Western 4W Driver Edition 103 eBook

you would use applying body filler to back on, and again…don’t be shy herethat massive dent from last weekend with the fresh grease. Slap everythingon the tracks, or wall filler to a house. back in the order it came off, and justKeep turning the bearing on each scrape like before; tighten that castle nut justuntil you see the grease start to ooze out lightly, and back it off until you canthe top. Apply a layer of grease inside insert the split pin.the hub. If it’s a boat trailer orsees a lot of water, then pack the And there you go! Get this little servicehub tight with grease to help job into your routine and never againresist water ingress. Also; try will you wonder if roadside assistanceand remember to put the inner covers you on the Canning Stock Route.bearing in place before you drivethe new seal in. Whenever youhave removed the seals, even ifit’s just to regrease the bearings;that seal should always beswapped for a new one.The trickfor driving the seal is to applya thin smear of grease, face thelipped edge towards the bearing,and use something like a largesocket, or solid piece of wood to spreadthe load from your hammer evenly. Or…you could use a seal driver! Clean upthe axle stub before you put the hub Western 4W Driver #103 99

You know your destination but do youknow what’s to be seen en route? In theinterests of making your journey more ON THEFor me, Winter is the prime season Sharing the driving and driving day and for 4WD travel. To avoid the cold night can achieve this, but it seems to and rain of our southern districts, the older, wiser (debatable) me that, many of us will be heading by doing this, you can miss out on anorthwards or north-eastwards to lot of fantastic scenery andseek out warmer climes. I’ve known experiences on the way there. Overlots of people who can’t wait to hit the the years I’ve gradually adopted myKimberley and they’ll drive non-stop to own methodology.get there in the shortest time possible. I plan my route in advance on100 Western 4W Driver #103

enjoyable we asked inveterate bushtraveller Ian Elliot (Mr. E) for his tips onwhat’s worth checking out....WAY THEREOziExplorer, fixing eaTxthptehlroeer’iscnangmo. pfifnireeratfhtienrgatbhuasnyddoazyingwaypoints at turn-offsand places of interest.Something of a speed hoonin my youth, these daysI opt for a slower, morerelaxed pace. I usuallyset the cruise control toaround 100kph.That way Western 4W Driver #103 101

I’m travelling at around Cleaverville north of Karratha hasthe same pace as speed- well spaced campsites spreadregulated road trains. along the beach.They don’t catch me and I The Harding Dam out of Roebourne hasdon’t catch them – saves top views and great day use facilites.on heaps of thosefrustrating passing Kimberley, you have the choice of themanoeuvres. Ever since coastal route or the inland one, or evengaining a moving map the CSR, although I found the trafficin the vehicle, curiosity a bit heavy last time I went that way.has led me to detour to On either the Great Northern or Northinteresting looking features West Coastal highways you’ll have theon either side and this has Pilbara midway to break the journey.revealed many a great There are plenty of caravan parks in thesecluded campsite. Pilbara where you can camp or parkOf course, it should be understood up the van for a few days while youthat, if you’re free camping along the do some interesting 4WD day tours.way, at least some of these camps Take advantage of the Visitor Centresmay be on pastoral leases. Strictly at Karratha, Roebourne, Newman,Tomspeaking, you should get Price and other Pilbara towns. Aroundpermission before you enter Karratha there’s the Burrup Peninsulasuch leasehold land and thereare a few rules you need toabide by. Leave gates as youfind them; don’t camp near stockwater points, don’t light firesand, above all, don’t interferewith mustering operations. Infact, these days, for the smallcost incurred, it’s worth whileinvestigating whether thereare any station stays alongyour route. I well remembera Kimberley tagalong I led in1996 when I’d booked us in forthe first night at Nallan Homesteadup past Cue. We had the use of theshearer’s quarters with a covered BBQarea and was I glad. Rain that hadstarted around midday, teemed downall night and would have just aboutdrowned us all had we been campingout. Station stays are a great way ofmeeting our fantastic pastoralists andgetting their unique slant on localconditions and I recommend themto all outback travellers. If there’s anyalternative route that I’ve never triedbefore, I’ll always give it a go. Forinstance, when you’re heading for the102 Western 4W Driver #103



Wanna Munna and Cleaverville to explore andis just off the out from Roebourne there’shighway while Point Samson, Cossack andWeeli Wolli is a Harding Dam to visit. And,bit further off if the Pilbara is far enoughthe track. north for you, there’s Karijini, Millstream and the magic country aroundTom Price to experience. Returning home via the Ashburton Downs Road and Meeka would make for a great round trip. For those Kimberley bound but not towing, should you pause in Newman you’ve got the choice of meandering northwards via Wanna Munna and Weeli Wolli, two of my favourite places, or, you can detour further North past Auski and take an interesting104 Western 4W Driver #103

There’s a magicalquality toRunning Waters.The CometMine is wellworth a visit. road through especially when the river has been to Marble Bar running extra strong at the crossing, via Tambourah, I’ve taken a track to the left just before Hillside, Spear the ford and crossed the Oakover Rock and further downstream at Upper Carawine the rugged Gorge.This is a picturesque and Glen Herring exciting 4WD track that brings you out of Frank on the Woodie Woodie Road just past Gregory’s 1866 Two Sisters and some 9km before the explorations. turn-off to Carawine Gorge. This road also North of there, after passing theTelfer passes the road, you can head straight into Marblefascinating Comet Gold Mine dating Bar via the Ripon Hills Road (bitumen)from the 1890s. Alternatively,if you go on from Newman Western 4W Driver #103 105through Nullagine, you canplunge straight into the 4WDexperience by detouring viaSkull Springs. When I first wentthis way 30 years ago, I tookthe old AnthillTrack. I haven’tbeen that way since so I have noidea if that’s still a viable route.However, the Skull Springs Roadwill take you past both SkullSprings on the Davis River andRunning Waters on the Oakover,each a mouth watering 4WDcampsite. On several trips,Doolena Gap on the Coonganmakes a good overnight camp.

