Ebook 105

National LunaNLR55SCapacity - 55 Ltr.Cabinet - Stainless steel outer.Compressor - Danfoss.Weight - 27 Kgs.Warranty - 3 Yr.RRP - $1995For a long time now National Lunahave manufactured some of the mostexpensive fridges on the market, this wefeel is for good reason. Not only werewe impressed with the buildquality and design, but theperformance figures speak forthemselves.Things we liked:• Quickest of all the fridges to get down to operating temperature.• Integrated tie down points.• We thought the basket design and the various optional baskets were a great idea.• Stainless steel cabinet.• Integrated evaporator making the inside easy to keep clean.• Even though this fridge was only 55L, it fitted our food load easier than some of the 60L fridges.Things we thought could beimproved:• This fridge uses a basic merit style plug. We would prefer to see a better quality merit plug or an Engel style plug, but this is something you can change yourself.Power consumption 48 Hrs.Indoor - 17..1 A/h = 0.35 AH/hOutdoor - 19.0 A/h = 0.39 AH/h Western 4W Driver #105 149

5 reasons to stopwith Tow-Pro Elite. So good it’s unmatched in the market. Click on the signs below to read more. Or click here to read what REDARC customers and others have to say about how good the Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller is and how well it performs. Elite

Opposite LockFridge FreezerCapacity - 72 Ltr 2 bin, 32/40 Ltr split.Cabinet - stainless steel.Compressor - Snomaster (2 speed).Weight - 30 Kgs.Warranty - 5 Yr on compressor - 2 Yr on cabinet.RRP - $1549Featuring twin baskets, stainless steelconstruction and the thickestinsulation of any of the fridgeswe reviewed (70mm), this fridgeboasts some great features.Things we liked:- Simple independent controls foreach bin.• -Twin lid design can be handy, even when only used as a fridge.• - Integrated evaporator for easy cleaning.• - Integrated tie down points.• - Stainless steel cabinet.Things we thought could beimproved:• - Less efficient use of internal space, fitting our food load test was easy but there was quite a lot of unused space around items.Power consumption 48 Hrs.Indoor - 36.8 A/h = 0.76 AH/hOutdoor - 39.5 A/h = 0.82 AH/h Western 4W Driver #105 151

Waeco CFX65WCapacity - 65 Ltr.Cabinet - polyethylene/alloy.Compressor - Waeco.Weight - 22.3 Kgs.Warranty - 3 Yr, 5 Yr compressorRRP - $1599Waeco have been in the market for manyyears, the CFX65W is the only fridge wereviewed which has a built in app formonitoring the fridge operation.Thiswas also the lightest fridge we reviewedmaking it easier to carry fully loaded.Things we liked:Very light fridge, easy to carry.• Sturdy handles.• Single catch design, makes it easy to open single handed or in tight spots.• Integrated drain bung and concealed evaporator make this fridge easy to keep clean.• Basket features a removable divider which makes the internal space more flexible.• We liked the idea of the dairy shelf for keeping small goods, cheeses etc.Things we thought could beimproved:• This fridge uses a basic merit style plug. We would prefer to see a better quality merit plug or an Engel style plug, but this is something you can change yourself.Power consumption 48 Hrs.Indoor - 24.2 A/h = 0.50 AH/hOutdoor - 27.0 A/h = 0.56 AH/h152 Western 4W Driver #105

Power Graph Comments gap between the lower and higher power consuming fridges.All data that was recorded through Ultimately whilst power consumptionour test is available on the is a factor in deciding the most suitableWestern 4WDriver website - www. fridge for your 4x4, it’s more importantwestern4wdriver.com.au/fridgetest2017. to look at the usability of the fridge – isThe power log graphs will show it the right size for the space you have?voltage, current draw and total amp Will the lid open where you want tohour consumption on the various mount it? Are you buying a fridge tooscales along the graph. big for your needs? Also don’t forgetIt’s important to note not just the power some of the most important factorsconsumption and current draw of each – what service and spare parts arefridge, but to also take into account the available?cycle times of the compressors.You Our key tips for choosing your next 4x4will also notice on several fridges, that fridge would ultimately have to be:as the ambient temperature rises the 1. Only buy a fridge as big as you needcurrent draw also increases. – larger fridges when half empty areThis is due to these models speeding less efficient and take up much moreup their compressors and in some room in your 4x4.models kicking in additional cooling 2. Look for a fridge that makes the mostfans to ensure your fridge stays cool in of the available space inside, thinkwarmer temperatures and to cool down about the types of food and drink youmore quickly. usually take when you go away.Generally speaking, fridges with longer 3. Assess serviceability – make surecycle times will have a greater level what you buy can be looked after onceof insulation compared to the fridges the warranty runs out.with shorter cycle times. This is an 4. Look for sturdy construction –important consideration for when you your 4x4 is going to give your fridgewant to operate your fridge on very thousands of kilometres of punishmenthot days, or in areas of little air flow so make sure you pick somethingthrough where your fridge is located. that can handle the shakes, bangsAs we have previously mentioned, and vibrations. At the end of the day,these results were what we observed literally, you want food and drinkin our test environment, naturally waiting in your fridge nicely chilled oron hotter or cooler days the results frozen. If it isn’t and your fridge haswill vary greatly. One positive result died, that can put a serious dampenerthough was that all the fridges tested on your trip and leave you believingperformed within the manufacturers you made an error in selection.quoted power consumption figures. Reliability is the number one requirement when choosing a fridge andWhat have we learned? the only way you might pin down the reliability factor is from word-of-mouthAs you can see, power consumption and a good chat around the campfire.varies from model to model and is alsogreatly influenced by the environmental DISCLOSUREconditions the fridge is exposed to. Forinstance, if our outdoor test Ben Broeder operates Goldfieldswas conducted in the height of summer Offroad which distributes ARB productswe would see yet more dramatic and National Luna fridges.changes to the power consumption andan even bigger Western 4W Driver #105 153

TOUGHER 40 50SBMEATRTTEERR! 52 TWINMORE CHOICE 60 55National Luna has the biggest range with 72dual-control, twin-compartment fridge/freezer TWINcombinations in single and double-door models. DOUBLE 80 DOORMORE PERFORMANCE 90Thick-wall National Luna fridges give you highperformance freezing capability...even with the TWINoutside temperature at 43ºC. 125LESS POWERHigh-efficiency compressors, programmableintelligent controllers, large cooling plates andthick insulation give you lower power draw.SEE THE COMPLETE RANGE AND GETEXPERT TECHNICAL ADVICE ATNATIONAL LUNA HEADQUARTERS2/248 WELSHPOOL RD, WELSHPOOL DOUBLE Phone 08 9358 2575 DOOR 110OR VIEW AND BUY ONLINE ATwww.nationalluna.com.au

Salt and Peppa Clewed upChicken Strips with with Jo ClewsLoaded Potato salad was then, on St GeorgesTerrace. Workand Bush Mayoolly I am being good to you was at the Wesley Arcade. this edition. Three recipes for Mind you, this born and bred bush the price of one and so many chick didn’t last long amongst the big buildings and hustle and bustleGdelicious variations! Just in time of city life and one of the things that brightened my day was a large helpingfor the warmer summer months that I of the most heavenly potato salad I hadam sure we are all craving. ever had from the sandwich shop on the ground floor where I worked.Many years ago when I was a wee This is the closest I have come toslip of a thing, (nah I’ve always been recreating my happy place in thea strapping lass) I lived and worked inthe city and when I say city I mean right middle of Metroacross the road fromThe Sheraton, as it Madness. Potato Salad Ingredients 3 large potatoes 2 carrots 1 onion finely diced 3 rashers of bacon finely chopped ½ cup of frozen peas 4 hard boiled eggs Optional extras: 4 sweet spiced gherkins, finely chopped ½ cup corn kernels Sprinkling of finely chopped parsley 1 cup of homemade Bush mayo How Scrub the potatoes and carrots, don’t bother peeling them, and place them whole into a pot of boiling salted water or cook in a steamer. Cook until a skewer passes Western 4W Driver #105 155

