Yes, I am back and its good to be back.  The trouble is we have been enjoying ourselves on the Eyre Peninsula so much that time to write and catch up has been too difficult.  We have been making the most of SA’s daylight saving and time zone with the sun setting around 9pm most evenings.  That doesn’t leave much time for writing.

When we touched base last we were heading through the flood waters around NSW.  In fact that became quite a challenge for us that I will update you on shortly.  In fact we almost got caught out several times and at one point thought we would be stuck in Brewarinna for Christmas.

Needless to say, we passed through Port Augusta on 18th December heading for the Eyre Peninsula.  Our plan was to spend some time in and aroundPort Lincoln and Coffin Bay.  We had picked out the beautiful sandy bays in this area to explore both on land and by boat.

Our experience has made us realise that the Eyre Peninsula, although a windy and sand blown place in most part has a few national treasures which should be on the list of all travellers to visit on their circum navigation of this great land of ours.  So here we go…

Passing through Port Augusta late in the day we planned to find some free camping for the night down the East coast of the Peninsula.  First we stoopped in at Wyhalla for dinner, before continuing on in the hope of reaching Tumbly Bay.  This didn’t happen and we found ourselves in a Rest Area for the night…which was strangely peaceful anyhow.

Up the next morning and we continued on to Tumbly Bay spendong a short time having a look with our main purpose of arriving in Port Lincon by lunch time.  Tumbly Bay was a beautiful stop and we penciled in another, visit again sometime in our notebook.  In fact we explored many small towns on the way through to Port Lincoln which were worth a visit for another trip before arriving in Port Lincoln itself which is by far the biggest town on the Eyre Peninsula.  Port Lincoln is the centre for the extensive farming lands and fishing (including oysters) industries of the Eyre Peninsula.

Getting a few supplies we then purchased a 2 month SA National Parks Pass and camping permit for $58.  Brilliant value for money…two months camping for an extra $24.  This beats QLD’s rampant government who want $21 per night plus vehicle permits.

We headed into the Lincoln National Park and the Surfleet Camping area which has just been completely revamped for caravans, camping trailerrs and motorhomes with level parking bays for all.  Some of the views from these spots is to die for.  In fact the biggest disappointment would have to be the lack of beach access for a dinghy which was probably about away. There were many camping spots in the Lincoln National Park.  We checked out Fishermans Bay and Tailors Landing before deciding on Surfleet Bay.

We spent three days and four nights here enjoying the nice beach and peaceful surroundings.  The vegetation is Australia’s own bush scrub which is common all along the South Coast with the jagged limestone cliffs.

After 3 days we moved onto our next destination of Coffin Bay, where we decided it would be home until the New Year.  Coffin Bay did not disappoint at all, in fact it became one of our most memorable places on our trip and certainly the pick of the spots on the Peninsula for boating, 4WDing and kiddy fun!  That we need to be part of my next post though…fishing calls!

Our time at Lake Tinnaroo has sadly come to an end.  The wet season is fast approaching and we have still heaps that we want to see.  This place has been fantastic and rates highly as one of the better places we have stayed since our adventure started over a year ago.  We have enjoyed setting crab nets each evening for Red Claw and checking our success next morning.  This has provided us with a fresh seafood delight each day.  The rest of the day has been spent scurfing, swimming, walking, mountain biking, jogging and climbing Bartle Frere.  How awesome life is on the road when you find a place which really soothes the soul.

Tommorrow we start another adventure.  Our plan is to head to Chillagoe to see the Limestone Caves before heading onwards on the dirt road to Mt Surprise.  From here we join the bitumen and follow it to Kurumba.  The plan here is to enjoy a couple of days of fishing before back on the dirt roads to Burketown and Lawn Hill National Park and its brilliant gorges.

Seems like an awesome couple of week s ahead of us so stay tuned as we leave one awesome adventure and head off on another.