or continue on dirt roads by way of great campsites along the way, manyBraeside, where you’ll find the grave of with old railway dams crawling withDr Vines who was speared there in 1899. Koonak. As most readers would know,Past that historic site you can rejoin I visit Laverton a couple of times a yearthe highway either via Shay Gap or by and I’ve used a variety of routes tomeandering on equally good roads past make my way there or return home. It’sDoolena Gap, where the Coongan Rivercuts its way through the Gorge Range,then following the Coongan down to aford on the De Grey River and reachingthe highway via Paradise Plains. In1999, the Ed and I nipped out pastYarrieHomestead and the abandoned CallawaStation to follow an old track up past The beautifully restoredthe fascinating keyhole hills of Callawa Mt Morgans MunicipalCreek to gain the highway via the Kidson Chambers is the last thingTrack.That was a difficult route, rough you expect to find out inand overgrown, and I imagine it’s only the bush.got worse since we pushed through,so I can’t recommend it here. If you’re Niagara Dam boastsheading eastwards, consider following picturesque campsites.the Eastern Goldfields HeritageTrail (theoriginal stagecoach route to Kalgoorlie all bitumen if you follow thetracing Hunt’s 1860s wells viaYork, Goldfields Highway throughYoundegin, etc.), the Golden Pipeline Menzies and Leonora to turnHeritageTrail or the wider reaching onto the Leonora LavertonGolden Quest DiscoveryTrail.These Road. But you can also followroutes give some interesting choices the old railway past the ghostbetween Mundaring and Kalgoorlie and, towns of Niagara, Kookynie, Malcolm,besides being a thrill for the history Murrin Murrin, Mount Morgans andbuff, they can give you access to some Hawks Nest. On more than a few occasions I’ve led tagalongs out from106 Western 4W Driver #103 Kookynie past Lake Raeside, across Lake Carey and up past Mount Weld to Laverton.Yet another, rather more circuitous way is via Kanowna or Bulong and up the Pinjin Road, then past Kirgella Rocks, Mulga Rockhole, Lake Minigwal, Hann’s Surprise Granite, Mount Dennis and Burtville.There are lots of new mining exploration tracks out this way that give access to some fantastic desert country. Above all, my advice is to look beyond the quickest route and pick the one that will give you the greatest reward.

Help us celebrateMelangata’s centenaryOur homestead,designed byMonsignor Hawesand built in 1917 willbe 100 in September.Join us on the 8th -10th Septemberfor a weekend of fun.• Two different bands Friday and Saturday nights.• Market stalls• Tennis tournament.• Station tours.• Wildflower walks and much more. Caravans and camper trailers welcome.For tickets, go to: trybooking.com and typein ‘Melangata station 100th celebration’

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LAG BEHIND ON EMISSIONS ANDEURO’VER AND OUTNeil Dowling pins down the polluters.IF you hadn’t noticed, there are a few standards, they do meet Australian things missing recently in new-car standards. The ones that have gone showrooms. A lot of it has to do have been scattered to the litter tray of with the air we breathe, because automotive has-beens.the Australian authorities decided to The Euro 5 standard really reduces theembrace stricter emission regulations rubbish that leaves the vehicle exhaustand with that went wholesale changes pipe.The standard reduces particulateto the engines that power matter (PM) by 80 per cent comparedyour vehicles. “The ones that with the previous EuroIn the very near 4 regulation andfuture, it will even have gone have been by 28 per cent forchange the quality nitrous oxide (NOx)of fuel you buy scattered to the litter emissions. Importantly - andas the standard tray of automotive owners of dieselunleaded petrol has-beens.” light-commercial- with an octane vehicles may realiserating of 91RON - this - it forced the usedisappears and then make of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) inthe standard fuel as 95RON.Yes, it both commercial vehicles and somecosts more too but just think about the passenger cars.benefits to the air. When we go to Euro 6 - at this stage,From November 1 last year, Australia it’s been in Europe since Septemberadopted Euro-5 emission regulations. 2015 and Australia is still thinking aboutThese are the same ones that Europe it - it will reduce NOx emissions by aintroduced in September 2009. further 55 per cent to put it almost onThough everyone thought everyone par with petrol engines.knew the Euro 5 rules were coming, All this, of course, didn’t helpa few were either not told or couldn’t Proton - which no longer sells newhandle the change. And that’s why cars in Australia - or the Chineseyou can’t buy a new Proton, a new ZX manufacturers ZX and JAC.GrandTiger ute or a JAC petrol ute. It didn’t help theY61 Nissan PatrolVolkswagen hasn’t fared well, either, either, that was axed mainly for itsthanks to its diesel scandal overseas.But it has slightly different reasons inability to step up to Euro 5 but alsoto be optimistic in Australia because because Australia was the last majorthough some Volkswagen and Audi market in the world taking the model.diesels don’t meet Euro and US It didn’t help Patrol enthusiasts that the Western 4W Driver #103 109

new model - theY62 - was only a petrol. that’s actually a shame, but the XC60In the US, emission standards are more and new XC90 are simply superb atstringent than the Euro ratings. It now playing the role of the urban prestigehasTier 2 regulations that call for 0.4 SUV. Off the road, not so much.grams per kilometre (g/km) but is in the And a few more that you can’t buy:process of going toTier 3. Rolls-Royce VII Shadow in sedanBut emissions isn’t the only reason and drophead;Toyota FJ Cruiser (butthat some cars are missing in action. it’s coming back in another guise);For example, the Holden Captiva 5 has and FordTerritory (but the Edge andgone not because its exhaust gases Explorer are coming).were foul but because it wasn’t Euro 5 cuts the nasties in bothterribly popular. passenger cars and light-commercialBuyers have one because they wanted vehicles. Here’s a table showing whatan SUV and the Korean-built wagons Euro 5 does compared with Euro 4.were cheap. (It’s actually a Daewooproduct but Daewoo doesn’t exist PETROL .09g/km (1.0)anymore - which should have rung 0.06g/km (0.08)some alarm bells.) PASSENGER CARS 0.005g/km (n/a)You can’t buy a new Land RoverDefender anymore and we have no idea Euro 5 (Euro 4): CO if there’s an alternative in the wind. NOx. The Volvo XC70 has also gone and PM. TRUST YOUR 4WD PETROL TO THE SPECIALISTS LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Est. 1986 Euro 5 (Euro 4): CO 1.00g/km (1.0) ARMADALE 4WD SERVICE CENTRE NOx. 0.06g/km (0.08) PM. 0.005g/km (n/a) 7 KEATS RD, ARMADALE DIESEL PH: 9497 3066 PASSENGER CARS www.armadale4wd.com.au Euro 5 (Euro 4): CO 0.5g/km (0.5)110 Western 4W Driver #103 NOx. 0.18g/km (0.25) PM. 0.005g/km (0.025) HC+NOx 0.23g/km (0.30) DIESEL LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Euro 5 (Euro 4): CO 0.74g/km (0.74) NOx. 0.28g/km (0.39) PM. 0.005g/km (0.06) HC+NOx 0.35g/km (0.46) CO = carbon monoxide NOx = nitrous oxides PM = particulate matter (soot) HC = hydro-carbons