through the middle of the potato, drain apple cider but white or white malt will dooff water and place in a fridge to cooldown before cutting into cubes. 1 teaspoon of already made hot EnglishFry bacon and onion in a pan with a mustard or 1 teaspoon of powder, morelittle oil until they are slightly browned. if you desire a bit more of a kick and 3 teaspoons of grainy mustard.Combine all ingredients, except theeggs, in a large salad bowl. HowApply a liberal helping of mayo on top Place all ingredients into a screw top jarthen gently mix with a large spoon until then shake the daylights out of it anddeliciously plastered in mayo and top presto! Bush - mayo.with quartered hard boiled eggs. Salt and PeppaThese can be slightly incorporatedwith the rest of the salad or just leave chicken strips.on top. Serves 2-3.Tip. This salad is super good if youplace it into an oven proof dish, sprinkle Ingredientswith a little grated cheese and placeinto an oven of around 180 degrees C 2 whole chicken breasts sliced lengthfor about 20-30 minutes and serve hot. ways into approx 6-8 stripsWinter or summer this one is a winner. 2 eggs beaten with a little waterTip. Cooking the vegetables wholemeans they don’t absorb too much ½ bag of plain bread crumbs emptiedwater and become potato mash instead into a bowlof perfectly cooked ingredients for afantastic salad, steaming the potatoes Lots of ground salt and pepper to tasteis also even better than boiling. Vegetable oil for fryingOld fashioned Howbush mayo. Place 2-3 cm of oil into a shallowSince I have been at Melangata Station heavy fry pan and heat for 5-10 minutesI have rediscovered good old Bush on high then turn down to moderateMayo. My Mum always made it and it is for cooking.the best for potato salad, but is equallygood with any salad. While oil is heating place the chicken strips into the egg mixture andIt is however probably on the naughty mix around to ensure the meat islist now as the main ingredient is thoroughly coated.condensed milk which is so full ofsugar it doesn’t bear thinking about. Add the salt and pepper to the breadSo let’s not, and just enjoy it for its crumbs, wet the end of your finger, dip itdeliciousness. I can almost guarantee into the crumbs and place on your tongueyou will not go back to shop stuff. to taste if more seasoning is required.Ingredients. Add 4-6 chicken strips, coat with the crumbs then lay them out in the hotMakes approximately 450ml oil, cook for 2-3 minutes each side until golden brown, remove from oil and1 can of condensed milk drain. Allow oil to regain temperature and repeat with remaining strips.½ condensed milk can of vinegar, I like Serve with your potato salad and a few156 Western 4W Driver #105 greens. A perfect summer meal that will have them lining up for more. Tip.These make awesome fillings for chicken burgers or wraps. Tip. Cut into smaller pieces and serve with a dipping sauce for your own real nuggets.

THEBUSHMANROADIE 15LTOURINGFRIDGEBRILLIANT DESIGN– Fits 1.25L and wine bottles– Lid opens either side– Insulated drink holders– Fridge or freezer– Cab mountableHIGHEST QUALITY– Steel cabinet– Secop Danfoss compressor– 3 Years WarrantyAt only 220mm wide and380mm high, the BushmanRoadie is incredibly practicaland well designed. Madefrom powder coated steel forsupreme strength and backedup by Bushman’s legendarycustomer service. NOW AVAILABLE AUSTRALIA WIDE WWW.BUSHMAN.COM.AU

no through road, by definition, DO don’t get much passing traffic. Getting to a place at the end ofAsuch a road means making aconscious decision to head down it (orsimply getting very, very lost couldalso do it, which has been known tohappen when I’m left in charge ofnavigation). But by whichever meansyou happen to find your way there,Gnaraloo Station at the northern endof the no-through road up the QuobbaCoast, is a place wellworth discovering.For those who are particular abouttheir directions, head north fromCarnarvon on North West CoastalHighway (is there a more boringstretch of bitumen in WA?). Access to Great swimming and snorkelling in thethe Quobba Coast is via Blowholes protected 3 Mile Camp Lagoon.Road which you’ll find 12kms pastthe Gascoyne River Bridge, then it’s a49km run along the bitumen outto the coast. But don’t worry, that’sthe last of the bitumen you’ll need toendure, from here on it’s rock and sandall the way as you throw a right handturn at the T-junction and just keepheading northwards.The scenery along this drive isstunning, so take your time. Thecoastal cliffs and awesome waves take158 Western 4W Driver #105

GNARALOOWords: Amanda BurtoPics: Mike and Amanda Burton“...Gnaraloo Station at thenorthern end of the no-throughroad up the Quobba Coast, is aplace well worth discovering.”

centre stage, but hidden If you want to pass on the camp, have abelow the surface of all glamp in a chalet.that water, you are also Flushing loos and hot showers in thepassing the southernmost newly-built toilet blocks.end of the magnificentNingaloo Reef. You’ll Camping at Gnaraloo offers a verynot miss the entrance to happy medium between the two. ThereGnaraloo Station with its are 65 sites available at variable costoverhead stone arch sign dependent on location, size and view.a grand announcement. There are also three newly renovatedReset the trip meter (see, ablution blocks with flushing, yes youI’m getting better at this read that right, flushing toilets andnavigation stuff) and go hot, yes right again, hot showers.11.5kms further northwards turn left That should be enough to keep theand 4kms more will put you at the more demanding campers amongstentrance to 3Mile Camp, the us happy. If not, there are even moredesignated camping location onGnaraloo Station.Our first experience of campingat Ningaloo Reef was at CoralBay, and probably the less saidabout that experience the better.Let’s leave it as simply statingthat it left us scampering insearch of more remote and lessmainstream-tourist-infestedoptions. Ningaloo Stationbecame our much loved refugefor many years to come, but the needto be absolutely and completely self-sufficient and “rough-it” with noservices provided means that it’s notfor everyone. 3 Mile provides plenty of space between sites.160 Western 4W Driver #105

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luxurious options on offer 4.5km further btG3herMeatwbitlueeyreoptnlureorssv.istindeose.srkpelleanntdy cohf escpkacoeuton at the Gnaraloo Homestead witha range of cabins, shearer’s quarters, greeted by an expanse of the Ningaloothe old homestead and various other Reef just metres from the shore. Thebuildings on offer for accommodation. snorkelling here will not disappoint.With our Glamper-Camper in tow, The coral was kaleidoscopic and I havethere was no need for us to head never encountered so many turtles inany further; the campsite was going a single dive before, anywhere. Butto do us just fine. It was a bit late in don’t wander too far along or you maythe day for swimming with the sea find yourself at the clothing-optionalbreeze making its presence felt, but Nature Bay, unless of course youthis was providing perfect conditions prefer to go ‘au naturel’ in which casefor the windsurfers to strut their stuff knock your navigational socks off.off nearby Tombstones. In the right Just past Gnaraloo Bay is 6 Mileconditions this is also a very popular Gate. DPaW (Whoops! DBCA) havesurfing spot, as well as kite surfing, replaced this with a steel wire fenceso there’s usually someone with an to prevent people accessing theadrenaline habit out there risking life northern section of the Gnaralooand limb to keep you entertained. Bring Coast (regular readers may rememberalong a cold beverage and settle in fora view with benefits.On a more sedate note, the campgroundfronts onto 3Mile Lagoon, a lovelyprotected bay with clear water and greatswimming and snorkelling, especially forthe littlies. But for a real taste of whatNingaloo Reef has to offer, continue ona little north, past the Homestead and onto Gnaraloo Bay. The only vehicle accessto the bay is for boat launching (there isapparently some amazing fishing to behad, just make sure you’re aware of thevarious sanctuary zones) so leaving theCruiser behind we wandered onto thegorgeous white-sand beach with snorkelsin hand. Rounding the point we were162 Western 4W Driver #105

a few issues back I wrote about and pipelines (this is after all stillthe storm clouds gathering over a working sheep station), you willNingaloo with the pastoral leases on be criss-crossing some of the mostthese coastal stations being up for untouched natural bush in Australia.renewal and sections of them being Paul obviously loves this country, andexcised and handed over for DPaW for waxes lyrical about the lines of bloodmanagement). Well every cloud has a red, pink and white sand dunes, somesilver lining. up to 35m high, that run between theThough some areas have been fenced Ningaloo coast and Lake MacLeodoff and are not accessible to the offering challenging 4W driving andgeneral public the current lessee of great views. It is planned that someGnaraloo Station, Paul Richardson, is of the longer tours will even involvedoing his bit to try to make sure that an overnight stop out, as would havewe, the unwashed general public, can been customary on long windmill runs.still access this remote and subtly For the less adventurous, there arebeautiful part of our coast. He is in the also plans for a “lazy sheep windmillprocess of setting up 4WD pastoral run”, past that new fence and on totours which will involve Gnaraloo’s the northern boundary of Gnaraloostockman taking small groups along Station, taking in the spectacular Capewith him on the windmill runs. As well Farquhar and with plenty of time for aas offering an insight into how sheep sunset fish on the way back home.are managed on an 81,000 Ha desert The attitude that when one doorproperty, seeing and in all likelihood closes, another opens couldn’t behelping fix some of the associated more aptly demonstrated than theinfrastructure like windmills, fences plans which are in place for Gnaraloo.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 #105 163

The resilience of station people neverceases to awe me and we should alldo our bit to support their efforts whenthey try to keep our country open tous. There’s plenty to see and doalong the southern end of theNingaloo coast, get up there and seeit before the “rebuilding” after thestorm begins.Camping costs vary dependent on Excerpt from Hema’s WA State map.location and season and can be found at:www.gnaraloo.com/accommodation/rates moment there is still access and thingsAs the campground is still under remain largely unchanged, howeverthe control of Gnaraloo Station, lands managed by DBCA apparentlycampfires and well behaved dogs aren’t subject to the planningare still allowed. BYO drinking restrictions that seem to tie the rest ofwater is recommended and there us mere mortals in knots, so this couldare no powered sites, though quiet change. Get up here and see it allgenerators used with good manners while you still can.are allowed. Pastoral tours are still in the planningThe new ablution blocks have flushing stage, but Paul hopes to have them uptoilets, hot showers and sinks for and running around Easter 2018.dish and clothes washing. There arealso fish cleaning facilities. A smallbut well stocked shop sells water, ice,basic groceries and essentials like coldbeer. There is also wireless internetand power available for purchase (torecharge items or plug in a fridge).The Gnaraloo Station website has aninformative “Know before you go”section which provides lots of usefulinformation to help you plan and makeyour stay more comfortable.Gnaraloo Bay and Tombstone accessis now under DBCA’s control. At the164 Western 4W Driver #105