Bushman  Bud…Enjoying Australia

Cape York Peninsula...Enjoying Australia

G’day all,

The day had finally arrived…our chance to enjoy being at the most Northern Tip of Australia, Cape York Penninsula, QLD…yeah!!!

Video: Cape York Peninsula_Northern Tip of Australia_QLD

The plan was to travel to Punsand Bay, drop the camper trailer off, take the 4WD track up the coast through to the main access road to the Cape. 

At the turnoff to Punsand Bay is the Croc Tent.  For me it was an overpriced junkyard of Cape memorabilia.  Don’t get me wrong I have no problem with people selling memorabilia for people to take home…but be reasonable…I reckon you could have bought gold cheaper, it was that ridiculous.  I also reckon that the items on offer were poor quality.  You can spend your dollars on many other different memorabilia places along the way so just look out for the right one…with the right price!

We left Sieisa mid morning and were soon bouncing around on the corrugations towards Punsand Bay.  These were the worst of the corrugations thus far and limited us to very slow speeds.  It took us about 45 mins to travel 17 klms to the turnoff.

Turning left we made better time and arrived at Punsand Bay around lunch time.  We secured a beach front camp ground which was sandy but not the same red dust dirt bowl we had experienced at Sieisa.  Quickly, the amenities here were pretty poor but at least there was a bar.  Hey if you could have transported the amnities from Siesa here it would have been near perfect…in fact, perfect if the fish were biting.

We were excited to get to the Cape and quickly set up the camper and were on our way.  Leaving the campsite we turned left along the scenic 4WD track towards the Cape.  This was a great alternative and keeps you away from the shocking corrugations.  The track meanders through bush scrub and rain forest on a sandy base for most part…some areas soft.

After about 14 klms you pop out about 10 klms from the Cape.  Turn left out of the track and mark your spot if you want to return this way. 

We finally arrived at the car park and set off on the Cape Track (which is not easy to find…mind you it doesn’t take Einstein to work out which general direction to head in.  The walk seemed to be about 1klm to the tip, with great views of the Cape throughout the walk.  We went up over the headland.  The last few hundred metres you drop down from a high point and the nostalga of the journey catches up with you as you descend on your final destination.  For me, my hair was standing up on my neck such was the excitement of being at this place.  The last few hundred metres is awesome with the scenery of the Cape and nearby islands,  the whole Cape region is a fascinating place.

Finally we were there and what a great place to take in the moment once more.  I am an emotional person and the feelings of being at the Cape were like scoring a ton in a closely fought out cricket match or the exhileration of shoooting a massive whitewater rapid in a raging river.  It was simply awesome to be at a place I had dreamed of for many years.  What made it better is the adventure we could all share as a family to get there.  

The camera ran hot with the number of pics we took.  The tripod was setup and we all enjoyed the various poses, some silly, some funny, some serious, strange and some just plain crazy.  It was just a great experience and beautiful memory for the family to recapture.  We all set some amazing goals for the future at this spot and recorded them all on video.

This is a place of breath taking beauty and one where you just have to sit and take in the moment.  How many people would love to be in the very spot you are right at that moment.  We had the place to ourselves for the rest of the afternoon which is unbelievable given the amount of traffic around the Cape.  We were certainly blessed to enjoy this special spot to ourselves with the sound of ocean wind and nature doing its thing.  We just soaked up the feelings, sounds and sights of being at this special, iconic, great Australian place – the Northern Tip of the Australian Mainland – you beauty!!

The Cape will linger forever in my memory (until next time I return) not only for the adventure and amazing scenery of the place but more so the family time we spent there that afternoon making plns for the future and deciding on our next great adventure.  Travel has brought the whole family together, it is such an amazing voyage of discovery and I know for us has built foundations for joyous times in the future.

Leaving the Cape was tough but we decided to take the beach track back to the car.  This can only be done at low tide and the mangroves look a little dodgy for crocs so always be on the lookout.  It is a great contrast to the headland walk so if you can…do it.

