WYPERFELD CUP WEEKEND: 3 – 6 November, 2018
Composite Report by “First Timers”
constantly engaged. Following in the car in front’s tracks had been my experience of driving the
dunes on previous days but being out in front has its own challenges. Putting into practice the
theory of the Proficiency course kept the heart rate up as I judged how much momentum was
required to get up a dune without too much speed that may indeed dig the vehicle into a sandy
approach.
Today’s track had a lot more animal and bird life that added another dimension to the drive with
their presence needing to be reported to the following vehicles. The group’s convoy procedures
were well practiced by this stage, with all the newer members discovering the reporting of any
difficult or changing track conditions to those following assists the convoy to form into a more
cohesive group and have our own vocabulary about our “silky” sandy dune traversing, along with
ensuring we covered more distance with greater efficiency.
This morning’s highlight for me was the possibility of travelling on MVO tracks. Initially we all
thought this may have been thwarted when our first locked gate was damaged. Many minds and
some gentle physical persuasion enabled the group to travel the much-awaited track which proved
to be in great condition. The centre of the track had higher vegetation than the publicly accessible
tracks but it was exciting to be travelling where few are able to access. Thank you to Ron for all the
hard work to ensure this trip had a “touch of difference” to it.
Deb Hailey - 1043
MONDAY AFTERNOON
After a lunch stop at Snowdrift we headed down Racecourse Track to Meridian Track. Then south on
MVO to the Freeway Track and Ginap Track, then south on the North South Track which were also
MVO. All these tracks were well defined with long stretches of “silky” soft sand which made for
interesting driving without being over challenging. The country was typical Mallee and would be
hard work in the summer season, and even harder in the wet.
We then took the Dattuck Track westward and were hoping to see Mallee Fowl nests – however
time and distance were our enemy as the clock was too close to “fiveseees” so we pressed on and
headed down south along Entrance Road and Park Road to Rifle Butts Road which took us to Lake
Albacutya.
We followed the track around Lake Albacutya to the Yaapeet turnoff. Then headed across the lake to
Western Beach Camp. The track across was very fine dust which threw up large clouds for the
following cars to navigate and all the cars looked like they had been through a dust storm.
After a great afternoon’s drive we settled in to Fiveseees and dinner with much happy banter about
the day’s travels and adventures.
Ron and Carol were great hosts on the trip and encouraged all the participants to have a turn up
front which was well received and provided good experience particularly for our new members, so
many thanks to good leadership.
Rod Chapple 1814
Newbies Trip Report.docx
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