Looking for a fridge that really delivers?The smart choice is EvakoolEVAKOOL RF60 EVAKOOL ED85Made in Australia.Legendary insulated cabinet.Guaranteed to freeze anywhere in Australia!Extensive range of styles & sizes.Custom options available.5 Year warranty.Nationwide service network. For your nearest stockist contact Evakool on:www.evakool.comPhone (07) 5492 7777 Email: [email protected]

BURRA ROCK WRECKSThe Goldfields Woodlines are a mid-1980s. He lived there with his wife passion of mine and I am often and four children. Benny left his home asked about the old vehicles and in Melo, a small town in the Valtellina farming equipment wrecks atBurra Rock. What are Woodlines district of Italy, and came to Australiayou may ask? They were privatelyowned rail systems that ran Burra Rock Dam is now a popularthrough the goldfields bush; they swimming hole. Pic: Nickwere set up to provide the energy with his two brothers in 1926; he washungry mines and other industry in search of work and a better life.with firewood to produce steam At Burra Rock, Benny leased the landso they could generate electricity and paid a nominal fee for the waterand run equipment. During the rights, so he could access the nowperiod 1904–1911 a staggeringaverage of 500,000 tons offirewood was cut and deliveredper annum. By far the largest ofthese companies was the WAGoldfields Firewood Supply;they built rock walls and damson various rocks near their rail lines toharvest water for both locomotive andcamp use. The walls, many of whichare 100 years old, still stand today andkeep channelling water into nearbydams. Dams were built at Burra Rockand Cave Hill and other sites.Benny Rampelini, a woodline disused woodline railway dam. Hecontractor, established a piggery at had 20 plus pigs as breeders, all theBurra Rock from the mid-1960s to the baconers were sold off as required.166 Western 4W Driver #105

He also had 500 sheep, which died THE THINGSbecause of a lack of fencing and YOU SEE!predation by wild dogs or becausethey ate poison plants. To make better With (Truthful)use of the water readily available,Benny also grew tomatoes for sale and Phil Bianchiwas very successful. The large clearedarea that one sees near Burra Rock, machinery was purchased by Bennywas cleared by Benny using a scrub from farms in the Southern Cross area.roller, his intention was to plant grain To the north of the main visitor parkingwhich would be irrigated from the dam area at the rock, one can see a stoneand then harvested to be used as pig wall enclosing a large steel drum offood. Near the site of the DPaW (now some 400 litre capacity. Aldo Battaglia,called Department of Biodiversity, another retired Woodliner, said heConservation and Attractions) display constructed it in the 1970s; the drumat the main visitors parking area at was used to boil grain for pig feed.Burra Rock, are the rusting wrecks The Rampelini house was a canvasof machinery that included at one covered wood frame affair, builttime a harvester, ploughs, scrub Woodline style. This house was locatedroller and two trucks. One of the between the piggery and the nowtrucks was a 1934 V8 Ford that has rusting machinery. In the mid-1980ssince been souvenired. The other Benny retired to Busselton; he passedwas an International that was used away in 1996.on the Woodlines for 10 years whenBenny was contracting. Most of theCOOK DINNER WHILE YOU DRIVE...IN YOUR TRAVEL BUDDY temcaonpbndeiNtgrrwaogotwielutrhre12 VOLT OVEN2cmhooodseelsfrtoom From heating pies to cooking a roast you’ll wonder how you managed without your Travel Buddy. PH 03 5441 3388 For your nearest suppliers www.travelbuddy.net.au Western 4W Driver #105 167

CHRISTMASSUBSCRIPTION GIFTWhy not give yourself or a friend an early Christams Gift and enjoy Western Australia’s own fishing magazine.AGayonneudgtrlae1dr2Rom-oomravoegenxavtezhAirnylsleiautwnwbcsohecicmr3ihpo0tin0isot0nhd*seos.l.ifpvWienrieendsgtetroernelDEC-JAN2017 $8.50 incl GST JUN/JULY 2017 StesoFeiwmWROpiplaInleDgleWsyeGtle6buIE9ryNcn.-ksFAyauRnnbrEegsEalcEeNdrrZiebGErinERgL The voice of West Australian fishing sincFeEB19/M8O5wAnFielRCIl SplWHu2atHcoc0SAIk$kNe1yW8CeSs.7rp5aAiEemea0BDgsaNpetidnAlEe7eyDc9rCrIl.bnYTTGOySASahsYOwTnunpeni,dblgrsleFsiliWzmcvReleurIroIpicDNbtlkoiyGinycaEbWgnrey-eeFEassRoNdutEeeGbfErrsEnWZcLrEAiSbReneiengspgltaegreA.81u. stralian fishing since 1985 voice$O6NLY5TheofWest Australian fisAhUiGn/SgEsPiTn2c0e171985The SeWebepyssaatYsgefueaAerbntrC7yLes7TAIacHc.FwndreTiEgbelloSlriesnsCMlrigum.wEcAtpiLoklNllyyLWIN v$o8i.c5e0 incl GST of West Australian fishing since 1985 $8.50 incl GSTl Fishing Magazin The voice of West Australian fishing since 1985lia’s Best Regiona e 2014 Angler •Austra • WesternThe Rovex Alliance features a Stainless Posted to your doorsteel shaft, infinite anti-reverse aluminium PRINT POST No. 100000964 $8.50 incl GSTspool and 5 bearing system. PRINT POST No. 100000964 PRINT POST No. 100000964 No. 100000964 No. 100000964 WsTiTmwIrAeNpoaCldyltaeuKobrcHsLWykAwyEseLuisPltbCleAsrOScnCreieKAbipnnagggleer75 POST POST PRINT PRINTPlus ONE lucky reader will WIN a fantasticTONIC EYEWEAR pack simply by subscribing toWESTERN ANGLER. The lucky winners will receive a brand new set ofTONIC YOURANIUM RED MIRROR sunglasses andcord, plus a TONIC DIVE WATCH and TONIC CAP,the pack valued at more than $600. This fantastic TONIC EYEWEAR pack could beyours just for taking out a subscription to Western Angler. * Limited numbers available6394 1167To subscribe simply phone Subscription offer expires 31 January 2018

KONABABY By Neil DowlingHYUNDAI has shrunk the Sante Fe to baby-class size,Bpresenting its smallest SUV yet in the shape of the Kona.ut rather than make just another the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine andshopping trolley, the Kona seven-speed dual-clutch automaticcomes with all-wheel drive and and all-wheel drive at $36,000 plus on-some dirt-road ability, as well road costs. It is available in three trimas the choice of an aspirated 2.0-litreengine or a more performance-savvy grades - Active, Elite and Highlanderturbocharged petrol model. but there is a safety pack option that is available on the Active for anThe Kona, based on the i30 hatch, now extra $1500. This option is absolutelyfaces up against baby SUVs including recommended as it contains a hostthe two-wheel drive Peugeot 2008, of safety equipment that includesHonda HR-V , Ford EcoSport and autonomous emergency brakingNissan Qashqai. But it is also in the (AEB) and blind-spot monitor.same league as the all-wheel drive This gear is standard on the Elitemodels including the capable Subaru and Highlander.XV, value-priced Suzuki Vitara, popular As mentioned, there are twoMitsubishi ASX, new-age Toyota C-HR drivetrains for the Kona - the aspiratedand cute Mazda CX-3. 2.0-litre four-cylinder with fuel injectionThe price range for the newest and 110kW/180Nm that is mated toHyundai is competitive with its rivals, a six-speed automatic that drivesopening at $24,500 drive-away for the the front wheels. The all-wheel driveActive 2.0-litre model with automatic versions have the 1.6-litre turbo-petroltransmission and front-wheel drive. It engine with 130kW/265Nm and apeaks at the top-shelf Highlander with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission Western 4W Driver #105 169