Back in the car and back to Punsand Bay for dinner and watch over the ocean as the sun sets in the West.  Perfect day in a perfect place.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

What a great spot to camp is Gunshot Creek.  You just have to camp on the Northern bank of the creek and just soak up the moment of being there.  Put it this way…you travel how far?? to get there and to spend only a few moments there is sacrelidge.  I had to withdraw myself, take a cold beer down to the creek with a chair and just enjoy.  When you are there imagine how many other 4WD enthusiasts would do anything to be there right at that moment…and if that doesn’t get the hairs standing up then you probably don’t enjoy the great outdoors with 4WD in tow as much as me!  Take my advice, take a moment, take a stroll, kick back have a beer, swim and whatever else you need to do to just reflect.

Taking A Moment...Gunshot Creek

Ok, all of that said we left Gunshot about 10:00am with the plan of heading towards Fruit Bat Falls.  We passed through a couple of creeks before coming out at the Northern Bypass.  6klm’s further and you go straight ahead and onto the Northern section of the Telegraph Track.  Within 5klm you hit Fruit Bat Falls and a little further on Elliot Falls and Twin Falls.

Fruit Bat Falls...Great Place For A Swim

Fruit Bat Falls is located about 2klms further off the Telegraph Track and is a great place for a swim…and that is exactly what we did.  The water was beautifully clear and sooooo refreshing.  Any thoughts of crocs passed quickly by and me and the kids had a ball swimming and playing around.  The falls themselves…lest we forget…are certainly worth a visit and again cause you to think about the vast array of changing landscape and vegetation you travel through on a trip to the Cape.  Fruit Bat Falls is worth a visit and, yes bring the bathers.

A quick stop for lunch and on our way again.  We passed the turnoff to Elliot Falls as we planned to stay there a night on our return trip. 

The next stop is Canal Creek…and you can very easily get this one wrong.  There are a multitude of different entry and exit points here and the other tricky thing is the large potholes, really sticky clay and crystal clear water (which hides big holes).  Tread very carefully here and go for a look or a walk before crossing…you might save yourself some pain.

We entered the creek on the left hand side and then did a constant zig zag up the far bank avoiding pot holes and sticky clay.  This proved difficult with a trailer having to take constant care not to end up dropping the front or rear end into a big hole…phew safely across and on our way again.  This crossing is fun and a different kind of challenge and one you will enjoy for sure.

We continued on along the track until we reached the bypass (just before hitting Mistake Creek and Cannibal Creek and the infamous log bridge).  At this point the decision was to take the bypass track and head for the ferry.  We made the decision to pick up the Telegraph Track from the Jardine River on our return trip.

Hitting the developmental highway we travelled another 40klm to the ferry crossing of the Jardine River.  It cost us $88 for the car and another $16 (I think for the trailer).  Fuel here was $1.85 P/L which was cheaper than anywhere we found North of the ferry.

Across the ferry we headed for Siesa and a camp for the night.  We arrived there about 4:00pm set up camp and had a look around.  Must say the caravan park here is just a big dustball and the amenities average…but remarkably probably among the better ones we saw on the Cape side of the ferry.

The camp ground is right on the ocean and the view is spectacular.  I took the time to take a walk along the beach chatting to one local who gave me the thumbs up on a few fishing spots.  He was having a chuckle at a dinghy which had just returned to the beach with very few fish.  He noted that the dinghy should be over flowing and almost sinking if they knew what they were doing.  We both anjoyed a good chat and laugh before we continued along the beach to the jetty.

The jetty is reknown for a good fishing spot.  Again I had a chat to a few locals on the jetty about the fishing who told me that at the right time the jetty is awesome…but had been slow for a good few weeks.  They said the best times around here were in the wet.  They also said that without live bait around the jetty you are wasting time.

Must say, I saw very little caught here and on the beach which kind of reiterated what the locals had been saying.

