Drive Torque

• FEBRUARY,2018 (PLUS DECEMBER 2017 & JANUARY 2018) DIGITAL ISSUE 6

I N S I D E T H I S From Our President ISSUE: Hello everyone for the first time latest trips, events and details. Finally, we are getting close to Christmas/New 2 in 2018. I trust you all had a safe Our January meeting was replaced finishing our annual publication Year and happy new year. On Tuesday by dinner and barefoot bowls at which will be hard copy and a great the 13th of February we received Camden. It was a great way to overview of 2017. Club Gear 2 sad news that Ian Heathcote had catch up and have some fun trying Safe travels. to get close to Jack, who was very Barefoot Bowls 3 died while fighting a brain tumour that was only discovered in No- allusive on the night but 29 mem- Mark Honor Day 3 vember. We offer Dennis and the bers had plenty of fun trying ... Club President family our deepest condolences. The February meeting was held at

Club Xmas Party 4 Already this year we have had a Ermington with some discussion Beer Goggles 4 few trips and meeting but as we about our meeting venues and if move into March there is even we should continue to book a large Aussie Camp 5 more happening in our calendar. hall for a small number of people. It Etiquette From our monthly news letter is worth having your say because some members have indicated Ba Ha Ha 5 you will always see most of what is coming up but trips can be meeting in a hall could be replaced Condolences 5 added at anytime so please check by other locations. our web site regularly for the Road Not Rally 6

Camp Recipe 6

Camp Review 7 HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are well and truly into 2018 with 2 months gone already! Lots Association News 7 coming up during the year from extended trips to Outback NSW & Updates taking in part of the Darling River Run & another to Lightening Ridge, social outings, new Driver Awareness trips, day trips, the Members 8 4WD Adventure Show again, Oktoberfest celebrations and we Recently Out & About have even locked in a location for Australia Day in 2019! But not to get too far ahead of ourselves, check out our website Committee 9 for more details on all upcoming trips and also the change of Contacts location for some of our Friday meetings as we mix things up a little! Happy 2018!! Upcoming Trips 9 Thank You

P A G E 2 Christmas/New Year: West Kunderang

We had been looking forward to this trip for some time Max arrived we soon had the table full of yummy things and although we had planned to meet up with Mark in and quite a few laughs were had. Cindy gave us the Armidale on Boxing Day things don’t always go to plan. history of the place and she is a wealth of information So after leaving around 3.30pm on the 26th and about all that happened throughout the whole area. staying overnight at Murrurundi we finally left Armidale It was soon time to sit around the fire and we were all 24hrs late. determined to make it to midnight this year. The hard It took about 2 hours to do the approx. 104km from work of all that swimming and relaxing was taking its’ toll Armidale to the campsite and we weren’t sure what to and we kept looking at the time to see how close we expect weather wise as we left Armidale with slightly were. Finally the clock struck midnight, the sparklers overcast skies, climbed into the ranges to be hit with came out and we all congratulated each other for making cloud, mist and light rain, and then descend into the it to another year. Soon after we were all heading for valley to West Kunderang for the skies to clear. our beds and the final sleep. All the others had arrived in the days prior so after all Fortunately for us we were on heading to Nambucca the greetings were done and to explain why we weren’t Heads from the campsite so there was no need for an towing the Trak Shak anymore, we setup the new early pack-up. We bid farewell to the Strickland’s who camper in a lot quicker time than the old one. So much were heading back to Sydney and Geoff who was heading so we still had time to open the fridge, grab a drink and somewhere that I can’t remember before we headed off get the solar panels setup before the sun went behind ourselves. We left Mark and Karolyn at the camp as they the hills. were staying another night and I’m sure they enjoyed to We had planned to stay for 5 nights and it seemed that quiet and solitude after we had all left. the daily activity schedule was to consist of walking down All in all it was a wonderful, relaxing time and I look to the river and swimming, driving upstream and forward to getting back there. Maybe even next swimming, driving downstream and swimming, canoe/ Christmas. kayak somewhere and swim………get the idea? Very relaxing and exactly what was needed after the usua Trip Report & Photos: Brett Hampson Christmas rush. Trip Leaders Mark & Karolyn Honor Troy and Sandi also had their new camper and it was soon discovered that a common trait between new campers is often that the mattress isn’t quite right so to fill in one of the days a trip back in to Armidale was arranged, primarily to search out something to make the mattresses a little less firm. Sandi and Troy took off quickly as they wanted to ensure that if Armidale only had one mattress topper left in all their stores then they were going to find it. Fortunately there was more than one and we were able to get what we needed along with a few other groceries before having lunch and heading back. On the way back we stopped at Wollomombi Falls to view the magnificent views over the gorges and the falls themselves and it would be absolutely spectacular after rainfall. Once back on the dirt Troy reported that he had a flat tyre so we stopped to check it out and he discovered that it was a side wall split, so no chance to plug that. A quick change and we were on our way again and soon back to camp for another swim. New years’ eve was soon upon us and the last night for most of us. Mark had invited the property owners down to join us for a drink and nibbles, so when Cindy and

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DRIVE TORQUE P A G E 3 January Meeting, Camden Bare Foot Bowls

For the third year running our As the sky turned to shades of January meeting was forgone in pink, violet and orange the air lieu of a bare foot bowls evening. started to cool a little and it was a Over the other side of Sydney this perfect Summers’ evening. year, Camden Bowling Club Some with some great bowls, many hosted our evening. with not so great bowls, we With temps pushing 40 degrees, switched ends as the game we first had dinner and drinks in progressed and the points added the air conditioning of the Club. up. Debates continued over the Good food for reasonable prices distance of bowls from the Jack and and big meals. games came to an end with some Once evening started to approach scores closer than others. By this we headed out to the greens for stage the sky was putting on a some sporting rivalry. Shoes off - pretty impressive lighting show as my type of sport - and we made lightening strikes seemed to be up teams of 3 players. After some continuous. With thunder rolling instructions from the profession- and the heavens threatening to als, it was time to bowl! open up, it was time to wrap the Turned out it was not as easy as it evening up. A great turn out by our looked! Although somewhat members for a social night round, the balls were actually Trip Report & Photos: Jo Quinn weighted and they needed to be & Camden Barefoot Bowls rolled down the green taking the bias into account. Definitely not as easy as marbles! Australia Day, Micalong Creek Being a long hot summer with During the fire danger period fires nights so sleeping was many days over 40 degrees are not permitted but this is comfortable. Thank you to (except for Cronulla at 26 deg) becoming more common in many everyone for a great weekend. we needed to find somewhere camp areas. Trip Leaders: Mark & Karolyn with heaps of shade and a good Most of the weekend was spent Honor water hole (for swimming). This relaxing, reading, walking, Trip Report: Mark Honor was planned as a three day trip swimming, cooking and as always Photos: Karolyn Honor but some members travelled early happy hour which occurred any and arrived on Thursday morning time after 4pm. A perspective to secure a great camp adjacent to member from Canberra (Audrey) the creek, including some of the joined us on Friday afternoon and best trees available for shade. has since joined the club. On Seven cars and one truck made up Saturday Mark and Karolyn the group. Half of the group also offered a day drive to Tumut and stayed an extra night and travelled some of the NSW High Country home on Monday. That was good but everyone seemed content planning! with relaxing at camp. David & Micalong Creek camp ground is Julie did go to Tumut for coffee about 70 minute drive from Yass and breakfast while Mark and and part of the Wee Jasper Karolyn explored some camps Reserves which have been under near Talbingo and Tantangara new management for the last 3 Reservoir, returning to camp via years. During that time there has Long Plan and Broken Cart. been some great work completed While the days were hot and with upgraded amenities, including humid there was some relief with hot showers and BBQ shelters. a few showers of rain and cooler

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2017 Christmas Festivities Our 2017 Christmas Party was down at

Wollondilly River Station. A great spot right on the river where all made use of the awesome swimming spot, especially the kids. Fantastic job by our Social Convener Karen and her offsider Paul for the great festive spread. A visit from Santa and a somewhat dubious reindeer delighted the kids and adult presents were distributed around the campfire on the Saturday evening. A great weekend!

Beer Goggles: William Creek Hotel

Drinker or not, everyone loves Services: Ice cold beer. Unique vital watering hole and service an iconic Australian outback front bar, dining room for point on the narrow gauge line pub. Join us each month as we breakfast, lunch & dinner, motel between Marree & Oodnadatta. put on the beer goggles & have and campground The site had already been named accommodation, fuel, tyre in 1839 by explorer John a look at some of our legendary repairs, ice, souvenirs, takeaway McDouall Stuart after the second outback watering holes. alcohol, eftpos facilities, 4G son of John Chambers, a pioneer optus mobile coverage pastoralist & a staunch supporter Name: William Creek Hotel Built: 1887, but wasn’t licensed of Stuart’s explorations. Location: William Creek is one as a Hotel until 1935. Did You Know? The William of the smallest towns in Construction: Timber and Creek Hotel is the only pub Australia, but sits on the world’s corrugated iron. along the Oodnadatta Track. largest cattle station, Anna Heritage Listed?: Yes Creek Station. William Creek is Bit Of History: William Creek the smallest settlement in South was established along the Australia with a permanent Oodnadatta Telegraph Line and population of 6 humans and a acted as a service point for both dog. the line workers and the camel Address: Oodnadatta Track strings operating along the William Creek. route. When the railway Contact No.: 08 8670 7880 reached in 1885, it was seen as a DRIVE TORQUE P A G E 5

Aussie Camping Etiquette

Camping etiquette - it's all about manners 4. Leave no trace of your visit. wanted guest, who hangs around and doesn’t and common sense (which seems to be in Take your rubbish with you, and leave the know when it’s time to return to their own short supply these days). If you want to see campsite spotless. Putting garbage in the campsite. 10 tips on making sure you are not the firepit, knowing that the next people might campground pest, then read on, and find burn it, is not acceptable. Finding used 8. Respect the rules of campground. Know out. disposable nappies tucked into a bush National Park rules. If it says drive at 1. Don’t camp close to other campers. setting near the campsite is not pleasant 5kmph, do so, because it’s for the safety of If it can be possibly avoided, choose your for anyone. Bottle caps do not burn, so others, especially children. campsite away from others. Don’t park your don’t throw them in the firepit; same goes One rule you will see a lot of in Australia is van/trailer/tent on top of another established for glass and tins. not to feed the native animals. Please re- campsite. They were there first, and probably member that and teach your younger chose that particular spot for a reason. 5. If pets are allowed, ensure they are family members the importance of keeping Leave as much space between your camp and controlled Same goes for children.....teach native animals native. another as the situation allows. them manners, respect for other campers, and not to become unwanted guests at fellow 9. If a campsite has facilities, please leave 2. Generators. campsites. them clean as you can. There are rules on where and when you Your dog may be YOUR best friend. That - Pit toilets – put the lid down to avoid attract- can use them. Obey them. Running them doesn’t mean everyone will be as ing flies. all hours of the night is unacceptable and enamored with your furry friend, when it - Flush toilets – do the same as for pit toilets very rude. We have seen people go out wanders into their campsite. When dogs are with the lid, and they are called FLUSH toilets during the day, and leave them running allowed into campsites, keep them on a leash. for a reason – use that button!!!! unattended – leaving the campers who - Toilet paper on the ground – if you drop remain behind, to suffer the noise. They 6. Sound travels at night, so late night some, pick it up. are not allowed in most National Parks, so gatherings around the campfire need to be -Showers should be left with nothing in it please don’t try to be sneaky and use them. toned down. The time when most people eg. No soaps, old shampoo bottles etc. think you need to start being very quiet, 3. Do not walk through other people’s seems to be around 9-10pm. Many - Teach children that facilities are not play campsites. Walk around them. Teach your campers have early starts so they retire areas for water fights, or games of any sorts children to do the same. Why people cannot early. Be respectful of such campers, and just take a few extra steps to avoid your ensure your partying does not affect 10. No firewood? Don’t chop down any clearly set out camp, is beyond my others. trees. Firewood is frequently sold at comprehension. nearby shops to campgrounds, or some- It's not polite to stroll through a camp that is 7. Be friendly to everyone you come across. A times even within the campgrounds itself. already set up - but if you do happen to do so, quick hello will suffice, but do not invite your- Depending on where you camp, sometimes it is acceptable to collect firewood from and the people are there, it's nice to offer a self to join their campfire, or “pop in” for a quick apology for doing so. Sometimes it's an visit at meal time. around the camp area (helps reduce fuel in accident when you come across a campsite Wait to be invited. If people want to chat with bushfire season) – but once again, know that you didn't know was at the end of a trail; you or share a drink, that is great and take the rules of where you are. but once you do know, then take an alternate that opportunity if you wish to do so and the route. feeling is mutual. But don’t become an un- Article from Go Camping Australia gocampingaustralia.com

Condolences Unfortunately we need to pass condolences to more than one person this time. Condolences to Dennis and family for the passing of Ian. Ian Heathcote has been a proud member of our Club for many years and was mostly known for “Ian’s Table” at our General

Meetings. Ian will be sadly missed Ba, Ha, Ba, Ha by our members. Our thoughts are also with Chris after he tragically lost 3 family members in an horrific car accident this month. Chris and Kelly, our thoughts are with both of you and Chris’s family.

DRIVE TORQUE P A G E 6 Road Not Rally Scavenger Hunt

Participating families were:- Trip Report: Mark Honor Zychiewicz, Wellham, Bloomfield, Photos: Karolyn Honor Moss and Honor.

This was a fun weekend, starting with coffee in Camden and finishing with air compressors at Jenolan Caves. Each car was given a list of places to visit and obtain information. On Saturday the route passed look- outs, dams, airfields, train lines and stations, hotel, gaol, court house, another Pub, tunnel, more lookouts, narrow roads, bridges, rivers and caves. The answers were checked and points added up during happy hour with the winners being the Moss Car. Four Subaru cars and One Isuzu but the Isuzu was the winner of the very expensive prize. We camped at Wombeyan Caves while the rain tumbled down. Sunday morning was fine and we headed off towards Jenolan Caves via the Range Trail, Kowmung Trail and Kanangra Walls Road. We enjoyed lunch next to the Kowmung River then travelled on Jenolan Caves before heading home. Trip Leaders: Mark & Karolyn Honor Camp Recipe: Damper Dogs You’ll Need: lightly floured surface. Knead gently golden all over. Carefully remove 2 cups self-raising flour until smooth (don't over-knead). from pot. 30g butter, chopped 2. Divide dough into 6 equal por- Serve with tomato sauce. 3/4 cup buttermilk tions. Roll 1 portion out to a 10cm 6 frankfurts x 16cm rectangle. Push 1 paddle Got a campfire favourite? Email to 1 egg, lightly beaten pop stick into the end of each [email protected] to share in Tomato sauce, to serve frankfurt (see picture). Place the next newsletter Method: frankfurt in the centre of dough. 1. Sift flour into a bowl. Using Roll dough up to enclose frankfurt. fingertips, rub butter into flour Repeat with remaining dough, until mixture resembles bread- paddle pop sticks and frankfurts. crumbs. Make a well in the centre. 3. Place a large, greased cast iron Add buttermilk. Using a flat-bladed pot over high heat until hot. Brush knife, stir until mixture forms a dough with egg. Carefully place in soft dough, adding more butter- pot. Cover with lid. Cook, turning milk if necessary. Turn out onto a occasionally for 15 minutes or until

DRIVE TORQUE P A G E 7 Association News & Updates:

December and January are the best Association Quarterly Meetings the longer term are being looked at. time of the year to be your club The next quarterly meeting will be at The Shoalhaven Council is in favour but delegate to Four Wheel Drive NSW & Nerriga on the 17th February 2018, owners, Shoalhaven Water, are in the ACT, the Association, as there are no then 19th May in Port Macquarie, 18th water business and not funded for meetings, not one, zilch is the number of August in Lithgow and 17th November camping. There may be support in that meetings for us to attend. However, do in Liverpool. the Wilderness Act promotes camping. not worry there was a Greater Sydney Adventure Show Thank You Day Bridle Track Region meeting in November to report In appreciation of the work volunteers Bathurst Council is working on a on and a few other topics left over from put into the show there is a lunch on proposal for a bypass to the damaged last year, but I will try and make this Sunday 4th March 2018 at the Sackville section of the road. All the Councillors quick. Ski Gardens. Details in trips on our site. are in favour. The Mayor is not but he is Sydney Region retiring soon. Jamboree There are 32 clubs in Sydney Region, a This event is being held at Easter near Engineered Vehicles private Facebook page has been set up . Full details in trips on our It is wise to make sure any engineering for the Club Presidents to improve site. certificates are in PRINTED form and communication. Minutes from meetings carried in the car. are now sent to all clubs to try to Adventure Show increase representation at meeting. Show dates for 2018 are the 12th to Water Police Activity 14th October. From 1st December 2017 until 31st May Queanbeyan Roadshow 2018 there will be a blitz on alcohol on This event invited clubs from Canberra Projects the water. to the Victorian border to join in. They NSW Government has $1.4B to spend started a Facebook page which could in Regional NSW. The new signs for That’s it for now, three meetings to then develop into a new Region for the Lithgow Project have been damaged, attend in February so a lot more news Association. National Parks attended please report if you see this. next month. and a pilot project where the Danjera Dam Association will effectively be the park There has been some success initially in host for a fenced off part of Deua keeping this campsite open. Closure National Park. signs have been removed. Options for Camp Review:

Name: Bittangabee Bay birds. Location: NSW South Coast, 25km’s Overall: A great place to camp if you can south of Eden, Ben Boyd National Park work around the bollards. Heaps to see Contact #: 02 6495 5000 and do in the immediate area of Ben Camp Fees: $7 per vehicle, per day Boyd National Park. The road is dirt from Amenities: Pit toilets, fire rings the Princess Hwy to the campground, but Campsites: No drive in sites due to definitely not 4WD access only. bollards. Can back car up to the bollards Bittangabee is great for kayaking however for direct access. Not possible with all there is a bit of a walk from the campsite sites. Lots of shade & grassy sites. to the water to launch the kayak. Simply Food: Available in Eden stunning scenery in the heart of the Phone Service: No, not at campground Sapphire Coast. Close By: 4WD tracks, plenty of bushwalking opportunities, lots of bays & inlets with awesome views & beaches throughout Ben Boyd National Park, other camping options within the park, great snorkeling and kayaking in Bittangabee Bay itself, area steeped in history and heaps of native wildlife and

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Members Recently Out & About expenditure for the other items is properly accounted for.

Tree Planting

The tree planting exercise at The Glen in Abercrombie River NP was a huge success. Many clubs and individuals were present.

4WD Jamboree Easter 2018 Registration is now open. All information is available by e-mail from

[email protected] and the forms/information are located in Upcoming Events on our website. Organising the Jamberoo is progressing

well, however expensive as DA for event on private land is $2,750 and there is the cost of getting the amenities

hired and on-site. It compares well with the cost of say a 4 day stay in a commercial campground over the Easter

holiday period. Registration is a two-

DRIVE TORQUE P A G E 9 Committee Contacts Upcoming Trips

President: Mark Honor Further trip details & registration available on our [email protected] website; www.subaru4wdclub.com 0418 406 118 Thank You Day - Sydney 4WD & Adventure Vice President: Sandi Strickland Show for Club Workers [email protected] March 4th, 2018 0414 870 168 Trip Leader: David Wellham Secretary: Cath DeSantis Howes Valley Trail and a visit to the Sheep [email protected] Skin Hut (Putty Road) Driver Trainer: Brett Atkins 0413 474 630 March 17th, 2018 Treasurer: Sandra Moss Trip Leader: Sandi Strickland [email protected] Lithgow Driver Development day trip 0438 276 012 March 25th, 2018 Membership: Karolyn Honor Trip Leaders: Brett Atkins & Brian Flood [email protected] Ridgy Didge Lightning Ridge 0459 111 096 March 29th,- April 2nd, 2018 Trip Convener: Troy Strickland Trip Leader: Jo Quinn [email protected] Jamboree 2018 0428 408 568 March 30th - April 2nd, 2018 Trip Convener: Sandi Strickland Trip Leaders: David Wellham & John Hocking 4WD Assoc. Delegate: [email protected] David Wellham Wine tasting weekend- camping at Broke 04114 870 168 April 14th- April 15, 2018 Driver Awareness: Brett Atkins Trip Leader: Sandi Strickland [email protected] Newnes Camping Weekend 0412 208 874 April 20th - April 22, 2018 Driver Awareness: Brian Flood Trip Leader: Sandi Strickland [email protected] Winter at Wollombi 0425 270 385 June 9,th - June 11th, 2018 Delegate: David Wellham Trip Leader: Ross Macbeth [email protected] Winter River Run 0407 089 071 4WD Assoc. Delegate: John July 14th - July 22nd, 2018 Delegate: John Hocking Hocking Trip Leaders: Mark & Karolyn Honor [email protected] 2018 AGM 0405 568 965 August 12th , 2018 Technical: Brett Hampson Xmas in August [email protected] August 4th - August 5th, 2018 0408 409 634 Trip Leader: Karen Campbell Social: Karen Campbell Sydney 4WD & Adventure Show [email protected] October 12th - October 14th, 2018 0430 842 101 Trip Leader: Jo Quinn PR: Jo Quinn Olinda Octoberfest long weekend Technical Officer: Brett Hampson [email protected] September 29th- October 1st, 2018 0409 771 019 Trip Leader: Brett Hampson Webmaster: Troy Strickland Club Christmas Party 2018 [email protected] December 1st - December 2nd, 2018 0428 408 568 Trip Leader: Karen Campbell Editor: Jo Quinn Australia Day 2019 [email protected] January 26-27th, 2019 0409 771 019 Trip Leaders: Jo Quinn & Karen Campbell Catering: Karen Campbell [email protected] 0430 842 101 Website: Sergeant @ Arms: Robert Moss www.subaru4wdclub.com [email protected] Editor’s Note Newsletters can only include trip reports & photos if 98202128 they have been organised & submitted by trip Fundraising: Chris Mifsud & Kelly Maxwell leaders. If you would like to include any articles, [email protected] reviews, reports etc please send through to; Subaru & Recreational 0424 518 920 [email protected] Thank you, Jo 4WD Club

DRIVE TORQUE