E-Book 104 (01.09.17)

MAXTRAX.COM.AU

COMPUTER ECU REMAPPING ECU Remapping

Multi link coilsuspensionat the backprovidesplenty ofwheel travel.tow 3 tonne when fully loaded. The We Reckon …fuel tank holds 65 litres and over theweek that I had the vehicle it used Isuzu have a reputation for building46.3 litres and travelled 563km giving tough, strong, reliable, vehicles andeconomy figures of 8.22 litres/100km the MU-X is no exception. It may lack(12.15km/litre). Not far off the stated some of the sophistication of other7.9litres/100km. Service intervals are manufacturers in this segment and12 months/10,000km. Isuzu’s Service need a bit of help to get its off roadPlus 555 program includes 5 year credentials up to the mark but as anwarranty, 5 year road side assist, and 5 honest, no fuss 4wd wagon it ticksyear/50,000km capped price servicing. most of the boxes. Nuts ‘n’ bolts ISUZU MU-X LS-T 2017Price: $53,000. Brakes: Front & rear – discs.Built: Body: Japan Steering: Power Assisted rack & pinionSafety: Engine: Body on frame Wheels: 18” alloy.Power: 5 StarTorque: 3ltr, 4 cylinder turbo diesel Track: Front – 1570mm. Rear – 1570mmFuel Economy: 130kW @ 3600rpm 430Nm @ 1,700 to 3500rpm Approach Angle: 24 degreesFuel tank: 7.9L/100km (stated)Transmission: 8.22L/100km (on test) Departure Angle: 25.1 degrees 65 litresDrive: 6 speed auto. 2 speed Ramp Over: 19.5 degreesSuspension: transfer case Part time 4wd Turning Circle: 11.6m Front – double wishbone, coil springs. Rear – Multi- GVM: 2750kg link’ coil springs, live axle. Weight: 2157kg Tow ball load: 300kg - maximum Towing capacity: 3000kg – maximum Warranty: 5 years/130,000km Service Interval: 12 months/10,000km – capped price servicing. Western 4W Driver #104 101

i1nE0aAn0d0guvsisnetorenfaetlAuriaeruedfsrossireMaking tracks forothers to followProjecta’s tried and tested DC/Solar Dual Battery Chargerrevolutionised the world of Dual Battery Chargers, leaving othersto play catch up.Utilising state-of-the-art componentry, it has always handledboth smart and conventional alternators with simultaneous solarand DC charging. Trust the innovators, not the followers.You won’t believe what’s ahead. Projecta Intelli-Charge DC/Solar Dual Battery Charger • Easy installation & setup in vehicle or under the bonnet • Class leading operation up to 80˚C • IP67 rating – dust & water resistant • Shock & vibration proof • A host of safeguard features • Supports Gel, AGM, Wet and Calcium batteries • 3-stage charging for a safe, comprehensive charge For more information view the brochure here. www.projecta.com.au

Along with solar charging, extra HOW TObatteries have become a popular optionfor powering campsites. Alex Garnerleads us carefully through a ....3RD BATTERY INSTALL Western 4W Driver #104 103

emember the early days of Keep everything neat and protected the dual battery system? with conduit under the bonnet. Apparently it was a dark Circuit breakers areRtime, an era of fiddly lantern awesome, I like tomantles and drawing short protect thosestraws to determine who leaves terminalsthe comfort of their chair to pull with liquidoff the “ice run”. Then someone electricalgot clever and threw in a second tape.battery, rigged it to charge andisolate through a marine switch, I don’t tend to run conduit inside theand hauled some whiz bang fluoro cab, and it’s easier to tuck away.lamps and a fandangle twelve voltfridge out bush!I’m not here to write up a historyof auxiliary power systems, so I’llskip past a few advancements andbring you straight into 2017 where I’minstalling a third battery in the GU Patrol.Is this really necessary? That’s somethingyou have to consider for your individualsituation I believe. Take a few trips withall your electrical gear, and decide ifyou’re happy with the capacity of a dualbattery system. In my case, solar toppedboth batteries up perfectly. But thefridge, lights and massive box of cameraand computer gear I charge was seeing itflat before morning came around.Installing a third battery is reallyquite easy, though it is a significantinvestment. You will need an AGM orGEL battery, as they won’t spill and ruinyour vehicle – not to mention thetoxic fumes put out by a lead acidbattery when charging. You’ll alsoneed a DC to DC smart charger. Thesecan be rather pricey, but essentialto negate the problem of voltagedrop over the long cable run. Plusyou’ll get way more life from yourbattery by using one. Then of coursethere’s the battery box, wiring andassortment of connections, tape andheat shrink needed to complete thejob. In the Patrol, the 120 amp hourAGM battery will live in a batterybox which is bolted through the non-sliding side of the drawer systemusing big flat washers. At the moment104 Western 4W Driver #104

Vice grips do a reasonable job of crimping. It’s up to you, but I like to solder as well as crimp my connections.the battery will power the trusty charge from your solar panels, andold Engel and a cigarette socket for supplement this with power from thewhatever may need electricity. In the alternator if more current is neededfuture there will also be a pure sine pretty smart! Smart chargers tendinverter for charging all that cameraequipment. The secondary batteryunder the bonnet will be tasked withlighting duties. My choice of chargeris a Projecta DC & solar 25 ampbattery charger. This can be had foranywhere between about $290 to$390 depending on your willingnessto purchase off eBay over a bricks andmortar store. This unit will prioritise Western 4W Driver #104 105

“Setting the standard for Quality & Value” Established 1930 CNC Metal Sheet Metal Wood Workshop Lifting Cutting Machine Tool MeasuringMachinery Working Fabrication Working & Automotive Handling Tools Accessories EquipmentVS-1000 - Portable Video VIPER 150 VIPERCUT 40Inspection Camera Multi-Function Inverter Inverter Plasma Cutter Welder-MIG-MMA • 12mm steel capacity• 12mm IP67 camera with 1M cable • 30 - 150 Amps • HF contact Arc start ONLY 11.6kg • 240V - 10amp • In-built pressure regulator• Includes cable, magnetic • Gas / gasless pick up & mirror tool • 15% @ 150A • 240V / 15Amp input power LED LIGHTING duty cycle • Includes 4M torch & 3M earth leadOrder Code: M697 Order Code: W245 Order Code: C421$145 $473 $649 SAVE $20 SAVE $22 SAVE $44MGT-1TGC 1 TOCANPNAECLITOYAD HPT-30PMobile Girder Workshop Hydraulic-Rail Package Pneumatic Press• 1 tonne load capacity • 30 Tonne• 2500-3600mm adjust. height • 150mm ram stroke• 2300mm width inside frame • Hydraulic & pneumatic• Swivel wheels with brake • Adjust. ram position• Includes mobile girder rail, Order Code: P1475 1T x 3M chain block & 1T girder clamp $599 Order Code: K090 SAVE $50 $792 BENINDCINLGUDPELSATES SAVE $148.50PSHHRAOOIAEWNFFQCDTCERUVAOSOOIILPCOOSLEMMTUIOOOREONFNNLOSTARL& BF-16V AL-51G ST-51G CEYLAN Mini Mill Drill Bench Lathe Lathe Stand Staff Member • Electronic variable speed • 230 x 500mm Order Code: L263 UNIQUE PROMO CODE • Dovetail column turning capacity • Head tilts ±90° $275 W4WD9 • 500W 240V motor • 20mm spindle bore • Travels: • Quick change SAVE $44 ONLINE OR INSTORE! (X) 220mm gearbox (Y) 160mm • Speeds (Z) 210mm 100-1800rpm Order Code: M649 • 0.55kW, 240V motor $995 Order Code: L160 SAVE $94 $1,395 SAVE $134 VwIEwWwA.mNDacPhUiRnCeHrAyShEoTuHsEeS.cEoITmE.MauS/OWN4LIWNDE 9AT 3_W_4WDriver_#104_010917 SYDNEY BRISBANE MELBOURNE PERTH (02) 9890 9111 (07) 3274 4222 (03) 9212 4422 (08) 9373 9999 1/2 Windsor Rd, 625 Boundary Rd, 1 Fowler Rd, 11 Valentine St, Northmead Coopers Plains Dandenong Kewdale Specifications & Prices are subject to change without notification. All prices include GST and valid until 31-10-17