We walked back along the beach and enjoyed one of the prettiest sunsets I have witnessed.  The sunset over the western ocean with the back drop of many small islands that make this area glorious.  It was about this time that I was really annoyed that I hadn’t bothered to bring the dinghy…next time huh.

With darkness all around and early night and trip to Cape York beckoned for tommorrow.  Can’t wait…a dream come true.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

Bushman Bud...Enjoying Australia

G’day all,

Videos below:

Telegraph Track_Bramwell Junction_Starting Out

Palm Creek_Telegraph Track_QLD

Gunshot Creek Crossing (with trailer)_Part 1

Gunshot Creek Crossing (with trailer)_Part 3

Gunshot Creek_Guided Tour_Telegraph Track_QLD

Gunshot Creek…Enjoying the Moment of this Iconic Place

Gunshot Creek_Main Entry_Telegraph Trach_QLD

How exciting, I was finally ready to hit the OTL Telegraph Track.  Gees, I have thought of this day for so long and finally it was here.  Law of Attraction, what you think about comes true.  This had been a dream for over 7 years and finally I was here.

We got up early and headed off with excitement and nervous anticipation.  I quelled the excitement just enough to pull off the main Developmental Road and head into the Bramwell Homestead.  The owners here are very friendly and when we were there the kids were treated to playing with two small puppies…they loved it.  There were other animals for the kids to play with and the amenities were fantastic.  We tagged this for a night on the return trip from the Cape.

We pulled out of the Homestead and within minutes were at the junction between the Telegraph Track and the Developmental Road.  Carrying straight on (rather than turning right) we headed up the first part of the Telegraph Track…awesome!!! we were here…one of Australia’s iconic 4WD trips was about to start..yes!!

Along the track we went arriving at the first creek crossing after not long…Palm Creek.  The entry into this creek had been well and truly washed out and the descent into this creek bed was now steep, rutted and had one very large rock right in the middle of the steepest section.  This was going to be interesting with a trailer in tow.  So over the edge we went 1st gear low and trying to hold up the weight of truck and trailer by tapping the brake.  We managed to slowely edge our way down into the creek, gently nursing the trailer down.  The car got to the bottom and with its high lift and great departure angles with little problem.  The trailer was stuck higher than the car up on the track still though.  Easing the trailer down it bellied out on the big rock crumpling the number plate (??? hanging down from the trailer woudl you believe…have to fix that one Johnno!).  We slowely dragged the trailer down and now had trailer and car in the creek.  We crossed the creek and arrived at the other side (the creek bed was firm) and looked at a somewhat steep (not as steep as entry) and slippery exit.  Engaging lockers for trailer insurance the Patrol easily came up the slippery rutted section and we had completed the first major challenge of the Telegraph Track…awesome.  We had been asking people along the way about the challenges ahead and they had all noted Palm Creek, Gunshot and Nolan Creek as the car crunchers this year.  One creek down many to go…yipee.

Onto the next challenge.  I remember many creek crossings in between, a few deep, a few shallow.  The track itself was a ever winding trip around trees or skirting over and around washouts. 

This section of the track is about 50 klms long, starting at Bramwell Junction and passing through Palm Creek, Dalhunty River, Gunshot Creek and a few others before coming out again on the bypass track approx 6klms South of the Northern section of the Telegraph Track and 11 klms South of Elliot Creek.

The next major obstacle I remember (or rather well known location) was the Dalhunty River.  This crossing has some nice campsites on either bank..although I would favour the South bank.  The Dalhunty crossing is relatively easy and generally not too deep.  Not too much to watch out for other than a few rocks.  The bigger challenge is the exit.  When you dip into the river you can see two very steep exits, very worn out and really winch material.  Luckily there is a third exit which is relatively hidden at first sight which doglegs to the right and can be easily negotiated.  With a trailer in tow this was a relief…phew.

Crossing the Dalhunty, we filled up the water bottles, had a cooling dip in the water and a well timed stopover for lunch.

