We met at CJ’s at 7:30 and were on the road by 8:15 to head to what is known to many as Landcruiser Mountain Park, now Crofters. The idea of crofting stems from the Scottish method of renting out land to leaseholders known as crofters who pay rent or purchase the land outright generally for the purpose of farming.

We were so fortunate to me able to enjoy this weekend due to the dedication of Aleisha and Evan our amazing President and Publicity officer.

We arrived at the office around 9:20, all went through the administrative formalities then it was off to the camp area and pick our plot for the weekend. Camps set up and lunch had we left for the clean-up at 1:00pm. First area was Camp Road, there was quite a bit of rubbish spread over the lovely rolling hills, collected a few bags then onto the Pig Pen where there was quite a bit more rubbish to be collected, then by 3:30 we were at Cowan Falls, not a lot of rubbish found here then back to camp, quick showers and happy hour by the fire with a few games and nibbles

The games consisted of balancing a donut on your nose, perfected by Terri and Leanne then ping pong balls in bowls which Lyle absolutely owned, then jig the balls out of a tissue box tied to your back, well somehow I got roped into this one against a more capable contender Lilly. A couple more games, then it was time for the sausage sizzle supplied by Crofter’s in appreciation for our clean-up efforts. Once dinner was over it was back to happy hour around the fire which of course went for a few more hours as people peeled away 1 by 1 for some well-earned sleep and to look forward to the planned drives the next morning.
A new dawn and it is foggy, drizzling and overcast. Breakfast and clean up and we were off at 9:15am. Evan was taking 1 group to play through Test Track and Aleisha took a group to the Rain Forrest, and down Rav Ridge
EAs we set off Evan was in the little black jeep and had to abandon it along the road due to an unidentified noise

in the front end. (didn’t want to risk breaking wifie’s car he might not make it to the next morning). Into another car and on to Test Track. Tiny gave me plenty of warning as did a few other members and sure as day turns into night it held up to it’s name and claimed me as it’s victim for this day.
First injury was the tight turn up a hill over some rocks and I hit a mound on the right and de-beaded our front drivers’ tyre. First fail for our Patrol on this trip ….. haha ….. so it was reverse back and get into a position to assess the damage, all good just the outside bead, jack the front end up and pump up the tyre until it "pops" then air down and off we go again, thanks Tiny and boys. Very rocky terrain with lots of consideration to wheel placements.
On to the next challenging section, crawling over lots of rocks and boulders and up to a hill climb. Watched a couple of cars crawl up and have their little challenges then it was our turn, 6 attempts later it was time for our Patrol to back out and take the easy way. It is very interesting to note the differences between the vehicles and performances, from automatic to manual, short wheel bases to long wheel bases, locked and not locked, diesel or petrol, so many differences to understand and learn about. Just love the learning and sharing of information that comes with being part of this club.

Onwards through Test Track watching every car in front as they walked through and over the rocks. Reached the last pinch point just as we were at the end of Test Track, got out of the Patrol, did a reccy of the track watched a couple of cars in front manoeuvre their way through, yep all good and then it was our turn to navigate through the most challenging part of the whole track.
"Go left go left" was the direction but it didn’t seem to matter how much I thought I was going left that sound of side steps crunching on solid boulder you just know the boulder wins hands down. So the guys filled some holes with more rocks for traction and with every little inch of movement was the sound of my driver’s side step scraping and folding over the boulder.
The sound you know means uhuh that’s gonna need attention and repairing. The greatest things about this whole experience is the learning to be had and the support and help that surrounds you when you find yourself in trouble. Drivers’ side tail lights, both step treads and squashed exhaust pipe and we are great.
Back up the other side of the mountain to collect Aleisha’s injured Jeep and we continue on back to camp arriving back at 2:20pm. Aleisha’s group had been back since about 1:30 and had a couple of challenges to report but nothing too damaging or more challenging than a few spotters to help through some tight uphills and rutty tracks.
Another group gathered to go to Telecom Hill and Camp Road. Lea Lea’s Jeep tried a hill on Camp Road but it proved too good and they had to give in to the earth this time round. Back to camp by 4:30 and start preparations for Lyle’s birthday celebrations and our camp oven cook off, and another night of extended happy hour ahead.
Aahhh yum yum, the sharing of some great camp oven cooking, lamb roast, beef strog, tuna bake, lamb shanks, veges, birthday cake ……. great effort everybody, thank you, I know a few of us certainly ate our fill and a bit more.
Once again extended happy hour saw those who sat up late the night before went early leaving just 3 of us by 10:00pm very quiet night. Mind you the last of us went just after midnight.
Up early Monday morning and the view is foggy and overcast once again. Some pack up and leave early, and the rest of us have brekky and start packing up once the sun has come out and dried everything and we head down to the office to sign out at 11:15. Stopped at Kilcoy for lunch and 1 by 1 peeled off back to reality until next trip….
Another enjoyable weekend in the elements with a great group of people, thank you all …………