These chargers like fresh air, it’s best to give them some space. This Anderson plug is to connect a solar panel to the charger.to get a little warm if you stuff them the battery yet either, best to avoid anyin a tight space and deny them any short circuits!ventilation – so this one is getting The next bit is where it’s easy to getscrewed onto the side floor kit next to confused. You’re probably crampedthe fridge. up in the back of your vehicle with theNext we need to plan the length of the smart charger in one hand, and a fistcable run from the “.. You’re probably cramped full of wiresvehicle starting in the other. up in the back of your vehicle Having a flickbattery to thecharger – about with the smart charger in one through the6 metres in this instructionscase. This is hand, and a fist full of wires in for thethe time to get the other...” charger maymathematical, as relieve some ofdigging a few strands of trailer wire out your stress, as I discover that a few ofof your scraps box isn’t going to do the the wires on this charger are for varioustrick. Thankfully we have the internet functions I don’t need for my installation.to do maths for us! Just do a Google They include a trigger wire for vehiclessearch for ‘dc cable size calculator’, with smart alternators, and one for anpunch in the maximum current draw optional external LED indicator. That’sof your charger, the length of the cable two less wires to worry about! Nowrun - and it will spit out the gauge wire there’s just power in from the alternator,you need. This must be run through a power in from the solar panel, powerfuse or circuit breaker of course, right out to third battery I’m installing, andup the front as close to the starter an earth cable. In order to keep thingsbattery as possible. Follow the usual tidy, I create a common earth where Irules; plenty of conduit, heat shrink, connect the earth from the charger, ancable ties and electrical tape – and run earth from the new battery, and one forthat cable all the way down to your the Anderson plug I’m installing to whichcharger. Don’t make the connection to I can connect a solar panel. Western 4W Driver #104 107

Don’t worry, we’re nearly there! This is A good looking setup which can bethe point where I go grab a cuppa and expanded upon later.forget about the job for 10 minutes, asI’ve about had enough and that’s when Put in the time here and you canyou start making mistakes. Solder all get everything in one piece ofof the connections together, slipping conduit – so much neater! Thea piece of heat shrink over each cable final piece in the puzzle is onebeforehand. You can use electrical tape I very nearly missed, a circuitof course, but heat shrink looks nicer and breaker on the third battery fittedholds on longer. Spend as much time as in the charger output line, and oneyou need running wires back and forth on the positive cable for the solarbetween the battery, the charger and panel input near the Andersonany power outlets or accessories before plug. We want to prevent electricalwrapping them in conduit. fires at every possible opportunity. Once every last ring terminal is nice and tight, it’s time for the best bit! Connect that first terminal to the starter battery and hopefully you get a few lights. Crank the car up, and once the starter battery reaches a decent voltage you’ll see the ever so satisfying charge light glowing. If you see sparks, you definitely did something wrong! Ahhhhh, I can practically feel the flow of electrons as I bask in the pride of a job well done.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 • Spotlights108 Western 4W Driver #104

SGNOOBTBTLYE BPooptaunlaicrshatcomestomindwhenyou with read ‘snottygobble’? I guess I Doctor Kris don’t really have to answer that at first, but turn yellowish afterWone - but I’m sure the nearest dropping to the ground. Production of fruit can be profuse, and theyfour year old will oblige if you need help collect on the ground, providing animagining! This name ‘snottygobble’ important source of food to Emusis a truly superb andevocative example of and other animalshow people name the –local botanist Tom Vigilante worked out thatplants and animals emu droppings in Junearound them – and also and July can contain uphow the same name can to 90% snottygobble!mean different things in Now, for the issue ofdifferent places. names. In the south-To those living in the west, snottygobble issouth-west of Australia, also used for at least‘snottygobble’ is a small, one other species ofgraceful tree (1-5 m) Persoonia, P. elliptica,with the scientific name which mainly differsPersoonia longifolia.The lovely nickname in leaf shape. Inrefers to the texture of regions furtherthe ripe fruits, which north (Paynes Findresemble green olives and beyond), Iwith a soft, sweet, sticky have come acrossflesh around the seed. its occasional useThe flesh of fresh fruits for mistletoes inis edible, and there are Amyema, whosemultiple records of Noongar people using seeds also have ait as a food source, but the inner parts and sticky, mucilaginousseeds are inedible (unless you have a vice or oily surface. The scientific namefor a jaw). Persoonia trees are distinctive, Persoonia was given by Joseph Smithwith long, narrow, drooping leaves (the in 1798, and celebrates Dutch botanistbasis of its scientific name ‘longifolia’) and and expert on fungi, Christaan Hendrik Persoon (1761-1836).beautiful multilayered flaky bark. The thick Dr Kristina Lemson is a botanistbark protects special buds on the trunk and keen camper lecturing at Edithwhich allow adult trees to recover quickly Cowan University where she teachesfrom fire by resprouting. Snottygobble biology, evolution and taxonomy.flowers from November to February andfruits ripen in autumn. They are green Western 4W Driver #104 109

GEARED UP FOR OFF-ROAD VERSATILITY PURPOSE-BUILT STRENGTH SAFETY • FACTORY FITTED BODY MOUNTS • FRONT, CENTRE & • SOLID STEEL C-SECTION • FRONT DISC & REAR• 40,000KMS / 12 MTHS SERVICE INTERVALS REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKS TRUCK CHASSIS DRUM BRAKES WITH ABS • ELECTRONIC STABILITY • SINGLE / DUAL CAB OPTIONS • DOUBLE LOW RANGE • HEAVY DUTY, HIGH TENSILE • 4,495KG / 5,500KG GVM OPTIONS TRANSFER CASE WITH CROSS MEMBERS PROGRAM (ESP) • FULL TIME 4X4 SYSTEM • CLIMATE CONTROL 1:101 FINAL RATIO • HIGH AXLE CAPACITIES • KEYLESS ENTRY • 660MM WADING DEPTH • CAB STORAGE COMPARTMENTS • SUPERIOR VISIBILITY • UP TO 3.5T TOW CAPACITY • ECE R29 COMPLIANT CAB • ELECTRIC WINDOWS • PARABOLIC FRONT AND • CRUISE CONTROL • 90 LITRE FUEL TANK REAR SUSPENSIONSINGLE CAB DUAL CABPerth IVECO Centre www.iveco.com.au2 Shepperton Road,Victoria ParkCall 08 6164 1060