Leaving the Dalhunty the next creek was Cockatoo Creek.  This one you need to be careful of.  Approaching the creek from the South you need to follow a rocky ledge on the river bank for 30m before turning sharply left and accross the creek.  A work of caution, there are some massive potholes in this crossing that would easily swamp a vehicle and at the right angle…I imagine would flip a vehicle into the water current.  Get out and walk…but watch out for the crocs too…this Cape York adventure is special, creek crossings in croc infested creeks, big potholes, quicksand, bull dust, massive corrugations, beautiful rainforest, harsh open plains, etc, etc…it is awesome. 

We negotiated the creek well (without walking…you decide which is more risky…car swallowing potholes or snapping crocs…I took my chances with the car swallowing potholes!) with no mishaps and were on our way again arriving at the Gunshot bypass turnoff.  If you don’t want to do the iconic Gunshot Creek, exit the Telegraph Track here.  It is a further 14 klms North to Gunshot and if you want to take a look a the crossing you are better to go around the bypass and have a look from the North section…not as much backtracking should you chicken out!

14 klms to Gunshot Creek and the nerves were beginnning to think of what might be.  More washouts and winding around trees, plus a good 45 mins later we were at one of the most Australian iconic 4WD locations…awesome.

Looking at Gunshot Creek you can almost read the history in the air…this place could tell some awesome stories and has been the scene of many written off vehicles.  In fact we were later talking to a ranger who informed us that two cars had rolled end over end here two days ago…and…they would get a dozen rollovers a year plus numerous other vehicles being damaged and needing an expensive recovery.  When you look at some of the drops into the creek bed you can see why.  Some of these entries are vertical in places and you would need to tie the rear end of your car down to even contemplate an attempt.

I scouted around the various options and came across a doable entry into the creek on the far left hand side as you aproach from the South.  I jumped back into the car and headed nervously for the only path I could see to conquer Gunshot.  Down we went…no problems…into the first part of the creek.  The mud was negotiated and then a sharp 90 degree left hand bend.  This proved to be difficult with the trailer in tow.  We were at this spot for about 10 mins reversing and moving the trailer slowely around the bend…thanks to the help of the onlookers.  Finally we cleared the bank and crossed the sandy creek bed and easily negotiated the far bank.  Yes we had conquered Gunshot Creek, an iconic 4Wd location and the ultimate challenge in 4WDing…yes and with a trailer in tow…simply unbelievable to be here.

We decided to camp here the night, being about 3pm and soak up the atmosphere of this special place.  This gave us time for a swim in the creek and have a cooling beer.  You owe it to yourself when you get to these locations just to soak up the moment and imagine all the people who would love to be right where you are, right at that second…this way you apprecite the true significance of the moment in time and can enjoy living the dream as it should be.

We set up the tent and then watched 5 other cars attempt Gunshot.  Three of the five vehicles damaged their vehicles in one way or another which just goes to show how much the right mods to your car actually prevents damage and allows you to travel so much further.

Down in the main creek bed, up in the tree are all the memoribilia that people have left behind over the years.  Whether that be autographed parts of cars, spare thongs, stubby holders, etc, they add a little more depth to the experience and history of the place.  Whether you choose to tackle Gunshot Creek or not…YOU MUST VISIT THIS PLACE on your way to the Cape.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

After a few weeks around the Gold Coast getting things fixed on the caravan, retuning the Patrol with its upgraded radiator and intercooler and some minor surgery for yours truly (after a small health scare) it was time to leave the Gold Coast and head for the Northern Tip of Australia.

First I enjoyed my birthday on the Gold Coast dining out at the Sharks Rugby Club for breaky and dinner.  On your brithday you get a free breakfast and free dinner all for an annual membership of $6, hows that!!  Not bad hey!

My birthday was a lot of fun after surgery the day before and it was nice to relax and enjoy the company of my family.  We had breakfast, played mini golf, went to Movie World and then back to Shark’s for dinner.

