Driver Training Day at
Colo
Click on the thumbnails to view a
larger image
Click your browsers BACK button to
return to this page
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
You know your wife loves you when she
dobs you into write the trip report for the 4X4 Club. Thank you dear, but
I’ll get you back!
I left home with an open mind having
not done a lot of bush bashing in the past, but
the ability to get outdoors was enough for me. We all know how great our
land is but it’s not until you get out into it that it really comes to life.
Having only joined the club the Monday before, a training day was very
quickly and professionally arranged for the following Sunday.
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
We all met at the Caltex servo at Wilberforce. That Servo
really has to get their act together and enlarge that car park a bit. What
would happen if we got serious and turned up with the whole
Club and then they’d be in trouble. I suppose we
can’t complain too much considering we did grid lock the place. They made a
little money out of us selling a bit of this and that,
I just didn’t see anybody buy any petrol.
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
Whilst over in the park we were given
the theory component of the Training Course by Mark, a very knowledgeable
man to say the least. A lot of Mark's information
is practical and common sense which is what safe
driving is all about. It’s always interesting to hear everybody’s input as
well. Knowledge and experience is a marvelous thing.
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
It was time to head off and hit the
tracks. I was asked for about the tenth time if I was worried about getting
the Grande scratched, of course I was, but I wasn’t going to let on though!
That first screeeeeeech of a broken tree branch down the side of the Grande
hurt.
Up hill and down dale was the order of
the morning as we traversed the countryside in our trusty mechanical steeds.
Up rock faces at 90 degrees, down cliff faces as sheer as Uluru, at angles
never before seen possible for such nimble cars!!!!!!
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
Following lunch it was time to do some
work with shackles, snatch straps and recovery points. Now, I’m a NRMA man,
No Real Mechanical Ability so any information was good information to me.
Who would have thought that a piece of dowel about 30cm long could be so
useful when connecting two straps together.
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
When all the serious stuff was out of the way Ian
suggested a drive to Wheenie Creek. What a great
spot that turned out to be with a nice scenic drive to an easy water
crossing at a causeway. A cup of tea and a wander around the camping area
was just what the doctor ordered. We even found the home of the local wombat
under a massive tree on the bank of the river. The hole appeared to be deep,
dark and dangerous. Why no one wanted to go head first into the cavern to
see if the wombat was home surprised me. It was probably those gouge marks
in the ground from the claws at the tunnel opening that put them off. After
our little stop for a cuppa and a wander around it was off up the mountain
and homeward bound.
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
I’m sure that everybody would agree
that we all had a very enjoyable and informative day. Thanks to the
Club executive who organised the day and provided
us with the information required to allow us to remain safe and confident
when we go 4 wheel driving.
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
What a terrific report. Thanks Michael
_small.jpg)