AGANDERATGOOGSBy Lyn MitchellPics by Lyn & Ron Mitchell. In the normal scheme of things, having a gander at Goog’s Track in South Australia should not be possible. But thanks to some good old Aussie ingenuity and determination, the 200km long, four-wheel drive track is still there today for visitors to enjoy. Western 4W Driver #104 111

oog’s Track runs from just The adventure begins. north of Ceduna through to the Trans Continental going got too difficult. Two large drums of water were left where they stoppedGRailway Line near at what became known as Drum Camp. Then, in 1973, Stanley Gilbert JohnTarcoola. With its corrugations, Denton, or Goog (as in googy eggruts and 300 sand dunes, it has as he was known to most people),often been likened to a mini his wife Jenny and a group of localsSimpson Desert crossing. decided to use their basic equipmentIn April 2017, our six-vehicle to put a track in from Goog’s marginalconvoy, made up of fellow West farm just north of Ceduna throughAussies Karen and Len Elms, to Drum Camp. The trouble was,Dave Goodrich and Ron and I, Goog’s proposed track went throughand South Australian mates Phil conservation land. While they didn’tBigg, Dave Maggs and Geoff have approvals to put in the track,Vincent, took on Goog’s Track there was method to their madness.and had a ball discovering its They felt that by opening the linkwonders and challenges. through to the Trans line, they couldIts history dates to the 1950s get their wool and other commoditieswhen a few locals, using axes and to market much quicker than theshovels, started to clear a bit of a track existing 500km-plus circuitous routefrom the northern end at Malbooma they normally had to use.Station near the Trans line. From their base at Goog’sThat track headed south towards Mt 2,500-hectare property called ‘LoneFinke but was abandoned because the Oak’ at Kalanbi, 25km north of Ceduna, they started clearing the scrub with112 Western 4W Driver #104 their old Fordson tractor fitted with a front-end loader blade, and three old Gnamma holes in a granite not far from the track.

Land Rovers to cart the fuel, tools, the family, camping out in the bushcamping gear and other supplies. overnight, enjoying a few drinks andWorking mainly on weekends, they partying along the way.used the tractor to blaze the trail and Unfortunately, as time went by and thefamily and friends would walk behind stories spread, the South Australianpicking up the sticks and roots. authorities became alarmed andFriends and locals often donated much- threatened Goog with legal action forneeded fuel and equipment to keep the clearing conservation land.project going. Goog and his mates continued toOften, they could push the trackonly clear one or through “..The volunteer work gangs despite thetwo kilometresover a weekend each weekend grew to become threat of legalbut occasionally, the stuff of legends...” action.around 8 to 10 The trackkilometres of track continued tocould be achieved. move forwardAs time went by and the sand dunes until finally in August 1976, three yearsgot steeper and higher, they purchased after they started, it was through toa grader and called in a bulldozer the Trans line.to help. It wasn’t long before the The locals extolled the virtues of thefun everyone was having on the popular track especially given that theyvolunteer work gangs each weekend could now get to the annual Tarcoolagrew to become the stuff of legends. Races via the new, much quickerMany more locals came along to join route. Mining companies also becamePart of Googs Lake near our camp. Western 4W Driver #104 113

interested in exploration in the new 55km through to Goog’s Lake, locatedarea now that it was accessible. on the north-eastern corner of theGiven these factors, the South conservation park. Along the track,Australian authorities backed down there were a few sections where theand no further action was taken against bush scraped down the sides of theGoog and his mates. vehicles but then it started to get intoAs we discovered on our trip 41 the dune country and we all enjoyedyears after it was completed, access tackling each sandy ridgeline.to Goog’s Track is now provided with About 40km up the track, we stoppedthe co-operation of Kychering Station at the Aboriginal rock holes locatedand the Department for Environment about 2km west of the track, to enjoyand Heritage. It is still a challenging, morning tea. About 15km further onnarrow, one-lane four-wheel drive it is well worth deviating east off theroute. Some of the many dunes we main track to head to the stone andencountered were around 25m highwith lumpy and corrugated southern Goog and Dinger’s memorial is aapproaches and sand blown tops. deviation off the track.It is recommended that you travel fromsouth to north, which we did, due tosafety concerns on the dune crests.Sand flags are a requirement, as ismonitoring Channel 18 on the UHFradio to communicate with other trackusers. Under clear blue sunny skies,our convoy fronted up to the gate atthe Dog Fence at the start of Goog’sand proceeded to let our tyres down to25psi in readiness for the conditions.Our first day’s drive was an easyOne of several gnamma holes on NalaraRock. Gawler Range is on the horizon.

Prepared to explore.Explore a new frontier ON & OFF ROAD NAVIGATION Features of your HX-1 Navigator Navigate all of Discover over Find campsites, Download tracks No computer isyour journeys with 1.2 million kilometres caravan parks, facilities, from other needed to get theprecise turn-by-turn latest updates and of 4WD tracks and supply points and explorers and download extra maps voice guidance outback roads much more share your ownFor more information on the HX-1 please visit: hemamaps.com/HX-1

concrete memorials to Goog and Run-off from Childara Rock ends up inhis son Martin ‘Dinger’ Denton, the dam - the windmill has seenand Goog’s Lake. The memorials better days.are decorated with seashells, coinsand several bottles of alcohol, and and as it heads eastwards, we werein the trunk of a nearby tree, many running with the dunes rather thanpeople have glued coins, bullets over them. The terrain was much firmerand other memorabilia, including a although we did encounter someHarrods of London keyring. washaway sections and some muddyJust a few kilometres further east puddles along the way.again, is the impressive sight of At the vermin-proof gate, we enteredGoog’s Lake – a 14km salt lake. Lake Everard Station and campedIt has numerous camping spots the night at Childara Rockhole, aalong the high ridges that provide huge salmon-coloured granite rockexcellent views of the lake. We only a few metres higher than thefound plenty of fire wood nearby surrounding countryside.for our campfire and the main campingground features a long-drop loo.We set up camp and sat back to enjoythe million dollar views across thelake as the sun went down and tocontemplate the amazing feat thatGoog and his mates achieved.Next day, we headed further along thenorthern edge of Goog’s Lake towardsLois Rock and nearby Nalara Rock.Both are large granite outcrops dottedwith interesting gnamma holes. Weclimbed to the top of both rocks andcould see the Gawler Ranges far off inthe distance. Prior to leaving on ourtrip, we had obtained permissionto enter Lake Everard Station tovisit Childara Rockhole, which islocated about 13km further alongthe track from Lois and NalaraRocks. After all the problems withthe authorities over Goog’s Track,strangely enough once it wascompleted, Goog won a contractwith BHP to put in a track fromGoog’s Lake eastwards throughto Lake Everard Station andbeyond so that the area could beevaluated for mineral exploration.This track is in good conditionFunny place to leave a sandflag.116 Western 4W Driver #104

