MEMBER TRIP REPORT
- Rear diff lock is highly recommended . One track we drove through involved some significant cross-axle terrain
- Sand / Snow shovels are preferred , as they make digging out much easier
Tips , Notes and Special Remarks - Good campground with a soft ground ( dedicated sand pegs not essential ). - Firewood can be ordered from the local wood supplier in Portland ( 0409 427 446 ). Alternatively , ask each participant to bring a bag of firewood ( We had 2 bags of firewood left over by the end of the trip ). - Participants should be aware that vehicle damage is “ not unlikely ”. It was not uncommon for the approach to an ascent , or the bottom of a descent to involve angles too sharp for a 4x4 ’ s approach angle . This results in the front of the vehicle digging into the sand . When done at speed , this can result in damage .
- There were no issues regarding accessing the campsite with caravans ( despite the warning signs on the access road ).
Trip Detail
At mid afternoon , after several more arrivals , Barry took the group out to the dunes for a familiarisation drive . Most of us ( other than Barry ) were all rather hesitant with the steep descents . But with Barry ’ s encouragements and guidance , we all soon became more familiar with driving on the sand dunes .
The first to fall victim to the sand is the Subaru XV . With only 220mm of clearance ( un-lifted ), on the access to the beach , the ruts just became too deep and the car simply beached . The Maxtracs were not of much help , but a quick snatch by Barry got the car out and onto the beach .
Later that afternoon , Aaron Loh , Ian Street , and Maryann Street joined us at camp . Dinner was a relaxing affair with the group sharing nibbles outside Neil ’ s caravan and then dinner around the camp fire .
The destination for this morning ’ s exploration is the 2 nd beach entry .
On the way back to the camp site for lunch , Ian and Maryann ’ s Mazda BT50 was the next to fall victim to the soft sand . A bit of digging and recovery boards on all 4 wheels had them back up and running reasonably quickly . This wouldn ’ t be the last time one of the vehicles in the group needed recovery .
In the afternoon , we ventured over to the bowl area and the group had an adventure both descending and climbing the dunes . Arthur was the most successfully , making up the full height of the dune in all of his three attempts . The rest of us were able to make it up to the 1 st shelf , but not over the last final part .
Daniel Bradd and his son Ollie joined us at camp just before midnight .