On 21st July we headed to Brisbane, staying overnight to hand over the car to AMMS the next day for some final tuning of the Patrol – awesome effort Glen the Patrol has flown up to Cairns and the temp guage and EGT guage have confirmed the new setup is working a treat.

Leaving AMMS we headed to Kedron to pick up the van after the brakes were adjusted and then hit the highway staying overnight at Gympie.  The next day it was an early start which ended up at Miriam Vale.

From Miriam Vale we headed to Mackay were we caught up with a mate on his farm.  We enjoyed a few beers, fed the horses and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the surrounding hills.  JD made me promise to return on our journey back down the coast so we could get in some fishing and mud crabbing…sounds a promise that is too hard to resist in my book…twist my arm JD, why don’t you!!

From JD’s farm to Mackay stopping for dinner before leaving for the final stretch to Cairns where we will arrive sometime tonight.

In Cairns we pick up a camper trailer from Johnnos Trailer Hire (thanks Pat for your generosity to the cause, we will give you a good plug as we continue up to the Cape) for three weeks.  This marks the start to our 4WD adventure to the tip of Australia following the Crebb Track, Cape Melville, Bathurst Bay, Frenchman Line and the Telegrapgh Track (just to name a few).  What is certain is we will bring you the best information on travelling to the Cape in 4WD, offroad amd Bushman Bud style.  We will travel roads less travelled along the way to bring you an adventure you won’t forget.

Stay tuned!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

We will get on the band wagon and update you on proceedings shortly.  We have tarvelled to Brady Lake, Roseberry, Queenstown, Zeehan, Strahan (Sarah Island), Trial Harbour, Granville Harbour and now Waratah.  We have taken in many sites and had some great company amongst new friends and old.

Now for today…snow…snow…snow.  Coming from Granville Harbour earlier in the day we were blessed with all four seasons.  First rain, then sun and then hail and then snow!!!!  Camping at Waratah last night we left the pub after a nice pub meal and a chat with owner to snow.  By the time morning had come around we had an inch of snow covering caravan and car and the surrounding hills.  What an amazing sight.  The kids bundled out of the caravan early to make snow balls and a large snowman in addittion to the one theymade just outside the pub last night.

Kids don’t feel the cold but I do…it is freezing and makes me wonder how much longer Tassie will be bearable…from the cold I mean.  We do however have a weekend with the Tamar Valley 4Wd Club around Guildford to look forward to and a trip up Barnback with the Trekka 4Wd Club before we hit the ferry…mind you that is booked out until 13 July so we are not in any hurry.

Full updates on their way…

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

What a couple of weeks it has been since our last post regarding Jeffery’s Track in Hobart.  Since then we have discovered we did the Balfour Track and Montezuma Falls/Ring River Road Track in two wheel drive.  The drivers side manual hub lock had failed meaning know front end traction…I thought things seemed a little wierd, but hey I am driving a Nissan!

Well the manual hub was just the start.  Whilst completing the Jeffery’s Track we also discovered the front locker was playing up???  Turns out it was the rear locker.  This had been installed by ARB about 3 years ago.  So I fired off an email to ARB to find out if they were willing to help me out.   Next morning I received a phone call from their head office booking my car into Hobart.  Awesome service!  After taking the car into ARB the problem was actually the rear locker.  Turns out ARB had installed the wrong locker in the car causing somewhat of a mess.  Well I always say that everyone makes mistakes and what really counts is the way the person deals with correcting the mistake.  To me this is where King’s (ARB) in Hobart were awesome.  They saw the wrong thing, kept the customer in the loop and fixed the problem, far exceeding any expectations and believing in delivering the ultimate solution for the customer.  How refreshing to see this…and no doubt they run a successful business and with that kind of customer service who could go wrong.  I highly recommend them.  Further we have also had some issues with the Kedron van.  Hello King’s caravans and the problems went away, smoothly and we care and attention to the customer.  Well done!!!