Cabin looks good and works very well. the phone are, actually, better becauseSeats don’t fold quite flat but boot they don’t need upgrading and arespace is otherwise generous. basically free. But it requires mobile data and may be tricky where no mobile phone coverage is available. The Kona’s cabin is a fresh take on the i30 hatch on which it is based. It looks good and works very well - but you get that from Hyundai - with a two-tier dashboard having a soft-plastic lower section and a top level made of hard plastic for durability. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch screen in the top-centre of the dash that accesses apps that give you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Cabin room is pretty good - but the Honda HR-V is superior - with plenty of headroom and legroom in the rear. It is much bigger inside than the Mazda CX-3, for example. Boot space is liberal at 361 litres with the seats up, and 1143 litres with the split seats folded down, but not flat. On the road the 2.0-litre is quiet until pushed hard, with its market being for buyers who are basically baseddriving all wheels in an on- in urban areas and need economy ofdemand program. Kona is purchase. The turbo-petrol is a lot ofnot available with a manual fun and - unless you cane it - moretransmission nor as a diesel. economical than the 2.0.Both drivetrains come with a On dirt roads, both drivetrains (withdrive-mode program to allow AWD) prove to be grippy and the 50:50the driver to dial up a function AWD button can be used to cross areasfor desired performance. of poor traction. It is as good as manyIt ranges from “eco” (dull, but fuelefficient) to “comfort” (normal) and“sport” (the favourite).Hyundai has packed the Konawith comprehensive safety andinfotainment systems - all except a sat-nav which has been relegated to yourmobile phone. The apps available on170 Western 4W Driver #105

Where the desert meets the seaFound at the southern entrance of the Ningaloo Marine Park, Gnaraloo offers the real thing:an Australian outback experience like no other and a retreat from everyday life. Sitting high on an escarpment, with panoramic views of the dunes and the beautiful Indian Ocean is Gnaraloo Homestead. Tel: 08 9942 5927 It offers a range of self contained accommodation to suit all budgets and for groups of all sizes. 3Mile Camp is a rustic oasis nestled along the Coral Coast. Tel: 08 9948 5000 Campsite facilities include hot showers, flushing toilets, wifi and camp shop. The wilderness style sites are complemented by a protected lagoon and great surfing and fishing spots.Bookings: 08 9315 4809 - [email protected] WA

of its peers - the Subaru XV excluded because it is very capable in the dirt - with the main problem being the small 170mm ground clearance. Regardless, this is an impressive jigger with excellent ownership affordability and is great fun to drive. It probably has a place in the garage alongside your Land Cruiser. Nuts ‘n’ bolts HYUNDAI KONA (example of an Elite AWD turbo-petrol) Price: $32,000 plus on-road costs Built: South Korea Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four- cylinder Power: 130kW @ 5500rpm Torque: 265Nm @ 1500-4500rpm Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Drive: On demand AWD, 50:50 lock Fuel economy: 6.7 L/100km (14.9km/litre) Fuel tank: 50 litres Suspension: Front - McPherson struts; Rear - multi-link, coils Steering: Electric-assist rack and pinion Turning circle: 10.6m Brakes: Discs Wheels: 17-inch alloy Tyres: 215/55R17 Spare: space-saver Dimensions: (L) 4165mm; (W) 1800mm; (H) 1565mm; (Wb) 2600mm Weight: 1414kg Luggage: 361-1143 litres Ground clearance: 170mm Approach angle: 17-degrees Departure angle: 16-degrees Ramp-over: 29-degrees Tow (max): 1250kg (130kg downball) Warranty: 5yr/160,000km, roadside assist Servicing: annual with capped-price servicing for life priced from $269 a year.172 Western 4W Driver #105

GGOECAARMPTINOGCube It ONE can never have enough space – for anything.WHY would you want to cart two jerrycans of diesel From museums and zoos tofuel around shopping bags and garages, there’swhen you can always a howl of ‘where am I goinghave the to put this?’same capacity Same thing with camping, working,in one? travelling or general messing aboutYou can save in your 4WD; no matter how bigthe rattling of it is, there’s always that extra paircans by opting of undies, socks, iPads, knee pads,for the new whatever, that you want to takepoly 40litre along. In case.cubed tank from Boab. It’s bright All these things impede on cabinyellow, comes with a screw filler space, much to the discomfort ofcap, brass vent and recessed 10mm the Bachelorette du jour who hasbrass outlet, and can be used as a reluctantly agreed to accompany you.standalone removable tank or built- What to do?in and plumbed to the existing fuel Ah, Superman has come to the rescuesystem. If you want to get technical, in the form of Ironman 4x4’s newyou can call it the FTP40J, but rooftop cargo storage bags.cubed, paired or plain double tank, is The weatherproof bags are easilyprobably easier to remember. attached to your vehicle’s roof rack,It costs $185 and you can get it at any luggage basket or tray and are madedecent 4x4 accessory shop. of 500D weatherproof PVC, with tear resistant fibres. Don’t confuse theBags one of These 500D with a 1960s Fiat. The bags aren’t quite that big. There are five sizes, from 200 to 600litres, priced from $160 to $265 and they come with heavy duty tie-down straps and buckles and have water-resistant zips with velcro overlaps to protect your stuff from the elements. Forget not: If it won’t fit inside, put it on top. Western 4W Driver #105 173

Metal to the Max visibility and its 13.6 kHz operating frequency provides excellent detection.IS there really a pot of gold at the end The AT MAX has 175 points of Groundof a rainbow? Balance resolution, so it can handleWell, the rumour had to start both terrain from saltwater beaches tosomewhere, so it’s probably true. highly mineralised ground, and, getWhy so few managed to find any gold this, it lets you know if that’s a lump ofwas probably because they didn’t have iron under the soil, so you won’t wastea decent metal detector. They mightwell have found a time digging up worthlessrusty tin pot or two, junk. Also, it’s submersiblebut none filled with to 3m and its weatherproofvaluable metal. design not only protectsProspector’s Patch against dusty and humidhas just got its supply environments, but lets youof the latest frommetal detecting guru find that pot of gold in the rain or evenGarrett, and its AT in a waist-deep pond.MAX is said to be its There are loads of other features too,most versatile and so check ‘em out at the Patch beforeadvanced all-terrain you go on another fruitless rainbow-VLF metal detector yet. chasing safari.It features increased detection depth,Z-Lynk wireless technology and anAutomatic Ground Balance Window,which smoothes detector audio andallows the user to hear even thefaintest of targets, such as thoseelusive ones lurking in the vicinity ofthe rainbow’s terminal point.The Z-Lynk transmits audio to yourwireless headphones, six times fasterthan Bluetooth, with automatic pairingand no cables or interference fromother wireless devices.It detects all types of metal, hasan illuminated LCD screen for topFancy Drawers But the racket from the back is all too common, spoiling the karma ofANYONE who’s been camping or the moment.working out there beyond RAC service However, on comes Simon andknows it’s pretty quiet in the Outback. Garfunkel’s Sound of Silence, and theAnd peace, as the US President world is wonderful once more – buttells us, is a rare thing in these only if you’d had the foresight to equiptroubled times. your vehicle with MSA 4X4’s ExplorerYou really don’t want to hear the Aluminium Storage Drawer System.rattling of cutlery and so-so fitting Said to be Australia’s most advanceddrawers in the back of your fourbie 4WD storage system, it is precision-while concentrating on some soothing built, rattle-free, has more storageMeatloaf music as you crest the horizon.174 Western 4W Driver #105

“With a comfy bed and excellentventilation, every night’s a great night in our Howling Moon Rooftop” Lee & MarkNow awawvraanipilnaagbr!loeuwndith full• 280 gms/sqm, Polyester/cotton ripstop material. Fluoro carbon coated.• Foam mattress high density.• Made in South Africa where sleeping well above ground level is essential.• Insect protected doors and windows.• Apex air vents.• Internal cotton canvas condensation blanket.• Optional side walls available with zip detachable PVC groundsheet in main tent.Get yours from 61 McCoy Street, Myaree WA 6154 Tel: 08 9317 2344 MRB3101 DL19018

space than most rivals of similar adjustable air lumbar support system,size, illuminates the contents of and a plethora of other 4WD accessorieseach drawer when opened, can that have stood the test of time. Say nostay open on inclines, can’t be more. Enjoy silence. It’s golden.levered open, and the listgoes on.Its patented ‘Pro-Glide’technology smoothly handles upto 250kg per pair of drawers andapart from stylish design, it’sCrash Tested ADR compliant andcomes with MSA’s 4X4 lifetimeguarantee. It’s also compatiblewith the full range of MSA 4X4drop slides, fridge slides andfridge barriers. Oh, and for therecord, MSA is the outfit that createdthe world’s first fridge dropslide, theoriginal Water Bra, ADR crash-testcertified canvas seat covers, fullyGet Terra - wise pick one to fit your cubby hole or your preference. Prices range from $24.95 toSO you reckon you know Australia? $45. Each one contains coast-to-coastOK, here’s a question: where’s Danger touring mapping for all of Australia, asRoad? Or the Wurdiboluc Reservoir?Nah, we didn’t make that well as a dedicated 4WDup. But you’d know the map section for popularanswer in a flash – if you off-road destinations: Capehad Hema’s latest road York, Fraser Island, the Topatlas. Just published is End, the Kimberley, theHema’s 12th edition of its Pilbara, Central Australia,revered publication and High Country Victoria andit’s now more visually the Flinders Ranges.appealing and an easier They also feature 4WDto read mapping style. tracks and campsites,There are also 20per caravan parks, restcent more pages to show areas, 24-hour fuel andextra mapping detail in other points of interest.popular travel regions. Plus road distancesUnless you’re happy to and a distance grid, aget lost and end up being national park guide, athe subject of a land and air search, an list of accredited visitor centres andup-to-date atlas is an essential travel a comprehensive index for easy tripcompanion for touring, road trip and planning. As for Danger Road, it’s notoff-road adventures in our big brown far from Wurdiboluc Reservoir andland. The atlases come in four sizes: just a block away from Brown MagpieB5, A4, B4 and A3, and the B4 can be Wines. Intrigued?had in spiral or perfect binding, so Go get your own Hema Road Atlas!176 Western 4W Driver #105

