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Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Qld (Inc) |
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DAP - July '07 |
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Advisers: Students
To use an old adage that “three’s a crowd” would have been to totally misrepresent this DAP weekend. Three students and instructors proved to be just about perfect…. providing ample time for the students and advisers to participate in the structured lessons, organized drives, and share countless stories (we’re all waiting to meet Macca now) around the camp fire whilst enjoying the serenity and facilities that “Brooklyn” offered.
But let’s take a step back in time to Saturday morning. After making a very early start, I was well ahead of time and I made the choice to take a scenic detour via the Lions Road… after crossing the border, watching a train approach the Border Loop, and made tracks for The Summerland Way. Once there I turned the car to point north to Woodenbong. All of a sudden Alan R’s instructions came to haunt me - the ‘team’ needed to be at Urbenville General Store by 8:45am for a 9:00am sharp departure. I was still a good 45km away, and didn’t want to be late for my first club outing. So as fast as legally allowed I flew through amazing little villages like Rukenvale, Unumgar, Grevillia and Dairy Flat on the way to Woodenbong, and to Urbenville arriving about 8:40am Alan R wasn’t kidding, right on 9:00am and with still one car not in attendance Alan rallied the team and we were ready to depart for “Brooklyn”. As we all climbed back into our vehicles, Craig was heard on the radio advising that the last team member (Alan P) had arrived and would be following close behind. “Brooklyn” was a relatively short drive out of Urbenville, and within no time we were all seeking out our camp spots, setting up camp and back at ‘DAP central’ for our first briefing. With the briefing over, students and advisers headed off for the first challenge - hill stall recoveries. All three students passed the ‘test’ and with time to spare (something that just three students, we all quickly grew to appreciate) we were allowed to wind our way around the short steep hills for a while to practise ascents, descents and stalls… something I got quite a bit of practice on. It seems that Pajeros like to dig holes rather than climb steep dusty tracks, and some, like mine are very adept at it! After four attempts and lots of dust, a last attempt with a large amount of right foot was made - I made it (albeit in another cloud of dust). Lunch time was called, and over lunch discussion focused on my ability to dig holes. Actually, the conversation seemed to be more focused on the fact that my NM Pajero with Cooper ST tyres and a 2.5 inch suspension lift was the only car (the other vehicles included an NB Pajero and an GQ Patrol – both stock standard except for tyres) not to make it up without problems…. suggestions about the suspension not allowing downward wheel travel were favored, but obviously I favored the opinion that the track had been messed up by Alan and Warwick and their cars before I got to it! After a quick lunch we practised wheel placement for a while. Then we were off again to explore “Brooklyn”, and progressed up to the logs. A short description on what to do, and the three students quickly made their way around – although the bull bar on Alan P’s Patrol did take a liking to a tree and removed some of its bark. Then we proceeded off to the quarry. Needless to say, Alan’s fervent want to make new tracks up the rock face kept all amused. The last challenge for the day was a rutted, rocky decline. After much walking and talking, it was time. Warwick was first. Slowly taking his Pajero down, picking a line that suited him best, he made it without risk to life or vehicle. Alan and I soon followed. A little more touring and we found ourselves back at ‘DAP Central’ for an early debrief and our introduction to Terry. With the first of the ARU test matches for 2007 between the Wallabies and Wales being played that night at Suncorp Stadium, Warwick had arrived prepared with a portable TV. Needless to say, as a rugby fan I was very happy. Having given up a Corporate Box seat at the rugby to participate in the DAP, I was not going to miss out on watching the game. Or was I? With the TV plugged into an inverter Warwick switched the TV on…. nothing! A while later, after a few strategically placed hits it was suggested that the 12VDC power option may be more appropriate…. A quick swapping of leads and action… lots of snow and hiss was created. Luckily for Warwick, the Sergeant-at-Arms wasn’t active on the weekend! Dinner was finished and we moved to the campfire to share more stories and experiences. And after a few yarns, the two Alan’s realised that they attended the same primary school in North Queensland – six degrees of separation is alive and well! Day two started relatively early, and by 8:30am we were by the dam and participating in the winching demo. This time Craig’s car was sent down into the dam and students had the opportunity to experience both the hand winch and a power winch demo. From here it was onto the ‘creek’ crossing. With expert guidance Alan R, Graham and Craig we discussed all aspects of water crossings. And after Warwick walked the creek, and determined that the path was safe we made our way across and started our tour of the high country to the western edge of “Brooklyn”. After taking in some spectacular views we made our way to the infamous “Rock Ledge”. Again we stopped, looked, walked and talked our options. Alan R made it very clear that we needed to be comfortable with what we were about to do, and the risk we would be taking. But having been suitably chastised the day earlier for taking at least five attempts to climb a hill, I had to take this head on. Picking the right line and maintaining sufficient momentum (my single greatest learning all weekend) there was no turning back and I was up and over in one hit. Warwick, although keen, considered that the auxiliary petrol slung below his Pajero would provide somewhat of a risk, he selected the side track. Alan P in his Patrol (as he did all weekend), just picked his line and allowed the big 6 cylinder diesel to slowly pull him up and over. With that out of the way we continued around the property, making our way to the “lookout” in preparation for some steep decline practice. Progressing slowly down the mountain, we wound our way around a number of tracks before heading for ‘DAP Central’. After a quick lunch break and final debrief we packed up and made our respective ways home. Having read many of the previous DAP reports, I had firm expectations on what I was to experience, and I wasn’t disappointed. Each of the students drove away on Sunday with a bag full of ideas, techniques and individual experiences that will be carried with each of us as we further learn and develop our skills. On behalf of the three participants, I want to again extend our sincere thanks to Alan R, Craig and Graham for their time, enthusiasm and dedication to conducting the DAP and for imparting just some their knowledge onto the students. See you out on the tracks! Scott Watson
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