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TRIP REPORT Lederderg Loop & Mine Ruin Member Name Trevor Smith (TL) Niel Douglas Paul Vergnot Claire Sigwalt Stuart Gay Graeme Caudry Lejoe Kuriakose David Irvine Helen Smith John Palmer Matt Palmer Member Number 1821 1838 1834 1834 1521 1366 1841 1670 1670 350 350 Vehicle Prado 150 Prado 120 Pajero Prado 150 Disco 4 Disco 2 Our meeting place was at Gisborne bakery & cafe where some of us enjoyed a nice cooked breakfast (worth a visit if you are in the area) then after a quick briefing we were on our way via Gisborne Rd. We arrived at the southern end of Nuggety Track, after airing down to about 20 psi we forged ahead on our slippery adventure. This track was lots of fun with a few challenges along the way, less than 1km from the main road we came across a hill with a nice step right at the top. This proved a challange especially in the wet, Stuart was able to winch himself over the step and set him self up to recover the next vehicle, thes recovery required two recovery straps joined together. Paul also got his winch out for the first time which was a good training exercise. Matts Disco was the only vehicle that made it up with out a recovery thanks to some good clearance, mud terrain tires and some great driving. We continued up Ratcliffe track and made our way to O’Briens Crossing for morning tea... oops Lunch!! After lunch we walked up O’Briens river and searched for Black Snake Mine, we located several disused mine shafts cut into the hill, none were able to be explored but it was still a bit of fun. Next up was Ambler Lane, we passed an old army truck with some serious tires including chains towing someone up the hill, the track didn’t look too bad, perhaps he was broken down? of the bottom of the hill were more vehicles (2wd and 4wd with road tires) waiting to be recovered, I’m guessing they came down for a weekend camp not realising the rain would prevent them from getting out. Not much further along we crossed the river and came across a hill that was very slippery after a few of us gave it a go, we decided to turn around and head up XL track instead. XL track was a good drive, slippery in spots, with one spot, in particular, causing a few dramas due to some very slippery ruts and a side slope. Towards the end of the track a quick 20 minute stop for a spare wheel change was required. It was 3:30 pm Graeme and Lejoe decided to head home. There was one last track to go, this track was less than a 1 km long which would take is to Firth Park. Well, that was a big mistake! With plenty of rain on the previous days and during the day the track was very wet, some of the holes were over 1m deep. one vehicle slipped into one of the ruts causing both right tires to become airborne, a bit of planning and 2 winches sorted the problem but we were now on our way into the dark. Trevor and Stuart scouted ahead to find a way out as turning around was not an easy option. We found the exit! except it was covered by a giant tree... As we were about to give up Stuart spotted a narrow (and I mean narrow) chicken track around the tree. After close to 3.5 hours later, 2 flat tires, 1 front bumper bar dint, 1 rear bumper bump and one broken reverse light later we made it out and were airing up at 8 pm. overall a great day with some slippery tracks and that dam 4 pm track! Cheers! Trevor Smith #1821 Photos of trip are located on Facebook 49© Vol 34 No. 5 - June-July 2017

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