Tanks for the Water, Poly you’d rather just take your chances with whatever water you can get from nature,IRON is a common water contaminant, bear in mind it will probably have ironbut clearly not so in the case of contamination, which can be difficult toIronman’s water tanks.The 4x4 company remove.That’s because it may changehas just released its range of water tanksfor blokes who travel to places where its valence from the water solublethere aren’t that many taps ferrous state (Fe2+) to the insolublearound. Or billabongs. Ferric State (Fe3+). When Oxygen or anSo what you do, after oxidizing agent is introduced, ferrousyou’ve fitted the tank states change to ferric which is insolubleof choice to your tank, and it precipitates, leading to a rustyis to fill it with fresh, appearance. So there.clean water from anurban tap before youset off on your safari.It’s perfectly safe in an Ironmantank, which, despite its name, is madeof tough, food grade UV-stabilisedpolyethylene.There are seven differentshapes and sizes, ranging from 20to 60litres, one or more of which willmount nicely on your vehicle.There’salso an optional 1.5m water hose kitwith tap which fits snugly to the tankto make life a bit easier. If you reckonIT STARTED WITH A WHEEL ar tt 912 ar vn501 fuel coupler atx blade xd rockstar2 COMPETITION PERFORMANCE TYRE MUSCLE CARS / CLASSIC CARS / HOTRODS OFFROAD / 4WD58 King Edward RdOsborne Park WAMon-Fri: 7.30-5.00Sat: 7.30-midday e: [email protected] www.associatedtyreandwheel.com.auALL BRANDS TYRES & WHEELS NEW & SECONDHAND 4WD & TRUCK TYRES EFTPOS-LAYBY-TRADE IN Western 4W Driver #105 177

I LIKE PINK and classifying things. (Bit like 4WD’s these days) Nonetheless a pink snapperBy the time this gets into print, is unquestionably a very attractive spring will be gone and summer oceanic fish. With beautiful shades of will have well and truly arrived pink or soft orange down to a white but I’d still like to do a little underbelly and lined with neon blueramble on one of our more well known spots along the top third of the bodylocal species, the humble pink snapper. they can be stunning, straight out ofAmongst keen West Aussie anglers the water. Smaller juveniles can bethey’re usually referred to as “pinkies” caught in estuaries and shallow inshorein preference to their many other waters although they’re often confusedAustralian and NZ nick-names.Even those who have never fishedwill usually be familiar with pinksnapper such is their long historyon our fish menus but there’s a lotmore to know about this attractive The striking colours of beautifully Always a great sight - a big snapper marked big pinkie. slowly flaps to the surface.fish, especially as an angling species. with tarwhine which are sometimesPink snapper (Pagrus Auratus) are mistaken for a similar looking, smallnot really a true snapper like those pinkie. At the other end of the scalefrom the lutjanidnae family (most of they can grow up to nearly a metrethe emperors) but really a type of sea and weigh over ten kilos.These can bebream.That’s par for the course when over 30 years old the experts tell usit comes to fish with lots of blurred with many developing large bumps andlines when it comes to common names protrusions on their top jaw or nose. The southern half of the country178 Western 4W Driver #105 and as far up as Carnarvon will see pinkies turn up regularly in catches and occasionally even from shore in the right locations and conditions. Around the metropolitan area the places where they’re more prominent is in spots around Rottnest, Five Fathom Bank and Cockburn Sound. Like numerous other species, pinkies have a seasonal aggregation that sees them gather in large numbers to

spawn, a period where large breeding fighters meaning there’s never any fearfish are particularly vulnerable. of a hooked fish diving behind a rockThere are a few spots where this is or into coral. (as quite a lot of bottomparticularly critical and Cockburn dwelling species will do)That meansand Warnbro Sounds are two of the anglers can enjoy fishing lighter withmost important, the result being an lighter lines and outfits and especiallyannual closed season from October in shallow water, enjoy the head –to end of January to fishing there for thumping fight of a decent pinkiepink snapper. The reason I mentioned slugging it out. Once past the thrill ofspring at the beginning was because some herring and whiting, there’s nolate winter and spring are the best pink better fish for kids to really enjoy whensnapper times here and anglers like it comes to stepping up to “somethingto try and find some snapper not only a little bigger Dad!”before the closed season in the Soundbut out wider before they venture The bigger fish are wary and takedeeper and are less prolific inshore. a little more patience and guile toIn Cockburn Sound it’s not uncommon fool.They’ll often hang back furtherin September to see a couple of dozen away from where smaller fish willboats and numerous kayaks all fishing charge onto a bait first. Varyingin a small area.This is when its clear what you do in terms of castingthe snapper are in town. distance sometimes brings them into the picture. Grant Pronk about to release a typical, Another positive for pink snapper school-sized fish. chasers is they’ll readily take aPinkies have a lot going for them in range of bait and lures. Not only willterms of angling appeal for a lot of they take typical offerings like freshgood reasons.They’re not at the top of squid or octopus but with carefulmy premiership table fare but they are positioning near a breaking reef linestill a very worthy quality, eating fish. or drop off, but steadily berleyingLeft frozen for too long, pink snapper the water with some cubedwill dry out and lose some of that pilchards will bring the snapper toquality so the very best eating snapper you. A whole unweighted pilchard fedis a freshly caught snapper. back and allowed to sink down in thisAnd catching them is fun. Pinkies fight trail will often prove too tempting. Andwell but more importantly, they’re clean there’s no better way to catch pinkies than in water where you can virtually see the bottom. Soft plastic jigs with plenty of wiggle are proven pink snapper takers and colour is not that crucial. Metal slice type jigs with a little flash will also work but one of my favourites is the “Octo” style jig, a mini octopus imitation in Western 4W Driver #105 179

different sizes and weights that can Pinkies will take a variety of offerings.be bounced up and down enticingly. One of the author’s favourites are theIn short, when pinkies are in feeding Octo Head type jigs that work very well.mode they will take most of thesebut be prepared for what seems to be Sound is from October to the endworking best on any given day. of January there is also the generalSmaller pinkies are obviously more demersal species ban from the 15thcommon but need to be released if October to the 15th December for allunder 500 mm in our west coast waters other areas of the west coast bioregionaround Perth.These days they’re not so catching a pinkie for Christmasas readily encountered and a daily needs to happen after that time. It paysbag limit of two fish in our west coast to check all of the size and bag limitsbioregion supports that. It’s also worth anyway because the summer holidayremembering that even though the period is without doubt one of the mostspecial closed season in Cockburn popular times to wet a line. Pink snapper probably don’t come toCHILLI THAT MUSSEL mind for a lot of folk when considering a prime sports fishing or recreationalIt’s interesting how some of the angling target but I reckon they’resimplest approaches to seafood are under-rated. Some of our best shallowoften the most tasty and revered. water bait casting and jig castingConversely a lot of people are not sessions have come with a hot bite onconfident and scared about cooking solid pinkies. Imprinted vividly on myseafood compared to other dishes. memory from quite a lot of years ago atA very simple but delicious favourite an amazing spot (that I can’t quite recallis the good old Chilli Mussels and right now) I can remember catchingthe most common way to fail with consistent 6 to 8 kilo snapper in lessthis is if you ignore the two golden than five metres of water on simplerules - great Chilli Mussels are based unweighted half mulies.on high quality mussels and the best They may not get the accolades theycrusty European style bread. Get both deserve but this attractive looking fishof those and you’re 90 percent there. is still worth putting in the time for.I also think that quality, homemade tomato sauce tops it off but it’s not180 Western 4W Driver #105 critical. And there is no absolute, single recipe, for Chilli Mussels. Here’s two variations that the main Chef and I argue about but in truth they’re both great. They’re based around a kilo of mussels. 1. Tomato Paste and All In – With this approach it’s about making the sauce (broth) first and adding the mussels in directly to cook along with the sauce mixture. First “beard” the mussels (tear off the bits of attaching fibre that may be protruding from the shell opening – some commercially sold mussels have

Simple, quick and deliciously rewarding – a good feed of Chilli mussels. them already cleaned and removed) Start by lightly frying a chopped clove of garlic, one finely diced onion, a red chilli (or more, to taste) together in a couple of tablespoons of oil for a couple of minutes – all in a large pot big enough to take the mussels. Next add a tablespoon of tomato paste and half a kilo of finely chopped tomatoes, a spoon of sugar and half a cup of white wine. Bring it to the boil and let simmer for another ten minutes. Then add the freshly rinsed mussels, stirring them through a little before covering properly and allowing them to cook for five minutes or until most mussels appear open. Serve in bowls with spooned sauce over the top and crusty bread.- Tailor made to suit your vehicle @solarscreenaustralia- 3 year warranty- Highest quality 9-layer thermal fabric- 100% Australian made & owned- Over 20,000 Satisfied customers‘Cool in Summer, and Warm in Winter’ learn more at: www.solarscreen.com.au Western 4W Driver #105 181

2. White Wine infused – are likely to completely fill the pot. StirA more traditional, handed down, in some pepper, a pinch of salt and afamily variation that I favour is very spoon of sugar.similar but relies on the process being As soon as this liquid is boiling pourseparated and enhancing the natural in the freshly rinsed mussels andmussel flavor a little more. cover tightly.Start in the same way but in a fry pan, Next. Watch the clock while you drinkfry one large, finely diced brown onion, the second glass of wine.two chopped garlic cloves, a finely Once the mussels are steamed opensliced red chilli and some parsley in and ready, reduce the heat and add thea couple of spoons of olive oil (or if sauce to the pot, pouring it through theyou prefer more heat, chilli olive oil). mussels and turning.Once translucent add the equivalent of Toasting some of the crusty slices ofhalf a kilo of chopped tinned tomatoes bread so that there is a choice of either(or 500mls of homemade tomato is a good idea. Usually the toastedsauce) and allow to simmer slowly turns out to be most popular.for ten minutes, as you would for a Whatever variation, Chilli Mussels arehomemade pasta sauce. great comfort and conversation food.At the same time pour a small amount And a couple of final words of adviceof tomatoes (half a tin or 250mls of to either heed or ignore.homemade sauce) into a large pot. Don’t serve them with anything elsePour two large glasses of top quality than a very good dry white wine – finddry white wine and add one to the pot a decent Italian Pinot Grigio,stirring as you go. a Chenin or a Sauvignon Blanc and,Add half a glass of water if the mussels don’t wear a white shirt.DIRECT TANKSFACTORY hMeWraeAdhMeienWraeAdein FOFROWRAWTEARTE, DRI,EDSIEELSAELNADNWDAWSTAESTEWater Tanks nowavailable for FordRanger and MazdaBT50182 Western 4W Driver #105

WIN or the Dimers on them.The area was subject to large pastoral leases fromFrom the 1920s up until it was earmarked for a nature reserve in the 1960s. Various Reid’s Hut lessees of this area were P.W. Maher, C.R. Long and Durack Bros.The caption Hi Nick. on a George Scolaris photo on Google You and Ian Elliot might be Earth refers to the hut as “Reid’s Hut” interested in this. so maybe you should contact George I ran a trip this year for the Subaru or Rod. (- Contacts supplied.) 4WD Club through the Great Western Cheers, Woodlands - can’t get enough of it! Ian Elliot Ditto last year when I had a look for the hut but was in the wrong area Your letter reminded me of a good (wrong info)! laugh we had at that well when I took It took a lot of burrowing in the scrub a photo of Ian Elliot crouched down which has completely overgrown to 3 peering into it while his good mate, or 4 metres over both wells. unbeknown to Ian, stood behind The hut is in the same condition - poor! with his boot theatrically in position I have more hi-res photos of both wells ready to send Mr E. to the bottom .. and the hut if you wish. I should have unfortunately the print is somewhere taken a photo of someone in the same among thousands so my words will position asThe Ed! have to suffice. Q: Do you or Ian, or others, have any Regards, info on the hut, the name/s, who built it Nick (Dimers?), and why or what for etc? Kind Regards to you and Ian. Excerpt from #43rd Edition Winter 2002 Ian Elliot Johnson of Western 4WDriver. The hut is on the eastern edge of an G’day Ian, open area having a low granite outcrop While Dimer family members may have in its centre.There are two stone wells, built the hut and put down the wells, one large diameter, the other small, and this is a logical supposition given situated between the hut and the rock. their record and known association East of the one-roomed hut, now an with the area, several people (Rod unroofed ruin, there lies evidence of Watson and George Scolaro in sandalwood processing so I assume particular) have told me years ago that that the building was used as living the ruin is shown as “Reid’s Hut” on quarters by the sandalwooders. Signs a map of the area but I’ve never seen painted on a drum near the hut confirm this map and have no knowledge of its repeated visits by members of the identity. I’ve just had a look through the Dimer family in the 1950s and 60s. 300 chain Cancelled Public Plans Later pencilled messages on scraps covering the area (35/300 Nos. 1 to 7) and there’s no evidence for either Reid Western 4W Driver #105 183

of galvanised iron indicate that the 79 utility with electric diff locks andRangeland SurveyTeam from DOLA & extractors and it has done over 400,000WADA visited in November 1993 and Km. Our caravan is a single axlethere are a couple of others including Coromal 517 has 2 single beds, threeone from Wildtrax when I first reached solar panels, Engel bar fridge,Trumathis lonely spot in October last year. gas heater, two batteries, Satellite dish, outdoor hot/cold shower, E.S. control, Congratulations Ian. all not fancy but very comfortable! Our best trips were Lake Jasper WA, You’ve won the latest Broughton Waterhole Vic and Peak Charles in WA. Again thanks for the Australian Atlas from splendid Western 4W Driver magazine, the stories, trips are all no bull and no and a 12 month glory, just straight enjoyable as it is. Rick Honschooten subscription to Hi Rick,Binn there, done that I think I felt every corrugation and slid through every boghole with you.Nick, What a great trip!We recently did a trip along BinnsTrack It seemed the Flinders Rangewhich we put on a DVD and thought impressed you the most - as much foryou may like a copy. the grandeur as the lack of flies.The BinnsTrack goes from Flinders What strikes me is that you’ve been onthrough OodnadattaTrack, Mt Dare, the road almost as long as I’ve beenOld Andado, Alice Springs, Ammaroo, publishing this magazine yet two outDavenport Ranges,Tennant Creek,Top of three of your favourite trips are rightSprings toTimber Creek. However, here in Western Australia. That’s a goodwe decided to do it in reverse due to plug for the West.the weather. We travelled with two Hope you enjoy many more.Coromal caravans and my brother to All the best,Tennant Creek where he turned off Nickinto Queensland.The trip took us twomonths, approx 8500 Km with two Crossing overpunctures (self repaired) and wore outseveral wheel bearings. Dear Mr Underwood,We have sent you a copy because you Hey! I have been reading the Westernand Susie give us so much pleasure 4W Driver for the last two to threewith the Western 4W Driver magazine years and have enjoyed the articles.that we may repay on a cold, wet, They are more tuned into our state thanwinter night with this DVD. the other mags that feature theWe have been on the road for 27 years eastern seaboard.and have seen a lot of Australia. We The story:-mainly travel by ourselves and have “Time was 1973 and I was working atbeen to CapeYork, Lawn Hill, Kangaroo an exploration camp in the KakaduIsland, Gibb River, Alice Springs, Warri National Park but it wasn’t formed then.(David CarnegieTrack), Rudall River, The exploration camp was at KungarraFlinders Range, KidsonTrack and Gary on the uranium leases.To travel to theJunction Road. Coinda pub meant a half hour travelOur vehicle is a 2000 Land Cruiser time.The pictures speak for themselves,184 Western 4W Driver #105

but no snorkels, no plastic over the More grunt, less EGRfront, just a good spray of CRC overthe electrics, spark plugs, coil and G’day Nick & Crew,distributor and away we would go and I recently went on an outing with someon the way back the bow wave hit the 4W drivers to Wilbinga beach to freshenbottom of the windscreen, we did these up on sand driving ability.Norlangie creeks many times in our A couple of the dunes were quite (!)petrol Land Cruisers as no diesels were high and required a bit of sustainedavailable then.There was a rumour that power to reach the top. Most of usa HD Holden station wagon had taken probably started with too much in orderon these creeks at smaller depths too. to have just enough at the top.The boss stopped us doing it as it One way to get a bit more power andchopped out clutch thrust race bearing torque when you need it would be toand pressure plate fingers and as being turn the dreaded EGR valve off, so as tothe mechanic, I was repairing them. stop choking the engine with exhaustThese days I drive a Disco ITTD5 and gas just when you needed a bit morereally like them, but have to put up with push. Plug in “EGR Off” modules area lot of prattle from Nissan and Land available and I wondered if you haveCruiser owners. ever tested them or have an opinion. Purely for sand dune work of course.Yours Sincerely, Regards,Karen & Brian Menzies. Alan BarberHi Brian, Hi Alan,Judging by the amount of photos I No, we haven’t had the opportunity toget showing vehicles under water, it test any EGR delete modules and to bealmost looks like a fatal attraction 4w perfectly honest, will not be doing soDrivers have for the watery grave. as it is illegal to alter the way a vehicle’sAnd I have to admit I’m no different. emission system functions and the EGRIt’s like a badge of honour to make is very much one of those systems.it out the other side. Your air intake As I understand it, at Wide Openwas obviously well protected and the Throttle (WOT) the EGR is closed,crossing familiar enough to give you therefore no exhaust gas is entering thethe confidence to cross. inlet manifold or combustion chamber.Great memories for sure. This means that at WOT the engine’s performance is not being affected byCheers, the EGR.Nick Assuming you would have the right foot buried to the floor to get over the dune, deleting the EGR in that situation is not going to help. However the benefits of deleting the EGR and fitting a catch-can to reduce the build-up of soot and gum in the inlet manifold as well as reducing the build-up of particulates in the engine oil is well known. Cheers, Rob Robson Western 4W Driver #105 185

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KILOMETRES162ON FOOT By Bob CooperNick rang me about his adventure toGeorge Gorge in the Chichester Rangenear Roebourne and enquired if I knew thatparticular spot?“Know it - I lived in it”, I replied.In the development of my mini designed myself in the past down to survival kit which I had been what I actually needed to survive in reducing in size for many years, I temperate to desert conditions. had finally gotten the size down to Not so many gadgets were availablean empty plastic soap box with a full easily or hadn’t been invented yet –hinge on one side … cost? - about 40 such as SpotTrackers, personal EPIRBs,cents in the year of 1984. mini torches, small Ferrocerium rods for fire lighting, small multi tools plus aI stripped down every version of few more.survival kit I knew and the ones I had Western 4W Driver #105 187

My challenge to myself was first, can one big picture.Then I broke it downenough fit into that tiny soap box space into manageable sizable chunks – not so bad. My first task was to navigateand then how do I test its worthiness? to a blue dot on my map, a waterholeFirst part was easy, yes it does fit. 14kms away. It was late afternoon andSecond who, when and where should if I took off then, I could be in “no man’sit be tested – obviously me, in warm/ land” in the dark, with no torch.hot conditions and in an unforgiving Better still plan B - wait until first lightlandscape where many people have and then have all day to get there,perished in the past … the Pilbara in which I decided to do. I found a sandyOctober fitted the trial. spot for sleeping on, gathered someI drove myself in an old Holden HT I fire wood and then foraged up andbought for $100.00 in Lancelin and down the main gravelarrived in Karratha in road in search of anyOctober 1984. I was “I was nearly at the litter I could use. Alltaken by a close I found was some blue packing tapefriend to the drop off waterhole ... when I and an empty Fosterspoint, the turn off to came face to face with aMillstream on the old scrub bull.” beer can which I cutWittenoom Road.The the lid off to makeday was hot and only a cup. I was feelinga slight breeze blewacross the seemingly hostile landscape. comfortably apprehensive but also excited and glad for a good sleep onThis was crunch time to start my walk soft sand as the low fire light gave mesolo, unaided and with no back-up for time to ponder the days ahead.162kms. No food, no sleeping gear, Day two, I departed as soon as I couldjust my hat, clothes and jacket, my see with a cool easterly breeze blowingprototype survival kit, maps and two on my right hand side. I was calculatinglitres of water in a plastic bag to start and measuring my distance as I walkedmy journey. I obviously survived, but and rested every 40 minutes for 10not without incident, starting with the minutes. I was nearly at the waterholesurprisingly high temperatures for and following a dry creek-bed courseOctober - most days were sunny and leading into my target when I cameabove 40 degrees Celsius. face to face with a scrub bull.TheseAfter my mate drove away, reality hit anti-social beasts are individuals thatme, I was truly alone. I thought about do not mix with a herd and are verymy safety on this journey and it was adaunting thought when I looked at it as aggressive, to say the least.188 Western 4W Driver #105



Weighing in at about 1000kg of muscle I slowed down to walking again andthey will take on anything that dares arrived at my first destination, a prettyenter their territory, including vehicles waterhole at the top of the ranges andand now me. It was massive and only the entrance to a spectacular gorge.about fifteen metres in front of me. I rested there, purified some freshIt had been lying down but quickly water, drank some and topped up myerupted into an angry upright stance water bag. I consulted my map andand started thumping the ground with confidently headed into the gorgeits front hoof, creating a mini dust entrance. Unbeknown to me it was thestorm. It was raising and lowering entrance to a life-threatening situationits head, bellowing and blowing that I could have never perceived.large snot bubbles covered in dust - It was still day one and late afternoon,altogether an unsavoury representation the temperature was dropping andof a bovine. With a great lack of there was a cooling effect from a slightknowledge in bull fighting I tried my breeze. I was admiring the beautiful redbest to scare this Combi and brown colours ofVan - sized thing with “Unbeknown to the banded ironstonehorns, by yelling me it (the gorge) was whose layers formedand waving my arms the entrance to a life- the high gorge walls.and kicking dirt in Looking up meant Ithe air – I now know threatening situation wasn’t looking down.you don’t do that! Some movementIts response was to that I could have caught my eye; Ibellow even louder never perceived.” looked down, thenand start pawing the forward. I was standingground with alternative front hooves, in front of a pack of dingoes thatobviously getting ready to charge. were ripping and tugging apart theirWhen it lowered its horned head to freshly killed kangaroo. I stopped andbellow and snort, I took my leave. I ran focussed. I was surprised how closeto save my life to the nearest stand of I was to them, but my fascinationtrees about thirty metres away, and immediately turned to fear when thethat triggered its attack. Snot and all, alpha male took a particular disliking toit started a thundering full charge after me approaching their meal. He startedme. I beat it to the tree by about three with a low deep growling voice, hisseconds and up I went like a scared rat, hackles raised high on his back, lipsthen thud, the bastard rammed the tree rolled completely back exposing hisbut Koala Bob was not moved. I was clenched teeth.The two canine teethglued to the highest, strongest branch pronounced and dribbling copiousthat would support my trembling frame. amounts of blood-coloured saliva fromAgain it head-butted the tree, looked up his lower jaw. Slowly but deliberatelywith very little compassion in its eyes with angry steps he approached meand bellowed at me as if to say “Come head-on, one snarling step at a time,on down and fight!” Bugger that. My now less than ten metres from me.hero status was severely dented but I Mouth, opening wide then snappingwas alive, and I was staying that way. shut, with a low but constantAfter thirty-eight minutes it huffed snarling growl.off. I slid down the white bark of my The others darted behind me andmost favourite tree in the world and formed a semi-circle blocking mywas off in a crouching, but running retreat, suggesting that they wereposition, to freedom. Well out of sight about to attack as well. I locked eyes190 Western 4W Driver #105

with him and tried to stare him down I retreated backwards and away frombut that had no effect. Five metres now their kill, rock in hand poised for anyseparated us. I squatted down, still with attack and still with eyes fixed on theour eyes locked and felt around with pack. I walked away until out of sightmy right hand for something I could then jogged, as light was fading, untiluse as defence. Sand, sand, more sand I came upon a billabong with chestthen at last I gripped a large hand sized deep water. I built a large fire on therock – I had a weapon. water’s edge and madeI slowly stood up “Slowly but five fire torches outand as I wobbled of dead grass, boundto gain my balance deliberately with angry onto sticks with thinhe made his move. steps he approached me vine runners.TheseHe ran, then sprang were to light inand in mid-flight I head-on, one snarling defence of a possiblesmashed the rock step at a time...” revenge pack attackonto the top of his in the night. I couldskull.The strength of the also escape into waistblow forced his body down and he hit deep water and easily defend myselfthe ground on his side, but he got to his there. Laying there in anticipation asfeet immediately. In a groggy state he the hours of total darkness moved atran with a lean to the left away from a snail’s pace until first light – nothingme and fell down whining and shaking had happened, except I had little sleep.his ‘must have’ fractured skull.The On day three I covered 42 kms andother five joined him and milled around had no other hair-raising experiences.the wounded male who was still Enroute I walked past some beautifulwhining continuously. waterholes - one with a two metre Western 4W Driver #105 191

With only two litres of water to start trickling waterfall was spectacular. Also with, places like George Gorge were a saw some old aboriginal habitation real life saver. sites with stone flakes from tool making while people and animalVASTLY IMPROVE YOUR LOAD images engraved on nearby rocks wereCARRYING AND OFF ROAD fascinating. In the following quiet daysCAPABILITY WITH I used the kit contents: puri-tabs to purify all my water, the compass toBUILT RIGHT HERE IN WA navigate, minor first aid problems were catered for, a mini cigarette lighter for Go to bullantengineering.com.au fire - used for many things including or phone Sean on 043 815 4281 cooking the Spangled Perch( two large ones make a substantial meal) I caught using the line and hooks from my kit. I celebrated my achievements day by day with a slice of stock cube made into a soup mixed with either Miniritchie Wattle seeds that add a garlic flavour, or my favourite dish. A la Spangled Perch and Bulrush stems with a hint of chicken stock makes a fabulous soup. Made in that old beer can it was my soup cooker and cup all in one. By day four I was consistently celebrating my small achievements. Most were a mental ‘thank you’ or sometimes a physical celebration of a192 Western 4W Driver #105

‘snack’ of bush tucker I had collected Sherlock Station homestead, to aen-route and once an ‘Irish Jig’ to very warm welcome from the thencelebrate. I thought, ‘ I can dance as if owners Caroline and Bruce May.no one can see me’ – that is because That mini survival kit, as it was, hadno-one could! The plastic bags I used proved its merit and I had gained ato successfully carry water over long greater insight into what else shoulddistances were made by sliding the be added or subtracted from it. I learntwater laden bag inside of one cuff tied a tremendous amount about myself onsleeve of my jacket with the remainder that journey and had lost eight kilos.wrapped around for protection, and That “walk” was the birth of what isthe other sleeve as a shoulder strap. now my signature “Outback SurvivalAn excellent way to carry water when Kit” with thirty-three useful and multi-travelling between water holes and purpose items.windmills that were marked on my Yes Nick I know “George” well – we aremap. I always carried a little more than close friends.I thought I required, just in case thatnext water source was dry and I had TALL GRASSto reroute or travel back. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of having Doing the rounds recently is this imageenough water and playing it safe with of a massive grass tree (Xanthorrhoea)the amounts you carry and consume. taken just over 100 years ago downUsing that old beer can I had found, I at Boyanup, south east of Bunbury. Itwas able to measure accurately how literally leaves today’s grass trees inmuch water I drank each day.The most the shade and estimates put its age atwas eleven litres in one day, the least around 1500 years. What a beauty!was seven litres in a day.Day five was a bloody hot day and I Western 4W Driver #105 193remember following the dry river bedinto a beautiful waterhole but I was justtoo tired and too hot to bother fishing.I washed all my clothes and socks andjust floated like a log in the shaded,shallow warmish waters. I only wade inwaist-deep water because a hot body incool water could have caused crampsin my leg(s) and in shallow water Icannot drown. Wattle seeds boiled inmy tin can and another brew from myfading tea bag was all I needed as Ilay next to the low light of my fire onthe soft, warm sand in my million-staraccommodation. I pondered my pastand future with an honest and modestsense of accomplishment for I thought,without any unforeseen problems,by the next night my kit and I couldsuccessfully complete this test.On day six at sunset with high spiritsand in good physical condition, Iarrived at my finishing point, the

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Proudly sponsored byCA PTURE THEM We Love Photography MENT With Graham CahillSilhouette Sunset Here you can see that Nadja has prettyKeeping it simple yet conveying mood much nailed this silhouette. It’s theis often so much harder than you might detail that makes it for me. Being ablethink in the world of photography. to see the brim on the hat and theHowever by using the age old framing and leading lines of the branchtechnique of silhouette photography (also silhouetted) give the image a realyou can add drama, mystery, emotion… sense of outback and country. I also likejust about any mood with virtually the fact that there is a small amountno detail. A silhouette is in basic terms of blank space to the right of framean object consisting of an outline with a which gives the subject room to movefeatureless interior set against a bright into; this is an important aspect when itbackground. Nine times out of ten the comes to pleasing composition.use of the sun is the perfect light source The basics of good silhouettefor the bright background and then of photography is in my opinion to findcourse, it’s up to us to provide interest an interesting subject to “silhouette”.by way of the silhouette itself. Western 4W Driver #105 195

It’s this subject that is going to give A Character Buildingthe image its punch so anything dull Challengeor with a boring edge profile will notsilhouette well.Then it’s a matter of The WA team of Cass Jones and Robplacing the subject in front of a bright Robson have recently returned fromlight source and forcing your camera competing at the Outback Challengeto expose for the brightest part of the near Broken Hill in NSW, arguably thescene.This will of course underexpose toughest 4wd event in the country.the subject, causing it to become The OBC is a seven day, twenty twoextremely dark. Another great tip is to stage competition held in and aroundturn off your flash. Some cameras will Broken Hill andautomatically try and balance the scenewith fill flash, you don’t want this. supported by the local communityThe light source behind your subject is and station owners. Competitionimportant too as colours and interest headquarters is based in Silverton,here are of great use. Sunsets and a small ex-mining town some 26colourful skies are a real bonus as kilometres from Broken Hill.they add a heap of punch and give Teams are required to be totally self-great edge definition to your subject. sufficient for the entire event, carryingSpeaking of which, it’s a good idea to all their food, water, clothing, sleepingtry and keep your subject very simple. gear, tools and spare parts to seeA cluttered or complex subject does them through. Vehicles are purposenot “silhouette” nearly as well as a built, highly modified 4WDs, fittedsimple, bold object. A good example with sophisticated GPS systems andis a windmill Vs a hedgerow. One is powerful winches.recognisable, clean and simple while Competition begins on Saturday nightthe other is a clutter of objects that may with an 8 kilometre out and backnot be visually simple. blast down a wide sandy creek just aNow having said all that, what I really short way out of Silverton.The resultslove about this shot from Nadja is determine the starting order for the twothat she HASN’T totally blacked out stage prologue held the following day inher subject.There is just a hint of light an old mine on the outskirts of Silverton.leaking into the shot which to me gives The prologue gives spectators thejust a fraction of detail and a third opportunity to see the teams in actiondimensional feel. It’s a fantastic shot! as they negotiate a whole range ofOne last tip….don’t forget the Rule of obstacles on the two courses.Then it’sThirds when composing your silhouette off to Poolamacca Station for a night,image as good composition is criticallyto getting these shots right.Well done Nadja, you’ve wonA $200 GIFT VOUCHER fromTHATS IT FOLKS! Email us a pic for some TECTIPS & you could win a $200 Voucher! Email to: [email protected] Western 4W Driver #105

GPS point to point stage over sandy and “At times during Goings Onrocky country before the infamous ARB the seven days weGorgeous the following morning. questioned whyThe next 16 stages take the teams to six we were subjectingstations around Broken Hill each Station ourselves to thiswith its own unique type of terrain punishment but atbefore the epic final stage – MadMax the end of the finalMadMax is an event within an event day the achievementand is the culmination of the OBC. It is of surviving onea daylong 130km stage where teams of the toughestare given over 90 waypoints which they 4wd events in themust find as they traverse some of the country makes it allmost demanding 4wd terrain found worthwhile”.in the Australian Outback.Rob & Cass competed in their LSpowered GQ Patrol taking out 5thplace overall and 4th in MadMax.“The event didn’t go exactly aswe had planned. We had a nasty,unexpected accident after SS9which ripped off the passengerside wheel, swivel housing,brake disc and brake calliperleaving us stranded in a creekbed for the best part of 24 hours while “Now that thewe rebuilt the front end.To say it was full results have been posted upcharacter building would be a bit of an on the OBC web page we canunderstatement. We missed five stages appreciate just how well we didso, considering the dramas, 5th place and what could have been ifwasn’t too shabby after all.” Rob said. we hadn’t missed five stages!The OBC is a world class 4wd event That said, Neil Cooper and Chris- its unique format in an unforgiving Hummer in Car 3 were trulylandscape tests the preparation and amazing and thoroughly deserved theirreliability of vehicles as well convincing win. Congratulations mustas competitors’ stamina, resolve also go to Shane and Alison Barkly inand resilience. Car 6 who only won one stage but their consistency got them 2nd place overall. Similarly, Johnnie Stavrou and Steve Fowler in their immaculately presented Jeep did a great job to come in in 3rd place.” “A huge thank you goes out to Robson Brothers 4wd for their support and sponsorship at this year’s event.” Western 4W Driver #105 197

TRACK CARE CELEBRATES 20 YEARSTrack Care WA was formed in 1997 Inc has documented similar impactsby a group of four-wheel drive in the Wandoo National Park, locatedrecreationalists concerned about about 80 km east of Perth.The evidencea lack of management and a sharp recorded includes unplanned roads, soilincrease in travellers along the Canning erosion, degradation of water quality,Stock Route.The founding members destruction of habitat, spread ofdetermined that positive on-ground invasive species and conflict withactions dedicated to the care and non-motorised users.preservation of four-wheel drive tracks Since 1997,TCWA has progressed fromwould be a strategy that would secure being solely focused on the CSR toaccess for future recreationalists. becoming more active in other areasThe concerns expressed were well of Western Australia. Projects arefounded as interest in travelling the developed with special interests such asTrack & Area Adoption, CSR, Environment, Rangelands and Outback Graves. Over the years toilets have been constructed along the CSR at Well 3, Well 6 (Pierre Springs) Well 12, Well 15, Well 26 and Well 49. Many Track repair and CSR infrastructure projects are just two aspects of Track Care WA’s activities.Canning Stock Route is increasing campsites are now well defined, BBQat a rapid rate. A 2017 web-search rings are now in place in many camps,discovered 10,300,000 Canning wells have been refurbished, bucketsStock Route references and it and cables repaired and replaced andappears that this immense global liners repaired. At Windich Springsinterest is transforming into volunteers fenced off the well to preventincreased adventure tourism use ofthe CSR each subsequent year.We now know that four-wheel driverecreation is one of the fastestgrowing forms of recreation in WesternAustralia. Evidence from overseasindicates unmanaged motorisedrecreation is one of the four largestthreats to national parks.Track Care WA198 Western 4W Driver #105