SUNDAY 17th April 05

We’ll never forget! As fairly new comers to the 4WD Club we decided to take on the level 3 trip to “Hann Tableland” for the first time. The day’s adventure started when the crew met at Mareeba Rotary Park at 9am. As the crew were only waiting on us to arrive (late due to wrong park), we were told by Andy we were in charge of the days report. Some of the crew members suggested if someone stuffs up you must pay out on them big time. This will be fun we thought!

So at 9.05am we were on our way. The convoy consisted of 8 Landcruisers and 1 Patrol (being ours). We headed down Springs Road then onto a gazetted Road on the Faxio’s Property then a quick stop to check with the owners of the property and lock in our diffs for the rough terrain that lay ahead.

Only 10 minutes into the trip all was witness to the loud bang of a tyre blowing – it was ours. So after holding everyone up for ½ hour we were off again – with a little more caution.

Only a few km’s on we came across a steep hill which had been washed out. Most had trouble getting up the hill (especially Steve and John); my heart was pumping as we watched on until our turn. However, I took the safe route and made it up easily, what an adrenalin rush.

10.30am we stopped for morning tea, a very educational ½ hour for us. We learnt how to avoid those tree stumps and advised on further vehicle accessories we need to fit to the Patrol – the dollars were flashing. 11am we were off again.

A bit further up the track we stopped at a fantastic lookout over the Northern Wetlands, seeing from Lotus Glen to Black Mountain. Not far past the lookout Mick and Sally found an Island to sit on and had to be towed out by David, while Anthony had many a stops with his photography tourists form England, if you want to know all about Orchids speak to Anthony.

1pm lunch at the Bushman’s Hut. We stopped and I couldn’t open the door properly, we realized the clunk we heard previously had pushed the front panel into the door and damaged the step.

So far new tyre, 1 door and step repair. No happy Jan!

50 minutes later off again. 10 minutes in were hit a tree branch and ripped off our wheel guard on the passenger side. We were having a bad day; nothing else can go wrong now.

Now new tyre, door + step repair and 1 wheel guard.

A short time later – yes you guessed it, we hit another branch and it wedged itself up the rear passenger side and pushed out the whole rear door rubber panel and snapped it into 2. By this time were had more parts inside the vehicle then outside.

The comments by this time were “there is a stump coming up on the right hand side, don’t worry Wayne (new name “Buster) will get it”.

3.15pm afternoon tea, our precious Patrol by now looked like a paddock basher from hell.

Heading down past the many so called “bus stops and gates” we managed to survive with no more damage. Escaping the wilderness at 5.30pm Peter (our fierce trip leader) played Pipe Piper with the calves as he escorted us out to safely.

As we all said our goodbyes Anthony announces he found a part on the track, well guess who’s that was.

Despite the damaged tyre, 2 guards, door and step we had a fantastic time. Yes the Patrol is booked in to be raised and we have purchased those extra requirements (thanks Andy). The driving lessons are most certainly on our agenda. As the days reporters we did not expect to be paying out on ourselves.

Great trip Peter and plenty of adrenalin for us. “Natural Bridge” here we come.

Wayne, Margie and son Darren.