Imbil-Kandanga Weekend

22-23 February 1997

Saturday

While everyone else was sleeping, Brad and I staggered out of bed at 4.15am to make our way to the meeting point at Yandina from the Gold Coast. We ended up arriving early which was a disappointment to our eyelids; they would have preferred to stay shut just a little longer. After a few people arrived we all migrated to the petrol Station, then to prevent melting in the sun we all decided to drive back to the park.

Being new members, Brad and I (myself known as Brad's wife) listened intently to our convoy, fence opening and shutting responsibilities - all very technical. At 8.30am we headed off to our campsite which consisted of rolling green hills with our own cool brown refreshing lake. We set up camp and wandering about camping sites (I'm told this is common practice). After just about pumping my legs off trying to blow up the inflatable bed, Glenys P kindly offered her electric blower-upperer. During lunch small groups formed around the place and that's when it started....... car talk. Tim and his mate turned up and with Peter and Rik joining in (as well as my other half) we chatted about numerous overseas experiences and events. Very enjoyable and relaxing.

We all finally made our way to our vehicles to actually demonstrate our 4WD capabilities. Our first major hill (which was a bit of a disappointment to Big John and Ron) was the first downhill experience I've ever had. I asked Peter (via CB) why he was taking so long to let us down the track - only to hear his reply "I'm sliding down the hill". "Oh, what ever could he mean responded my mind", Well soon enough I would find out. He finally called us down and off we took. "*%A$#@" was my first impression. We not only drifted down the hill but started to slide sideways. I think I handled it really well but it was a real adrenalin rush for us both. Of course being new members we were not aware of the correct driving procedures in this incident - but after picking a few brains we were soon experts. I guess that's the beauty of being in a 4WD Club with nice people, you've all been very helpful.

Along the way we lost a few people, so after all turning around as a log had blocked our path, and Big John had forgotten his chainsaw to allow us to go any further, we all consumed homemade cookies and drinks when we'd all met up again. We all enjoyed our hot bush bash and decided that we deserved ice creams from the corner store. We then returned to our campsite to have a swim and discuss our first outing of the trip, including the traditional opening of the bonnet and of course car talk.. Brad and I retired to our tent as our eyelids just wouldn't stay open any longer and when we awoke, the camp was busy with everybody showering or preparing for dinner.

Off we wandered up to the BBQ area (in the dark) only to discover that there was no gas to cook our meat. I was hungry (4WDing is hard work, especially for a passenger - all that backseat driving I have to do, "tree, rock, log, tree etc etc") but my raw steak was not very appealing. We walked around until "Rob Hilux' said we could cook on his BBQ. Peter arrived and insisted that we share his campsite so off we trotted. Is there anything like a BBQ in a million star restaurant ? Everyone adjourned to the campfire and enjoyed Julie's cow patties. They were a real hit with the kids but they really would have preferred cooking their marshmallows without leaning over those brown pies

I'm sure many yarns were discussed around the campfire but I wouldn't know. We were so worn out we went to bed, (You won't get me to write the report again - I probably missed out on all the action.)

Sundav

After breakfast and a beautiful row down the river we met some fellow 4WDrivers from Caloundra City 4WD Club and off we took. Some of the wives and children had stayed behind to hold the fort. Now that Brad and I were experts it was only the lack of clearance, locked diff and bullbar that kept us from attempting the cliff that everyone couldn't get up - oh, except that exceptional Brumby driver. UP THE SUBARUS! Gee we were happy about that one.

We'd had fun driving about as usual and the time spent pulling cars up the cliff was a real experience. Cars pulling cars that had to be pulled by other cars was a great thing to watch. Onward and upward Bruce had trouble with petrol in the carby due to the steep accent but help got the "old girl" on it's way again. We then let fly to a lovely spot on top of the world at the Fire Tower. A quick climb, bite to eat and off again down the winding track to that smooth bitumen.

Most people cooled off and after packing up we sat around eating watermelon and socialising. It was all bye byes from here so I'm sorry to say I don't know what happened after we left (no we hadn't gone to bed again).

Brad and I would like to say we were both made very welcome and had a very tiring but relaxing and enjoyable weekend away with you all.

Thanks for the tips, the laughs and the excellent time.

Judy Green SC425