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Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Qld (Inc) |
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Brooklyn - July '07 |
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BROOKLYN AND BEYOND 9-11 June 2007 Trip Leaders: Greg and Kerry Conlon Participants:
Most of the convoy had set up camp by Friday evening, in extremely bleak and cold conditions, so it was fantastic that we could enjoy the growing rarity of a campfire. We eventually set off, on a freezing morning, for our first foray onto the tracks around Brooklyn. I am sure Greg must be in the running for the vast number of gates we encountered. It was amusing to observe Graham, Ann, Lew, Joy and Mike rig their positions in the convoy in order to build up their lolly supplies, after failing to follow Greg's notes to bring PLENTY of lollies. Instead of counting sheep at night, try counting gates and re-cycled lollies; it might work! Check out the Photos hereYabbra State Forest was the start of our enjoyable morning of driving, which included South Obelisk Mountain and the historic township of Tooloom. Because of the rain earlier in the week, some tracks were unusable, plus the fact that there are now less roads for usage. However, there was plenty for a full morning's drive. A large tree across one track made it impassable, so Greg checked a side track, found another down but there was sufficient space for the convoy to navigate through. The beautiful loop around Battery Hill allowed us to see the Obelisk and the grandeur of sights such as Coutt's Crown, Mt. Lindesay and Edinburgh Castle. A brief stop at Tooloom Falls made us realise just how dry conditions have been as there was no running falls and a very low water level in the catchment area. After lunch, it was more gates, recycled lollies and different tracks. I engaged in a bit of gate opening and closing practice as I had shut the gate on Graham and Tony due to their slower arrival. I did think that the convoy had suddenly shrunk! We were in Beury State Forest which presented us with much more slippery tracks and it meant that all our vehicles took on a browner hue and tyres and mud-flaps had taken on odd shapes and sizes with the mud build up. How out of place it was to suddenly come across the remains of a Brisbane tram ‘412’. After dinner, around another welcome campfire, Greg divided us into teams of four to compete in a 4WD trivia quiz, consisting of four categories of topics such as Where The Bloody Hell?; Nuts and Bolts; Big and Small; and Who Knows. Sunday was a brilliantly sunny day and was a welcome change to the blustery, sleety conditions of the previous day. We headed for the Brooklyn tracks that are used in the DAP training, which included rocky tracks, slippery tracks and then 'The Ledge'. There were three driving options, with most people opting to challenge the ledge. All went well until Brian lined up for his challenge, only to break his front axle and had to be snatched up a side track. Fortunately, the vehicle was able to be driven in 2WD. Monday's journey home took us past to the rubble-filled quarry and eventually on to Clarence River. En route, Greg briefly lost his leadership when a calf, probably no more than 10 days old, led him full pelt for a long distance. Amusing as it was in the beginning, the calf was clearly becoming tired and distressed and fortunately, his mother was seen earlier on the side of the track. A brief stop for a couple of photos of the intriguing WWII tank traps; through Lanekai; Pretty Gully (so well named) and soon it was smoko at the Clarence River picnic area, where we delighted in the green setting and the sound of running water. After a lunch stop in a shady rest area in Beaudesert, we all made our various ways home. Once again, it was another enjoyable weekend for those who attended and our thanks go to Greg, Kerry and Chrissy. Ann Petty
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