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BRETT72
X-TRAIL HOLIC
Date Registered: 10-2005
Location: Orange. NSW.
TOTAL POSTS: 1999
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Newnes trip 10/6/07
Participants:
BRETT72 - brett/francine/emily +1
BASSHEAD - rich/clare +1
YWAIT - matt/rach/nixon
DUNOON - john/helen
Location:
NEWNES/WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK, NSW.
After a late cancellation due to the recent heavy rainfalls and track conditions in the Abercrombie NP, we decided to head to Newnes and test out Matt's new BFG's.
We all met at the Lake Wallace (west of Lithgow) at 9:30ish. The 'ish' part was due to John and I deciding it was too cold to leave the Orange McDonalds and chose to have the coffee in-house.
After the traditional meet and great, Matt's latest addition was given the once over and checked out by all. After this, little Nixon was also given the go-over by the girls, whilst us 'blokes' talked about more manly things. Like bottle feeding, sleep patterns and car seats. Oh yeah, and Matt's BFG's were given a second going over.
Keeping with the spirit of 4wd trips, the leader, being Rich was assigned to the front, with yours truly assigned as 'tail end charlie'. At least I had the best view of the other guys slipping and sliding along the track and was able to pick the best lines. Sorry guys.
Although the 35km track into Newnes was rated as wet weather, the rain had left certain sections nice and slippery. Chatter over the radio centred around our concerns that John's NON BFG EQUIPTED exy would falter, but gees, this man can drive. I must take my hat of to you mate, you showed us up. I guess all those years of driving in the paddock of your farm have taught you well.
After an hour of slipping, sliding and on one occasion, watching Rich almost slide off the track, we made it to the Newnes homestead. After a brief walk around the area, we were told that the river crossing was too deep to cross. (now if only we had a snorkle). With the weather getting better and better, an impromptu lunch was called by little Nixon. After my daughter Emily chased the chickens for a while, it was time to head back up the slippery track to the rock walls. But not before the pregnant pair were emptying their bladder for the hundredth time. I guess corrugations and pregnancy don't mix.
Luckily for us, the warm weather (8 degrees) had dried the worst of the track and allowed us a more conservative drive out. We did encounter one slippery hill that had the tail-end of the exy's slidding all over the place, but we all got through unscathed.
Next, we stopped off at the 'Blackfellows Hand' rock art, which as the name suggests, is a rock overhang covered in images of hands which have been outlined with ink. The climb up took our breaths away, but it was worth it.
Due to time getting the best of us, we had to cut our trip short and a decision was made to head to Lithgow Maccas for a well deserved coffee. Although the "5 minute trip" took 8, no-one was complaining. Sort of.
I must say that this was one of the best short trips I have been on for a while, with a real good bunch of people. All in all, I think everyone enjoyed themselves and plans are already underway to return and check out the ruins when the river levels drop (just give me a ring John) and Matt is even more keen to show Nixon the outdoors, with a trip planned for Barrington when it warms up.
Thanks guys. Please add your own perspective to this trip, with your pics as well.
I think the poor guy at Bathurst car wash is still cursing me for leaving a tonne of mud in his wash bay, but my money ran out. Sorry mate...
Last edited by BRETT72, 11/Jun/2007, 11:22 am
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10/Jun/2007, 10:29 pm
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Y WAIT
Date Registered: 07-2005
Location: central coast nsw
TOTAL POSTS: 1123
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Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07
Well............ What a weekend!
If i had to sum it up in a few words, Cold Muddy and FUN
On saturday night we were thinking about pulling out due to the wild weather we were having on the coast, but decided to go anyway ( we had pre paid for the accomodation in Lithgow )So Rach, Nixon and I left bright and early on saturday morning ( 6.30 am still pouring rain). As we were heading towards the mountains, the dark clowds fading in the rear view mirror and the blue sky and sun opened up! I had a huge grin on my face
We arived at Lake Wallace bang on 930. Rich and Clare had just arived aswell. We all waited for the rest of the group..... and waited...........and waited...........and waited............ it was after 10 when they decided to join us
After a bit of chit chat we headed of down the steep, narrow and sometimes very slipery track to Newens.
The view was almost as good as the track. It is such a nice area!
As Brett said, the track was very slipery! we were sliding all over the place. At one stage i was behind Rich when the back of his car decided it wanted to have a close look at the embankment! He was so sidways i could see the entire side on his car. I dont know how you managed to pull it back it time! Next thing i knew i was headed the same way but i didnt get as close to the edge. I never imagined i would ever get the exy that sideways! It was great
We arived at Newens all in one piece! only to be told we couldnt go any further due to the river being to high
I tried to talk Brett into giving it a go, i saw a twinkle in his eye but after being threatened with divorce he decided it wasnt a good idea
By this stage Nixon was hungry so we all set up camp and had some lunch. The boys talked about cars and the girls had a chat about girl stuff, whatever that is..... I walked past at one stage and they were talking about how much time the boys spent on the computer, i decided not to get involved in that one!
After lunch we headed back up the track. It had drided out a bit so there was no real dramas getting out. A short stop at the top of tha valley gave us a bit more of a chance for some pics
Another stop a short while later at 'Blackfellows Hand' rock art for a look at the Aboriginal hand prints...... and some more pics!
We left here for the 5 min trip back to lithgow for coffee and goodbyes
I was an awsome day, i learnt a heap about driving in slipery conditions and mud.
Thanx to everyone for a great day! was good to meet Brett, Francine and Emily ( what a cutie!) aswell as John and Helen. And to catch up with Rich and Clare again!
Cant wait to get together again for some more trips
I am now so glad i sold the 20s and got the BFG's I havent enjoyed the exy like this in a long time
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11/Jun/2007, 4:03 pm
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jalalski
Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: SUTHERLAND, SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 29100
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Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07
Awesome trip report guys and very nice pics indeed.
Looks like you guys had plenty of fun during this short and muddy trip but that is what 4WDriving is all about
Looks like the NSW Pic Gallery will soon have a fresh set of photos, so keep them coming if you have more.
Am sure Rich is probably sitting right now and editing all his short videos and thumbnails, so I'll wait for him before I do any updates.
Good stuff.
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11/Jun/2007, 6:45 pm
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johnsey
X-TRAIL FANATIC
Date Registered: 01-2007
Location: Melbourne, Wantirna
TOTAL POSTS: 435
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Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07
Sounds like a great day out in the wet stuff.
Did you guys drop your tyre pressures to assist in traction through these slippery sections?
Somewhere about 22 PSI would have helped, or perhaps the BFG tyres are exceptionally good in these conditions and reducing pressure was not required.
Great photography work !!
--- Xcited Touring
Series 2 2005 ST Auto, nudge bar, driving lights, spoiler, GME 3100 UHF, towbar , bashplate, Yokohama Geolander AT-S and Kings Springs lift X495 (c)
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11/Jun/2007, 9:17 pm
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