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S U B S C R I P T I O NThevoiceofWestAustralianfishingsince1985 $8.50DgiionEnacCllFi-GsJhiSnAgTNMa 2017 ustralia’s Best Re• Western Ang gazine 2014 The voice of West Australian fishing since 1985 st Regional FishinAler • Australia’s Be g Magazine 2014 $8.50 incl GST since 1985 FEB/MAR 2017 SeteoppaaWCgcekFHe7Isws9ASti.OmieHlSlrpnWEnleCyBIAlANbuAnycNIkgasTyluDDebSrrYseEcpaCrdraiinOebzdrienYg, sitmowFpWRliyllIeODWbsnGyteIeNEsrlu-unSTFabeceRnhAskpcEyenEargEgrNivebelZoeG8ianE1irdE.cg.ReLer of West Australian fishing since 1985 fishing •Western Angler • ’s Best Re$gi8.on5al0Fincl GST West Australian asntiodm$p1SWparaei3lzyeBene4spbOsE8ta.yeAgNrDwesnTGuoo8AEb3rCntnsLh’AtcgoTrMlmeifbCrRai.inHsw4Tgsh0easoFtou’smt!e ishing Magazine voice of The AUG/SEPnaTl F2ish0i1ng6Maga•z Weste 2014rn Angler • The voice of West Australian fishing since 1985 Aust ine 2014 Australia the ralia’s Best Regio ngler • SPOT $8.50 incl GST A sunaglBlaaszseesEpmaecrka!ld • WesteSubscribe today and receiveWA’s best fishing magazine JUN/JULY 2016 FREEPRINT POST No. 100000964 PRINT POST No. 100000964delivered to your door for 12 tosiWFmeIpslStLyePrMWbFnIyOv6nNAasl0enuualgbWelnusedcrcPEkraityONbir$GWne1EgaE1dLRe9r9will PRINT POST No. 100000964 oPrRtehAxPteLWeSNnUNedEeSS ryWpweoahcuMgereeiAnsvD7yue2EobaYsuEcFsrSiuRpbPtEisAEocrDnipDbaLecEk of AlliancePRINT POST No. 100000964months PLUS a FREE Rovex spinning PRINTAlliance 3000 spinning reel. POST No. 100000964 reelONE lucky reader will also WIN alegendary ENGEL 38-LITRE FRIDGEFREEZER simply by subscribing to Rovex Alliance 3000 spinning reelWESTERN ANGLER. features include: • Machined long cast spool • Heavy duty non twist bailThe lucky winner will receive a brand • Machined alloy handle • Lightweightnew ENGEL ECLIPSE MR40F, which graphite body • Stainless Steel Shaftdelivers the reliability, efficiency and • Quality alloy gearing.quality for which Engel is famous.Powered by the Sawafuji swing motor,the MRF40F is valued at $899.The ENGEL MR40F could be yoursjust for taking out a subscription toWestern Angler ALL $50this ONLY Includes postage.6394 1167To subscribe simply phone Subscription Offer ends 31st July 2017

NO MORE BERLEY?Igot involved in an interesting piscatorial debate recently that was homing in on how fishing techniques have changed. It settledon one aspect that has become an issue things like “cubing” which refers to thefor recreational anglers in our part ofthe world and that is berleying. Berley practice of slowly flicking cut pieces ofor “berleying up” is an old colloquial pilchard every thirty seconds or so intoterm that means scattering any manner the water behind the boat and lettingof crushed bait, oil, bread or organic them drift down and back into a berleymaterial into the water to attract fish trail.This works extremely effectivelyand ultimately to your hook or lure. for big tuna, mackerel, kingfish andIt’s an age-old practice the world over other cruising pelagic species.This iswith all sorts of fascinating variations effectively targeting surface or midand when done methodically and depth species so small pieces of fisheffectively, is a proven way to improve bait that float back slowly work well.the success rate for fisho’s.The For bottom or demersal targets likeAmericans call it “chumming” and snapper in deeper water, anglers willthere are other places where it goes by sometimes utilize a weighted berleythe local parlance.In theory (and in proven practice) The author with aberleying has two very effective monster mackereland appealing reasons for anglers attracted in a berleyto use it. In the first instance it trail with someassists with attracting fish from cubed baitfishfurther away by using the currentor surface drift to carry whateveris being used further back andcreating a feeding trail or naturalhighway for fish to swim uptowards your spot on the beach oryour anchored boat. The secondreason to use berley is that whenthe fishing is quiet, they cansometimes be excited and broughtonto the bite when they mightotherwise be reluctant to feed ortake a lure.The right mixture ofnatural food source drifting aroundin their habitat can stimulatethem into feeding and providingit’s not overdone it can make anaverage fishing day a great one.There are numerous examplesthat fit individual species but someof the more prominent include Western 4W Driver #103 113

pot or cage that has holes in it or Species like pink snapper respondis covered in stainless mesh. Filled well to a berley trail. This pinkwith all sorts of attractive fish off- snapper was just one thatcuts, chicken pellets or secret berley responded to some leftover Frenchmixtures, it is lowered to the bottom fries for John Tavelli.and jiggled occasionally to allow berleyto seep out. All sorts of variations can thinking twice about what was standardwork and I’ve even heard of anglers practice in the past. Interestingly evenusing cans of tuna or fishy cat food, though we have always attractedpunctured and put into berley pots. the odd shark through the years byBut it’s not just larger fish that are good berleying, they were rarely a problem.berley targets. Herring and garfish are It was more a case of hooking the sharksuckers for a mixture of bran pollard with your bait intended for your targetand oil.This needs to sit high on thesurface so berley “blobs” made ofwood or plastic are the trick here.Used to help with casting distance, theyare also designed with a hole to carryberley out to the landing zone. As an oilslick develops with tiny bits of pollardon the surface these enthusiasticfeeders pick up the scent and in notime can be seen flicking about nearthe surface. A very small hook with baitto match slowly retrieved in the berleytrail will get snaffled in no time andBob’s your uncle.So if berleying is so effective what’sthe debate? It surrounds the growingproblem of sharks taking hooked fish.Clearly sharks are very attracted toberley just like other marine species.The more we berley the more likely weare to attract this added problem and somore and more recreational anglers areMany anglers avoid berleyingthese days because of fearswith attracting sharks.114 Western 4W Driver #103

fish rather than losing a hooked fish Berleying is very effective for breadto sharks. Sharks taking hooked fish and butter species such as herring.has been a more recent phenomenonas they have become increasinglyconditioned to getting an easy feed.Many anglers don’t fish with bait at allthese days we know, and as such preferto take their chances on attracting andlanding fish completely on artificiallures.The lure action and visualenticement is what hopefully enticesthe fish. Again, it’s interesting thoughthat lots of soft tail plastic lures come inpackages with additional “scent” or anoily attractant to smear over the lure. Ithink that’s called a bob each way.In my view and experience berleyingwill certainly attract more of everythingbut not berleying is far from a guaranteeyou’ll lose any fish to sharks. In thewrong spot where there are plenty ofconditioned sharks, you’ll lose hookedfish the moment they’re on. And as afinal footnote, berleying with offal andblood is never a good idea.That’s thespecial invitation for sharks.NORTHERN SUBURBSGO LOCAL!4W DRIVERSPH: 9408 6448 U2A/10 • Suspension/Upgrades PENSACOLA TCE, • Recovery [email protected] CLARKSON WA 6030 • Specialty Camping Equipment • General Accessories • Fridge/Freezers • 12v Battery Systems • UHF Radio/Navigation • Roof Racks • Bullbars/Side Protection • Rear Wheel Carriers/Towbars • Differential Lockers • Air Compressors and Tyre Accessories • Spotlights Western 4W Driver #103 115

