Both tracks were in good condition and recently dozed but were reasonably
demanding. We passed a number of camp sites and some hunters walking
down the road in their impressive outfits. Morning tea was taken at 11.00 on
a ridge and after some refreshment we stopped for lunch near the junction of
Howitt Road, the main road through this part of the park.
After lunch we drove to the end of Caledonia Track and turned right onto
Howitt Road. We stopped at Howitt Hut for photos and then drove down to
Guys Hut carpark. Some more vigorous members made the short trek to
Pieman Falls for some more photos and then we all went back to camp by
16.00. We completed about 90kms went down to an elevation of 450m and
up to 1600m in elevation
Paul Harris
Day 3
This morning with the weather threatening to rain we left camp again with 11
vehicles with a grand plan and a contingency plan. The first challenge was a
rocky section at the start of the Mt Margaret Track, unfortunately Paul Harris
had some clutch issues and had to return to the lodge. Rather than turn
around at the top (as is common) PVR decided to follow the track all the way
to where it joins Burgoyne Track on the eastern side of the black top.
It was a lovely drive and the wildflowers in some sections were really
fantastic. When we got to the black top we crossed over to the normal ‘start’
point for Burgoyne’s. First section as tough as usual and unfortunately
Andrew Douglas suffered a split side wall on one of his tyres. Many hands
make light work and before long we were on the move again. We stopped at
the Macalister River for lunch (and to cool down the vehicles) before crossing
the river onto another challenging uphill section of the track. More bad luck
for Andrew as he had diff issues and had to winch himself up a difficult
section to where he could continue in 2WD. Then it was back down the Black
Range Track to the black top and back to the chalet. Thanks PVR for
organizing a wonderful days 4WDrive with bucket loads of excitement.
Peter Hicks
PVR note – With Andrews car stuck in 2WD and under advisement we finally
managed to crawl into Licola where the RACV picked up the car about 2 hours
later. A special thanks to Peter Symons and Janine Harron for staying with
Andy & Heidi while waiting for the RACV, then giving them a lift back to the
lodge. They also provided transport in getting them back to their homes the
next day – Thanks guys.
Also a special thanks to those that stayed to help clean the lodge on the last
morning. Thanks Barry Walker for letting me run what is traditionally his trip.
He couldn’t make time for this trip and asked me if I could do it. Great people
and great tracks – of course I would do it!!
Peter van Riel
Trip Leader