Sundown NP – June 8-10, 2002
Click on any of the pics for a larger version
I arrived at Applethorpe in
the Brumby a few minutes late, time just got away and then there was a road work
delay. Ron Penfold, who was traveling on his own in the Challenger this weekend,
was keen to get away to meet Rob and Vicki Noble at Ballandean. The Nobles were
traveling up from Ballina in their fully loaded standard Brumby. At this stage
our 3rd crewmembers were John and Justin Shera in the lifted Forester
which was set up in desert trim. Justin now has his learner’s permit and had
driven down from Brisbane. Not far behind on the road were Greg Bryant and young
Alex with Rik Close as passenger in the Bravo. Just as we were getting out of
the cars at Ballandean, Rob and Vicki arrived.
Our first stop was the
Sundown Winery to stock up on supplies. It was nice and warm inside with the
fire because outside was overcast and cool. As we hit the dirt Greg and Rik
arrived. We were all now in convoy. The weather was not looking good and at the
Sundown gate where we signed on and paid our camping fees it started to drizzle
- not the best start to a camping long weekend. Most of the creeks on the 4WD
track into the park were dry but with the light rain all the rocks were
slippery. One of John’s front BFG’s soon found a sharp rock and was holed.
The
change did not take long and, with John setting off on a Simpson Desert crossing
in a few weeks time, he needed the tyre repaired. So I took it back with me to
give to Gaven McGrath so he could get the major repair done at a place he knows.
Not
long after we came across the only deep water creek crossing that also had rocky
entry and exit points. Rob thought he would stop and raise the Brumby’s rear
suspension. With a bit of guidance he made it through without a problem, but
just up the track the Brumby’s rear slipped off a rock and brushed a tree stump
on the side of the track. It didn’t get better for Rob as he soon slashed a
front tyre on another sharp rock. So 2 punctures in 2 cars in about 6 km was not
a good start.
We all made it
to the Red Rock Gorge camp spot by about lunchtime. Because of the light rain we
though we would set up the tents first and - you guessed it - the showers were
getting heavier. Luckily, Rob had brought along his big tarp, which we set up
first as a communal shelter. It was a great help. The showers did not bother
Alex. He had great fun getting wet and dirty, riding his bike through all the
mud puddles. Around mid afternoon, Peter Gates arrived in his well set up L
Series for a flying visit. He was down staying at a friend’s Winery and decided
on a drive through Sundown to visit us. He kept reminding us about his warm bed
and fire back at the Winery. We stayed put for the rest of the afternoon, and
we even managed to collect some dry firewood for a campfire that burnt well into
the night. Rob and Vicki were having stir fry for dinner and so was I so we
combined. It was delicious.
We had
some nearby campers join us around the camp fire for a chat and by about 10 pm
the showers had stopped, time for bed. Ron had put his tent up but opted for a
more cozy spot in the back of the Challenger.
Sunday dawned sunny and
cool, about 11 degrees. After breakfast, our plan for the day was to do the
round trip to Rats Castle. Because 2 cars had punctures and no more spares, John
and Justin traveled with Ron in the Challenger, Vicki with Greg, Rik and Alex in
the Bravo and Rob with me in the Brumby. We took the good 4WD short cut track to
link up with the main track. Our first stop was the old copper mine. Not long
after, Ron reported on the CB that a small mob of deer had run across the track
in front of him and straight down a steep hillside. It was the first time any of
us had seen deer there but we all agreed it was suitable terrain for them. Reedy
Waterhole was our next stop for morning tea. There was enough water about for
Ron to give his electric air boat a run. It went well and he managed to miss all
the rocks.
Then
it was on towards the Rats Castle circuit. It was the first time I had seen all
the creeks dry, but at least now I could see where all the rocks were. We caught
up with the Range Rover Club at the hardest river crossing. In their group was
some interesting older machinery including 2 short wheelbases, a Series 1 and a
Series 2. Our lunch stop was at the old creek crossing that Ron said used to
lead to the west side of the park but has been washed out for years. On our
return trip back to camp we called into Burrows Waterhole for a quick look. It
is the main camp area and was crowded. Back at camp, my plan was to pack up and
head for home as I had an extra short working week. Because of the ARC rally, I
had to head for Imbil on Wednesday night. It was a hard decision as the weather
was clear and the campfire looked inviting.
Thanks to Ron and everybody
else for a great weekend.
David Martin SC180
The
second night was quite a bit cooler than the first, so a raging fire was called
for. Alex decided that exercise was the best way to keep warm, and he rode his
bike for a couple of hours after dusk. Thanks to John for lending Alex a
“headlight” for his bike. It really was a headlight – it was one of those lights
that is attached to a strap that straps across the forehead, similar to a
miner’s light. The rest of us didn’t venture too far from the fire. John also
taught us all how to keep our backs warm whilst sitting beside the fire – it’s a
trick using foam rubber mats that can be purchased from Clarks Rubber. Best part
about it – it works. I also worked on keeping warm from the inside out, courtesy
of the local port and muscat.
Next morning we awoke to a
cooler morning – about 5 degrees.
Not quite the
brass monkey material I had prepared for, but cold enough for me. A couple of
quick coffees did the trick, and I was ready to face the day. We left Vicki to
mind the fort, and we set off. The plan for the day was to drive down to the
creek that leads to the falls at Red Rock Gorge (which included the tightest
hairpin bend on a 4WD track I’ve ever experienced), then walk to the gorge. I
don’t know if the word “walk” is the most descriptive for the trip. I could
think of slide, scramble, jump, hop, tumble and a few others. But we all made
it, even Alex (complete with a few bumps, bruises and scratches). A few minutes
of recuperation later, and it was back from whence we came.
After
packing up, we set off on the trip home. Ron and I took the 4WD track back to
the gate, whilst Rob and John took the conventional track, and beat us by only a
couple of minutes. It was a safer option considering that Rob and John no longer
had spare tyres, but it apparently offered no greater comfort for the vehicle
occupants. We said our goodbyes at the gate, and headed in separate directions
for home.
Thanks to Ron for the trip,
and thanks also to the others who attended. I sure had a good time.
Greg Bryant SC480
| Sundown National Park Scenery |
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The
change did not take long and, with John setting off on a Simpson Desert crossing
in a few weeks time, he needed the tyre repaired. So I took it back with me to
give to Gaven McGrath so he could get the major repair done at a place he knows.
Not
long after we came across the only deep water creek crossing that also had rocky
entry and exit points. Rob thought he would stop and raise the Brumby’s rear
suspension. With a bit of guidance he made it through without a problem, but
just up the track the Brumby’s rear slipped off a rock and brushed a tree stump
on the side of the track. It didn’t get better for Rob as he soon slashed a
front tyre on another sharp rock. So 2 punctures in 2 cars in about 6 km was not
a good start.