Skin diving and snorkeling in an • half a cup of coconut creamarea where that’s happening is not a • one full cup of coconut milkparticularly good idea. • and a fresh red chilli. (If like me youAnother recipe favourite - ThaiChoo Chee Fish prefer it not too hot, substitute theI’ve shared a number of my favourite chilli for a sliced red capsicum)fish dishes and recipes through this • half a dozen kaffir lime leaves.column over time and it must be time To cook, gently fry the curry paste in afor another. Authentic, fragrantThai couple of spoons of vegetable oil untilcooking has always been one of my it becomes very fragrant.favourites but it needs to be authentic– not the mixture of six or seven Asian Deliciousstyles in a muddle that we see around Choothe place. This dish is perfect for some Chee fishstronger tasting species that also might is a tastybe a little dry and are therefore better variationsuited to being eaten in a curry sauce for fishstyle. The main ingredients – fillets.• three or four reasonable fillets of Add the boned snapper, spangled emperor coconut or mackerel cream• 500 grams of good qualityThai and stir red curry paste (without cumin or continuously coriander seeds) for five minutes until116 Western 4W Driver #103 it thickens slightly. Add the coconut milk and stir through for another couple of minutes before removing from the heat. Pan fry the fillets gently and if possible use a lid to add some moisture by steaming at the same time. Once cooked place the fillets onto a large serving plate and use the pan to gently fry slivers of two kaffir lime leaves and slices of capsicum. When done, pour the curry sauce over the cooked fillets with the capsicum and kaffir lime.To finish slice another couple of kaffir lime leaves very finely and sprinkle on top. This is best served hot so warming the combined dish under some Alfoil in the oven for ten minutes often enhances it further. Some steamed rice or vegetables round out what is a tasty seafood plate. A glass or two of New Zealand’s best Marlborough white to complement it will push you over the edge and into heaven.

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READER’S RIDE:VEE TEN VEE-DUB From Steve BekkersHere is our 2004 VW Touareg, it’s I mention power… and heated leather a V10 with 750Nm and 230Kw as seats, 4 zone air conditioning, quiet and standard but with the magic of smooth driving manners and excellent computers it has been “chipped” road holding.This one has the full sizeto R50 specs 850Nm and 258Kw. spare option and came with 2 sets of wheels; 19” for pimp mode and theWe bought it because any touring more practical 18” set. Very handy nowholiday here in the West is going to that so many utes have 265/60R18 asinvolve travelling long distances, and standard fitment.this machine eats the miles without It has an excellent traction controleffort. Western 4W Driver mag is system plus low range and lockingto blame for this obsession. Many centre and rear diffs. It also has airyears ago when I was driving a 2.8L suspension so raised up and with theTD “Slowdeo” I read the bumper 50th 31” tyres it has 320mm clear underedition which featured the “Torquey any part of the body. Unfortunately 31”Touareg”. How could I even dream of tyres are the max it can take.owning such a beast? But the seed was Sadly I have no respect for this car andsown and 11 years later these machines take it places it probably should notare almost affordable, so I find myself go, like beach tracks and rocky tracksdriving my dream machine. through the hills.The photos don’tWhat a change after the “Slowdeo”, did Western 4W Driver #103 119

We fitted an Ironman roof rack which holds the kings awning, tracks and shovel. A mate from Melbourne fabricates bash plates from 6mm high strength aluminium, the OEM plastic jobbie is not up to our tracks. The round panel is for access to the sump plug.show the pin stripes courtesy of trips, before I succumbed to pressureour bush trails. from the co-pilot and bought a camperFirst time in the sand I was trailer.The camper is an MDC Voyager,shocked as the motor seemed to these things are heavy, with a 1250kgbog down, then we remembered tare and a GVM of 1900kg so withto switch the ESP (electronic 280kg on the tow hitch I’m glad thestability program) off and allwas good.The ESP senses wheelspin and thinks you are spinning out ofcontrol when you are on sand. I usuallyget the co-pilot to make sure it’s off asevery time you restart the car it defaultsto on again.We had done a few 4WD/camping120 Western 4W Driver #103

‘Rag’ has air suspension and a 350kg The titan rear drawers have anhitch capacity. By the way it will tow integral fridge slide which does3500kg so it handles the trailer without nicely for the 32L Engel. Formuch effort. Kerb weight with driver is camping trips we usually remove2599kg, GVM 3080kg, GCM 6580kg so the rear seats and fit a cargoeven with a 3500kg trailer you can still barrier and extra shelving.have a 500kg payloadTheTouareg drags the camper around arise there is plenty of gruntwithout raising a sweat getting available for overtaking.14.5L/100km and should the need I also fitted a reversing monitor which has two cameras, one Heading out from the Gardner above the numberplate and one River mouth. on the back of the trailer which makes hitching up the trailer and reversing it a lot easier. There was an electronic trailer I modified a Prado cargo barrier to bolt into the rear seat mounts and added some shelving to take the air compressors, aux battery, 240V 1KVA inverta, DC to DC charger ( plugged into the main battery under the passenger seat via Anderson plug ). Also keeps the tool box and spare parts handy. Western 4W Driver #103 121

brake controller and a 50A Anderson Co-pilot had the idea to leave a gapplug already fitted when we got the car. between rear of front seats and cargoInterestingly the V10 came with dual barrier and this is handy for stashingbatteries, one under the passenger seat cooler bags for food and drinks duringfor electronics and one in the boot for the drive.starting.They are both needed to runthe car, but in the event that one gets And most things are easy to do for theflattened you can do a trick with the home handyman as long as he haskey and start the car from the rear boot triple square and torx drivers.Touaregsmounted battery. don’t lend themselves to being blingedFor comms we have an 80 channel up with big lifts, massive tyres andOricom UHF with a 4.5dB aerial. barwork etc.Taken as they are they’reThisTouareg has done 197000km, great vehicles, and will go anywhereis a solid car and runs like a dream. many standard 4wds will struggle.These are from an era when VWwanted to make the best vehicleswith no compromises, an era of theBugatti Veyron and VW Phaeton.Theywere available with 5 cylinder diesel,V10 diesel, V8 petrol and the 330kWV12 initially, then came the V6 and V8diesels and petrols.Built in conjunction with PorscheCayenne and later Audi Q5 / Q7, theyall share the same running gearwhich means there are plenty of partsavailable. Notably the wheels areall the same stud pattern and offset,consequently many sets of 17 and 18”rims swapped from Cayennes andQ’s are available to bolt straight ontotheTouareg. Not saying these beastsare low maintenance but if you shoparound for servicing and parts you canbe pleasantly surprised sometimes.122 Western 4W Driver #103

