MEMBER TRIP REPORT
line to also avoid bashing the underbelly of our 4WDs . It was literally driving 50 meters and the check the line that we needed to take all along Soil Pit Track . Next challenges were a steep descent into deep ruts and rocks ; then another section where suspension articulation was tested .
When we hit a fork in the road ; I took the right turn where we were faced with a large mountain of a boulder . The soil around the rocks have washed away over the years and it ’ s now a much bigger challenge since I last visited . I was already committed , but the Patrol managed very well , along with Greg ’ s help in spotting the best wheel placement . We decided that Greg and I will continue along this path . I asked the rest of the convoy to take the other fork , then meet at the other end of the track .
We arrived at the end of Soil Pit much earlier than the others . They had another rock garden to manage before reaching the end of the track . Greg assisted again with spotting the others over the rocks and drop offs . Neil was a little heavy on the gas , and he scraped and banged his side steps , but it was tough enough to take the punishment . Peter used his Patrol ’ s greater suspension travel to advantage with a smoother drive down to the end of the track .
Timing was good ; as the hunger started to hit . We found a shady area to have our lunch and enjoy the pleasant weather provided by the new Autumn season . After lunch was over , we headed to Stumpy Track . This track was very washed out and with a climb over a large boulder that looked like a steep ramp . After an assessment of the best line to take I activated the front and rear diff locks to climb over the boulder . The Patrol made it look easy . Rob was slightly offline and paid the price by getting hung up on his side step . A little bit of track building and a quick winch over and he was through . Darren had his turn next ; and the Troopy gave a wheel lift salute before driving over . Neil took the track around and I thought that he was going to bypass the boulder as well , but he decided to attack the boulder and showed some commitment by driving over ; with some wheel spin . Peter didn ’ t hesitate with his Patrol and showed that good suspension articulation can drive these tracks with a bit more ease .
We completed Stumpy track . It wasn ’ t easy the rest of the way , but everyone managed the deep ruts and protruding rocks . After grouping up at the junction we turned towards Camp Track which also had some deep ruts , but nearing the end of the day we decided to drive around those ; then we re-joined the start of Soil Pit track to complete the loop .
The day was ended with everyone airing up at the Lancefield car park near the Bakery . Thanks everyone for joining this trip that I organised without much notice .