KILKIVAN WEEKEND

9-10 Nov 1996

SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 1996

The first trip for the Pajero, John P's ever popular Kilkivan trip. A not so early start saw us travelling through Brisbane and up the highway quickly to get to the meeting place on time (well almost). Not having a CB installed as yet meant that we were not able to advise of our arrival. As everyone else was ready and waiting to go, it was a short stop and we were on our way.

First stop was the Rossmore Park for those who were camping to set up camp, before heading off to 4WD we had a leisurely lunch. The horse trail which was an easy run led to a look at an open cut gold mine, which Kaye and the kids found very interesting to explore. From the mine we went to Bridle Track which would test out the Pajero with David and Keith doubting our new machine's ability. Down, down, down, we went on the Bridal Track with the boys not being satisfied on going just down, there was talk of turning around at the bottom for the challenge of heading up again instead of going around the road like John had planned. David was the chief instigator and was sent up the hill first with everyone listening to see if he was having success or not. Things sounded good so we all followed with us last up. Cameron was unsure of the Pajero's ability at climbing hills as this was it's first hill ever.

With everyone up without problems we headed for Mt Widgee. The track was relatively easy at first then there was a climb that got fairly steep with a very steep section with right turn which proved to be a little difficult for us, needing two attempts to get around once the correct line was taken. Once the summit was reached we took time to look at the views from the hang gliders launch area, from where you could see Gymple and have afternoon tea.

As time was getting away on us we went onto the next challenge which was a very steep downhill which was steep enough to warrant us using the brakes even with low range and a diesel engine (that has lots of engine braking) also there was a slight detour for us anyway to go around a fallen tree that the Subies fitted under and we didn't. A budding photographer wanted shots only on the steepest section of the down hill (which did not help Julie's nerves).

Once down the bottom we drove around and through a creek bed which would have proved interesting had there been water in it. We headed out through cattle country via the road back to the service station for an icecream and few liquid supplies at the bottle shop. Back to camp, where we stayed for dinner with the campers before heading home around 8.30pm. An enjoyably day was had by all.

PS There were three Turbos, three Subas and three Detroit Lockers for anybody who'se interested........oh yes .... and a Pajero.

Cameron & Julie Neilsen SC287

Sunday

After Keith had a terrible night's sleep (which everyone heard about) everyone started to rise about 6.30am. Our cook for the weekend was John who had trouble getting going without a coffee to kick start himself because he drank 5 out of 6 cans of beer.

After breakfast (which was pretty good considering the hangover) everyone cleaned up while the kids fed the birds, the big kids did their usual thing under the bonnets.

The first track of the day was to Kinbombi Falls. Where Keith and David went rock climbing to get a better view, Keith noticed something fall from the rock face. It turned out to be a rather large snake skin. He was a bit worried the snake might still be just above them.

Everyone piled back into their cars and headed for Mt Mia via Jimmy's Scrub. We came across a rally closure sign (for a rally on the 30 November) plus some bright green arrows which we followed. After going past a log harvesting area at which a log skidder was parked with chains on the tyres which were slightly too large for a Suby. You could just about park a Subaru inside each chain. Upon coming to a dead end we worked out that H means log harvesting and the arrows show the direction. At least on the way to getting lost (we weren't lost just confused) we found a good track that followed a new fence with a couple of good hills. We eventually found our way to Mt Mia for morning tea. A friendly argument broke out over which way was north and which was south. Royce produced a compass to solve the argument.

We then proceeded back towards the mine via a secondary track which has a very steep gully, because it was dry, there wasni any problems.

We returned to the camp via a very rocky down hill track at which everyone but the drivers bailed out and walked down.

As it was 1.00pm by this time everyone had lunch and packed up for the drive home. David and Royce headed back to Peter's place to check out his garden shed (which is 60 ft long) and John and Keith headed back north with a car which was having slight over heating problems.

Dictated by Keith Peters

Written by Danna Peters SC346