TRIP REPORTS
area, all done we broke up into 3 groups, newbie’s,
some experience and been here before and done it
before. Thanks to the group leaders who helped out
over the weekend, much appreciated by all the
members. The 3 groups headed out onto the sand
dunes in different direction with instruction to return
for lunch. All groups arrived back for lunch, we found
that the rest of the members booked in had arrive and
set up camp. After lunch and some chatting we formed
into 3 groups again with the new newbies coming with
me the rest split up into the other groups, a few took
pity on us newbies and joined our group. So off we went
again to enjoy the afternoon’s driving. Wasn’t long
before everyone was really into the sand driving and
having great fun, we ventured further down to the
south visiting some of the steeper dunes and beach 2
and 3. We stopped for a walk on the beach. good size fish was brought back to camp and one of the
members cooked it and brought it to the happy hour,
reports were it was great, complements to the
fisherman and the chef. Happy hour and dinner over
with we sat around the fire chatting, a good day and
night was had by all.
After a zig zag trip back to the camp, taking our vehicles
out of 4WD before entering the camping area we
settled in for happy hour and discussions on were we
went etc. While the happy hour was getting started
Russell and I went out and set out the navigation event
that will be run on the Sunday morning. Thanks Russell
for helping out also thanks to Kerry and Janine and the
other that helped out at the task point on the Sunday. Barry Walker TL 652
Happy hour finished, extra wood arrived and people
finished there dinner then people drifted back to the
fire for a chat an watch the fire burn oh and it think a
quite drink.
Sunday :
Everyone was up and ready by 9-30 start for the Event,
we all gathered around, the event was explained and
everyone picked a team (4) and the information was
given out. A couple of members said that they were
staying in camp so I asked them to check the teams in as
they returned if I /we were not back from the task area.
So my team set off to the Task area to set up, we were
just finishing as the first team arrived. We sent them
through the tasks and sent the off with the last 3 plot
points. The rest of the teams arrived reasonably close
behind the first team (“note” need to make it harder
next year). All the teams having finished we packed up
and headed back for lunch. Most teams arrive back in
time for lunch, one team seemed to be having trouble
as they had not made it back by the time we had
finished lunch and as we were just starting to worry
they turned up all OK. Lunch over with we all headed
out for some more driving, a few decided to try out
there fishing gear as the weather seemed suitable, one
Monday:
Pack up and go home day, a few went out for a short
drive just to check if they had forgotten how to drive on
the sand, seems they remembered OK. Everyone packed
up and set of home some together and some by
themselves, we left around 12-30 and a good trip home.
I would like to again thank everyone that attended the
weekend and those that helped me run the weekend
which made it another successful one.
___________________________________________
On Friday the 8 th of March, I joined Barry & another 9
Pajero Club members at BP service station on Geelong
Road. Most of us had breakfast there & left about 8.30
am towards Portland. We reached our camp site around
2.30 pm. ED, Peter, Russell with few other club
members were already there. We set up our own tents
& when we finished we gather around to have a chat.
Then Russell came around & asked whether we would
like to go for a dune drive. I put my hands up. I am glad
that I did that, because Russell gives a lot of valuable
information, especially to people like me, who hasn’t
had much experience in sand driving. I think I managed
it pretty well with the guidance of Barry & Russell & my
determination to do it. Saturday & Sunday we had
morning & after trip with different groups with leaders. I
would like thank those leaders for their explanations,
guidance, driving techniques, & advices.
The treasure hunt & camp fire were the highlights.
There were ample nibbles to share around. Weather
was excellent expect Sunday night. Good weather & the
great company made Portland sand dunes trip a
memorable one. My big thanks to Barry Walker & all the
leaders of the Pajero Club for organising and managing
the trip. After packing my tent & other things on
Monday I said goodbye & headed home. Unfortunately
it took 8 hours to reach home in Doncaster East due to
heavy traffic.
Regards,
Baby Thomas 1908