WYPERFELD CUP WEEKEND: 3 – 6 November, 2018
Composite Report by “First Timers”
TUESDAY
The pitta pat started at 6am and got heavier, and heavier, around 25mm in just over an hour and the
tracks around the camp ground looked like rivers. Fortunately some of us had packed away awnings
the previous night. But that smart move meant you were without shelter so breakfasts were had
collecting under awnings which had not been put away !
By about 8:30 the rains had stopped and everyone quickly packed everything away. By the time we
departed Western Beach there was little sign of rain. Amazing.
We headed into Rainbow to return the MVO key and top up with fuel.
We headed east to Beulah on the Henty Highway and turned right. We picked up the Silo Trail and
headed for Brim a few km away. Our route did not do the whole of the Silo Trail, omitting Rosebery,
Lascalles and Patchewollock. Then to Sheep Hill with their very colourful silos and finally to
Rupanyup with their artwork on steel silos.
We proceeded across to St Arnaud for lunch where the trip was officially closed. Some cut & run
from here, others diverted to a chocolate feast in Daylesford and the rest of us proceeded via the
Sunraysia Hwy to the Western and then onto the big smoke before breaking off and heading for
home.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This trip was a great introduction for the “newbies” who ventured into Victoria’s deserts for the first
time. Western Beach provided great facilities, the tracks were great and the access to the MVO
tracks was icing on the cake. A special “thankyou” to the experienced members on the trip, Rob &
Deb Hailey, Graham & Marie Woods, Ed Reddick, and I’ll include Rod Chapple who has previously
travelled with us. They helped mentor the “newbies” in radio procedures, driving techniques in the
differing conditions, convoy procedures and marking corners. It was really greatly appreciated and I
know that Phil, Baby and Andrew all learnt so much on this trip from the interactions of everyone.
This trip also introduced several new terms into the radio dialogue, like “ silky as a glove ” and “ for
Queen and Country ”. We’ll leave you in suspense as to the real meaning of these terms !! ☺ You
all know that what happens on a trip, stays on a trip …. until someone blabs !
It seems that everyone thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Wyperfeld. Carol & I certainly did. We had
good tracks, good food, good weather and good company.
Ron Reed - 963
Newbies Trip Report.docx
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