The whole base of the rock has been Camp in the lee of Mt Finke.ringed with a low wall of stonework totrap the rainwater runoff and funnel it of its tower and broken piping layto a large dam. around everywhere. Next day, as weSadly, the dam infrastructure looked retraced our way back to re-join thein poor condition and didn’t appear to main Goog’s Track, we realised that ourhave been used recently. The blades sand flag was missing. It wasn’t longof the windmill lay broken at the base before we came across it stuck in an overhanging branch on the track and Hubby Ron had to climb on our roo Western 4W Driver #104 117

bar to retrieve it. We decided to camp Excerpt from Hema’s WA State map.overnight again at Goog’s Lake andwent exploring further around the area. on to weave its way through someWe found the old overgrown air strip lovely mulga bushland. Nowadays,near Goog’s Memorial and took a drive the track deviates to the west to avoidfrom there to explore the southern Malbooma Station’s out-stations andside of the lake. Next morning, we wells. Along this part of the track, wecontinued northwards along the main came across a fallen tree blocking ourGoog’s Track towards Mt Finke about way so it was all hands to the pump to80kms away. There are many large remove it so we could get through.sand dunes on this stretch with plenty It was an excited group that finallyof deep, uneven holes in the lead up arrived at the Trans line that marks theto the crest. Over the top of one of the end of Goog’s Track. Although we couldhigher dunes we had our first glimpse have done the trip in a day or two, weof the impressive Mt Finke, a series of had chosen to take our time and spendfour quartzite hills stretching for about five days out there properly exploringfive kilometres with Mt Finke being the this iconic Aussie 4WD track.highest, standing at 270m above thesurrounding landscape.British explorer John McDouall Stuartdiscovered Mt Finke on 7 August1858 and named it after WilliamFinke, a prospector and pastoralistwho sponsored Stuart’s exploratoryjourneys. Mt Finke can be climbed ina couple of hours but as there is nodefined track to the top and it wasgetting a bit late in the day, we decidedto give it a miss.There are several gravel campsitesnearby so we set up camp and tooka drive along the track around thenorthern side of Mt Finke, which wasvery rocky and slow going. As youcan’t drive all the way around the base,we had to come back the same waywe went. Next day, we were off for thefinal section of Goog’s Track. Just northeast of Mt Finke, the track crossesa large, dry salt lake and continuesGoog’s Track permits – free but online prior to departure atcamping fees of $12 per night, per www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/vehicle apply at Goog’s Lake and Mt entry-fees/online-booking-informationFinke. These permits must be obtained Permission to visit Childara Rockhole on Lake Everard Station or to travel across118 Western 4W Driver #104 the station is required prior to departure. This can be organised with the station management on 08 8648 1884.

Winner of the Bosch RegionalService Excellence Award 201325 Years Family Owned and Operated Personal & Reliable ServiceIt is our objective to ensure our • Bosch Diesel Centrecustomers satisfaction is guaranteed and • Denso Premium Service Dealerat Fremantle Fuel Injection we have theright team to achieve this goal. • Factory Trained TechniciansTelephone: (08) 9335 4803 • Diagnostics, Repairs & OverhaulsEmail: [email protected] • Specialists in Performance Upgradeswww.fremantlefuel.com.au • Computerised 4wd Dyno • Turbocharger Sales and Service • Exchange Units minimising down timeServicing the Diesel Fuel Injection needs of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

BACK BETWEEN THE CAPESJoin us between the capes Naturaliste and Leeuwin in November for three days and nights exploring the best bit of coastline in the Southwest. From one camp under the peppermints we’ll explore up and down the coast, taking in spots where huge swells pound the shoreline creating excellent opportunities to get the cameras clicking.We’ll shoot the Karri forests, a winery, (any excuse) gounderground to light up the limestone and hit the tracks andbeach drives for some 4wd action.At night around the campfire we’ll put the day’s pics up on screen to enjoy the results of our efforts with big prizes to follow. The beauty of this new trip is no long haul needed to get amongst the action and more quality time with others and ,of course, your camera. 4WD Photo journalist Graham Cahill will be there to give us the benefit of his extensive experience behind the camera, especially as this part of WA is his backyard. Hit the website: www.campfireescapes.com.au for more details or call Nick on (08) 9291 8303 or Andrew on (08) 9317 2344. While you’re at it, click onto our new South Coast Surprise video for a look at our Australia Day 2018 trip.

TOWN &COUNTRYIT would be easy to dismiss the Subaru XV as justanother compact SUV aiming at the urban marketof shoppers, young mums and pensioners on theway to bingo. But Subaru has bucked the trendaway from off-roadability with its latest generationXV launched this month in Australia. The baby SUV,based on the Impreza sedan and hatch, gets a raftof off-road features borrowed from the Forester tomake it surprisingly competent in the dirt.Neil Dowling goes for a spin. Western 4W Driver #104 121

ubaru even took the launch party Engine is all new but with similar to a quarry in the south coast output to the previous model. of NSW for part of the launch, - which is a boon for offloading butSpointing to the gravel mounds the best news is the addition of the X-Mode electronic off-road driveand drop-offs with a cool and confident system that maximises traction and“give them a try”. The fact that I’m still allocates torque to individual wheels.here to talk about it is testament to the It’s like the electronic aids currentlynew wagon’s competence. available that brake wheels with no traction to divert power to those withIf you know the original XV, you’ll grip. It works by using the ABS systemknow this latest one. They look but instead of preventing wheel (brake)practically identical despite the fact lock-up, it actually brakes the wheel.they don’t share any body metal and But in the XV it’s more intuitive andthe new one is 15mm longer,20mm wider and sits on an all-new,far more rigid platform that has awheelbase expanded by 30mm thatmakes a huge difference to rear seatpassenger legroom.The engine is all-new, too. It’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit with ahorizontally-opposed layout, set aheadof the front axle and driving all wheelsconstantly through a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) automatic.The manual transmission option,available previously, has been dropped.Ground clearance remains at 220mm -the best in the compact SUV category122 Western 4W Driver #104