After arriving at the Amamoor Creek camp ground to meet the rest of the group that went up the day before setting up camp, having lunch, letting all the dogs meet and greet and all the girls falling for shadow and gizmo we all went for a drive. Unfortunately it didn't quite go to plan as halfway into the track it started to rain which made the track too dangerous to continue. I jumped into Aleisha’s jeep to escape the rain which didn't quite work lol meanwhile Brent forgot to put his roof in his car so he got soaking wet. So we all turned around and went back to camp to start up our camp oven cook-off with Jeepfreakz.

After having dinner a few laughs and drinks we all went to bed excited about the day ahead. During the early morning of the 24th with shadow snuggling in Tiny’s jacket we all had breakfast with gizmo looking for bacon from everyone’s plates. Then while we were discussing the tracks we were going to do we were approached by a lady asking if we had a satellite phone. then went on to say that some young guys had gotten badly stuck the day before and had walked 3 1/2hrs back to the camp ground. So change of plans we went off to recover their ute after some investigation we found it was balancing on two wheels. After a long and exciting recovery which involved two cars one from MDORC and one from Jeepfreakz some of us decided to have a drive up the hill where the young guys had gotten stuck.

Afterwards some of us went back to camp while rest went to have a look at another track to see if it would be worth while doing after lunch. On getting back to camp we had some lunch where we were surprised by a thankyou gift of 3 cartons of beer from the guys we had helped earlier. After lunch we headed out again to drive a track and found a big and challenging hill. After looking at it in the fading light Evan asked who wants to go up it most of us said yes. So we proceeded to climb up one by one with Brent spotting at the bottom and Evan spotting as each car reached a halfway mark and then one of our MDORC cars threw us into another recovery exercise. It was a winch job using the winch on the recovery vehicle. Really gave Evan, Brent, and a couple of the Jeepfreakz boys a workout. It's great being in the club especially with such knowledge and experience when any of us find ourselves in precarious positions.

By the time the recovery was finished it was too dark for the 3 cars we didn't manage to get up so they had to turn around and head back to camp. We all met up then had dinner then happy hour seemed to start for the beer drinkers which lasted well into the early hours of the morning on the 25th Leighanne,Tiny,Ben and myself all got up for the dawn service. This wasLeighannes first one ever!!! then it was back to camp to have breakfast and pack up it may have not quite gone to plan but it was fun thanks to everyone who came along Shadow and Gizmo really enjoyed them selves!

​Laura Clark.

Gathered at Shell Wild Horse Mountain and were on the road by 9:20. Travelled through Nambour and on to Mapleton, Obi Obi and on to Kenilworth. The scenery was beautiful and then we reached the campsite at 10:20. Ray and I have never been here before and we thought the site was just beautiful with a running creek, toilets and fire dotted around.

There were 4 cars on this trip so we all picked our spots and dibbed our fireplace. Up until now Ray and I had been camping with a rather large 10 man tent (supposedly), however we had decided to take my daughter’s (supposedly) 2 man tent, it was quite psychedelic and hippy like and looked like a happy little bubble. It did make setting up and packing down faster which was the aim, but not a lot of ventilation and by morning all the internal walls were absolutely saturated with condensation ……... haha

We had lunch and set off finally at 2:10 for a quick run to the café for firewood and ice creams and into Kenilworth for the all important refreshments to be enjoyed sitting around the camp fire that night.
Finally we were off road but still hadn’t locked in our wheels then comes the call from our trip leader Davo, think we’d better go to low range now and no sooner had he made the suggestion and we were crawling down some rather steep tracks and a couple of nice deep ruts.

The forest was beautiful and the terrain was ever changing from the dry soil to red clay. As we were winding our way up one track we came across a rather big hole in the road which would have swallowed us up so we went left to come round through a tight right turn, glad it was a day trip and not a night drive, would have been a bit nasty to fall into.

We came upon a couple of shallow water crossings and then found some slippery clay halfway up a hill that brought me to an abrupt stop. We slipped straight into a big rut, reversed out and had another go staying to the left and our trusty patrol took us up and over all the way, yeehaa. Davo made it through easily before us and then Nathan and Tanya came up after us and went a little sidewards. Of course Tiny and crew walked up in the little Jeep, however a few tracks later the little jeep lost traction and had to slide down and have another go. Made it up and there was no winching or recovery needed on this drive. The scenery was just so relaxing the sun filtering through the flora.

We travelled some tracks and in the end weren’t sure exactly where we were so just kept driving until we hit a main road and ended up on the other side of Kenilworth. We arrived back at camp around 5:30 to start the “happy hour” which went for a few hours. Everyone congregated by the fire and had dinner and a few drinks and little by little the group shrunk and shrunk as we all started turning in for the night to be up and ready for an 8:30 departure the following morning.

Up and off the next morning we went to another camp ground called Booloumba Creek, aahhh what a beautiful pristine part of this amazing country. It was so breathtakingly beautiful, clear water and beautiful straight huggable trees – just gorgeous.

We meandered back to camp from Booloumba without any interruptions or hill challenges and all packed up left camp at 1:00pm and went to Kenilworth Cheese factory for some belated morning tea and to partake in some of the selections of gourmet cheeses and foods and had a coffee or beverage of choice or ice cream or ……..

Then it was on to Maleny to show our “new to Queensland” visitors a little of the Hinterland lifestyle and we all enjoyed a look around town and then lunch.
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After filling our bellies we left Maleny to travel the back roads back to home peeling off 1 by 1 at our turn offs. Ray and I drove into our driveway around 6:30pm and had enjoyed our lovely weekend away immensely. Debbie Sullivan.

The day began at the IGA car park near CJ’s Bakery in Woodford. Despite the dismal weather of showers of rain and the sky ominously overcast we had a great turn out of participants.

 There were 23 vehicles in total with many of the occupants being visitors. For some of the visitors this was their first trip with the club. Marcel was the trip leader and decided to create 2 groups. He would lead group 1 and Gary was to lead group 2. The groups would travel separately and would join up at the Old Brandon’s Mill Site.

Visitors had to perform the mandatory hill start and vehicle checks before we could commence.
We aired down at the Stony Creek – Branch Creek confluence.  The weather was kind to us with only a few brief showers of rain whilst driving on the tracks. This was beneficial as the tracks were still reasonably dry and not so slippery. The rainforest was resplendent & picturesque with various colours of the barks of the trees from oranges, pinks & greys and of course the beautiful shades of greens in the eucalypt forest.

Some undulating climbing and some steep sections necessitated the mandatory wait until the vehicle ahead was safely through. There was some bumpy terrain with particularly steep down hills. Some sections required Marcel to give instructions while standing on the side on which direction to take to get over the rutted sections.

There was only one section that required a couple of vehicles to be winched. After that was completed it was decided that it was not going to be worthwhile for the other vehicles to go up as it would probably mean that a lot more vehicles may need to be winched.

We joined group 2 for lunch at the Old Brandon’s Mill Site. The Crane Pivot, Band Saw & Gantry are great relics of the history of logging in this area.

As we all set up our various chairs etc for lunch we had a light shower of rain. Simon had the best cover with an extra addition to his awning which allowed for a great cover from the rain. We were all so jealous and wished there was more room under it for some of us. To top it off he showed us all up when he produced his portable BBQ and teased us with the wafting smell of his steak cooking.
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As the weather was looking like it was going to worsen Marcel and Gary decided that we would not do any further driving on the tracks. With so many vehicles they did not want to dig the tracks up any more.
All the visitors stated that they had enjoyed the trip immensely and had a great time. They were very happy with the challenges the tracks produced, the communications, help and advice they were given which helped their confidence in completing the trip. 

Mt. Clara trip report – 13/14 February

One of the biggest challenges for every 4WD club is, to find new exciting trips within reasonable travel distance. So when the Mt. Clara trip was announced at a club meeting there was general excitement and anticipation for something new that was actually quite old. When scanning some old documents David found a trip report from the 80-ies with the promising name of Black Snake Gully. Helen and David quickly organised a reconnaissance trip and planned an official trip. So on the 13th 9 cars gathered for a 21st century try out.
Our meet up point was just outside Widgee and with 9 cars coming from all wind directions it was great to see everyone ready at the meeting point. After a quick debrief by Helen and David and air down, we headed for our destination of the day. From our meeting point a dirt road took us into the Mt Clara / Black Snake area. The promising road sign “unmaintained road” is what every 4wder likes to see!

