CRYSTALVALE - HELLA VA

WEEKEND

17 - 18 February 1996

Saturday

From meeting point at Nerang we decided to take the scenic route over the range through the Numinbah Valley to Crystalvale, which is situated just over the NSW border between Chillingham and Murwillumbah in the shadow of Springbrook mountain. Our crew for the trip consisted of Royce J MY83 Touring Wagon, Doug T in his gleaming Silver RX Turbo, Rikki C and Sharon were his passengers. The third vehicle was myself in the Brumby. Ron P and family planned t o arrive later in the afternoon. Jeff and Sue K were to come for the day on Sunday.

Looking east towards the ocean after passing through the border gates, you gain a magnificent view of the Tweed Valley. We stopped at Chillingham to check directions and have nioming tea or lunch depending on what time frame you were using NSW or Qld. At this point we had only made one wrong turn, that was quickly solved.

On arriving at Crystalvale we signed on and paid up for the weekend. The property is a registered 4WD park owned by Clay Mongan's family, who is a member of the Tweed Valley 4WD Club. We chose a camp spot near the flowing creek. There was an excellent roll up of Tweed Valley members, they are big on camping trailers, you could see just about every make and model made. Not long after setting up camp we were off on our first trip around the property. The Trip Leader was Peter G in the big Defender. Doug decided to leave the RX behind on this trip as it is not lifted and he didn't know what to expect. Rikki and Sharon rode with Royce and Doug came with me. Most of the tracks wind up and down the hills, they are steep but smooth, some have wet gullies at the bottom which makes the climb out interesting.

For the Subaru's on one of the steepest you could only gain a short run up, then hold it flat, until nearly at the top you could back off. With the extra weight of the Touring Wagon and the locking diff, Royce found he was running out of power at the very top, he was soon up and over with a short snig. As we were heading back to camp Ron and family had arrived. Ron setup camp as we had lunch or afternoon tea.

Not long after we were off again on our second trip, this time Doug took his RX, lead by Peter Green again. On one of the muddy gullies Doug took the wrong line and bottomed out, Rikki got the job of attaching the tow strap to the buried front tow points, he got the job done, but crawled out of the mud looking like a mud man from the Papua New Guinean Tribe. You can not beat the high mounted tow hooks in these situations.

On the very steep climb Doug sailed up, he said he had to back off a bit - yes turbo power is the answer. Next on the program was the creek crossing, first car across would win a set of Hella spotlights. Chris L and Pam in the mighty Range Rover was the first vehicle to try, he nearly made it except he could not climb the steep slippery bank on the other side. Then a Nissan Patrol Wagon had a go, same thing happened, the wet bank was the problem. We had to make a quick retreat back to camp as a storm was on its way, luckily we were able to keep dry, during the heavy rain under Royce's big tarp. The storm soon cleared so we headed over to the TJM electric fridge and a camping display. The canopy was similar to Big John McK's setup (only better - sorry John). All the kids were having great fun on a plastic slippery side set on a grassy down hill.

By dusk the free BBQ was in full swing, ever tried BBQ kangaroo steaks, well they were on the menu and they are very tasty. As darkness fell we all set off across the road to a grassy open paddock to see the Hella light display. To me this was the highlight of the day. The Hella range of lights, from their fog to bull lights were set out on a frame all wired in to large batteries. Each light was demonstrated and you could see the type light beam it spread across the paddock, an excellent way to show their products off.

After at the campfire with the live entertainer in full song, a set of Hella spotlights were auctioned. At this stage I had to make tracks back home, as I had already planned to run the RX at a hill climb in Toowoomba the next day - yes I had second thoughts in staying as it was a great day.

David Martin SC 180

Sunday

Unfortunately due to other commitments on Saturday Jeff & I were unable to participate in what we thought would have been a fun weekend.

Headed off about 6.00am Sunday down the highway, turned off at Mudgeeraba and went via Springbrook to Crystalvale - some really spectacular views. It is good to see the countryside nice and green again.

Arrived at the campsite about 8.00am. Everyone was up and had breakfast and were ready for some action. The tracks on the property were closed due to the rain the previous night, so headed off to where the competftions were underway.

First a pulley was set up with a brick tied to the end of rope. During a 5 minute period you had to reverse which raised the brick approximately 20' off the ground and as you drove forward aim to get the brick in a drum. The highest score was 14 which was achieved by 3 people (not to forget to mention Rikki C and Jeff K achieved 11 each) to save any embarrassment we won't tell you Doug T's score. They had a 2 minute play off between the three with top score being .

Another section the driver of the vehicle was blindfolded and a second person on a CB guided the driver through a course of witches hats.

Next a creek crossing - the water was deep enough when crossed on foot to make the men go ooh!!!, with a very steep exit and a few rocks.

Peter G went first in the Land Rover Defender, made it to the top no problems, but left plenty of water on the exit for all those who followed. All other vehicles had to be snigged up the bank. A short wheel base Pajero (tricked up of course and sounding very hot) made it to the top, having a few problems. It was voted that as Pete's Land Rover Defender was the first vehicle through, he should try again now the exit was wet. This time proved too much.

Then we all headed back to the campsite as most people packed up their tents as you could see the threatening rain.

After lunch (Tweed Valley advised $2 lunch all you could eat) then presentation of really great prizes donated my TJM and Hella.

It is good to see a good 4WD venue and not too far from Brisbane.

After, the presentations we headed home towards Murwillumbah, then took the road that led to the back of the Currumbin, all having enjoyed their weekend.

Crystalvale is a great property and really suits our vehicles - my feelings were, perhaps it would be a good venue for a training weekend.

Many thanks to Tweed Valley Club for their hospitality, congratulations to Clay Mongan for organising a great weekend.

SUE KESBY SC 373