reacts far quicker than many rivals, XV is competent on country roadsso the exercise is far more effective. It and in quarries.works only up to 40km/h with Subaru Boot capacity is 1240 litres floorfiguring that below this speed is where to ceiling.all the troublesome trackconditions exist. Above that transmission worked flawlessly. It’s anspeed indicates you’re out of improved 2.0-litre that doesn’t have adanger of bogging. lot in common with last year’s model.The XV also gets hill descent It’s not especially powerful - 115kWthat can be set from a crawl output which is up only 5kW thanto a modest walking pace. previously - and the same 196NmOn the quarry test track, the of torque that slides in at a rathersystem works as well as any high 4000rpm.modern 4WD or SUV and The data isn’t especially conducive tocertainly holds it to a speed slow off-road work but the saving gracethat prevents excessive wheel - and it’s a two-pronged forkslip and steering errors. here - is the flexible CVT.The suspension is as before It is basically a constant drive system- McPherson front and multi-link rear - which means there’s Western 4W Driver #104 123not heaps of wheel travel for gnarlyconditions but that at least you’ll bepretty comfortable. It’s tuned for thebitumen and as a driver’s car in thecountry, it’s a very competent andeven fun machine.On the road the steering andsuspension, general handling andbraking, are right up there with thebetter hatchbacks. It’s just that if youhave a beaten track to explore, it givesthe owner another dimension.On the dirt test the engine and

running on belts, so has no specific Regardless, for light duty work, it’s aratios. However, thanks to the beauty capable machine and fits neatly intoof electronics it can stop the drive belts the Subaru dual-purpose philosophy.at certain points along the way and The new XV gets a host of safetycreate seven steps. Or gears. equipment but you have to ignore theThe problem with a CVT in the dirt is base model - the 2.0i - to get the best.it will slip - sometimes to the point From the 2.0i-L, standard equipmentof agonising noise - which makes the includes EyeSight, Subaru’s clevergearbox hot and may get so hot that autonomous emergency brake (AEB)it shuts down. Not good. But when system that prevents front collisions.treated fairly gently, it’s smooth and It will do it in reverse in the top tworelaxed. You can choose one of those models, as well, so you can’t reverseseven preset ratios - steps - inthese cases to help the caralong but I am assured thatoverheating only happensin extreme circumstances- circumstances where youshould have bought a LandCruiser. In addition, the CVT canslip and make the engine revhard on tight, twisting roadsor long hills, aggravated bylots of weight in the car. Again,choosing a manual mode improves the Hill descent works a treat.relationship.On the upside, CVTs are renowned Typically stylish Subaru interior. Manualfor being more fuel efficient than is no longer an option.traditional automatics and even manymanual transmissions. The XV averages into anything as the brakes are7.0 litres/100km which is pretty good. applied without human interaction.On test, I ended up with 7.9 L/100km There are other safety features, suchbut saw high 6.0s on country roads. as blind-spot monitor and lane-keep assist on selected versions, on top124 Western 4W Driver #104 of the base offering of seven airbags , rear park sensors and a reverse camera. The spare is a large-size emergency tyre that copes with off- road conditions - that is, it’s not a skinny motorcycle tyre - but even then the boot is not especially substantial. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 ratio but there’s no flat floor as the rear seat backs form a step. Prices start at the 2.0i at $27,990 plus on-road costs that represents a

We guaranteea great time! Taking you to the edge! www.campfireescapes.com.au

fall of about $1200 on the previous while the top-shelf 2.0i-S gets thingsautomatic model. There is no manual like leather, sunroof and so on. I’d puttransmission available and no low- this as a city and country car for tworange capability. The 2.0i-L and 2.0i people, with the ability to do somePremium cost $30,340 and $32,140 light off-road work. The boot size aside,respectively and include EyeSight, it’s the best drive of the segment. Nuts ‘n’ bolts SUBARU XVPrice: From $27,990 plus costs Wheels: 17-inch alloy (18-inch forBuilt: Japan 2.0i-S)Engine: 2.0-litre flat-four petrol Tyres: 226/60R17 (225/55R18)Power: 115kW @ 6000rpm Spare: Oversize 17-inch steelTorque: 196Nm @ 4000rpm Dimensions: (L) 4465mm; (W) 1800mm);Transmission: CVT (H) 1615mm; (Wb) 2665mmDrive: Constant AWD Luggage: 310-765 litres (1240 litres toFuel economy: 7.0 L/100km roof)Fuel tank: Ground clearance: 220mmFuel type: 63 litresSuspension: 91RON petrol Tow (max): 1400kgSteering: Front - McPherson struts; Weight: 1462-1484kgTurning circle: Rear - multi-link, coils Warranty: 3yr/unlimited Kim; 12 monthBrakes: electric-assist rack and Servicing: roadside assistance (launch pinion 5-year warranty available) 10.8m 12mth intervals, 3yr capped- 4-wheel ventilated discs, price program. electric park brakeGET SOMDEONTR’TAIGNEINTGSIUDNEDWERAYYSOUR BELTDownload Our New App NOW!> smartphone“Eureka 4WD Training App”CourRseecsrefartoiomnajlu&stCo$m22m0erpceiarl day126 Western 4W Driver #104

ACON, CLEWED EEF AND UPBEER HOTPOT with Jo ClewsThere is a school of thought that You will need: (Feeds 4) goes “everything tastes better with bacon” You only have to • 800gm stewing steak, Shin beef or look at the title of this recipe to Osso Bucco, dicedknow that you are on to a winner, threeingredients that were just meant to • 2 large brown onionsgo together all in the one meal. I was roughly choppedscraping around in the kitchen for someinspiration the other week, thoroughly • 3 rashers of streaky bacon ,dicedover eating another meal with tomatoes • 2 x 300ml bottles or cans of beer,in it. Now don’t get me wrong, I love agood tomato-based meal like spag bol, any old brew will doOsso Bucco, Mediterranean Lamb bake, • 3 large field mushrooms, or thebut it’s nice to have a change and Ihave to admit I was pretty pleased with equivalent button mushrooms.myself with the end result. roughly chopped • 1 x 300ml carton of whipping creamAs far as everything tasting better with or 2 x 200ml UHT creambacon I’m not convinced it would be • 2 tablespoons of oilpleasant with ice-cream, but I am sure • Generous amount of crackedthere would be someone out there who black pepperwould try. • Salt to tasteSo for your enjoyment here is therecipe for my latest creation. I cooked this recipe in my small cast iron camp oven in my oven, so if you are cooking it at home or the caravan oven, a pan that can be transferred from the stove top to the oven is ideal. On the stove top or fire coals heat the oil in the camp oven, add the bacon and onion and cook till slightly caramelised. Remove these ingredients to be added back later. Add the beef to the hot camp oven and brown slightly, add back the bacon and onions and pour over the beer and bring to the boil. If you are cooking this over fire coals then remove a small amount from the fire and place a sturdy wire rack over the top of the coals and sit the camp oven on top. Place the lid on and arrange a few coals around the outer edge to maintain a gentle simmer for about an hour. New coals may need to be added during the cooking to maintain Western 4W Driver #104 127

a consistent heat. If cooking in an jaffle for either breakfast or lunchoven, place the lid on the camp oven the next day, that’s if there are anyand place into a low-moderate oven leftovers. I haven’t tried it yet but Iof aprox 160-180 degrees and slowly suspect it would also make a rathersimmer for an hour. delicious pie filling too. Enjoy.Once most of the beer has evaporated,pour in the cream and place thesliced mushrooms on top of the meatmixture. The reason for placing themushrooms on the top is to preventthem from over cooking.Return to the fire or the oven andsimmer again for another 30 minutesto an hour or until the meat is tenderand succulent. Stir the cookedmushrooms through and serve withbaked vegetables and greens.Tip. I have become quite a fan of thefrozen chopped spinach and kale somost of the stuff I cook has at least acouple of the little nuggets of greengoodness added, entirely optionalthough. Tip. This mixture makes anoutstanding filling for the good oldLET’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:128 Western 4W Driver #104

