Lockyer State Forest

Ladies Day 21-3-04

16 Vehicles - 9 Nissans
4 Toyotas
1 Jackaroo
1 Rodeo
1 Frontera

The day started at Caltex Servo at Blacksoil. The funny sights that greeted drivers were unbelievable. Peta Middleton & Rosie Garner were the ugliest women you have ever seen (but they thought they were beautiful). Both of them went to a lot of trouble with their costumes and even went into the servo to show off. We left at 8:30am sharp and picked up Jamie at a pre-arranged spot and then headed into the forest.

There was a bit of tight driving up a fence line to start the day. The 1st washout caused a few concerns, but everyone managed to get through without any incidents. Lots of photos were taken as many back wheels lifted off the ground. The play area was managed very successfully and then went on to a nice shady area for smoko.

Then drove the main track for a while. Up hill all the way and turned off heading up to view the scenery on a not so well maintained track. Lots of tight driving over fallen trees and skirting large boulders. We managed to find parking for 16 vehicles and most people walked to the lookout with views over Gatton. All vehicles had to turn around and headed back to main track.

Followed the main track along the creek and crossed over the creek and drove up a steep jump up. Bill Freeman had a couple of attempts to get up the hill and then realized he could lock into low gear and then he flew up the hill. Everyone loved the hill so much we did a loop and went up again.

Then we had a leisurely lunch in an open grassy area. Some were so relaxed they even nodded off. To get back on track we went down the steep hill and only had 1 piker. After a few creek crossings through a scenic gorge we then started to climb a fairly steep hill. We had to stop a few times for a family of motorcyclists, ranging in ages from about 4 years to Dad.

The last challenge was a long down hill run, with a couple of washouts and a steep exit on to the main track. Most ladies wanted to drive back up the hill, so Marty found a new track which met the downhill track halfway up. About 3pm we called it quits for the day, said our goodbyes and headed for home. Some stopped at McDonalds for Ice Creams.

Hope everyone had a good day & thanks for coming. Congratulations to all drivers for correctly adhering to convoy procedure all day.

Sue and Marty Cruice
Thanks to Graham & Sandra Moore, Carmel & Joe Elmore & Marty Cruice

Sue Cruice