What a pleasure getting a knock on the door early on a Sunday morning and getting asked to come out on a 4WD day, especially when its from a great group of people and a track you were wanting to do.  Its amazing what you attract into your life – law of attraction alive and well!

So, off we went heading up Tolosa Road to the start of the East West (Montrose 4WD Track).  We had thrown lunch together, grabbed some water, a snack and off we went, forgetting that we again only had 2WD available…oh well…give it go huh.

We passed through the gate at the end of Tolosa Road and headed up the range which contains Mt Wellington.  We had been up Mt Wellington earlier in the week to have a play in the snow…that right…the snow…or what’s left of it anyway.  There was still enough for a few snow balls to be thrown though.

Up and up we went through beautiful forest in some areas and low lying scrub in other places.  The day was picture perfect and it again reminded us of how lucky we are to be experiencing our great country with our family and meeting up with great people along the way…awesome.

It was about 30 minutes into the track that we confirmed we were again driving in two wheels.  We hit a muddy patch that swung around an up hill corner.  Despite a valient attempt we were not going any where.  I looked out the window and sure enough no front wheels were spinning.  Luckily our front locker was working so we were at least able to use one of the front wheels.  The only problem is that the front wheel was always pulling us left so we were constantly fitting the right handed turn in fron of us.  After some reversing, some throttle and fish tailing, the Patrol pushed up through the mud and we were on our way again.  Luckily because there were calls of recovery over the radio!!!

Onwards and upwards to the Telstra towers and what a view in all directions.  You could look down on Hobart, out to the bay’s in the East including  Bruny Island and Port Arthur and out along the Western Range and various mountain peaks in the other direction.  This was a view to die for and a place that time really does stand still as you stand in appreciation of the beauty in front of you.  Photos to come!!!

A quick chat and then off again in an East West direction over the range (as the name suggests !!!) climbing and descending through various types of scrub, some forests, some shallow water hills and some rather steep (if not rutted) hill climbs that again saw the need for three wheels.  We stopped for lunch…somewhere…sorry will need to check the map…and climbed a small hill for another awesome 360 degree view.  Scenery does not get better than this I can assure you.

A bit of Bushman Bud bush mechanics couldn’t fix the hub, so off we went again.  This time heading consistently down to the intersection with Jeffery’s Track, through the gate and on to the mud holes for a bit of action.  What can I say, or do I need to say…boys and their toys…or boys will be boys.  Lets say when you drive a beautiful track all day and then you want to have a play and there is mud right in front of you…you beauty, what a ripper.

And so it was, screaming engines, wheels spinning, Bushman Bud recovered once and almost twice (thanks for the little push) and smiles all around.  Everyones car was now dirty.  There was plenty of video taken…and…it will find its way here once I have edited it.  A great way to end a fine day that had it all.

The only thing left to say was thanks to the Trekka 4WD Club once again and what a bugger the mud was to clean off after a day of drying.  It reminded me to wash the car…right away…next time.

Look out for the videos and the photos.  If you are wanting to do this track you need to pick up a key from the National Park’s Office in Glenorchy who can be reached at the following link.

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=7542

Get out and give it a go or better still give the Trekka 4WD Club a buzz and do it in style with great people and friends who enjoy what you do the most.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

What a way to kick off an awesome weekend.  We had contacted the Trekka 4WD Club a few weeks ago and they were good enough to allow us to come along on the night run up and over Jeffery’s Track to Huonville, have dinner and head back over the hill again.  It is always good doing a trip with a little bit of a difference, especially where a beer and good company is involved.

Meeting at New Norfolk we headed off at about 5:30pm towards Jeffery’s Track.  This track is relatively easy but is good for a little fun with some slushy mud parts, a few muddy holes and a steep ascent or descent depending on which way you are heading.

Its funny how night time makes things look a little more challenging, the mud looks deeper, the hills steeper, the rocks bigger, etc…saying that though all vehicles made it up and over the track without too many surprises.  The biggest surprise for me was the fact we had been 4WDing with only the rear wheels for some time.  I had thought traction seemed a little off and the mud confirmed that it wasn’t the tyres it was most definately one of the manual locking hubs not engaging.  Funny really I had completed the Balfour Track, Monetzuma Falls, Ring River Road and Southern Forests run in 2WD…oops. 

Never mind I had the lockers in case trouble was around the corner.

Completing Jeffery’s Track we headed into Huonville for a delicious pub meal with some awesome deserts on offer.  The meal was great but the real delight was spending the evening with the members of the Trekka 4WD Club who are a top bunch of people.  Again we had stumbled on a great group of people with similar interests.

After dinner, dessert and a few beers, back over Jeffery’s Track.  We struggled up the initial steep hill in 2WD and had to engage the lockers to compensate for the faulty hub.  Apart from the distinct pull to the passengers side up we went.  The rest of the track was fun with one car mysteriously ending up driving the wrong way…we think…and lodging their car on the edge of a gully to be recovered.  The mud at the end of the track was fun and was enjoyed by the drivers. 

At the end of the track it was time to say goodbye to our friends made at the Trekka 4WD Club and look forward to future trips…little did we know what was in store for us…

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia