Western 4W Driver Ebook 107

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DRYANDRA DAWDLE Wild Trax Itend not to do trips with the Wildtrax mob during the Summer but, earlier with Ian Elliot this year, had a distress signal from some of my regular travelling in the Mundaring catchment area companions who told me they were had been caught. This was in 1957 hanging out to get away camping for when Assistant Forester Andy Selkirk, a couple of days. At the time I was doing a timber survey in wandoo re-running the Perth Days trips for a woodland off Talbot Road, captured record fifth edition so, to keep these a healthy female and brought it into urgers happy, it was a fairly easy the Mundaring office to show staff. It exercise to combine two day trips with was the first numbat Kevin had seen a camp-out in between. I settled on Trip and he was surprised at how docile it 8 Avondale Valleys and Trip 4 Boyagin, was. He appreciated the opportunity originally planning to camp at Boyagin to examine and photograph it before Rock overnight. I’ve camped there in Andy returned it to the spot where he’d the past and seen many other groups caught it. Having been brought up in camped there over the years, but these the Mundaring area I’d never heard of days it’s a day use only reserve so I numbats being present so I found this switched our proposed campsite to snippet quite fascinating and further Dryandra with the hope that we’d catch justification for dragging Kevin and a glimpse of a numbat or two. We met Yvonne along whenever we go bush. at The Lakes before heading eastwards Turning southwards onto fenceline on the Great Southern Highway and firebreaks we found the marri blossom Talbot Road West. so abundant that many heavily laden branches hung low enough to scrape While bowling along the latter roadway, over our windscreens leaving runny one of our number, that nabob of trails of nectar oozing down windows natural history knowledge, Kevin and paintwork. It didn’t take long for Coate, informed us over the two-way these trails to collect dust and reduce that we’d just passed the spot where perhaps the last numbat to be found polished duco to a revolting looking mess. Admittedly, it didn’t make that much difference to my personal ride, but we later found that the dusty nectar washed off very easily. After lunch in a shady spot at the Church of St John in the Wilderness, an imposing Federation Gothic style church built in 1895, we retraced our route for a short distance before crossing the Brookton Highway and joining Trip 4. This took us on to bush tracks through the Western 4W Driver #107 51

Lupton Conservation Reserve where they’d been re-introduced a few years Kevin drew our attention to several rare earlier. A crowd-funding scheme plants along the way, some of which had enabled the Numbat Taskforce were in flower. From there we made to purchase a dozen or so motion- our way South through Wandering activated cameras to keep an eye on where Kevin was able to give us his numbat hotspots and, in January, the history spiel recalled from his Coates’ taskforce had been allocated $165,000 Wildlife Tours days when they bussed in Federal funding and $140,000 from natural history buffs around the FAME (the Foundation for Australia’s South-West. My Dad was brought up Most Endangered) to run a two-dog on a farm near Wandering and I recall project. Specially trained spaniels will him telling me he often saw numbats patrol the forest to detect the scent of when doing the rounds of his possum feral cats so they can be trapped and snares in the bush. Dad also used to destroyed. With this kind of protection relate an embarrassing incident when, and breeding programs at Perth Zoo in 1915 aged seven, he’d described to and elsewhere, it is hoped that our my Scottish grandfather a new animal State’s animal emblem can be saved he’d spotted in bushland on the farm’s from exinction. perimeter. It turned out to be a rabbit, a After departing Dryandra and the beast he’d never seen before. Lol Gray Forest Block, named after a As we got down into the mallet shepherd employed in the region in plantations of the Dryandra Block of the 1890s, we hightailed it up to the State Forest No. 51, Kevin again called Boyagin Reserve to seek out our fluffy- a halt to show us something that tailed, termite-eating targets. However, was right up my alley, a road survey long scenic drives on the network of post put in by a very famous Western firebreak tracks through this reserve Australian surveyor, none other than revealed no numbats, although I’ve had John Forrest himself. It’s a jamwood them scamper across the road in front post at the 66 mile point from York on the York Williams Road. Dating from 1869, this post is at 32° 47’ 25.8”S Latitude; 116° 53’ 13.5”E Longitude. We camped a little further on at the original Congelin campsite near an old railway tankstand and had a very pleasant evening, although a few of us, the usual “tick magnets”, discovered next day that we’d picked up some unpleasant little hitchhikers. Before leaving the Dryandra Forest we visited Congelin Dam, then called in to the Lions’ Dryandra Woodlands Village where Kevin spoke with the caretakers. Asking about the welfare of numbats in the area, he was told that they were scarce; less than 50 at Dryandra now, and only about 1,000 state-wide, mostly due to depredation by feral cats. We’d have more chance of seeing some up at Boyagin where 52 Western 4W Driver #107

of me on previous visits. In the end we tube where there are heaps of excellent rounded out our trip with a late lunch videos available. Not as nice as spotting in a York cafe and completed it with a them in the wild though and let’s hope leisurely drive back to the metropolis. that the work of the volunteers of the I’ve since found that the quick and easy Numbat Taskforce ensures a leap in their way to see numbats is to check out you- numbers in the near future. What’s in a name? with Ian Elliot Duplicationhe duplication of feature names can cause confusion around back in 2014. I’d been there and is actively discouraged by twice before, once with old Bob Collard in 1990, and a second time in 2007. The TGeographic Names authorities soak is situated on a tiny creek near a stony rise that exhibits a rock marked world wide. A recent case that has “94 W. Frost, J. Gooch”, indicating a produced not a little puzzlement for me visit by prospector Billy Frost and his concerns the name Uhr Soak, a feature mate in 1894. shown on maps at the western foot of Mount Cumming in the Great Victoria I was surprised during my 2014 visit, Desert. Armed with permits granted close to the 120th anniversary of by the Dept. of Aboriginal Affairs, a Frost’s, to find a blazed tree lying on mate and I wheeled in there for a look some cleared ground there. It was GET SOMDEONTR’TAIGNEINTGSIUDNEDWERAYYSOUR BELT Download Our >New App NOW! smartphone “Eureka 4WD Training App”CourRseecsrefartoiomnajlu&stCo$m22m0erpceiarl day Western 4W Driver #107 53

marked with the initials “D.U.” and the later when he named it “Frost Soak” date “22/8/1.” Above this blaze was the after his companion who had found it initial “G” with a broad arrow while seven years earlier. Sadly, neither of below it were the faint initials “FH”. I these names found their way onto the wasn’t surprised by the blaze because maps of the day. In 1919 Government I knew D’arcy Uhr had visited this soak Geologist H.W.B. Talbot showed this which, after all, was named after him. eastenmost soak near Mount Cumming I was also aware that Frank Hann had as Uhr Soak on a map of his expedition passed this way in 1905 in the company and this was adopted on all official of Government Geologist Charles maps and plans. So, what we ended Gibson which explained the “G” and up with was an official Uhr Soak and the broad arrow. What really puzzled Hann’s unofficial one 46km apart. You me was that no marked tree had wouldn’t think that this could cause been found, either standing or laying confusion but I find that, in our book of down, anywhere Hann’s exploration diaries, Do Not Yield near here on my previous two to Despair, Mike visits. I thought no Donaldson and I more about this have inserted a until very recently footnote under in Trove I found Hann’s mention Uhr’s diary in the of Uhr’s 22/8/1 Kalgoorlie Miner of tree that states 24 October 1901. this to be “Uhr These diary Soak.” Of course extracts make it it is Hann’s clear that Uhr’s “Uhr Soak” and 1901 expedition not the feature was seeking shown by that pastoral land to name on current lease on behalf maps. A photo of the Coolgardie taken in 1975 firm of Butcher & Uhr. Uhr was when the tree accompanied by Billy Frost and was still standing they were mounted on horses, also features not camels. The diary also made in our book. it abundantly clear that, on 22 Although the August that year, the soak they were caption states it camped at could only have been the to be at “Uhr Soak”, this is clarified one situated 6km eastwards of Cosmo by the rider that it is “near Cosmo Newbery Hill. This would have been Newbery.” Despite this, maybe our near present-day Puntitjarra Well, a ambiguity has confused someone to position confirmed by the diaries of the extent that they have physically Hann who recorded seeing Uhr’s tree moved this historic tree from one marked “22/8/1” there on 10 October soak to the other. I’ve been unable to 1905. He refers to the nearby soak as ascertain the identity of the mover or “Uhr Soak” several times but this is not his reasons, but I think the confusion the soak currently shown by that name. could be ended by now moving the The latter soak, 46km further East, tree to the Explorers’ Hall of Fame at wasn’t reached by Uhr until two days the Laverton Visitor Centre with an explanation of its travels. 54 Western 4W Driver #107

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HIGH VELOCITY WHAT’S RAPTOR NEW? Ever since Jurassic Park (the The Raptor takes a movie - not the era) found a lot from the Ford reptilian villain in the shape of the Ranger dual cab velociraptor, its name has become ute - it will be made the by-word for evil and a particularly in Thailand alongside the Ranger - nasty death. That’s not the aim of Ford but there are significant chassis and but it certainly wants to portray its drivetrain differences that come in the upcoming ute as something that takes same envelope as the pricing. Getting no prisoners. In an era of flash utes this out of the way first, Ford Australia and near sports car performance, the has fixed the price at $74,990 plus Ford Raptor will arrive in November to costs, up almost $14,000 on the current see a queue of buyers, many probably Ford flagship, the switching from the queue for the $61,115 Wildtrak. The Raptor eschews Mustang. Such is the power of the ute. the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel Western 4W Driver #107 57

engine of most springs, Fox Shox Rangers (and the dampers, 332mm Mazda BT-50 clone) ventilated disc brakes and replaces it with front and back (the Ford’s latest generation first Ranger with four-cylinder bi-turbo four-wheel discs) and diesel at 2.0-litres 17-inch alloy wheels and delivering with 285/70R17 BF 157kW/500Nm - Goodrich A/T tyres. 10kW/30Nm more than It stands 1873mm the 3.2-litre mill. tall, is 2180mm wide Bigger news is what it and 5398mm long. is attached to. Raptor The approach angle gets Ford’s latest is 32.5-degrees, the 10-speed automatic ramp over angle is complete with a six- 24-degrees and the mode all-terrain dial-up system, two- departure angle is 24-degrees. The speed 4WD transfer case and a lockable Raptor has the same wheelbase as the Ranger but is 150mm wider at rear differential. Chassis improvements the tracks, the ground clearance are the replacement of the leaf-sprung has been stretched to 283mm, rear end with a Watts linkage with coil allowing a wading depth of 850mm. It also has 4.5-tonne recovery hooks and meaty 2.3mm bash plates. The body is punched out to show its muscles, with extended wheel arches in composite fenders for the wide stance. Inside there are more luxury goodies including leather upholstery with blue stitching, new instrument panel, the latest audio and connectivity suite, and magnesium paddle shifters behind the perforated leather steering wheel. Bar up your Amarok (or MU-X) VW’S Amarok is one of the best- looking fourbies on Planet Earth, protect das Amarok mit ein bull bar so if you have one, you know you’d from Ironman 4x4, a strong and stylish like to keep it that way. Unfortunately, product designed to complement the ute’s aristocratic lines while at the Sod’s Law occasionally determines that same time providing protection. That’s something untoward might get in the why, Fritz, it’s called the Protector. path of the Amarok and give its Teutonic And should said Amarok be used to nose a thump or two. Something traverse streams or steeply undulating like a ’roo, or, heaven forbid, a bull. countryside, the Ironman bar actually But for peace of mind, you can now improves its angle of approach. 58 Western 4W Driver #107

The bars are ADR and airbag compliant a single or triple chrome loop kit that and crafted from premium grade includes replacement rubber overriders, materials for class-leading strength and and all the hardware required for resistance to rust. Features include mounting. However, if you don’t have triple folded edges, in-set LED parking an Amarok but instead opted for one and foglights and indicators, a winch of those newly updated Isuzu MU-Xs, mount, high-lift jacking there’s similar front=end protection points, spots for driving lights from Ironman 4x4. Through 3D and an aerial scanning and CAD development mount. their IT whizzes have More worked with choices are the Isuzu’s commercial curved lines deluxe and to produce no loop a range of designs, with bullbars the option of with similar specifications. Meet Jack the functionality and safety over the common mechanical jack.The tall GETTING stuck in a deeper than tube has a sturdy pivot base that can expected rut or experiencing a rotate a full 360 degrees for optimal puncture are part and parcel of placement on unstable ground and its the joys of offroading and it’s then you forged aluminium hook can be quickly need to haul out your jack to do its job. and easily locked into one of nine Yet, some of us with lower IQ than you Western 4W Driver #107 59 would have thought possible, actually venture into the unknown sans (that’s French for ‘without’, Maurice) a jack. And if you do have a jack, well, it’s not exactly the most pleasant of tools to use. It can be pretty dangerous too with ratchets failing to properly engage, and so on. However, along comes a hero called Jack to save the day. It’s a cool hydraulic jack from ARB, and guess what? It really is called Jack. Just like one of those film stars, Jack’s a good-looking smoothie that does everything right, packed with contemporaneous technology light years beyond

attachment points on its outer body. the locking mechanism fails. Once connected to a lifting point on This Jack has an approved working the vehicle, each effortless pump of capacity of 2000kg and while short and its handle will raise the vehicle 13mm. compact, for easy storage in your 4WD Also, its top-mounted ergonomic drawer, it has an impressive 1230mm handle lets you stand upright, so you (48inch) lift height. won’t get a crook back as is common To get back to solid ground, there’s a with those longstroke bent-over safe and simple two-stage hydraulic manoeuvres with a mechanical jack and release system. Check with your local you’ll never again live in fear of a high ARB store to find out if Jack - who costs lift handle flying up to separate your $995 - has arrived. If not he (or it) is on head from the rest of your body when its (or his) way. Igo Watching and Uniden has produced six different models, the 30, 40, 50R, 60, 70R and 80, MOST people would have heard of priced from $99.95 to $279.95. Uniden, and probably everyone The compact device fits onto the who has taken a fourbie to places windscreen without obstructing your not on some maps would have stayed view, ready to record the pawpaw in touch with civilisation via a Uniden who decided to ignore the traffic CB radio. The brand has been around since 1966 when Hidero Fujimoto set light and whacked into your up Uni Electronics Corp, which later pristine machine. Alternatively, became known as Uniden. you can record your driving skills as you steer your Ferrari By the 1970s it had sold through the special stages in several millions of its CB radios, and if you bought Targa Tasmania, and relive the magic one with a name such moments on your TV screen for years as Cobra, Craig, Fanon- after. Uniden says the device has a Courier, Midland, President, quick and easy plug-and-play setup and Teaberry, Teledyne-Olson, can effortlessly be transferred between Pearce Simpson, Regency, vehicles. Driving incidents are captured Robyn, Zodiac, Stabo and Inno-Hit, in full high definition which you can guess what? It was a Uniden with show police, and it even has a parking a different badge. It became the world’s biggest maker of cordless phones, TV satellite equipment, mobile radios, GPS units, advanced marine electronics and radio scanners and set up shop in Oz and Kiwikountry back in 1989. So what, you say? Well, just out from old Hidero’s shop is a range of dash cams – an essential item if you’re driving anywhere in Russia, as you’d have seen on YouTube – but fact is, such poor driving is fast becoming reality in Ozland. They’re called iGO Cams 60 Western 4W Driver #107

Family Water in theOwned Australian Company outback is liquid gold - fit your vehicle Since 1958 with an Ironman 4x4 water tank and never run dry. $215 $235 $145 1 2 $66 5 7 3 4 $200 $185 6 $32 8 1 40L Vertical Tank $225 7 20L Jerry Can 1100 x 75 x 700mm* 4 60L Tank 350 x 170 x 460mm Includes height of screw cap 845 x 360 x 270mm* 8 Hose Kit 2 50L Wheel Arch Tank Includes height of screw cap 1.5m L 1215 x 120 x 590mm* 5 40L Double Jerry Can Includes height of screw cap 465 x 340 x 335mm 3 50L Tapered Tank 6 50L Roof Rack Tank 1050 x 200 x 390mm* Includes height of screw cap 1200 x 600 x 120mm* Includes height of screw cap W4WDFP(4)130418 IRONMAN 4X4 Family Owned Australian Company YEARS SINCE 1958 Since 1958 Prices do not include freight or fitting and are subject to change without notice. www.ironman4x4.com

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sensor, which automatically starts the images to your smartphone. The recording if your car is bumped while iGOs have wide angle lenses to capture you’re parked at Bunnings, so you the antics of the twits we have to can identify the culprit. Most models share the road with and, depending on come with a large speedo display, the the level of stupidity, you can either pricier models adding stuff like speed/ send the bobbies a copy or post it on red light camera and lane departure YouTube and give the world a laugh. At warning. Footage is stored on an SD least, you’ll have peace of mind or solid card, from 8 to 128Gb, and the two top evidence should any incident of note models have WiFi so you can transfer require legal adjudication. A Rugged Trio - it remains the bog-standard 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four cranking Toyota Australia may not be 130kW/450Nm (420Nm for the manual making cars here anymore, but transmission version) through to a they are having fun developing six-speed manual or six-speed auto and new engineering components and in then a two-speed transfer case. their spare time, dressing up existing As new variants to the Hilux range, they models with look-at-me bling and some come with components backed by full suspension upgrades. Toyota factory testing for durability, safety integrity and retention of proper The locally-designed sub-models - cooling for the engine. Rogue, Rugged and Rugged X - now So why are these a big deal? Because form part of the Hilux range and appeal this is the trend. Ford has its Wildtrak to buyers wanting a bit more off-road version of the Ranger ute that is doing strength without demanding any increase in performance. Nothing has changed to the drivetrain Western 4W Driver #107 63

great guns in sales, Mitsubishi has its This version is a little bit up market Black series Triton, Isuzu has the D-Max inside, with leather seats, black LS-T, Nissan has the ST-X and Holden headliner, black dashboard trim and a Colorado comes with the Z71 version. redesigned instrument panel. In launching the cars this month, Toyota The Rugged and Rugged X get stiffer said Hilux buyers spend an average front springs that come from the of an extra $2000 on options for the same accessory list as those supplied ute. The three new variants bundle the by Toyota when the buyer opts for a most popular options into packages to factory bullbar. The last of the trio is save the buyer potentially thousands of the Rogue that is the Rugged X less dollars. The three Hilux versions are the some of the off-road finery and more Rugged. This is based on the dual-cab of the urban necessities like hard SR and is priced from $54,990 (plus on- lid tonneau, driving lights and the road costs) by adding a snorkel, sports standard automatic transmission, all bar, side rails, rear bar, recovery points for the same $61,690 plus costs. As a and a unique grille with a hexagonal comparison, the standard SR dual-cab pattern. The automatic costs $2000 manual is $46,560 plus costs, and the more. Then step up to the Rugged X SR5 is $54,440 plus costs. As a way of at $61,690 (plus on-road costs for the enticing more buyers to the model, the manual, $2000 extra for the auto) that special-edition route has long been a is based on the SR5. To this top-spec good sales concept, especially as it can version is added a steel bull bar with be driven away from the showroom mounting points for a winch (not without then later visiting accessory included), front bash plate, different outlets. But for every ounce of grille and an LED light bar and driving goodness there is a penalty. In the case lights, sports bar and a reinforced tub of these three, like any accessorised with mounting points that can hold vehicle, the more weight you add the down up to 200kg of load. less payload you get. The extras add 64 Western 4W Driver #107

up to 207kg to the Hilux, so the weight that remains at 3200kg (automatic) and of the Rugged is now 2235kg which 3500kg (manual). The Rugged has a drops payload to 765kg; the Rugged X 253mm ground clearance (compared is now 2252kg with a 748kg payload; with the standard Hilux at 279mm), and the Rogue weighs 2174kg with a with the Rugged X at 251mm and the 826kg payload. By comparison, the SR Rogue at 216mm, all because of the equivalent weighs 2050kg and has a extra weight of the equipment, notably payload of 920kg and the SR5 is 2045kg the bull bar on the latter two. The new and 925kg respectively. However, the variants share Toyota’s excellent capped- extra bulk may trim performance but price service of $240 per service which it hasn’t dented the towing capacity are required twice a year or 10,000km. Two radios in one IF you’ve been driving out yonder anytime in the past decade, you’d have heard of Oricom, or, more likely used some its equipment. That’s how long the Oz company has been on air with its communication technology, but now it has taken UHF CB radio to the next level: its DTX4200 Dual Receive is, in effect, two radios in one. Just like being at home with your wife and mother-in-law, you can get a double DOOR PODS TO DIE FOR Make the most of the door space in your 70 Series LAND CRUISER Factory styled and accepts 6.5 or 6x9 inch speakers for great sound and transforms the Toyota pocket to take a 600ml bottle and more essentials. We also build: Centre consoles, Roof consoles and fridge consoles all for the 70 series Cruiser. www.cruiserconsole.com.au PH: 0419 784590 EM: [email protected] Western 4W Driver #107 65

JUST YOU AND AanLdU-CAB GET HIGH DRYUNDER THEwSitThARS TROOPY ROOF CONVERSION The Troopy conversion has to be the ultimate 2 sleeper overland conversion available to off-roaders. It not only offers a super easy solution for sleeping, with the roof that flips up in seconds, it also offers internal living space. The internal bed follows the same line as the roof thus allowing standing and living space inside the vehicle. You’ll be safe and secure in a Hercules Troopy roof conversion. EXPEDITION TENT Manufactured from high grade aluminium, the Expedition utilises 400 gram UV- resistant rib-lock water proof canvas, is insulated with polyethylene closed cell foam EXPEDITION TENTand provides ultimate comfort in a 75mm Mhiganhudfaecntsuirtyedfofarommmhaigtthregsrsawdeithaluzimp-ionfiuf m, the Expedition utilises 400 gram UV-resistant rib- lcoocvkewr. aOteprtpiornoaolfaccacnevsass,thisroinusguhla3tesdidwesith polyethylene closed cell foam and provides ultimate cwoitmhfmoret sinh asc7r5emenms ahlilgrhoudnednstiotykfeoeapmoumtatthtreess with zip-off cover. Optional access through 3 sbiidteeyssw. iYthomu’lelsghosfcarrewenitshaallnroEuxnpdedtiotiokene.p out the biteys. You’ll go far with an Expedition. AVAILABLE FROM QUICKPITCH CAMPERS Address: Unit 1, 40 Berriman Drive, Wangara, WA 6065 Tel: 1300 136 964 www.alu-cab.com.au

dose of chat: listening and receiving communications in this country. simultaneously on two different “It will change the way users look channels. Lucky you. But it’s likely at their UHF CB communications to be more positive when you’re out equipment.” The DTX4200, like other there in Remoteville, with one channel gear from Oricom’s extensive range, telling you about road conditions or comes with a five-year warranty. the weather or whatever else you’ve Take a look at www.oricom.com.au selected, and the other letting you stay in touch with your workmates, travel companions and, well, you get the picture. The DTX4200 is easily fitted to any vehicle. The compact transceiver can be hidden under the dash or driver’s seat and the controller speaker mic fits on the dash so you have all the controls at your fingertips. The integrated speaker in the controller mic works with the transceiver speaker for exceptional quality and volume and it can keep you connected on and off-road. “We’ re getting a very positive reception to the new radio,” Oricom’s Kevin McDonnell said. “It’s the result of extensive consultation and rigorous testing and it will be a first for UHF CB Barwork at the summit ARB has just produced updated versions of the Summit, Summit windscreen, plus the foglight surrounds, Sahara and commercial bullbars LED indicators and dual jacking points, for the Prado - which has also just expected of the brand. Naturally there’s emerged from Facelift Beauty, Inc. The also place for a winch, driving lights Summit bar features all the protection and communication and you can have to stop bulls entering the Prado via the your vehicle’s bar matched to the hue of the vehicle. As well, there are matching side rails and steps, the latter made of 60.3mm tubular steel with an anodised, extruded aluminium tread plate, for extra protection and easier vehicle access. The Summit Sahara Bar has a distinctive, more refined look for the many who don’t really want to subject their Prado to the rough side of life and for the GX model, the commercial bullbar provides a cheaper alternative while still doing the protection without some of the cosmetics. Check them out at your nearest ARB store. Western 4W Driver #107 67

TESTINGSERIES 3First impressions can be deceiving and so it was when Rob Robson jumped into the Series 3, NP300 Nissan Navara. 68 Western 4W Driver #107

NAVARA Off-Road RRwioothbbson Western 4W Driver #107 69

quick look around the cab, pair have revised the gearing in the rack and up the iPhone, push the start pinion assembly. button and pull the shifter into Has it worked? Well without comparing this latest offering with the Series 1 & 2, Adrive and off to visit my daughter I’d have to say it seemed pretty good to me in both areas, albeit a touch choppy and the grand kids. Uninspiring was the in the rear with no load in the tray or on word I used when Alice asked me what the tow ball. Steering was direct and did I thought. the job adequately, although I wouldn’t have called it light, it provided good feel But what I came to realise and failed and feedback on all surfaces. to recognise initially was that it wasn’t What sets this dual cab ute apart from that this latest offering was uninspiring, all the others on the market in this it was in fact that it had that category (and there are heaps) is the coil typical Nissan trait of being - just sprung rear end. plain functional. By day four of my time with this top of Now we can argue the pros and the range Navara I have to admit I had a cons of coil verses leaf suspension far higher regard for what this dual cab until the cows come home but for those of us who like to take Big travel from a revised coil spring set up is the big news with the Series 3. ute has to offer. the path less travelled the articulation That is not to say there weren’t benefits of a coil sprung rear end can’t a few things that I felt could be be denied. improved but overall I ended Add to that the ease with which a coil up being suitably impressed. sprung suspension can be customised This was my first drive of the to suit a particular application and the new coil sprung Navara which Navara becomes pretty appealing. has been around since 2015 For anyone considering a Navara as the and from all accounts it hasn’t ticked all the boxes for some customers particularly in the areas of load carrying and steering. Hence this Series 3 is Nissan’s third effort to address these issues. What Nissan have done this time is to use, what they are calling a two stage rear spring along with re-valved shocks to sort out the suspension issues and 70 Western 4W Driver #107