BLADEMAINTENANCE Hone your skills and your edges with some sharp advice from knifeman Darren Spencer Western 4W Driver #104 129

t’s happened to all of us at some Order three pieces of your favourite time. We go to use our favourite steak and he will take out his knife and knife and it’s just not as sharp as steel, rub the blade over the steel only two or three times (to touch up theIit was when we bought it. So what edge) and cut your steaks. You walk off and the person behind you says, “ I’llhappened to the cutting edge of have a couple of those as well”, so thethat blade? butcher takes out his knife and steel and you guessed it... he rubs the bladeThe business end of a blade cops a over the steel again just a couple ofbit of a hiding with continual use on a times and cuts those steaks. The moralhardwood cutting board, striking the of the story is he is not sharpening theodd bone in a roast or when dressing knife so much as keeping it sharp.a carcass, an occasional whack on Now here is a good question - forthe stainless sink and even hitting the how long can this go on? Well, thealuminium edge of the bait board in better you are at rubbing the knife overthe boat... and we wonder why ourknife is not as sharp as it was when we the steel at the EXACT samefirst purchased it? DULL EDGE How many dull edges on knives, scissors and chisels do you have hanging around in drawers at your place?Ok, so where to from here? Let’s angle the longer you cancover some important points on knife do this. A dull edge is thesharpening and maintenance. When result of continual use andyour blade is very blunt (for me, that is sharpening with differentwhen you are unable to cut a tomato angles. The bottom line is nowithout punching a hole in it first with matter how expensive your steel is itthe tip) you will need to reset the will not reset an edge on a knife.cutting edge. The coarse or diamond steel will onlyNow some people will think that youcan reset the edge with a steel. But Tomatoes will tell you when blades areeven the best steel will struggle to getting blunt.reset the edge unless it is a very cheapsoft steeled blade. So let me explain.In my 30+ years of selling, using andsharpening knives I have found thebest way to describe maintaining ablade edge is your local butcher.130 Western 4W Driver #104

Visit your local retailer today.If you knew, you’d drive a Subaru1.Compatible Apple or Android device required.

keep bringing your edge up forso long. Interestingly enough,the butcher will generally use avery fine or even a polished steel- remember he is continuallytouching his knife blade up -maintaining the edge.So how do we reset the edge ofour favourite knife?There are many options availablethese days in stones, machinesand kits. You might try a good A good re-setting tool takes the guesswork out of angles. Marking along the blade edge before running the stone over it will show you if you’ve got the right angle. quality double sided stone (a coarse 150 grit and a fine 400 grit) and sharpening by hand and eye. This takes many hours of practice. I remember my dad some 40+ years $99 LANDCRUISER SPLIT CV BOOTSpluspost Suits 79, 80, 100, 70 seriesQUTIOCFKIT with solid axle front. Prevent sand and grit abrasion, water corrosion, pitting and seal damage to the swivel housing. EXHAUST BRAKES, LOCKERS, BRAKE UPGRADESLOCKER TRANSFER CASE CONVERSION FOR LANDCRUISER PH: 0352 722 844 E: [email protected] www.gearingdynamics.com132 Western 4W Driver #104

ago showing me two sharpening- on- Oil up the stone with sewing machinea- stone styles. Both quite straight oil or similar.forward, just hard to master. The first With the angle right, work one side ofwas the circular motion and the other the blade.like slicing from one end of the stoneto the other. And I remember himclearly saying many times, to makesure you use the whole length of thestone or you will wear it unevenly andhollow out the centre.Now I hear some of you saying I triedthat and just can’t get it sharp. Theproblem is in the consistent angle!Don’t worry, you are with the majorityof us. It just ain’t that easy.I purchased the EZE Sharp BladeSharpener; the family business soldit for many years as it was one of Re-setting the edge, angles will vary Flip the blade and repeat the process. according to use. Any blade subject to hard kitchen surfaces set to around 22º This last process is optional as the while boning and filleting set around 30º. blade should be close to shaving sharp chisels closer to 35 º. The finer the angle at this stage. the more susceptible to damage. There are cheaper kits like the Lansky/ Gatco that are more compact than thethe best sharpeners around. I stilluse one today! I have found that the Western 4W Driver #104 133simplicity of being able to clamp itto any bench anytime, and having anangle adjustment both on the T bar atthe back of the system and on the knifeholder makes finding and selecting thedesired angle very easy. Probably oneof the best features is the Flip Overknife holder.Once you start sharpening, it is assimple as holding the Flip Over, pullingit out of the V and rotating the blade180 deg. Then it is released back intothe V to start sharpening the other side.Continue this process until you have theedge reset. Once happy with the resetedge, remove the knife and finish it on aleather strop, polished or fine steel.

EZE Sharp Blade Sharpener. These Re-set blade should be sharp enough .work on the same principle but just Finish with a steel if necessary.on a smaller more compact andless expensive scale. They are also availability of well made, very sharpquite fiddly because of their size knives was the reason why Brazilliansbut great if you are after compact came in to fashion? Aussie Outbackon-the-move-sharpening options. Supplies has been the distributor forThis style is usually limited to two Tramontina knives for many a year.to five angle options. Currently you can pick up the BushcookBottom line is no matter what Knife package for $145 RRP. This packagemethod you use to reset your has three cooking/kitchen knives and ablade edge, remember to steel it sharpening steel perfect for the outdoorregularly and keep it sharp for as camp kitchen. The three knives are the 6long as possible. inch (15 cm), 8 inch (20 cm) and 10 inch (25 cm), with the 10Bladeware to Go inch steel to keep the knives well honed andLance Corporal Jones was a man fond of ready for action.Cold Steel. Had he been in the US Army The knives featureinstead of Dad’s Army, he would most anatomicallycertainly have been a fan of the USMC designed one-piece1217. This was the general issue knife for polypropylene handleAmerican Marines in the Second World for easy non-slipWar that became popular with those handling and strength,Jarheads, and has since stood the test of with in-built microbialtime and gone on to achieve legendary protection to inhibitstatus. Whether it be military, survival, stinky bacteria. Thehunting or camping, the USMC 1217 is blades are stainlessa proven all-round performer. KA-BAR steel and are subjected to a sub-zero thermal hardening process for extrahave been making knives since 1898, so strength and longer lasting cutting edge.they know their stuff. The USMC 1217 is To protect the knives (and your hands!),made by KA-BAR in the good ol’ US of they come safely wrapped up in an AOSA and sold here in Australia for around canvas knife wrap.RRP $159. The knife features a 7 inch (17.8 Go to www.aussieoutbacksupplies.comcm for you young ‘uns) carbon steel non- to find your local dealer.serrated blade, polished stacked leatherhandle, black epoxy powder coatedcarbon steel guard, and comes razor-sharpsafely ensconced in a leather sheath.Tramontina Knives – Bushcook pack.Tramontina started making knives inBrazil way back in 1911. Perhaps the134 Western 4W Driver #104

