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Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Qld (Inc) |
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Sundown - April '08 |
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SUNDOWN NATIONAL PARK 25 – 27 April 2008Have a look at Richard Murphy's photos : http://cid-e9705db0e671de3a.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/SundownApril08Participants -
After leaving Brisbane on a cold frosty morning around 5am, GPS Set - Destination McDonalds Applethorpe, meeting time 9:30am for a 10:00am departure. Some were lucky enough to have travelled the night before stayed close by we were later to find out. Thankfully everyone read the leader’s notes and no trailers were brought on the trip. Now if what was to come was anything like Eric’s previous trips I knew we were in for what was to be a fantastic, enjoyable and adventurous Anzac Day long weekend to follow. After arriving at Applethorpe about 8:00am and coffee and brekkie in hand the others of the group started to arrive. We had three Nissan Patrols, three Pajeros, one Landcruiser, one Holden Jackeroo and brand new Triton heading away for its maiden voyage. The funniest thing was a certain Pajero owner had family in the Stanthorpe area, stayed there Thursday night yet they were last to arrive… You know who you were… The fines may tell. From Applethorpe the convoy headed towards Sundown National Park, Eric and Kim leading the way, the rest in tow and Mike Farrell kindly offered to be tail end Charlie. After arriving at Sundown National Park we spoke to the ranger at the front gate, aired down for what was to be a very interesting weekend. The group was off again with map in hand, heading towards Burrows Waterhole Camp Ground and in true form Eric lead us through the park, easy/medium tracks, steep accents and descents, ruts and challenging tracks. I soon learnt quickly the reason why so many people dread Sundown… The rocky tracks I’ve been told have a history of tyre carnage… Thankfully on this trip we were all puncture free… Friday we arrived at camp about 12:30pm and after a short group discussion the group decided to setup camp and relax that afternoon with no driving to follow…. Hence half past and a great little fire started shortly after. Burrow Water Hole is a fantastic open camping ground right next to the river, drop toilets and close to everything within the park… Highly recommended. Saturday commenced with the usually early risers making sure everyone knew what time it was. We woke to a frosty morning with mist covering the river. Eric advised the group of intentions to commence the first trip at 9:30am. Off we headed to experience a fun filled Sundown and see if it lived up to its reputation. We proceeded out of the camp ground, through a steep rocky climb, onto a great little wheel placement track, with a huge rut in the middle and off to three play hills, each hill varying in difficulty. Each individual driver tested their skills and ability with encouragement and assistance offered to all drivers. From here we headed off through river crossings, over logs, mud, rocks and steep hills only to end up at what I must admit would be one of the best rocky water crossings I have seen. The crossing would be 20 metres across. With careful wheel placement and guidance via CB radio most people took a similar however a small group of us chose different line and we all made it though safely. After traversing through more steep hills and magical scenery we back tracked back to camp in the reverse direction – yes, the river crossing and the play hills in reverse. Later that afternoon the group went and explored some of the other camp grounds at Sundown. This is where other members told us stories of people that had towed vans into these isolated areas in previous years and caused major track damage in the past. As we returned to camp a smaller group of us branched off and headed back to the play hills and river crossing for some more fun. Some great photos were taken on these challenging hills It was at this time a small group of English backpackers who were traversing the forest enjoyed spectating and great enjoyment watching us having some fun… Saturday after we arrived back at camp to what was to be great evening. Eric had organized a camp oven cook out and communal dinner, toasted marshmallows, a few fine ales and great conversation lead to be a fantastic evening…. What happens at the camp fire stays at the camp fire…. Some of the clearest skies I have ever seen. Sunday unfortunately was the day of departure, however the track out was no more forgiving then the track in, side slopes, deep ruts, steep hills, loose rocks and challenging angle – JUST THE WAY WE LIKE IT… The group exited Sundown and headed to the local winery where we all aired up, and the group split in two directions, some headed home and a small group of us explored northern New South Wales a little further. For the lucky few who were able to carry on, the Rusis’ had organised to visit three wineries, an olive farm and the Bramble Patch (berry farm). I must say the few that stayed were in for a treat, wine and port tasting, olives in every possible style you can imagine and from the Bramble patch frozen berries, yogurt and jam to die for… On behalf of the group I would like to take the time to thank the Rusis’ for a fantastic Sundown trip and would highly recommend this trip to anyone…. Put me down for Sundown next year… Awesome weekend away . Richard Murphy Back to Top
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