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Cab layout is functional with all controls easy to access. base to use as a 4WD tourer then Nissan’s concerns about spring rates and shocky valving are a tad irrelevant as an aftermarket suspension set up should certainly be in the budget, along with canopy, drawers, fridge, tyres, bullbar, winch and a whole 72 Western 4W Driver #107

lot more. Having said that, a vehicle down to a more realistic 30 the situation like the Navara has to appeal to a much improved considerably. larger market than just the recreational We decided on a day trip out to a mate’s 4WD tourer, hence the reason Nissan property near Bullsbrook to get a feel for has gone to so much trouble to get it the Navara’s off road potential and with right straight off the showroom floor. a back drop of some spectacular scenery The blurred line between a day-to-day over the Avon Valley and its surrounds family SUV and a hardworking, load it was perfect to get some pics for the carrying ute makes it extremely hard article and footage for the Emag. for a manufacturer to design a vehicle I had become reasonably familiar with that can satisfy that whole gamut of Navara after punting it around town for expectations. There has to be some form a few days and as I mentioned earlier its of compromise. Put plainly, you can’t functionality was becoming apparent. have car-like ride quality in a ute that I found the cab to be practical and - can carry a tonne in the tray no matter there’s that word again - functional. what spring and shock combination the Nothing flash but the layout gave a engineers and designers come up with. feeling of space with quality fittings. And so it is with the Navara. Around Cruise control, blue tooth, hands free town and on the dirt, unloaded the and audio are, as is pretty much the ride is quite choppy, although once we norm these days controlled from reduced the tyre pressures from 40psi switches on the steering wheel. The drivers display in between the tacho and speedo provides information such as gear selection, odometer, trip meters, average speed , fuel economy figures and vehicle settings, to mention a few. A 7” touch screen dominates the centre of the dash and includes Sat Nav and entertainment features plus reversing camera and a bird’s eye view function that can be a help in tight situations both in the bush and the local car park. But I did find that the infotainment set up in this new Navara seemed a tad old fashioned compared to some of the competition. The ST-X also provides dual zone climate control for driver and passenger plus there is a rear seat air vent for those in the back. A panel of off-road controls sits under the A/C and in front of the Auto shifter comprising a dial for 4wd and low range engagement, and buttons for Hill Descent and Rear Diff Lock engagement– all easy to reach and operate. I found storage in the cab to be adequate but only just. Certainly not as good as some I have driven. The front seats are heated on the ST-X but the weather was far too warm Western 4W Driver #107 73

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2.3 Ltr twin turbo engine is thought it may struggle being such well matched to the seven a small capacity engine but Nissan speed auto. engineers seem to have done a good job this time. Out in the bush the engine during my time with the and auto combo worked a treat. I used Navara to make use of that low range quite a bit – not that I had to feature. However, the eight but because on the slow, rough tracks way adjustable driver’s seat in the Bullsbrook Hills it gave me better gave plenty of scope to get control. On the more demanding rocky, the best driving position, up and down hill tracks using the shifter although I found the base manually made for a no fuss experience. of the seat was a bit short, not providing good thigh support. Speaking of driving position and subsequent visibility, I am not a huge fan of the upswept sides of the bonnet and front guards which seems to be in favour with many manufacturers these days – I find it makes it quite difficult to judge the extremities of the vehicle in tight situations whether in the car park or out in the bush. On the highway the little twin turbo 2.3 litre engine combined with the seven speed automatic transmission provided plenty of power and performance and even with the horse float hooked up there was no shortage of get up and go. I really Western 4W Driver #107 75

The Hill Start Assist did its job but other manufacturer’s trays, plus the ST-X would be far more beneficial with a comes with a tub liner as standard. A manual transmission than it was with large, seriously heavy duty 12 volt socket the auto. On the other hand, Hill Descent is also included but is half way along the Assist helped make light work of the side of the tray and not reachable from steeper down hills, albeit with the the back unless you’ve got very long usual graunching and groaning that is arms. A cute little sliding window in the common with this function. middle of the rear screen, operated by a The rear suspension had plenty of compliance A well accessorised tray area complete keeping the rear wheels with electric rear sliding window. on the ground most of the time although at one stage switch on the dash joins the cab with the Nick wanted to get some tray, good for the dog to stay in touch if pics showing the limit of travelling in the tray, other than that it the suspension travel. might be good for letting in a bit of fresh We found a large hump air and exhaust fumes! on a steep little pinch of I drove our Navara onto the ramps at track which got opposite home to clean it up a bit before giving wheels off the ground. it back to Nissan after our little jaunt Once pics and filming were to Bullsbrook and a couple of laps of completed engaging the the very dusty Lockwood Road. I took diff lock which comes as the opportunity to crawl under and standard on the ST-X got have a squiz. What was immediately the Navara scrambling obvious was that the engine sump forward from what was a sits very low and is exposed to being difficult spot to get moving. damaged – Underbody protection would As with all these 4WDs we be a worthwhile, almost mandatory review that come straight off the show investment if some off-road work is room floor, it is a fine line between on the agenda. I checked on line and getting an idea of how they can perform there seems to be plenty of choice out in the bush and giving them back as far as bash plates are concerned. unscathed. The Navara is no different. A good set of tyres, replace the front bumper with a bull bar and fit some aftermarket suspension to improve ground clearance and they become a completely different animal. I decided to take Lawnbrook Road (always corrugated and always slippery) on the way home to see how the NP300 safety electronics coped. I found the Stability Control a bit slow to kick in but Traction Control, ABS and the other technologies did the job as you would expect. The tray may not accommodate a pallet like the Amarok but at least it has some half decent brackets that you can adjust to secure a load, unlike those pissy little hooks in the corner of most of the 76 Western 4W Driver #107