The track became progressively steep and difficult with ruts and washouts but still very manageable with the right wheel placement and throttle control. None of the cars had any difficulties getting through and only at a few tricky obstacles we needed spotters. A bit of rain would have made the track impassable but the dry conditions made it a fun, scenic and challenging track.

As we drove into a narrow track with no options to turn, it was close to lunch time. We decided to stop on the track for lunch as chances of other cars in the area were very slim. You can guess where this is heading … by the time everyone was having their first bite and Craig had fired up the bbq we were confronted with a fellow 4wd group coming from the opposite direction. We packed up a bit quicker than anticipated and continued our way to the Mt. Clara smelter. This meant the track headed down into the valley with some steeper section to practise engine braking and wheel placement to avoid rutts.

The Mt Clare smelter and chimney is a relic of the mining years when there was a short lived tin and copper mine. The smelter chimney has been restored and is a great reminder of the early settlement days. By this time most of the group was ready to retire to the campgrounds at Kilkivan Bush Camping, while a small group decided to explore a track leaving from the smelter. Initially this ended at a private property but another side track led to a ridge with beautiful vistas and a promising loop track that would challenge some of the more capable cars. Because this could be a 20 minute or become a 2 hour loop, we decided to map the locating and leave it for a revisit.

It was my first visit to Kilkivan Bush Camping and I was really impressed by the site. There are nice grassy and flat sites and the camping is run by a friendly couple happy to provide information about the area. In the afternoon Terri and Lyle joined for the bush camping experience. Most of the group headed of for the camp oven diner provided by the campsite and the rest stayed at the campfire for drinks and dinner. When everyone regrouped, it was time for Helen to bring out a fun (family friendly) party game. The game involves stockings and glow sticks and is best played after some alcoholic beverages. I am pretty sure it is now part of the trip bag and if you want to know more, you will have to join an overnight trip .

The next morning everyone packed up and made their own way home or joined one of 2 groups trying to navigate the back roads and tracks through the area. We joined the 2 jeeps for a quick dash to the swimming hole at the Amamoor campsite and Helen lead a party through the ranges. We actually caught up at the campsite which just proves there are many more scenic drives to explore in this area.
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I am pretty sure this area will be on a trip sheet in the near future as it is great touring with sections that will test your 4WD skills! Thanks to Helen, David and Colin for exploring the area and mapping out a great new weekend destination.

Mount Mee, Saturday 6th of Feb 2016 Woke up this morning thinking, Bugger! This is not good weather for our trip to Mt Mee today, after all the main focus was to have a swim at Rocky Hole, and chill after the horrendous week of hot weather, which we have all endured! Anyway chucked the swimmers in, packed the lunch, off we went!

Met up with Tiny, Leighanne, Chris &Pete, our visitor Brett & his son Jagger at bakery in Daybora. Off we went, thinking stuff it we will have good day! We did all the touristy things at Mt Mee, saw the Gantry, then Falls Lookout, beautiful with the clouds hanging low over the hills! Was kind of an eirey feeling! We checked out the camping areas, as some of had not been there before.

Ahh, the sun come out as we were approaching Rocky Hole! We all went down to take a look! Then we all made a mad dash back to our cars, got the togs on! Ahh yes we all had a swim! Just beautiful!

The water was cool and refreshing! Just beautiful! After our swim we went to Archer Camping Area, found a nice spot for lunch. After this we headed back to the Gantry, all of us feeling a bit tired! We were going to head back down to the main road, air up and head home!

But “yours truly” mentioned about heading back via A Break! So off we went, I must say it’s a lot tamer than it has been, but never the less, a great way to finnish off the day!

​Thankyou all for coming, Lorraine Lynch

Wow, 30 cars turned up for the Mt. Mee night run, with a lot new faces on the trip. With this trip now being rated blue, a lot of visitors came along to test their night driving skills. It was raining during the week leading up to the trip so I assumed it might be a bit wet up there. A big effort was required to process everyone and organize three groups of cars. I advised the group to expect the finish time to be midnight. Let’s see how we go!

We stopped at the entrance to the forest to air down and do some hill stall recoveries with the visitors. We were soon driving up the first of many steep hills leading into Mt. Mee. It was already dark when we got to the bottom of

 A Break. I knew from the two recees I had recently completed that there were some big holes at the start of the climb and also near the top. I warned the group what to expect on the climb and advised that they straddle the holes at the bottom and I would be further up the hill with a torch guiding them through the top holes. Most made it up, but three cars found the holes and got bogged. Just a quick reverse, a different line and all were up. Marcel was now at the bottom waiting to take his group up.

