (guest) Prado
Phil 76 Landcruiser
Brandon lsuzu D max
Sean Triton
Matt Pajero
Wilco & Nayeli
Don & Jane GU Patrol (tail)

We arrived late (0930) but the trip couldn’t start as we had the trip sheets. With two sheets circulating these were quickly completed and Joel was able to call a short drivers’ meeting. He described the day’s drive as a series of loops around a boundary. We left our meeting point at 0940 and headed south on the South West Highway to begin our adventure.
We were blessed with a day that was warm and sunny. The earlier rains during the week had given us slightly damp tracks that gave us plenty of traction, not greasy wet as we encountered on the recci and not super dry slippery. Just like Goldilocks, the tracks were just right!
We parked among puddles to air down and there was a sense of anticipation.

We began on a track that was narrow deeply rutted, clay based and eroded in places.

Our first challenge was a narrow well defined a track leading uphill though a pine plantation. It looked simple; never the less it required traction aids, spotters and is some cases winches to conquer.

Lunch was called at the bottom of a track; it was decided that we should take this challenge on full stomachs as it looked daunting from the bottom.

Joel set the bar high by driving the whole length unassisted. It was here that Sean’s persistence led to success and the drive of the day.
Most drove the left side to avoid the wombat holes then crossed to the right-hand side to avoid the steps. Simon’s Defender has plenty of wheel travel and he gracefully cruised through the wombat holes; no lifted wheels and no hesitation.

The last challenge of the day was a narrow deeply rutted track with a small creek flowing at the bottom of the valley and a steep narrow uphill exit. Everybody who attempted got through without any difficulties. There was only one refusal but success came on the second attempt and with a flurry of mud.

Some chose to drive around this challenge and had their own adventure!
After everybody had re-joined, we decided to finish the trip as it was about 1500. After pumping up tyres we headed for home via Brunswick Junction.

Drive of the day was by Sean. On a steep and difficult uphill track Sean just kept on going up and up. A big step up required careful wheel placement and the assistance others to find rocks and timber. The side steps screeched as bit by bit the Sean eased the Triton over the step up. There was a buzz of adrenaline when Sean finally crested the hill. A fantastic team effort.