When it comes to seatingwe’ve got you COVERED MMT supply and fit heavy duty canvas and denim seat covers to fit a range of vehicles and trucks. Popular 4WD models we manufacture covers for include, the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mazda, Holden and Mitsubishi range, all of which are airbag certified and tested and available in either canvas or denim. Our canvas seat covers are recognised throughout the industry as premium quality and are made using a heavy duty canvas that offers your seat maximum protection with no sacrifice for comfort. Our full range of covers are “Australian Made” and produced at our workshop in Welshpool, Perth. We use a variety of tested materials including: • Canvas • Ripstop fire retardant canvas ** • UV treated heavy duty foam backed denim Custom embroidery is available upon request; so why not customise your covers with a corporate logo. ** (complies with AS1530-1 & AS1530-2.) Unit 2, 12 Adrian St, Welshpool WA 6106 PH: 08 9361 7646 Web: www.mmtisri.com.au

APPY DAYZ Send us a happy snap Simply email us a happy snap* with no more than 50 words telling us where you were and what you were up to and you’re in the running to win one of ten Hema HX-1 Navigators. YWOIUN’RNEERA!Andrew EmmittSuch is life...it’s definitely not a hard one in the North West with days like this.Me and the Disco out for some boy time at a favourite fishing spot just north of Port Hedland.Unfortunately as the esky got empty of Gold cans it wasn’t replaced by somegood Barra or Muddies. But whose complaining when it’s just you and serenity.136 Western 4W Driver #104

WITHand you couldWIN!Nail a 1of 10 Navigator in each editionor a 2 yearsubscription: Explore a new frontier2 Year Sub! Bob & Elke Burns Firstly, let me say your 4W Driver is a great read, better than those from across the Nullarbor. My wife and I have just returned from a trip from West to East and back again using a lot of dirt roads. As can be seen from the photo we set off in what we hoped was a going to be an uneventful trip, and it was, the Ford Ranger never missed a beat in the 11,000km’s we travelled. After six weeks on the road it was good to be home again.*email your entries to: [email protected] Western 4W Driver #104 137

2 Year Sub! Yvonne & Brian AplinGraham Field A trip down the Dargo - MtTaken in April this year, the dam belongs to Hotham road in Victoria a fewthe caravan park at Ravensthorpe, on a chilly years ago saw us in snow. A8 degree morning as the rising sun was just delight to experience after astarting to burn off the early morning mist. great 5 ½ years in the Kimberley.Taken with compact camera about 22 We are again in westernyears old. The most important computer in Australia and have reconnectedphotography is the one between your ears. with your great magazine. Still must be the best 4WD magazine in Australia, keep up the good work. 2 Year Sub! Trevor Lehman At Toolinna Cove WA, we were travelling on the old telegraph track SW WA, a lot of bull dust on the track and around the camp at night. 2 Year Sub! 2 MORE HEMASKEEP ‘EM COMING TO WIN!FOLKS 138 Western 4W Driver #104

Quoin Head -Fitzgerald River N.P.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE how great Australia was. It’s a safe, stable, and relatively fortunate country;The Ed and I were having a chat especially when compared to some about places to visit, places that of the states in Africa and others in should be seen, and then he got Southeast Asia where these two mates around to mentioning favourite had been working. They wouldn’t beplaces. He said, “Why don’t you do a drawn into any other closer focus on anstory about your favourite place?” I area than simply “Australia.”felt a bit like Sir Les Patterson when, Well, it wasn’t much good thinkingin his fantasy, he replied to the Prime about writing about Australia for theMinister of the time, “That’s a big one magazine; the place is too damn bigGough.” How many favourite places for a start. Let’s narrow down the focusdid I have, I pondered? Hundreds of a bit I thought. What about picking athem. But on ticking them off I found it state? That was not such a good ideaall comes down to a matter of scale. My either; the whole of France fits intofirst favourite place is Australia. This Australia more than twelve timeswas brought home to me more than and almost four times into Westernever just recently when two friends Australia. Just how many interesting,who’d been working for the Australian special and favourite places doGovernment in overseas stations I have in W.A.? Well, therereturned and we all got together for a are thousands of them. Itnatter. What they both emphasised was depends on what your interest is at the time,140 Western 4W Driver #104

doesn’t it? There are great places to see states this week; the maroon jerseyswildflowers, wonderful surf beaches, once more dominated the blues. Didfantastic fishing, spectacular scenery, I expect that? That’s one state crossedmarvellous geology and the list goes off my favourite list, but then again,on; depending on how I feel, any one I’m going back there in a week or twoof these categories could well include for some more fun along the Cooper.my favourite place in Western Australia That’s because the Channel Countryat the time. And that’s only in a big has become my favourite place for astate that is just one third of the whole while – even that’s a big place. We stillcountry. What about Queensland? What need to narrow down the favourite fieldabout Tasmania? Heaps more fabulous a bit.places to see in these and all the rest How about if we look at the questionof Australia; surely there must be a few this way? There are places where Ifavourites amongst the other states am content to just sit, lean back in mytoo. I’ve been to great places in all the chair, sip a drink, and simply enjoy thestates, but I guess that you should atmosphere – or maybe the scenery. Asreturn to them more than once for long as I can’t hear the big generatorthem to be classed as your favourite that the crowd across the track usedplace, don’t you? last night until about 10 o’clock.No, just trying to pick one of the states as my favourite place is not good enough. In fact, I’m feeling a bit jaded about the Western 4W Driver #104 141

Then there are other places to Some places, like Purnululu’s iconicwhich I sometimes go where Cathedral Gorge have a lifetime impactyou can learn something. Is on all who visit. Pic: Mark Price.it about plants? Is it about I remember with affection. My guessgeology? What about the is that we all have some places likeanimals, what about…? If this that we visit time and again in ouryou believe learning can be dreams, if not in our four-wheel-drives.fun, and I do, then there are There is no doubt that there is somecertainly plenty of places that time factor wrapped up in the ideacould be the favourite of the of a favourite place. Even spots tomoment where you could learn which I like to go for a riversidesomething. And then there are picnic somehow lose their shine withthose places that you go to constant visiting. Is it that the sense ofbecause a mate has told you adventure diminishes the more timesabout them. Perhaps he or she we visit? Perhaps there is somethingis even going to go back with about favourite places too in the oldyou. Those kinds of places are saying “Absence makes the heartplaces to enjoy because while grow fonder.” I do enjoy going backwe are there we can feed off to places that I remembered visitingsomeone else’s enthusiasm and as a youth, and that was a fair timeenjoy what they are enjoying. ago. One thing I’ve noticed about suchYes, like you I have visited a few visits though, is that on subsequentplaces that an excited friend visits the place never seems the samehas wanted to show me. Herethey want to tell me about adiscovery that they have made,a plant in glorious bloom, arare reptile in its hiding place,a spectacular piece of indigenousart, a new geological phenomenon.I remember being fascinated on thefirst occasion that I was introducedto stylolites in the limestones closeto Fitzroy Crossing. How come I hadnever noticed these wonderful wrigglyfeatures previously? After all I hadbeen pawing over these limestonesfor years in search of fragments ofancient Devonian fossils. How couldI have missed a stylolite? There is nodoubt my introduction to them wasa fascinating experience and I havebeen back to view them once or twicesince; but it has not really become myfavourite place even though insidemany of the pebbles in the creekscan be found the remains of ancientbony fishes. I just love a Devonianfish, don’t you? But the Lennard Rivergorge is not my one and only favouriteplace, although it is somewhere that142 Western 4W Driver #104