A bit further on we had another hill with big holes and then a steep climb. The track fell away to the left so it was important to keep right while negotiating the hill. All did well and made it to the top with no hassle.
We continued through the forest crossing little streams, up and down small  hills and driving on loose surfaces. The tracks were dry with little mud. It Looked  like the rain didn’t make it up there. As we ascended higher up the mountain our headlights shone through the clouds.

The next stop was the lookout, where all three groups met up for a bit of a chinwag and to stretch the legs.
When it was time to move on Evan lead his group away first, I left five minutes later then Marcel’s group followed.

Turning left off the main track we encountered some small steep declines with loose gravel. Further along there were a few tricky climbs with ruts and some big stones which required accurate wheel placement. Not so easy in the dark! Some had a little trouble but eventually all found the right line to get to the top.

Shortly after we came across a fallen tree blocking the track which we safely diverted around using a track Marcel and I made during the reece.

Towards the end of the night we came across some big slippery deep holes filled with water. We all stopped, picked our own line and drove through. Some cars bottomed out and scrapped the under carriage but I don’t think anyone got stuck. This proved to be a good challenge in the middle of the night. Not long after this the three groups met up at the gantry to air up before heading home. We finished at midnight, just like I said. Great timing!

I would like to thank Marcel, Tiny, Evan, Eddie and everyone who helped on the night. I hope everyone enjoyed the night. I know I had a ball.
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Gary.

The early morning of 5th of December was spent setting up camp at the gums camp site at the lovely Landcrusier Park. This trip, though only small with 4 cars was one filled with excitement and laughs. After everyone was awake and ready to take into the beauty of the park we set off for an trip round some of the easier parts of the track to slowly introduce our visitors into how we four-wheel drive, teaching them to follow and respect our motto of “tread lightly”.

After our trip we returned back to camp of lunch. After our tummies were full and satirised, we went to some harder parts of the park to get some adrelline pumping through our veins. Before we had even hit the track Peter Bowen had managed to break his car by losing third and fourth gear. After Peter returned to camp and our thrill was achieved we collected some much needed fire wood for the camp fire...because it isn’t camping without a fire! After loading up a Ute tray and two roof racks full of fire wood we returned back to camp feeling happy with the amount of wood collected.

Once we returned back to camp it was relevant we had a lot of fire wood to unload. But better then that we returned to a campsite ready which was decked out ready for Evans 40th birthday. Giggles where shared because he was so old but soon everyone returned to their own campsites whilst the campfire was being created.

Once the fire was crackling it was known to all that happy hour was well overdue. Happy hour was a success and with that everyone went off and prepared their dinner. Dinner was also eaten around the fire, which I wouldn’t recommend if your name is Peter Bowen. This being unless you like your dinner on your bottom...literally. After laughs were shared everyone ventured off to bed.

The next morning everyone packed up their camp with the thought of going on another trip after pack up was done. However Peter Bowen and the visitors left early and did not come on the last trip with us. However we were joined by Brent who led the rest of us on an extremely challenging trip to the test track filled with tight turns and endless creek crossings. Despite it being quite difficult and long it was a track that will never be forgotten from its challenges to its beauty. Finally once the track was done it was decided a much needed cool down in the falls was needed. Jumping off rocks attempting to get out of the water without slipping on the slime made it all the more fun! After our swim there was one last thing that we needed, and that was for Brent to complete camp road. After Brent successfully competed camp road twice with ease we all signed out of the park and got our traditional ice creams.

And that was the end to our wonderfull weekend away. Thankyou to everyone that came and shared our laughs.
​Emily Gill

The 2015 Christmas party was held at Dayboro show grounds where we had the use of a huge hall and kitchen , We had Emily and Emily on bar duty serving mocktails for everyone , Anna was in charge of the photo both , Taylah was looking after the Lolly bar and our resident artist Sarah was in charge of face painting. In the Kitchen Leighanne was cooking up a storm with Tiny , Terri and Seans help were cooking.

When it was time for Santa to arrive we rounded the kids up and headed outside to see santa arrive in yes you guessed it a JEEP oIIIIIIIo . He was a bit of a cheeky Santa this year and even stirred a few of the kids after giving out the presents he was set upon by the kids and had to hightail it aroud the shed then back to the Jeep to make a hasty get away.

​The kids had a bit of time to play before everyone was called in for an amazing meal lots of people went back for seconds it was that good. After dinner we were entertained by one of Brents work mates who is a great singer, after the tables were packed up Laurraine Carleton started a water fight where adults and kids alike all got involved and had a blast.