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WHEN YOU NEED ClewedAN ENERGY HIT upNow that I have a really big back with Jo Clews yard which is great fun to drive around on the few station tracks will find worlds within worlds within in existence it also provides me worlds, we could all benefit with takingwith some good opportunities to get things a bit more gently and as theout of the fourby and stride out with saying goes: Leave only foot prints.Shanks pony. Take only photos. Make only memories.My trusty backpack filled with water, With all this walking I also need a snackGPS and camera have not seen so or two to go in the backpack. It needs tomuch action since I bought it and the be a good, portable, easy-to-eat energysoles of my hiking shoes are just about source and these fruit and nut bars hitworn out because there always seems the spot and are dead easy to make.to be another breakaway to explore or Never being one to eat those sugar-another granite to walk over. laden nasty cardboardy bars from theWalking provides the opportunity to supermarket, I happened upon thisexperience the country at its very best recipe from one of the work crew fixingwhen the myriad plants and flowers up our road when we firstthat go undiscovered when driving moved to Melangata.along, even at a sedate pace, become She was driving the rollervisible to the most casual observer. and we stopped for a yarnBirds dance and sing from the branches and as you do, swappedas you walk along, spiders spin the recipes. It has becomemost intricate and delicate lace-like such a favourite in ourwebs that hang suspended, gently family, my brother whomoving with the breezes. was staying with us at theTake the time to look and listen and you time now makes his own batches to take for smoko. I can almost guarantee that once you have made your own snack bars you will never go back to store bought ones again. Happy travels and get out of your car and get your 30. Enjoy. You will need: 1/3rd of a 500g jar of Rice Bran Syrup (low GI sugar alternative). 1/3rd of a 500g jar ofTahini ( ground sesame paste). 1 X 400-500g bag of fruit and nut mix w(I like the one with cranberries and white choc buds). 2x approx 30cm square sheets of Western 4W Driver #103 125

baking paper. till it is about one1x approx 30cm centimetre thick.square baking tray. You might needIn a saucepan over to put a tea towela low heat place over it as it willtheTahini and Rice be hot.Syrup and melt the Refrigerate foringredients together a minimum of 3being careful not to hours then with alet it stick and burn. sharp knife cut intoCook for a couple bar or biteof minutes until it size pieces.becomes quite thick You should getthen add the fruit approx 24 bars andand nut mix, combine and cook for a more if you cut them smaller.couple more minutes.The mixture willstick together in a large ball so keep Tip: When storing keep refrigeratedmoving it around in the pot. and place a sheet of baking paperRemove the saucepan from the heat between each layer.and lay one sheet of baking paperonto the baking tray, turn the fruit Tip: Sprinkle sesame seeds over theand nut mixture into the tray, lay the mix and press in before refrigerating.second sheet of baking paper over themixture and press the mixture down Tip: Individually wrap bars in a piece of baking paper for easier storage in your back pack.LET’S MEATAT YOUR CAMPSITE Select from our extensive menu Get all your trip meat from the little and we will: butcher with the big reputation. • Vacuum pack your meat by the meal. • Tag each pack by contents and day. Eg: breakfast - bacon & sausages, day 4. • Freeze for your convenience. 354 MARMION ST. MELVILLE(P0h8o)n9e3/F3a0x 3o8rd6e3rs:126 Western 4W Driver #103

FIVE BUCK STEAKTOUGHER THAN A With TAlEeSx TGIaNrnGerWe’re all familiar with that solution that would protect a truck off- screeching sound as a thick, road and quickly revert to a showroom dry twig works its way from shine when the adventure is done.The your front quarter panel, result is a set of ABS plastic mouldsdown each door, and clunks its way which slap onto your paintwork in aover the tail light. You’ve all got that matter of minutes, remaining there withfeeling like fingernails down a chalk the power of rare earth neodymiumboard now right?With Rhinohide, that sound is verydifferent, more like a coin rollingacross a plastic table. And it’s almost asoothing sound when you know there’sno shine coming off your paintwork.The idea of a temporary but reusablepaint protection comes from misguidedadventures and unwanted scratches,the creator of Rhinohide searching for aVery easy to fit. A bit of overkill but you get the idea. magnets (that means they’re bloody strong). Along to test them out was Rhinohide founder and CEO Marc, and Mike in his 200 series Landcruiser as the guinea pig.The Rhinohide panels are moulded to fit every side panel perfectly, aside from those made of plastic; magnets don’t work too well there.The 200 series is one of 7 models which Rhinohide is produced for, Western 4W Driver #103 127

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WINA! $100 VOUCHERFROM OUR MATES ATCamping with your they are on a lead then I doubt if there is much of a risk. Most of these nativebest Mate animals are probably nocturnal so are not even out and about during daylight,G’day Nick and Crew, so again, there is little risk to them. II like to have a whinge now and then, doubt if anyone leaves their dog to runsome say I try a bit too hard, but I free at night even in their own home,think it’s a basic right when you reach so it would be secured at night whenGrumpy Old Man status. camping regardless of where theyAnyway, my point of annoyance this camp, be it a National Park or sometime is why we can’t take our best mate quiet spot in the outback. If noise is theinto National Parks. problem, then an occasional bark fromMy latest form of frustration came a dog is surely less disturbing thanabout (again) while staring at my someone’s 3kva gen set running till 9favourite map book, seeking a or 10pm at night, or even the generalcamp spot where a bit of peace noise of children playing during theand quiet might be found for my day. So I think the risk from domesticimmediate family group. IE Myself, dogs under supervision is far less thanThe Administrator, andThe Dog. Most that from dingos, foxes and other wildof the good spots, it seems, have dogs. If mess is the worry, then I ambeen found by DPAW and turned into sure that the rubbish left behind byNational Parks.This in itself isn’t such some campers far exceeds that whicha bad thing as at least development is could ever be made by a dog.controlled and usually a camp area has It could probably be argued that a petbeen opened up at a convenient place adds to the contentment and generalrelevant to local points of interest. temperament of the owners and theThe thing about National Parks that I other campers in the area, especiallyjust don’t understand, and causes my those with dogs at home. We all love toconstant frustration, is why a trained, pat a friendly dog when it comes overobedient, domestic dog on a lead is for a visit. A dog is a great travellingbanned from entering, and of course companion to many of us, and a goodits handler is also banned, as we can security guard at night. Us older typeshardly tie it up to a tree and leave it don’t mind an extra bit of muscle onwhile we wander in for a look around. show when someone dodgy finds ourThis leaves a whole group of visitors lonely camp spot.and travellers, both local and interstate, If baiting with 1080 poison is theunable to enjoy some of the best argument, then they could always stopcampsites and natural bushland that we baiting. It doesn’t seem to be workinghave here in W.A. anyway as it has been going on forThe main concern would appear to be decades and probably not making anydogs attacking the native fauna, but if inroads if it is seen as still necessary. Western 4W Driver #103 131

