EXCEED JUNE/JULY 2017 june_July_colour emag | Page 25

TRIP REPORT
A Guest’s Visit to the Pajero Club
‘Bring a Friend Weekend’.
We were invited to join a 4WD expedition with the Pajero club. This was our first time out as guests of Kenton
and Anne Lillecrapp. We arose at 0500 Sunday, May 21 and dr ove for nearly two hours to the Black Spur Inn.
The rising sun was spectacular at first, but rapidly became a real danger as it shone directly into our eyes for
much of the drive.
We arrived at the Inn at 0815 where we were introduced to some of the members and trip leaders. At 0830
there was a general briefing of the day’s activities and trip options. We elected to attend the beginners trip lead
by Ralph Longley. There were six vehicles in this group. Three experienced drivers and the rest inexperienced,
including us in our Ford PX Ranger. Ralph commenced the trip with a talk about the Pajero club, 4WD
courtesy and safety. And 4WD theory. A good start for beginners. Approximately an hour later Ralph led us
on to the Dom Dom track for our first adventure.
The track was firm in most places but also contained sections of wet mud. A bit slippery at times and we got to
try out low range. After half an hour we caught up with one of the more advanced groups. Here was a slippery
downward slope, a dip at the bottom followed by a steep climb with a sharp dip a third of the way up. The
entire length of this section of track was wet and slippery. Two vehicles had made it to the top. A third was
trying to power its way up but kept getting stuck at the dip and sliding back. This was way beyond beginners
so Ralph turned us around and found another way through the forest. We had a few more slippery bits and
then a dry dusty drive through to Marysville for afternoon tea.
We really enjoyed this trip with the Pajero club. We have learnt more about our Ranger and its capabilities.
Thankyou to the club for inviting us to join the drive. This will not be our last trip as we have also now joined
the club.
Regards,
Peter & Linda Williams.
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Vol 34 No. 5 - June-July 2017