Is it the culture or the landscape that brings you back? Galvans Gorge - Kimberley. Pics: Mark Price.as I remembered it. Is it just familiaritythat makes it different? Or is it thatonce the initial pleasure at discoveringa place is over, the place graduallybecomes too familiar and we look forsomething new, something exciting,and something different? Nevertheless,one thing is for certain. There areplenty of places to visit and no doubt Our dramatic coastline is a firm some of them will become, at least for favourite for many. a time, my favourite place.144 Western 4W Driver #104 There are factors that makes some favourite places decidedly un-favourite. Overuse of an area, especially by a certain untidy type of user, can render a place very unfavourable and very quickly. The disappointment is extreme when I find that somebody has visited a great spot and defiled it with a bunch of rubbish, left a messy campsite, a pile of badly placed fire-stones surrounding the fire pit full of rubbish and the scald marks of tent floors that have been too long in one place on the grass. Do all these marks of the presence of others mean that they didn’t visit my favourite place with the same ethos as me? Or am I simply being a grey nomad

fuddy-duddy? A small sampling of disrespect foundI wonder where respect for at a Warren River campsite by Ian Elliot.the landscape stands in elbows, armed with a pair of tongsidentifying a favourite place? and lugging along a woven plastic sackIs there something tied up in into which they were shoving otherhere which just reflects pure people’s rubbish. It’s a bit of a disgracelaziness? A short drive awayfrom a wayside stop on anyhighway soon confirms thelaziness of many road userswho run on the old adage “Outof sight out of mind.” They thinkthat by opening the windowof the vehicle and tossing outwhatever it is that they don’twant in with them gets it out oftheir way. It might get it out oftheir way, but what does it dofor the adventurer following behind?Not a lot.It’s rare now but once it was commonto see on the highways individualsdoing community service in theirfluorescent jackets, gloves up to theirI remember Lennard Gorge in the Kimberley with some affection. Western 4W Driver #104 145

that we actually have to do this, but which they were the first observer; thatwe do it. Sadly, these collectors of they had visited a pristine spot beforeother people’s rubbish never seem to anyone else and that they wouldn’tcollect the rubbish left by others in the bother going back again. And this needremote spots to which my mates and I not be the case either. I worked forare drawn. Some them are strewn with some years in a school camp wheregarbage when we arrive showing that the kids rotated in groups of about 150they are heavily frequented but not every two weeks. They were extremelyloved as favourites. Will the garbage proud of the fact that they could leavethrowers return? We try to make our this beachside camp looking betterapproaches to these treasured spots as than it did when they arrived. Theysubtle as possible, but there is always certainly put their hearts into makingsomebody with time on their hands sure that they left no marks on thewho is prepared to follow a set of landscape in which this wonderfulwheel tracks into the scrub in search of camp was located. I guess that forthey know not what. I don’t mind this; some of them it became their favouritein fact, I encourage it. But what I do place – at least for a while.like to see is them taking their rubbish Sometimes simplehome with them. I remember that on remoteness defines acamping trips that the family took favourite region andwhen I was very young my parents offers a potentiallywould say to me that they didn’t want pristine environment.to see anything that I had eaten again Currently, my favouritein any form. I thought that was a place is a spot wherereasonable direction, but sadly it is still a couple of dozenpossible to stop at a spot where others families gather at anhave stopped previously and discover appointed time eachthe evidence that they didn’t pay any year to work togetherattention to what my mother had said. on an environmentThe cynical person might say that their and heritage projectfavourite place therefore was one at that needs some146 Western 4W Driver #104 tender loving care and restoration. We enjoy it. And, at Easter it’s definitely our favourite place. We hope to make it a favourite spot for others too. I’m sure our efforts will bear fruit; at least we hope they will. Yes, I thought, pondering on the Ed’s idea of a favourite place. I guess everybody needs a favourite place and there are just dozens of camping magazines, four-wheel-drive magazines, and holiday magazines that all constantly encourage us to make some location in their area the focus of our attention, but will one of their offerings become my favourite place? This is definitely a work in progress…

Down among the karris - Southwest WA.

GEAR TO GOInstant Up - Pure Gold 420D polyoxford PVC floor, and with the trademark WeatherTec system theyThe average citizen spends 10 hours are rated to withstand 100 km per houra week getting to and from work, winds. The tents come with heavy dutyand about an hour and a half a week carry bags, and by all accounts theymaking their bed and preparing have the unique characteristic of beingthemselves to jump in for some rest big enough to put the tent back in afterand/or various forms of recreation. you unpack the tent for the first time –However, consider this. In less than this must be a world first!two hours you could drive from Perth The Gold series Instant Up tents cometo Moore River, and in two minutes in four sizes; 4, 6, 8 or 10 person.erect a Coleman Instant Up Gold tent, Weights are all just above 20 kgs withhop in and drift off to sleep listening to plenty of internal height at over 190the sounds of the Indian Ocean lapping cm, so that’s plenty of head room forthe shores of the western coastal plain. the average family. When packed they measure about 120 x 30 x 30 cm. YouHeaven forbid you should throw in can add awnings or gazebo if you like,your job and head bush to live out or the front door can be pitched outyour final days in a tent. However, you as a front awning. There are plenty ofcould do worse than take advantage videos on Youtube of people putting upof some great deals for the 10th these tents, so check them out and seeAnniversary of Instant Up tents and how easy it is to get camping!get out of town for a break – there areretailers out there offering hundreds of A Duffel Duffledollars off!All Instant Up tents have the brilliant A lot happened in 1990.integrated pre-attached steel hub The re-unification of Germany.frame design, with welded floors Perestroika in the USSR leading toand inverted seams to prevent water the first MacDonalds being opened inentering, ultra-fine mesh and circle Moscow and the election of Gorbachevventilation, and internal storage, but as President of Russia – you decidethe Gold series feature heavy duty which of those is most important.185D ripstop polyester material with Yugoslavia disintegrated into separate148 Western 4W Driver #104 states. Iraq invaded Kuwait. Nelson Mandela was released from prison…….. ….and the New Zealand navy decided to discontinue the daily rum ration, which might explain why New Zealand ultimately discontinued its entire navy. Who wants to spend months out at sea without a tot of rum? Oh, and yes, an Australian by the name of Tim McCartney-Snape became the first person to walk from sea level at