The transmission is well protected be prone to bending if a wheel drops by a large cross member and should off a large rock and falls onto the arm. be safe enough. The 80 litre fuel tank The particulate filter is tucked up out is protected by a thin metal shield of the way but spinifex and long grass which is only just adequate. ARB are could get caught up around it and doing their cross-link polymer, Frontier consequently be a fire hazard. replacement tank with a capacity of 132 I would certainly be checking for grass litres while Brown Davis and several build up very regularly if there is a other manufacturers are doing similar chance that it could occur. I also noted capacities in steel replacement tanks. that the intercooler sits very low behind These tanks will be far stronger and the grill and plastic front bumper. much less prone to damage plus the Without some sort of substantial bash extra fuel capacity would come in plate and bull bar it could be prone handy. Rear control arms are made to damage. Under the bonnet, the air of pressed metal and although they inlet for the motor is just behind the look reasonably substantial they may headlight on the driver’s side – a snorkel 78 Western 4W Driver #107 would certainly be on my accessories list. Again, a check on-line and there are plenty of different types available for the NP300 and some with replacement air boxes which in the Navara’s case might be worthwhile as there is a fair bit of cutting and modifying of the air box to get the snorkel plumbed in. There isn’t much room for a second battery under the bonnet - in or under the tray would be the options and there are several kits available to do just that. The Navara is rated to tow up to 3500kg but be aware that with a GCM(Gross Combined Mass) of only 5910Kg and with a tare weight of 1985Kg it leaves the payload at a mere 425Kg with the full 3.5 tonne in tow – not a lot when you start adding bull bars, drawers, canopy etc. We reckon: After my initial luke-warm impression, I have come away with a renewed appreciation for what the Navara has to offer. The coil rear end sets it well and truly apart from others in this category and the engine,

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ACROSS THE Words and Pics by Ron Moon Crossing a dune east of Hay River. 82 Western 4W Driver #107

MADIGAN LINE WITH DENIS BARTELL This was no ordinary crossing of the Simpson Desert. With us was Denis Bartell, the man who can claim more historic ‘firsts’ in the Simpson than anyone else, including the first to drive the Madigan Line 39 years ago and the naming of the dune, ‘Big Red’, over 40 years ago. DB checks his old maps to see if our GPS was running accurately! Western 4W Driver #107 83

enis was sitting on top of ‘his’ he was probably right; next day in dune lost in thought and no Birdsville the term ‘Big Red’ was doubt thinking about the last 40 applied to everything from pies to drinks to tourist photo points Dyears or so when he first named and more. Our journey across the desert, this great cochineal coloured dune, ‘Big following what is now known as Red’. Behind him, but a little distant, ‘The Madigan Line’ and which Denis a group of Simpson Desert travellers had pioneered by vehicle 38 years were admiring the same view while previously was coming to an end and putting tables and eskies out to enjoy we were enjoying the ambience of Big the sunset while imbibing on cold beer, Red, the view and the history of the wine and nibbles. route we had followed and savoured. In 1939 when Cecil Madigan and his “You know”, he said half jokingly as team first crossed the desert, they he looked down on where the Big Red filled in one of the last great blanks Bash was due to start in a couple of on the map of Australia. Still, the weeks time, “I should have patented that name or registered it! I could charge every visitor two bucks or so and I’d be a rich man!” We laughed about that, but Big Red at sunset always has travellers soaking up the ambience and admiring the desert view. DB contemplates his many expeditions from the top of the dune he named 40 years ago. 84 Western 4W Driver #107

desert had been penetrated by early was without any drama, or as Madigan explorers from the time of Charles said, ‘ ... no high adventures, which Sturt’s expedition in 1844, but not by are usually due to incompetence or very far. In 1886 David Lindsay almost invention ...’. After arriving in Birdsville crossed the whole desert from west to nearly four weeks later they continued east, but turned back before doing so. their walk south to Marree, even Then in 1936 Ted Colson, then owner though two of the younger members, of the Bloods Creek pastoral lease on chafing at the discipline imposed, the western edge of the desert, became caught the mail truck. the first white fella to cross the sands While the expedition was a success and to Birdsville .... and back. achieved a much better understanding Madigan and his party had got off the of the desert, little occurred after that old rickety Ghan train at the Abminga till the oil and gas seekers arrived some railway siding, north of Oodnadatta 25 years later. and then travelled by truck to On the 40th anniversary of Madigan’s Charlotte Waters, which even then was crossing in 1979, Denis Bartell set out abandoned. Following Coglin Creek to to cross the desert following Madigan’s what we call Old Andado, they pushed footsteps. I had followed Madigan’s onwards to Bore No1. Here the group route 10 years after Denis and like of nine men had loaded their string him I had found out how rough and of 19 camels and headed first north challenging the desert can be for a towards the junction of the Hale and vehicle-based expedition when there Todd Rivers before striking east across are no tracks to follow. Now 38 years the desert. Their journey across the after Denis first crossed the Madigan Simpson (as named by Madigan after the then president of the RGS of SA) Western 4W Driver #107 85

Line we were both back. In the less used vehicle track to what remains meantime David Owen, his wife Joan of the Charlotte Waters telegraph and Robert Correa had researched and station, which is not much, and then then marked, in 1994, all of Madigan’s turned east on a more major dirt road camps across the desert. Slowly, over to that favoured watering hole on the the next 20 odd years, a track began western side of the desert, the Mt Dare to develop between these highlighted homestead, hotel and camping ground. points in an otherwise non-descript and Next day after being fuelled and featureless wilderness. watered we headed north on a bulldust Our latest journey had started six days shrouded track to Old Andado, once earlier when we had pulled in to the the home of the legendary pioneer famous Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta. Molly Clark and her family. Today it By coincidence David and Joan Owen is maintained by a family trust and a were there, heading in the same caretaker is in residence with camping direction as us, their self-imposed available nearby, while a walk through role being to repaint and repair, if the old historic homestead, left much required, all the markers they had put as Molly had it, is a must do. in many years previously. As normal Like Madigan and Denis we left Old desert pilgrims we swapped info while Andado and headed north, passing Denis dug out his original maps of the through the Mac Clark Acacia Peuce crossing to highlight a point or two. Conservation Reserve, established We then travelled north following the to protect one of the three groves of route of the Old Ghan Line to the ruins Waddy Trees that exist in the world, the of Abminga siding where a wind storm other two stands just north of Birdsville had ripped the roofing iron off the well- and south of Boulia. built fettlers’ cottages and spread the From the small reserve, we headed sheets around the surrounding gibber along little used station tracks and plain with gay abandon. across flat sandy plains with the odd With our salute to Madigan’s starting patch of small gibber stones, Denis point over we followed the now much reminisced about how good such Bulldust was thick on the track between Mt Dare and Old Andado. 86 Western 4W Driver #107

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Two tracks all the way across the desert made the crossing much easier. DB points out what remains of one of Madigan’s Blazes from 78 years ago. country was to travel across in the surveyor T.E. Dale while on a traverse little Suzy; the going being quick and from Charlotte Waters to the Eastern relatively comfortable compared to the MacDonnell Ranges in 1916. Plaques spinifex-lumpy sand dunes. That night erected by the RGS (SA branch) and by we camped close to the track and east Reg Sprigg in 1967 now adorn the cairn of Madigan’s Camp One (MC-1). but surprisingly no other markers have Camp Two (MC-2), visited early next been left here. We clambered to the morning, was on a flat plain just north top of the steep sided hill and admired of Poondinitterra Hill, beside a small the great view the peak gives of the creek that washed down from the low surrounding country and the dunes, tablelands just to the east. We had been which begin not far to the east. driving parallel to these low hills and Heading to what were Madigan’s bluffs all morning, passing Marshall Camps 3 and 4 is no longer allowed by Bluff and then Crocker Hill, both named request of the Aboriginal Traditional after members of Madigan’s party. Owners but in earlier times both Just to the north were The Twins, two Madigan, Denis and I had continued distinctive conical hills that sit beside north to Fletcher Hill (named after one another where Madigan found another member of Madigan’s party), a small cairn, probably built by the before we had struck east across the desert. This time around our small party swung south from The Twins on two wheel marks that were to mark our route for the whole way across the desert. Not only did this ‘two track’ make navigation easier but it had smoothed out all the moguls of sand that gather around spinifex clumps and canegrass thickets and which make cross country travel so bloody hard on vehicle and passengers alike. Now it was a whole lot easier, more comfortable, much more enjoyable and Western 4W Driver #107 89

a whole lot faster. The old vermin-proof We joined Madigan’s original route fence has long been a across the desert at MC-5, which lies navigational marker for just west of the little used Colson desert travellers. Track and north of the SA/NT border. There are a few mining tracks around evening between MC-7 here blazed about five years ago & MC-8. We had done which can confuse one a little, but we an unprecedented struck east in a bee-line towards MC-6 176km for the day - and pushed on, camping that second something impossible to do in earlier times. Next day we crossed some of the tallest dunes of the trip passing through MC-9 and 10 before coming to Madigan’s Camp 11 just a few sand ridges away from his previous camp. This was one of the first campsites relocated and marked by the Division of National Mapping (DNM) in 1981, the two claypans here being very distinctive. DB had passed this spot a short distance to the north, while on my trip in 1989 we had the good fortune of a DNM member who led us to the spot. Today the track makes the navigation easy! Next day we passed through MC-14 and then a short distance later came Our camp at Kuddaree Waterhole on the Eyre Creek. 90 Western 4W Driver #107

to the Hay River, MC-15 and the Hay opened a bottle of whiskey near here. River track, which takes permit carrying The two track from here was less used travellers north to the Batton Hills and as many people opt to head down the the Plenty Highway. The river was, as Hay River eventually to Poeppel Corner normal, dry, but its line of trees along and the more well known public access the channel a welcome respite from the routes across the desert. We had endless spinifex and canegrass. already received permission to cross Madigan’s Camp 16 where he blazed the national park that takes up a block a tree was reached a short time later. of land on the Qld side of the border He had wondered who the next person as well as the private property that to see the tree would be; that turned borders the park and the desert out to be oil seekers and then a DNM further east. group in 1974 which had established The desert changed too as we closed bench marks along the Hay River as in on the border, the dunes becoming part of its survey of the desert. Denis wider apart and the interdunal valleys was probably the next to arrive here, with more claypans and stands of close to last light after a long day gidgee trees. The going became bumping across the dunes. He and easier and faster, our run that day a his travelling companion, Michael big one as we tracked further south, Richardson (then editor of Overlander crossing out of the park where the old magazine), opened a bottle of red and vermin proof fence marks the park saluted Madigan and his men who boundary. That night we camped at on their crossing were feeling pretty Kuddaree Waterhole on the Eyre Creek, happy with themselves and had also Madigan’s Camp 20. Surprisingly we Western 4W Driver #107 91

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found the waterhole dry but next The Annandale Ruins include this day we were delighted to find the steam engine and old bore pump. Annandale Waterhole further south a long and pleasant stretch of gum started his cross country leg of tree-lined water. Nearby the ruins of his double crossing of Australia Annandale homestead can still be 40 years previously. Then the Eyre seen; this was the first property in Qld Creek had been in flood; on our bought by the legendary cattleman, Sir trip it was as dry as a chip, the Sydney Kidman, and is now owned by surrounding strip of land leading the Brook family of Birdsville. Sadly to the Dickerrie Bore churned up we didn’t dally long and headed south by the passing parade of cattle. on good station tracks stopping at That evening we spent at ‘Big Dickerrie Crossing where Denis had Red’ and camped at its base as Denis has done dozens of times before. Next morning with the sun barely above the horizon Denis was again on top of his favourite dune saying goodbye to it and adieu to the Simpson, his ‘desert of dreams’. Birdsville was an anti-climax and after a shower and a pie at the now near- famous bakery and meeting up with some acquaintances of Denis’ and the Brook family, we turned our vehicles for home. Denis may have said goodbye to his desert, but I’m guessing he’ll be back again soon. For more on Denis Bartell, see page 171. Excerpt from Hema’s Great Desert Tracks NE map. Western 4W Driver #107 93



COASTAL CAPERS to a favourite fishing spot on the river bank where the river was still very salty. Iwas brought up in a coastal town, Here, a big flat rock pushed out into the and as you might expect spent quite river and made a wonderful platform on a bit of time on the beach and in the which we would all sit and dangle our water. One of my favourite activities lines in the water. The green prawns when I was at school was to get up at were used for bait and generally, we five o’clock in the morning and with two other school friends ride our bikes eight managed to catch a couple miles down to a spot on a local estuary of good-sized bream with where a family of licensed fishermen them because the rock stood used seine nets to catch prawns. The net was loaded into the back of a row- Great times on the river - boat that had a roller fixed across the what more could a kid want? transom. As one man rowed away from the beach and over a deep hole. However sometimes out across the we were only rewarded by a big eel estuary in a big or two but when the eels were biting, circle and back there were also Beakies, as we called to the beach fifty Garfish. They bit until the tide changed. or sixty metres Then as the slack tide took charge, we along from where usually cooked our catch on a fire lit in they left, the net a sheltered niche at the back of the rock and lines used having a late fishy lunch before we went to haul it back in, home. Looking back on those times, rolled out into the water. The men Western 4W Driver #107 95 would then haul one end of the net to the beach and we three youths would haul on the other end until the net ended up on the beach. Usually there were a few Flounder and a lot of weed mixed among the river prawns which formed the main part of the catch. I do remember a few ‘Toad-fish’ and an occasional Flathead were also caught. The catch was sorted in the net on the beach and the prawns taken to a half 44-gallon drum that was perched on a few rocks above a smoky fire of drift wood. The prawns were quickly boiled and each of us given a big handful for breakfast that we ate immediately along with whatever fish were kept that were grilled on a wire rack over the fire. Our bonus was a handful of green prawns that we put in a paper bag and carried back on our bikes to town and around

they were absolutely wonderful, and we Perhaps it was a quick swim, but my probably spent more time than it was prudent to do, fishing and idling away exit from the water and rush up the our time on the flat rock. rocky bank had been preceded by all the not-so-brave onlookers on that side Occasionally we swam in the river or of the creek. Goodness knows what the in a nearby creek, but not too near the snake thought about all the fuss, but it fishing rock. A kilometre upstream a disappeared into the cracks in the rock – creek branched from the main river, probably to recover its dignity as I tried tumbling over a few rocky shelves that to do while sprinting up the rocky bank. we believed kept the Bull-sharks that A great rush of swimmers left the side were common in the river itself from where the snake had arrived, splashing entering the creek. The sharks were a across to the side that it had left from. bit of a deterrent to swimming in the Swimming across the creek was river except in a swimming pool of abandoned for a few days after that. turpentine piles driven into the mud, You don’t really expect to encounter forming a rough square that was Joe Blakes in the water, or on the enclosed with a strong wire net. If a open beach for that matter, but on one shark managed to occasion years later get into the pool, “... When swimming across while strolling it was an event the creek, I was followed along a beach just for the local paper south of Broome closely by a brown snake that was covered to report, and then the stories that was also trying to get to in ripple marks came out about camouflaging the near-miss that the opposite side...” the few beach some relative or inhabitants, we another had had with a shark. Of course, encountered the biggest Brown Python everyone went to look at the involuntary I think I have ever seen. It was lying captive, which the Town Council was along the ripples and was almost tasked with removing - always with invisible until it suddenly thought that difficulty, and then we could swim in we might inadvertently step on it. It rose peace again. The horror stories about up, head waist high in a threatening shark attacks matched those about the attitude and probably gave a great hiss snakes when one of them incautiously to scare us off. It worked. The bloke who ventured into public, or actually bit was closest to it gave a great shout and somebody. Happily, most bites did not leapt into the air as soon as he saw it, prove fatal despite the best attempts meaning that we looked at him and of rumour and myth involved in the not at what he was looking at. It took treatment of snakebite at that time. On a few moments to look back down to one hilarious occasion when swimming earth and across the beach to the snake. across the creek, I was followed closely When we had all landed back on the by a brown snake that was also trying to beach again the mob looked like one of get to the opposite side – or perhaps it these cartoon scenes where all the feet wanted to get up on the highest point in are running in a circle denoting speed, the creek (my head) to have a look about. but no-one was getting anywhere. Onlookers said that I made the fastest We fell over each other in the rush to crossing of the creek that had ever been put a few metres between self and made when I heard from them that I snake – as one does – pulling up and was being followed. pretending that although some might 96 Western 4W Driver #107

have been alarmed, we weren’t. Then beach back into the shade of the coastal the debates began about whether it scrub to cook our fishy lunch. I must was a highly venomous King Brown, or confess that there were numerous a not-so-harmless (they can give you glances into the adjoining scrub a nasty bite) Brown Python. Not fully whenever anything rustled therein. But understanding the distribution of King we received no more surprises. Browns in the North-west and whether While driving along the hard sand on they were beach-goers, we decided on a beach near Albany I once again tried discretion and gave it a wide berth. I can my hand at hauling a seine net. Not just imagine its sigh of relief as we left for prawns though; this time it was it to whatever it was doing. Can a snake for sardines which, at the time, were laugh? A few hundred metres further often destined to be cray bait, but north we came to the spot where we which are great when scaled. gutted had decided to fish for Sea Salmon, a and thrown whole on the barbie. somewhat unpopular fish among many Hauling the net wasn’t as strenuous fishermen. But we knew that if they as I had remembered, and later, the were bled and gutted as soon as they luscious sardines washed down with were caught, they were great on the a coolish beer or two made up for the fire swathed in a sheet of paperbark pull anyway. Not long afterwards a and tied up with a twitch of anything Sardine Festival began on the Fremantle handy. They bit ferociously on the rising foreshore and probably still runs. Great tide, and as is usual with these fish, the use of a little-used resource I thought school was all of a similar size – about at the time. The south coast of Western 40 cm long – and soon we had caught Australia bought more adventures. I one for each of us and retired off the had always been pretty cautious about COOK DINNER WHILE YOU DRIVE ...IN YOUR TRAVEL BUDDY temcaonpbndeiNtgrrwaogotwielutrhre 12 VOLT OVEN 2cmhooodseelsfrtoom From heating pies to cooking a roast you’ll wonder how you managed without your Travel Buddy. PH 03 5441 3388 For your nearest suppliers www.travelbuddy.net.au Western 4W Driver #107 97

driving along a sandy beach itself, bought them because they seemed even if it looked quite solid. I had seen to be light and not difficult to recover a few surprises and near disasters on from bogs and mud puddles. Wrong. beaches during my coastal adventures, This one loved the surf and would particularly when crossing the soft not budge no matter how hard he sandy slope of the last dune before a pushed and shoved. But he was an remote beach. Happily, on this occasion, enterprising student and had the great I was not in the lead vehicle when it idea of tying the vehicle to a tree above suddenly encountered a patch of sand the beach using a long rope while he that was less than solid and sank in the went for help. While he was away, loose sand up to its hubs. Fortunately, the tide came back in. Now almost it came back out with one rush using completely submerged in the sea, the a solid ‘snatchem’ strap, but I can’t Suzuki on its long rope, rolled up and help recalling the disastrous adventure down the beach with each advancing suffered by another archaeologist on and retreating wave. When the student the same beach. It was at the time when returned with some assistants, the the University had bought a fleet of the Suzuki was almost unrecognisable little Suzuki 4WDs for post-graduate having been rolled into a neat cylinder students to use. He had driven alone with just four forlorn wheels breaking along the beach and gone too far into up its profile. After our first view of the surf. The sea-side wheel slipped the scene and when we could breathe into a sneaky little channel several of normally again we suggested that he which parallel the beach in that part should ask the University to display it of the coast and down she went to the as a curiosity, but he wouldn’t be in it. chassis. Perhaps the University had Would have been a good lesson about 98 Western 4W Driver #107