The forest areas are baited, but dogs Alan, your eloquently presented whingeare generally allowed to enter these would push a lot of emotional buttonsplaces, so National Parks shouldn’t amongst our dog-loving readers whoneed different treatment other than not abhor the idea of committing their bestbaiting too close to the camp grounds. mates to a dog’s life at the kennelsI wouldn’t mind betting that the while they soak up our national parks.Thylacine has suffered by baiting. While I haven’t owned a dog for years IWhen it comes to Conservation Areas, can empathise with your plight, and inour dogs are restricted, but you are the same breath, play devil’s advocateallowed to drive a bulldozer through in exploring the reasoning behindthe middle and destroy whatever lives the rules.there, just so someone can make a You present a case for a well trainedfew quid, and don’t get me started hound sitting quietly on a leash at it’son the Great Central Road and Native mastresse’s (P.C) side and if all dogsTitle drama, or track maintenance fitted this view I suspect the rules mightin National Parks, or park fees, or be different - but they don’t.drongos who drive too fast with their Just as there are people who taketyres too hard on dirt roads, or Shire bad attitudes into the bush, the sameRangers who watch too many police people (if the rules allowed) wouldshows on TV….. Jeez, I need to calm take dogs with bad attitudes or playfuldown again now ‘cos I’m hitting the exuberance into national parks. Sokeyboard too hard. the authorities take a broad view ofThis is what I think would be a management of this and other issuesreasonable approach, so we can all use in allowing for the lowest commonour National Parks to the fullest: denominator to determine policy.YouThe same rules of entry for dogs in see it also in public safety where theNational Parks as in forests. threat of litigation (think Gracetown orDogs on a lead when in National Park Karijini gorges where fatalities havecampgrounds and walk trails. occurred) restricts all and sundry fromNo 1080 baiting near campgrounds any possible risk.or too close to the boundary of Alan, you might want to top up yourNational Parks. glass before I go on because it getsDogs excluded from sensitive areas of worse before it gets better.National parks. if required. Continuing this broad brush approachDogs not allowed to leave mess we need to keep in mind that DPaWin campgrounds. is there to conserve the bush and theDogs allowed in Conservation areas so animals so we can enjoy and appreciatethey can bark at the bulldozers. the natural diversity in its most naturalIt wouldn’t take much of a change to state and allowing dog breeds thatmake 50% of campers happy again. include many natural hunters into thisI am sure I am not the only one who environment would be as catastrophicthinks this way and likes taking their as the impact of the ferals they’re alsodog with them when camping. After trying to control.all, aren’t the National Parks set aside It would also drive many native animalsfor the enjoyment and use by us all. that we currently see and enjoy in theseThanks for allowing me to cross environments, back into the bush andanother whinge off my list. out of sight and I for one would prefer to see the local inhabitants rather thanYours ( with love and calmness), the neighbour’s dog.Alan Barber On baiting I think you’ll find pastoralists132 Western 4W Driver #103

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would generally disagree with your where dogs are welcome.assessment. They also do baiting to So it’s not all doom and gloom Alan.protect stock. Now take a deep breath, lie back andAccording to Parks and Wildlife, over contemplate life on the road with your3.9 million hectares of W.A. is baited favourite furry friend.to control foxes and cats under theWestern Shield Wildlife Recovery Congratulations Alan,Program and without the baiting the Your letter has won you a $100 Gift voucherthreat to stock and wildlife wouldbe out of control. As a result of the fromprogram, animals like the quendaand tammar wallaby are now off the Delights of the‘threatened with extinction’ list. Onthe Thylacine, they disappeared from Woodlandsthe mainland thousands of years agowhen the placental dingo overran Received your very generous giftthem. In Tassie they were killed off by voucher from Getaway Outdoors plussettlers. 1080 baiting is a fairly modern the Autumn issue of the WA 4WDmethod of control and even if it was magazine.Thank you very much.in use then it wouldn’t have affected Also, thank you for the 2005 edition ofThylacines as they were a marsupial the magazine to enable me to get trackand immune to 1080 with it being in notes and waypoints etc on the Lakethe bush in its natural state. Johnson area. Myself and three otherThe threat to pets from baits is real. vehicles successfully completed the tripI’ve seen a family pet take a bait and and finished at our destination Banksit’s very distressing to watch - they die Rock. Must say the veracity of thein agony if a merciful bullet doesn’t waypoints was good after 12 years. Wefinish them off first. To minimise the took a leisurely nine days to completerisk, get your dog used to a muzzle the trip without mishap. Due toand have him wear it in the bush so he extremely wet weather in February, wecan’t physically eat the wrong thing. were unable to do the lake run to AntSmall dogs have more to fear. I’ve & Plover Rocks etc. Gnamma holes atheard first hand of a lap dog narrowly Lillian Stokes Rocks were all full as `wasavoiding being picked up by an eagle the clay pan on the southern end of theto be dropped from a great height so Lake Johnson track. An area of about 1the eagle could feed from its broken sq km was totally under water but wecarcass. This is how they despatch managed to make our way around thistheir prey when roadkill isn’t on the without drama. A very enjoyable trip.menu. That’s the bad news, here’s the PS. A little birdie (not a western groundgood. If you’ve got a boat you can parrot) told me a story about when Iantake a dog on it anywhere in a marine Elliot thought he saw WGPs at Fernpark. We saw dogs on leashes recently Creek. Apparently Nick had consumedat the Sandy Cape campground north another few birds (WildTurkey) andof Jurien and there are a number of came into the conversation late andDPaW sites that also allow dogs on asked why were “grandparents” (as inleashes, like Lane Poole Reserve, ground parrots) so rare.Canebrake, Logue Brook, Sues Bridge, Cheers & RegardsWarner Glen and others. DaveA bit of research will probably uncoverother DPaW and shire controlled sites134 Western 4W Driver #103

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Glad you enjoyed your trip Dave. place names etc. I have often wonderedThe Goldfields Woodland is stunning about the pronunciation and meaningcountry, no doubt, and especially when of Mandjoogoordap Drive found atit’s had a good wash. the southern end of the Kwinana Fwy.Your little Birdie’s memory is obviously Any chance that you might know thein a worse state than my hearing answer to this question?as those two stories are years apart Thanksand have fallen victim to Chinese Kind regardswhispers which, as anyone knows, Mal. Cooper.are notoriously difficult to hear (andtranslate) at the best of times. That’s a curly one,Mal.In actual fact I asked the bird enthusiast Geographic names, care of Landgate,(from the Burdenon Society) why it was lists the word as coming from Daisyso difficult to find his Grandparents as Bates’ Diary where she claims to havehis conversation had gone from finding been told mandjoogoordap was theground parrots to catching up with his original name for Mandurah and meansGrandparents and I’d missed the segue. ‘meeting place of the heart’ whichCheers, sounds a bit fanciful to me.Nick As there’s no reference to who told her that, it’s really open to interpretationAboriginal Names and its true meaning is probably floating along on the mists of time.Just finished reading EdSed in edition Cheers,102 of Western 4W Driver , in particular Nickthe meaning and pronunciation ofARE YOUR LANDCRUISER SEATSA PAIN IN THE BUTT?Landcruiser 75/79 and 100 Series owners rejoice. Now you can drive in to Trimcare and drive out on exchange seats with the ultimate, extra high density foam base guaranteed not to be a pain in the butt. Heavy duty 12oz canvas Our seat base foams seat covers for VDJ 79 are far superior to O.E. Series 2009Velcro fastenings ensure As supplied to miningcovers stay in position. companies and Toyota dealerships Australia wide.Call Perth’s Phone 94703381premiertrim shop EM: [email protected] Unit 1/183 Bank Street, East Victoria Park WA 6101136 Western 4W Driver #103

Steps to Survival - Part Five:GETTING HELPOne consistent thing that about With Bob Cooper 90% of lost people don’t do in Australia is signal for help in signal flares should be spaced at least any way shape or form. They 10 metres and not more than 30 metresjust carry on or move off without any apart to be effective.consideration or thought to rescuers. A single fire tripod flare is also aIt is distressing to have realised that very effective night distress signaloften great lengths of stressful time and and is sometimes your only optionin some cases loss of life, could have in a confined space or with limitedall been prevented by a simple vehicle flammable materials.hood up, notes on the dashboard, travel To make a single signal flare, makearrows on the ground, stick tripods with a tripod of thick sticks, then createnotes or just by smoke signals. a platform half way up and stuff the upper half with lots of dead leaves andTwo minutes is the average time you dry grasses.have to signal from when you first hear When you light this from underneathan aircraft to attract any attention to the platform, the updraught will causeyourself.Your life could depend on it, so the fire to flare into a huge ball of flamemake very sure you are ready to signal visible many kilometres away.with your available methods. Visual alerts at night can be made with a series of three evenly spaced torchNight Signals or camera flashes, followed by a pauseThree fires configured in an equilateral and then repeated. A strobe light signaltriangle are an internationally flashing continuously is designed torecognised night emergency signal. be a distress signal. If a search planeI prefer to call these signal flares or chopper is looking for you hold upbecause, if done correctly, their volatileeruption of flames flare upwardsseveral metres making it obvious thatthis is definitely not a camp fire – easilyseen kilometres away.The triangular shaped emergency

your mobile phone, illuminate the face garments with reflective strips sewnand point it towards the aircraft.Their on. Head lights and search lights willnight vision goggles or screen will certainly spot these.see it easily. If your phone has some Day-time Using a Mirror to Signalbattery power then dial 000 in Australia You can use the mirror from your kit orbecause this emergency number has a any other mirror, your car has three.larger range than normal numbers. You can use the same reflectiveOne simple way to increase the chances surfaces to signal with the sun’s light asof having your night signal seen is to you can with the night time reflectors.amplify the light source by improvising Mirror flashes are blinding and havea backing reflective screen.This can be been seen kilometres away.achieved by having a reflective surface Method One: Known as the “riflebehind your light. Other backing sight” technique. Shine reflectedreflectors can be a mirror, CD or DVD sunlight onto the back of your extendeddiscs, a sheet of aluminium foil and the hand, through the “V” of your first twoinside of a beverage can, a wine cask fingers. Remove your hand and thebladder or the inside of a crisps packet, flash should be exactly on the target.anything reflective.The silver side ofa rescue blanket is a terrific aid when Method Two: Shine the reflection onheld behind your signal fire, torch or the ground and move it in a straightcamera flashes. Even a cyalume stick’s line from the ground to your target andglow will be magnified and much more then flash the mirror at the target.easily seen. When using either method, aim justTinsel Tripod in front of the plane orChoose a prominent location and vehicle so it moves intobuild a tripod as tall as is practicable. your flashes.This givesDecorate it with any object that is not you the best chance ofnormally found in nature. Preferably being seen. Waggling theuse things that reflect light and/or mirror slightly will alsoare colourful, e.g. empty bottles and increase the chances ofcans, cutlery, CDs, rescue blanket and the flashes being seen.aluminium foil etc.Your tripod will Opportunisticattract attention because it is unusual. signalling: Using yourIf you have flagging tape, make firm, mirror from a highstraight lines and long vantage point, simplyhanging strips that will pan through the fullmove in the breeze. 360 degree radius ofRemember to leave a note the horizon. Doing thisif you are not close-by and‘arrows’ on the groundheading to your location.If you do build it on a trackor road, construct it sothat it blocks the width.This will definitely makesomeone stop. At nightenhance your tripod withthe number plates offyour car and hang any138 Western 4W Driver #103

increases your chances of attracting detected by searchers which couldattention to yourself.These random lead them to you.flashes can be seen by ground search A cameraman, filming sunsets forparties or by other people in the area. a localTV station in Perth, saved hisWhen resting, hang your mirror off a own life by using his tyres as fuel fortall, leaning stick on a string allowing it a distress signal in a very remote andto spin – this will signal for help whilst hot part of the Gascoyne Region of WA.you are resting or doing some chores. He attended one of my courses and remembered this method after a shortSmoke: Smoke signals are still as panic attack realising that his brandeffective today as they were 1000 new 4WD was not going to start – itsyears ago. computer system had died. He wasn’tThey can be seen many kilometres due back in Perth for a week and hadaway particularly by aircraft. Ground limited water. On day two the peoplesearchers also can smell the smoke working on a nearby sheep station sawfrom long distances. Good smoky fires the smoke for a second time and wentfrom natural resources can be achievedby setting up your signal Green leaves or a tyre (deflated) willflare fire tripod as you add thick smoke to your signal fire.would for a night signal.After stuffing the top to investigate.They realised it couldhalf with combustible be a distress signal – he believes thatmaterials cover that saved his life.section with green tree Ground to Air SOS or HELPbranches.To create more Still the most effective in the world issmoke once you have lit the word HELP easy to read and easierthe fire, let it start to burn, to mark out with square letters.then throw on pre-cut Write the letters in a big openbranches of green leaves area. Create as much contrast assmothering the flames. possible between the letters and theThis creates copious surrounding ground colour.amounts of smoke.The Make big, square sided letters becauseupdraft of flames will helpraise the smoke above Western 4W Driver #103 139tree height.Be clever and cut the green brancheswith a “hook” on the end to attachthem onto the fire.Burning a tyre: tyres give off copiousthick black smoke for a long time.Totally deflate the spare tyre and burnthat first. Deflating the tyre means itsair will not expand and explode in theintense heat presenting no dangerto bystanders.The easiest method todeflate is to remove the tube’s valveby twisting it out in an anticlockwisedirection or stab the tyre wall inseveral places.The smell of the smoke can also be

they have been proven to attract even further at night. It is a much moreattention more easily than round or effective, more energy saving and lesscurved letters. Materials used for distressing method than shoutingcontrast can be branches, shrubs, rocks, for help.seaweed, engine or diff oils, newspaper Anything else that creates a reasonablysheets or toilet paper pegged down, loud sound should be used to alertclothing and tarps. people’s attention to you.You can shovel a trench with all the Car-horn beeps, hubcaps or two metalsand piled on one side of each letter pots banged together, rifle shots,to enhance its visibility by creating hollow trees or logs used like a drum,a shadow. Use smoke and or mirror two empty glass bottles clangedflashes to bring the pilot’s attention together, all of these noises in setsto your message. of three.Audible signals NOTE: Searchers should give one longThree whistle blasts, evenly spaced, whistle blast periodically when lookingcan be heard over a long distance and for someone lost.Two reasons for this,STEREO!• Big Bore 4wd • High flow catalytic systems our speciality converters• Extractors for most • Standard 4wd 4wds systemsLet a Mettaman fit your sound system today Kelmscott 9495 2544 Midland 9274 5066 Morley 9275 7034140 Western 4W Driver #103