Readers may remember a problem with the turbo and due to a mistake the turbo ended up blowing itself to bits.  Seems that wasn’t all that went wrong.  The manual hub that failed was due to water damage that also killed the wheel bearings on the front end.  So…$1,500 later when you add up a patch job on the turbo, new wheel bearings and new manual hubs and still a poor performing turbo, you are left wondering.  Now before I  mention this company I have given them a chance to rectify this.  So far no joy but that is due to phone tag.  The owner is away until the first week in June.  After that we will get a solution or at least warn our thousands of readers who not to use in the future.  Come on Glen…sort out these issues just like a reputable company and take a leaf out of ARB’s and King’s books.

Next was a trip along the Montrose Track or also known as the East-West Track.  We were surprised the next morning (after the Jeffery’s Track run) by members of the Trekka Club who had acquired the key for the gate.  I will put together a full trip report of that day but in the meantime lets say it was an awesome day, the views were spectacular as was the company and the bicuits donated by Gaye for the kids!!!  The day ended with a play in the ever muddier Jeffrey’s Track which saw my car performing on two wheels before sliding side ways on a small hill climb and in in an attempt to go down the same hill – the front diff sliding into a rock requiring recovery by…a Range Rover…damn it hey!  Amzing what you can do on two wheels when you have to…in fact I think many others would have probably called it a day and gone home…not Bushman Bud…and not to the delighted people with the video camera.

The next week was spent getting the caravan and car fixed and Lynda flying home to Perth when her 97 year old Gran had a fall and became very sick.  We did however manage to catch up with the Southern 4WD Clubs at a inter club meeting put on by the Trekka Club.  Anytime someone cooks you lunch and the ladies bring out the home cooked food, its going to be a good day.  This was no exception.   It was also a good day to sign the petition regarding the closure or rather keeping open the tracks around the Pieman area on Tassie’s West Coast.  This is Tassie’s premier 4WDing area and its great to see clubs banding together to keep the tracks open.  It appears they are having some success too so that is awesome news.

Looking ahead, we leave Hobart for Strahan on Tuesday and meet up with some members of the Ulverstone 4WD Club where I am running a West Coast 4WD Club trip for them www.westcoast4wd.com.au  This should be a great day out and weekend for those keen.  This starts our tour of Tassie’s West Coast with a get together with the Devonport and Tamar Valley Club on the June LWE around Guildford.  Apparently that weekend is going to be hardcore…we will see, but having experienced the setup on some of the vehicles/trucks in the Devonport Club, they are certainly ready to tackle some serious terrain.

Well thats it for me…look out for the Montrose Track writeup and stay tuned for Tassie’s West Coast.  We will be bringing you more free camping and 4Wd tracks in Tasmania throughout June.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

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

After the Southern Forests trip with the Land Rover Club we have been camped at Hobart Show Grounds due to a wearing clutch on the Patrol.  We have ordered a replacement which gets fitted tommorrow and then off we go again.

Our time here hasn’t been wasted though, we have spent a few days exploring the city, purchased some much needed thermals, checked out the popular Salamanca Markets and caught up on some schooling.

Once we get the Patrol back on the road it will be a night run on the Jefferies Track with the Trekka 4WD Club, a trip along the East – West Track near Mt Wellington (perhaps in snow now), then out to Port Arthur, perhaps a trip onto Bruny Island and some more exploration of the Southern Forests near and around Huonville.

After that over to the West Coast and Strahan.  There will be plenty to see and do here and hopefully we can catch up with a 4WD Club heading in that direction to show us around.  In the background is a mud run near Burnie with the Ulverstone 4WD Club, a chance to catch up with the No Limits 4WD Club, a catchup and presentation for the Braddon 4WD Club and much, much more of Tassie to explore.

Keep tracking along with us as we hit the road again in search of 4WD tracks, great 4×4 action and remote, secluded free camping spots.  We will also be following some offroad tracks with the tough offroad Kedron caravan…so…stay tuned.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia