SUNDOWN NATIONAL PARK

Club Outings

Those who came along:-

Noel & Gwenda Kanofski - Patrol
Merv Sankey - Maverick
Gary & Betty Chapman - Jackaroo
Beven & Jennifer Horsnell - Prado
Kelby & Vanessa Williams - Prado
Joe & Lisa Cobbin - Surf
Barry Garner - Land Cruiser
Steve Sims - Land Cruiser
Mario Massimissa - Maverick
Arthur & Adalyn Griffiths - Patrol
Wayne Passfield - Patrol
Ian Knabel - Patrol

Joe Elmore also came along as a passenger with Mario. Mario, Wayne, Steve and Joe also had additional passengers in family or friends.

For a change we weren't the last to arrive at the meeting place a Yamanto, that honour was left to Mario, Joe and Brendon, probably struggling after Joe had had a sleep over at Mario's place, so they wouldn't be late. Carmel was on hand at Yamanto, in the new car, to ensure Joe had survived the night, plus bring the things he had left behind. We took off just after 6.00am for the run to Warwick which was deemed to be the first comfort stop before going to Glen Aplin for sustenance and comfort stop and then to Sundown. The trip up Cunningham's Gap was particularly picturesque with the early morning sun lighting the mountains in a truly magnificent display.

Just over the range our radios began to pick up snippets of a conversation we probably shouldn't have heard but once the couple were informed of the situation the conversation ended.

We arrived at the gate to Sundown where we were met by Merv, who had spent the previous night at Burrows Waterhole, who kindly had opened the gate and we all moved to register for the night camping.

Shortly after leaving the gate, and on the dirt, Mario reported he wanted to stop and check his wheel nuts which appeared to be loose. The problem continued until he worked out the problem was decorative wheel caps used on his mags which he had replaced for the weekend with steel wheels.

As usual Merv took us the long way round to Red Rock Gorge which was as spectacular as ever and as usual the wind was blowing strongly enough and out came extra layers for most of us except Wayne. The track into the gorge had a few steep and loose climbs which we successfully negotiated by all.

After leaving Red Rock Gorge we headed off to Burrows Waterhole for lunch and to set up camp. The track to the Burrows included driving between a few trees which were pretty close, particularly for the larger cars, but all managed to get through unscathed. After lunch and having set up camp we headed over to Reedy Waterhole and then collected some firewood on the way home. On the way to the waterhole we saw a couple of really large kangaroos who were really disinterested in the cars coming past their kitchen. On the way back to camp our radios sprang to life with Joe Cobbin and his family coming in late thinking they were lost, but we assured them they were on the right track and they arrived at camp not long after we arrived back.

As we were sitting around the camp fire, having a happy hour, an 80 Series towing a Jayco Pop Top Camper arrived. After they had set up their camp the family came over to our fire for a chat, we expressed surprise at them towing in the camper by they said they had camped at Girraween the night before and a chap there had told them they would be able to get in without any problems. The night was really mild so most sat around the fire for a fair while socialising and talking general rubbish as is the norm. Most had retired to the confines of their tents by about 11.00pm.

Next morning most of us headed off for a drive around to the bottom of the Rats Castle and the southern end of the park. This provided some interesting 4WDing. The creek was the driest I've ever seen it and all managed to cross over the rocky bed with a minimum of fuss. A little further on we stopped for some morning tea and a look at a steep step up which both Merv and I successfully attempted. Steve Sims , who was tail end Charlie, decided to do a photo shoot after most of us had left but managed to reverse back too far and got stuck and had to get Ian to snatch him out, the only time the snatch strap was used all weekend. Actually Steve was most un-80 Series driver like, tackling most obstacles in his new steed.

We also drove along the creek bed and came to a big cleared area which Merv thinks must be pretty close to the top of Rats Castle. These tracks all investigated we headed back to camp to pack up and have some lunch.

Just after arriving back Joe Cobbin, who was leaving early, radioed through to say the bloke with the camper was off the road, Merv and Joe were despatched to see if they could help. When they got there it was only the trailer which was a bit off the road but the Cruiser couldn't get enough traction. Merv was able to snatch him back on the road and he continued on his way. Actually on our way home we passed him again near Cunningham's Gap with a blown tyre on the trailer, he hadn't had a good weekend at all.

We eventually broke camp and headed out of the park. Along the way Merv had a bit of a problem with a front wheel bearing so he stopped to repack it beside the track, we continued out of the park and Merv caught us when we got back to the bitumen where we said our goodbyes.

Thanks to all who came along and contributed to an enjoyable weekend. Many thanks also to Merv, who really lead this trip, whose knowledge of roads in just about any area is second to none. I think his brain's a UBD.

Many thanks

Noel & Gwenda Kanofski