firstly they may be laying down and charcoal for writing on any lightresting or sleeping. coloured surface like flat rocks orSecondly they may be just in front of white bark from trees.you walking at the same speed. Use toilet paper to enhance and attract attention to where your note is located.Written Messages You can write comprehensiveIf you decide to move away from your messages on flagging tape with achosen base camp area or vehicle to pen or felt pen.search for water, food, shelter or signalconstruction material, always leave a Hand written notesclearly printed note placed in a very This person got disoriented returning toobvious and prominent position. If you his colleagues and base camp at night.are in wet conditions seal the message He wandered around half the nightin a plastic bag. and at one of his rest stops walked offIn a vehicle, leave your message on the without his nearly full water bottle. Juststeering wheel or windscreen — with before dawnyour car bonnet/hood up. he stopped andIn an emergency leave a distress slept. I joinedmessage at any windmill/waterhole/ the search in thegate you visit, because it could lead to morning and Ian earlier rescue. found his noteRemember to always leave large arrows that was left inmarked on the ground indicating the a prominentdirection you went in. position with aMore notes can be made by using plastic bag toGET SOMDEONTR’TAIGNEINTGSIUDNEDWERAYYSOUR BELTDownload Our >New App NOW! smartphone“Eureka 4WD Training App”CourRseecsrefartoiomnajlu&stCo$m22m0erpceiarl day Western 4W Driver #103 141

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draw your attention to it. Even though to their fuel capacity. Many areas asits information was limited, it was well do not have any air strips for lightenough for us to follow the fence line aircraft to land.north and find him both alive and well. Numerous airstrips marked on maps are subserviced and not usable byWisdom: When people are searching any aircraft particularly the faster andfor you, signals could be the life saving larger RFDS planes. Think of how longdifference. Never give up hope and it took, or would take for you to drivenever stop trying. out to your chosen remote destination. Six days?Then it would take a SAREmergency Transmitters and team that long as well. Have you takenSat Phones enough food, water and extra specialThese were covered by Lyn Mitchell medications to last that long or longer?in the last edition. They are highly Back to ‘Plan B Strategies’ planeffective and I recommend every group carefully for trips whether on foot oror solo person should have an EPIRB any form of vehicle.or PLB when travelling or working inremote areas or on the ocean. Even Wisdom: Bob Cooper always sayswith an EPIRB and/or satellite phone “Learn and lean on your basic survivalyou must consider the amount of time knowledge.Your battery driven devicesit will take rescuers or someone to should only be a backup to yourfind and assist you.There are massive survival skills”.remote areas that are too far for ahelicopter to fly out to and return dueA WORLD-FIRST ‘HELP’ SURVIVAL BLANKETOne of Australia’s leading survival experts and best-selling author of “Outback Survival” hasreleased the latest in his trilogyof survival products - the HELPSurvival Blanket.Bob Cooper was inspired to and included 10 A4 size panels on itcreate the unique emergency with the information that will help theblanket, after many years person or persons to best manage theirof being asked how people predicament. It is designed to signallost or stranded in the bush that emergency assistance is requiredcould have best-signalled … right now ! I have designed thisfor assistance. Knowing that HELP blanket as a real survival tool.signalling for help is seriouslya necessity when in distress,many didn’t know how to andspent much longer in theirpredicament as a result.“No known product that displayedclearly ‘SOS’ or ‘Help’ or had goodsurvival information written on itcould be found – so I designed one Western 4W Driver #103 143

It is light (70grams) and small enough Designed to overcome languageto be carried in any mode of travel on barriers, the blanket features easy-land, sea or air. It satisfies three of the to-follow diagrams of how it can bepriorities for survival in any climate utilised to create warmth and shelter;or condition – warmth, shelter and a signal distress on land or water;distress signal all in one. It can also and used for first-aid. For travellersbe used for first aid as it is strong who may not be aware, Australianenough when doubled to be used as a emergency contact numbers are listedstretcher,” Bob said. and this all-purpose emergency productThe blanket has been designed for and should be carried everywhere they go.tested in Australian outback conditions. The HELP Blanket completes Bob’sMade of high quality Mylar plastic, trilogy of survival products that include an outback emergency survival kit and a snake-bite kit. Bob says that his HELP blanket can prevent a mishap from turning into a tragedy in outback or bush settings while lost or stranded; in emergency situations during bush fires and floods; on water if a boat When used on a vehicle (which you should always stay with) the ‘Help’ blanket is very effective.the HELP blanket is ultra- capsizes or breaks down; or in case of alight, measures 2m X 1.3m, vehicle breakdown anywhere.is windproof, waterproof and If you are first on the scene at anreflects back 90% of body heat. accident and need to signal help or startIt also displays a range of first-aid, or if you are bushwalking andsurvival information including: someone injures themselves - the HELP• Bob’s ABC of survival action blanket can offer immediate assistance• Advice on water and may be instrumental in saving someone’s life. The blanket retails consumption to prevent dehydration for $19.99 and is available from Bob’s• Sketched diagrams of ways to use website www.bobcoopersurvival.com the blanket• Direction finding using the sun, stars and moon• First aid use of the blanket in the case of shock or hypothermia• How the blanket’s silver backing can be used as a daytime sun reflector and as a light reflector at night to attract attention.144 Western 4W Driver #103



UP THE COAST TOWOTSANAME A pretty beach near our first night’s camp.146 Western 4W Driver #103

Words by Susie UnderwoodPics by Nick & Susie UnderwoodGood fun by crikey.As we didn’t get the opportunity to go away forEaster this year, Nick and I decided we wouldtake advantage of the Anzac Day public holidayand escape for a long weekend. With the weatherlooking decidedly iffy down south, we decampedin a northerly direction, destination MurchisonHouse Station in Kalbarri. Western 4W Driver #103 147

oth of us had to work Blatant plug for a great brekkie in Dongara. Thursday, so we departed annoyance and no doubt those who around 5-ish with Nick’s were still tucked up. Sandy Cape is quite a little hidden gem, it has justBstated intention camping at been extended and now accommodates 83 camp sites, lovely new clean loosGreen Head, a place I’d not been to and you can take your dog. Our campbefore. Nick assured me it was a hosts told us there is a resident sealovely little campsite on the beach lion who swims with the kids and alsowith a bit of grass to camp on. a family of dolphins who visit on andSounds lovely doesn’t it? Anyhoo, off. And apparently you can sand boardwe stopped in Jurien Bay for a down the dunes and into the water.delicious dinner of fresh dhufish That’s on my “to do” list next time weand then headed back up the visit. After a quick chat, we were onhighway. I happened to mentionthat Green Head was only 30-oddkm away, to which Nick replied,“No we’re not going that far”. Wethen had the back and forth I said/you said discussion, followed byNick’s eureka moment when he spottedthe turn off to our intended destination– wait for it – Sandy Cape. Sandy Capedoes sound a bit like Green Head, soI can understand the confusion. Not.There followed much rolling of eyes andageist jokes on my part and a muttered“yeah yeah yeah” from Nick until wefound ourselves a little nook to tuckinto for the night. Next morning wewere up bright and early, raring to getto the Murchison and get camp set up.Our early morning P&Q was somewhatshattered by the sound of a drone beingflown around the camps, much to our Sandy Cape is perfect for overnight or longer.148 Western 4W Driver #103